This month has been an absolute whirlwind—in the best way possible. My client’s south Palm Springs rental is officially leased, I just entered escrow on another property, and I am knee-deep in planning a fundraiser for ABC Recovery Center in Indio with my Leadership Coachella Valley class (more on that soon!). I’m feeling incredibly grateful for the many opportunities coming my way—and for this wonderful valley I’m lucky to call home. Read on for just a few of the things I’m currently loving across the desert.
XO, Lindsay
My family was heartbroken when Clementine Gourmet Marketplace & Café closed its doors in 2017. (I’ll never forget my late father demolishing an entire order of the café’s cannoli we’d picked up for a dinner party—before we even made it out of the parking lot!) So I was thrilled to learn that former owner Jennifer Douheret recently opened Atelier № 27, a boutique offering vintage clothing and beautifully sourced gifts, on San Pablo Ave. Teeming with truly unique finds and a distinctive European flair—the store’s name is a nod to the address of the home in Italy where Jennifer grew up—the shop is warm, bright, and inviting. Don’t miss the line of Bougie D’Oud candles, all of which smell divine.
Desert Dust
I’ve never been into fancy sauces or bold spices — I’m unfailingly basic when it comes to food. Give me ranch dressing and Lawry’s garlic salt, and I’m one happy camper! But that changed when I attended Kitchen Kitchen’s 46th anniversary party in November and first sampled Desert Dust, a locally made, all-purpose seasoning crafted from Coachella Valley dates. My husband and I have been obsessed ever since! It’s genuinely good on everything—from tacos and chicken to air-fried cauliflower. The Savory blend is my go-to, and the Guacamole seasoning mix is simply out of this world! Just blend with an avocado, add chips and . . . chef’s kiss!
I wrote about this longtime Indio nursery last May, shortly after it was taken over by new owners and given a refresh. Since then, Madison Gardens has continued to blossom, with gorgeous new features and experiences around every corner. The horticultural haven now boasts a conservatory filled with eye-catching plant displays, an on-site boutique offering foliage-themed gifts and stunning custom arrangements, and (my personal favorite) a K-Fé 7 Coffee kiosk, complete with the most adorable patio seating. Even if you’re not in the market for new plants, Madison Gardens is a lovely spot to grab a latte and soak in the bucolic views.
Kitchen 86
Another newsletter, another fried chicken mention—because it’s always going to be my meal of choice! So when I spotted the Boom Boom Chicken (panko-breaded breast pieces fried to golden perfection and topped with a Thai chili glaze) on the menu during my first visit to Kitchen 86last week, I immediately put in my order—and it did not disappoint. Being diabetic, I opted for the glaze on the side and used it as a dipping sauce. Easily one of the best lunches I’ve had out in a long time, Kitchen 86 has officially landed at the top of my favorites list. (The Boom Boom Shrimp my lunchmate graciously let me sample was equally excellent!) Bonus: on Friday and Saturday nights, the restaurant features dueling pianos—so a dinner reservation is in order, presto.
CURATING CANOPY: TREES AT SUNNYLANDS
An afternoon at Sunnylands is always a delight! From the sylvan gardens and stellar gift shop to the on-site café and rotating exhibitions, there’s no shortage of things to enjoy. The Welcome Center’s current installation explores the historic 200-acre estate’s landscape history through stunning photographs by David Loftus. Sunnylands Director Michaeleen Gallagher states, “This exhibition invites you to see trees as more than landscape features. Here, they are art.” And that is not hyperbole. Shot in extreme close-up, from reverse bird’s-eye views, and with imagery turned on its side in vertigo-inducing fashion, the pieces are definitely works of art. Fun fact: the gallery seating was fashioned from Virginia live oaks that once lined the property.