Recently, our Koolfog Taste Team found itself checking out the local scene on El Paseo Drive in Palm Desert. As we all know, the desert heat can cause malaise and it’s been brutal this season.  To our delight, we saw our restaurant misters blazing full of fresh air, cooling patio guests at Kitchen 86 + Bar.  Taking this visual note as a sign, we stepped in for a bite…and stayed for a cocktail. 

Even with typical decreased tourism throughout the Coachella Valley in July, there was a wait for a table (another good sign) so we decided to sit at + Bar to see what, all, the buzz was about.

As we tried to decide what to order from their amazing “Modern Eclectic Small Plate” menu, we were intrigued with the colorful cocktails being served in front of us.  We began with one of our favorites, Prosecco with a serving of the Kitchen 86 Bread with wood fired garlic, extra virgin olive oil, herbs and pecorino.

This mixologist we encountered not only poured superb drinks… he introduced our team to what seems to be the “it” summertime spirit: The Aperol Spritz.

Ultra-refreshing and light, this Italian inspired gift truly is the perfect summer beverage.   Served with equal parts Aperol, Prosecco and a splash of San Pelligrino sparkling water, it blissly bubbles as you sip in its sunshine.  The classic orange citrus garnish hints to the mandarin orange flavor of the Aperol and adds a delicious desert hue to the glass that some have liked to that of a “sunset over the Italian Riviera”. Grazie!

Speaking of good things Italian, as we enjoyed our cocktails, we found the Kitchen 86 restaurant menu to have many Italian influenced dishes infused with local and organic ingredients.  Feeling well-nourished with our starter and aperitif in hand, we moved to the outdoor patio to dine under the misters.  Sitting under the cool mist, we comfortably ordered our main courses.  We shared an, especially, tasty lasagna as well as a mouth-watering chicken pesto sandwich.  

The evaporative nature of the misting system gave us a true break from the heat by decreasing the terrace’s ambient temperature, giving us a wonderful opportunity to eat while gazing upon one of the most beautiful streets in the world.  El Pawseo Drive sits within the heart of Palm Desert and features a world class hub for shopping, dining, and culture.  Art galleries as well as public art pieces dot the rue flush with posh designer boutiques, Euro-styled salons, a high-end cannabis dispensary, and a bevy of swanky gourmet experiences to entice the most distinguished epicureans.  The al fresco dining options are plenty and you can be sure to identify them easily by, of course, looking out for those misters!  Prego!

You can check out the ever-changing menu at www.kitchen-86.com . However, we suggest you don’t overlook the + Bar to bring a smile to your lips! Kitchen 86 + Bar is located at 73-130 El Paseo, Suite I, Palm Desert, California.