The Coachella Valley has long been a resort destination attracting those sun seekers drawn to fine weather and amenities during colder Winter months. As Summer’s blistering heat fades, the desert comes alive and just as birds fly South for Winter, the “Snowbirds” arrive.  Snowbirds is an, aptly applied, endearing term referring to visitors that return to the desert each year to celebrate a new season of camaraderie and the best of California desert lifestyle.   

Since 1965, Snowbirds and locals alike have flocked to The Nest to reminisce, make new memories and have a great time. Located in the heart of Indian Wells, The Nest has become a gathering place to come together for a fond welcome, amazing food, entertainment, and old-fashioned hospitality.  The Nest serves up colorful cocktails and a masterful menu set to a lively scene in a warm and inviting atmosphere.  Not just for dining and private banquets, the venue is a destination for live entertainment, dancing, and revelry.  Earning its reputation as hot spot to be and be seen, The Nest mixes vintage charm with sophisticated tastes to please a crowd.

It is not uncommon during evenings to see a line of eager guests waiting outside the restaurant and bar ready to enter this exciting venue. Tempting guests with its festive vibe and what is known to be a great time, The Nest can be seen from Highway 111 with passersby intrigued by the haze of the patio misters. 

Koolfog patio misters help restaurants keep guests comfortable while they eat by combating heat while adding to the overall ambiance.  People that wish to enjoy their meal on the terrace can enjoy the fresh air and enjoy an outdoor dining experience.  The Nest recently renovated their patio area with a new shade structure…the perfect place for a Koolfog patio misting system.  Misting line was installed around the perimeter of the structure with a new Gibson series misting pump discreetly set upon the roof.  The misting pump comes with a wireless key fob remote module to make turning the misters on and off easily.

Dine under the misters with your choice of menus:  The Nest Menu, Early Bird Menu, Happy Hour Menu, Wine Menu, Summer Specials Menu and a Gluten Free Menu!

Try a Family Recipe:

• Chevapcici – Sausage Style Ground Beef with Bosnian Pita Bread and Relish

Savor Chef’s Favorite:

• Parmesan Encrusted Sole, Penne, Artichokes, Asparagus, Tomato, Lemon Cream Sauce

Indulge in a decadent dessert:

• Panna Cota of the Day

The Nest
75-188 Highway 111
Indian Wells, CA. 92210
760-346-2314     

www.gotothenest.com

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.

At the corner of one of the busiest intersections in the Coachella Valley, La Quinta’s La Brasserie Bistro & Bar stands out.  Plumes of beautiful mist create a welcome approach to the restaurant by bringing attention to this fabulous foodie find. La Brasserie prepares classic Parisian bistro style fare with an abundance of farm fresh and seasonal menu items in an authentic European setting. Serving up an elegant spread of food, wine and aperitifs, awarding winning French chef and owner, Emmanuel Janin and his wife Kara have blended traditional European influences with modern California cuisine.

Koolfog “Taste Team” Favorite:

Escargot de Bourgogne : Baked in Parsley-Garlic Butter this mouthwatering dish delicately delights the palette with authentic French flare.

La Brasserie’s friendly staff and impeccable service compliment the cooking to make for a perfect spot to enjoy good food and friends.  As always, our Koolfog “Taste Team” prefers dining under the misters…in this case, the sun-drenched patio garden area. The terrace is always full of life with an open and airy atmosphere to match its sophisticated yet casual charm.  Shade umbrellas and a robust misting system make dining al fresco comfortable and cool to ensure the lively environment maintains its pulse.  During summer months, La Brasserie celebrates the treasures of the Mediterranean showcasing lighter plates inspired by Spain, Greece, Italy and of course, France.  

Each week during the summer months, Chef Janin offers a special, every-changing prix fixe menu to entice the most discerning gourmands and fans of simply amazing epicurean experience.  The combination of pairings and flavors is a treat for the senses….colorful, fragrant, and sensational to the taste.  Like many desert restaurants, La Brasserie Bistro & Bar will close for vacation Sunday, July 28^th.  We encourage you to take advantage of the diner feasts of the week in a fitting send off to Chef Janin, his family, and friends before they reopen for season on Wednesday, August 29th at 4:30pm.  We also suggest reservations for their first evening open to celebrate their return and the joy their kitchen has given to the area. 

La Brasserie Bistro & Bar is located on the southwest corner of Highway 111 and Washington Street in the Vons shopping center. 760-771-4400;

www.labrasserielaquinta.com.