When a Hotel's Ambiance Shifts Towards Airbnb-esque, Hosting a Dinner Soiree Would Be Appropriate
Rewritten Article:
Heading to Palm Springs? A comfortable bed and a hot shower might not cut it for you. Yearning for a spacious kitchen, check out Drift, the hip hotel that blends the comfort of an Airbnb.
A Snowbird's Confession
For years, I've been a sun-seeking nomad in the Coachella Valley during winter months. My Vitamin D fixation brings me to this sun-drenched desert, offering endless opportunities for hiking, biking, and swimming. Coupled with delightful meals, of course.
My hubby, on the other hand, prefers frosty slopes back in our Pacific Northwest abode. Consequently, I find myself alone in our snug 23-foot Thor Gemini motorhome. The tiny abode, despite being compact (think walk-in closet level small), is perfect for solo travelers. Cooking in such tight quarters, though, can be peachy keen, especially when my prep space is as big as a take-out pizza box.
To escape the culinary challenge, when my sister visited, I booked a room at The Drift for a cozy staycation. Let's call it a fun escape during my extended vacation, and a great excuse to throw a dinner party.
Dinner's Calling
My sister recently reconnected with an old friend who resides in Leavenworth, Washington – a charming town famed for its Bavarian vibe. Stephanie and her wife, Michelle, live part-time in the desert, and their vivacious spirits made the gathering even more enjoyable.
Planning the menu for this get-together, I chose to recreate the Bavarian Village nostalgia. I sourced scrumptious sausages from a local favorite, Jensen's Finest Foods. This grocery store, a rare gem of a family-owned business, is revered by its clientele, especially during weekends when they set up a smoker outside and slow-cook mouthwatering ribs, tri-tip, and other meats.
Tiny home kitchen or not, I prefer the Old School approach of cooking brats slowly in a skillet, simmering them in beer, and finishing off with a final addition of sauerkraut for that classic flavor. A side of German-style potato salad, and we were almost enjoying a dinner back at München Haus in Leavenworth. Prost!
Cannot deny, I made quite the mess in the pristine kitchen. No worries, though, as there's a full-sized dishwasher at hand. Oh, such a rarity in a hotel room, for sure.
Drift is all about thoughtful design and innovation. Made a splash in the hotel scene with its cleverly designed quarters and a mission to disrupt.
Turning Up the Heat
On our second night, we dined at maleza, where executive chef Ysaac Ramirez and chef de cuisine Daniel Rodriguez have crafted a menu packed with Baja-inspired fare, boasting unexpected twists. Taste exotic shrimp ceviche infused with coconut milk, or bite into a tender braised lamb shank smothered in citrus crema and shiso-apple chimichurri.
Start with the biscuits, a trio of masa and queso delights, served with smoked butter. End on a sweet note with their renowned churros. The service is impeccable, and the cocktails – including non-alcoholic versions – are a refreshing blend of creativity and finesse.
On weekends, maleza also offers a scrumptious brunch. Here's a pro tip: If you're not staying at The Drift, you can still savor the all-day menu by booking a day pass for the stunning pool.
Bonus: Unique Dining Experiences in Palm Springs
While Palm Springs doesn't have a specific Bavarian-inspired restaurant like München Haus, there are plenty of unique flavors waiting for you:
- 4 Saints at Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs (New American with California farm and vineyard focus, offers magnificent desert and mountain views)
- Tac/Quila (Modern Mexican cuisine, boasting vibrant street life views)
- Peaks Restaurant at Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (Fine dining with local produce and meats, stunning valley vistas)
- EIGHT4NINE Restaurant & Lounge (Fusion of comfort food and ethnic flavors, san Jacinto Mountain views)
For a taste of Bavarian cuisine, you might venture to nearby cities or attend events that might showcase such delicacies. Keep in mind, however, that Palm Springs itself does not have a dedicated Bavarian restaurant like München Haus.
- After a satisfying staycation at The Drift, which offers spacious suites and the ambiance of an Airbnb, I hosted a chic dinner party, even preparing Bavarian-style dishes, including bratwursts from Jensen's Finest Foods, to bring a taste of Munchen Haus in Leavenworth to Palm Springs.
- On our second night, we dined at maleza, where we savored Baja-inspired fare with unexpected twists, such as shrimp ceviche infused with coconut milk and tender braised lamb shank in citrus crema and shiso-apple chimichurri.
- When seeking unique dining experiences in Palm Springs, one can explore options like the New American menu at 4 Saints, the vibrant street life views at Tac/Quila, the stunning valley vistas at Peaks Restaurant, and the fusion of comfort food and ethnic flavors at EIGHT4NINE Restaurant & Lounge, although Palm Springs doesn't have a specific Bavarian-inspired restaurant like München Haus.
