The Avalon, Palm Springs - California

The Avalon Palm Springs. (formerly Viceroy Hotel Palm Springs) is a proper destination restaurant. Whether or not you opt to stay at the equally fabulous Viceroy hotel (review here), it’s definitely worth a trip downtown to dine in the zesty lemon coloured indoor restaurant, or take advantage of a balmy evening and dine poolside; either in a private cabana or on the heated patio.

There’s also a lovely cocktail bar adjacent, featuring mixes named to evoke the headiness of a Palm Springs long hot summer circa 1940s. We couldn’t resist a Desert Jewel comprising Absolute Mandarin, Aperol, Grapefruit, Lemon and Veuve Clicquot; the perfect choice to kick-off a dreamy desert evening.

The Avalon Palm Springs offers  a wonderfully diverse selection of small plates, so if you’re appetite isn’t great, it’s possible to mix up a couple and forego an entree. The Tuna Poke was out of this world: Pacific Yellow Tail Tuna, Yuzu, Tamari, Sesame Oil, Shichimi Togarashi Seasoning, Bell Pepper, Charred Onion, Guacamole, Seaweed Salad, Crisp Sesame Feulles de Brick.

But we’re glad we made room for an entree: the Roasted Seas Bass with Chanterelles, Baby Artichokes, Roasted Garlic and White Bean Pureé was cooked to perfection.

Every Wednesday and Saturday, there’s a live accoustic guitar session out by the pool and as our stay coincided with a Saturday night, we were able to dine under the stars and listen to Michael Keeth, an extremely talented singer/songwriter from Coachella Valley.

But no review would be complete without a special breakfast mention. Citron’s Califonia Burrito made with Soy Rizo, Charred Scallions and Hass Avocados was to die for, and regardless of some serious competition, remained the ultimate breakfast of the entire California trip.

For further information please visit: Avalon Palm Springs.

Recommended reading: Palm Springs: A Modernist Paradise, visit our bookstore

All images by CELLOPHANELAND*

CELLOPHANELAND* was a guest of Avalon Palm Springs.