Clandestino Restaurant, Palm Springs: A Hidden Gem for Dining Under Misting Fans

misting fansNestled in the heart of Palm Springs, Clandestino Restaurant is a hidden gem that captures the essence of fine dining with a touch of mystery.

Crafted by the visionary culinary geniuses that have created phenomenal cuisine manifested in French countryside-inspired FARM; Jalisco -style Mexican restaurant, Tac/Quila; intimate small plate haven in Front Porch, comes Clandestino. Clandestino offers authentic, elevated Mexican/fusion food fare and a unique Latin American experience for those wishing to dine in, take out, or dine al fresco under the misting fans.

When entering the cantina, the dark ceilings, walls and floor are accented by lush, colorful seating areas, highlighting the spectacular art collection and of course, the massive back bar.

Dimmed lighting, plush furnishings, and an eclectic blend of modern and vintage décor created an atmosphere that was both inviting and enchanting. The restaurant’s commitment to maintaining an air of secrecy adds an element of excitement to the dining experience.
But it’s truly the outdoor patio that shines. Clandestino opens up to the foothills of the breathtaking San Jacinto Mountains, the atmosphere is modern and appealing. Guests can experience Palm Springs at its best from either the beautiful outdoor dining space, stocked with misting fans, or the fully stocked cantina, which opens to the outdoors.

According to reviews, the outdoor dining space is spectacular with “misting fans to make the desert heat ‘barely noticeable’”, according to reviews.

The menu at Clandestino is a culinary masterpiece, curated by a talented team of chefs who draw inspiration from global cuisines with attention to wine pairings to suit every palette. Each dish is a work of art, presented with meticulous attention to detail.

Our Palm Springs Taste Team Recommends a “Clandesestino” Shared Menu:

Beer Tempura Avocado Bites
With pickled tequila onions and spicy aioli

Grilled Shrimp
With a chipotle marinade, cabbage, pico de gallo, chipotle mayo and avocado, in a corn tortilla

Trio of Quesadilla
One shrimp with house-made flour tortilla, one birria (short rib) with house-made corn tortilla, and one squash blossom with house-made corn tortilla and served with pico de gallo, salsa verde and bean dip

Grilled Lobster Tail Tacos
Lobster tail grilled with chile oil, two house made flour tortillas, cabbage, pico de gallo, and avocado slices

Followed by an exquisite dessert featuring:

Fresh Cinnamon Churro Ice Cream Sandwich
or
El Guero
Rum, tres leches, amaro, simple syrup topped with vodka and vanilla infused whipped cream “for those who dare to drink their dessert.”

What truly sets Clandestino apart is its impeccable service. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and passionate about creating a memorable dining experience. They effortlessly strike a balance between being attentive and allowing guests to savor their meals in peace.

Clandestino Restaurant in Palm Springs is a testament to the idea that the best things are often hidden away. It’s a place where culinary excellence, a captivating ambiance, and exceptional service converge to create an unforgettable experience and an exceptional place for dining under the misting fans. If you’re looking for a restaurant that combines mystery with gastronomic delight and an outdoor experience cooled by misting fans, Clandestino is a must-visit destination in Palm Springs.

Misters Make Summer Ball A Blast

Catching a summer baseball game just got a bit cooler, literally, in Palm Springs. The desert summer temperatures are scorching and create many challenges in organizing healthy outdoor activities. But management at Palm Springs POWER Baseball has hit a home run in its investment in misters to ensure that America’s favorite sports past-time can “play ball”!

A cool feature at the stadium?  Some areas of the stands have misters. Of course, misters are common at Palm Springs establishments due to summertime temperatures well into the triple digits, but, still, I think it’s really cool that misters were incorporated into the stadium. What a blast!”  – Yelp Review

Take Me Out To The Ball Game
Palm Springs POWER Baseball facility is a state-of-the-art sports complex located in Palm Springs, California. In addition to providing a venue for various events, it is a popular destination for baseball enthusiasts and athletes of all ages. It is home to the POWER baseball team, champions of the 2023 California Collegiate League summer season. This is a fantastic program that has seen many future Pros play through. The POWER program also offers lessons and opportunities to expose youngsters inspired by the game. The POWER Baseball facility offers top-notch amenities and a wide range of services to cater to the needs of players and spectators alike. These fields are meticulously maintained to ensure optimal playing conditions. The facility also features spacious dugouts, batting cages, and bullpens, providing players with everything they need to enhance their skills and performance. In addition to the excellent playing surfaces, the facility offers a variety of amenities to enhance the overall experience. Spectators can enjoy comfortable seating areas, concession stands, and restroom facilities conveniently located throughout the complex. The grounds are equipped with high-quality turf, lighting, and misters to cool those in the stadium.

baseball stadium misters

Misters Make All The Difference
“Bring on the heat” takes on new meaning for those faced with playing in 100-degree-plus weather and the thought of sitting through nine “red-hot” innings can be a tough sell. Placing misters throughout the property has allowed for a truly cool baseball experience as well as a “sweet spot” for hosting various tournaments and events. The misters can be a lifesaver as they can drop the ambient surrounding air temp, sometimes 10, 20 degrees. On any given game day, visitors may see company team building events or groups socializing under the misters with a POWER BBQ. What baseball game would be complete without hot dogs, peanuts and “Cool-Up” ice cream! The POWER concession stand serves all of your ballpark favorites and many more! Hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn, Cracker Jacks, sunflower seeds, peanuts, chips, candy, ice cream, soda, Gatorade, water, and beer, as well as made-to-order salads.

Each July 4th the Palm Springs POWER and the City of Palm Springs launch a special celebration for residents and visitors to the Coachella Valley. The home game places the Power players to compete mid-league and after the game, there is a spectacular firework extravaganza to light up the night!

Stadium in the misty moonlight. SO fun! Great event while visiting the desert. The misters above the seats were perfect.”- YELP Review

Definitely put this “Little/Big League” experience on your list of “fun in the sun” happenings to share with family and friends. And enjoy the Koolfog misters!

 

It Can’t Just be the Outdoor Misters that Makes Sandwich Shop A #1 Hot Spot

The Sandwich Shop in downtown Palm Springs has lines out the door and a buzzing patio with outdoor misters to cool hungry guests. It’s a quaint spot with colorful “mix-matched summer” seating, set around soft foliage and fountains. Guests can see into the kitchen to view orders while in line, and it’s fun to watch the different sandwiches being crafted. The Sandwich Shop states that their “all-specialty” sandwiches are always fresh, and they make their bread on-site. You can order off the menu with aptly Palm Springs-centric Sammy names, build your own, or ask for your order to be made into a sans-bread salad. “Whatnots” include chips, cookies, blondies, brownies, cake, and bread pudding. They cater and offer kid-proof selections such as PB&J, Grilled Cheese, and the Munk: a choice of Sourdough, Whole Wheat, Multi-Grain, Jewish rye, or Marble Rye topped with Nutella, Bananas, & Peanut Butter.  Ok, so cute names, something delicious for the entire family, and yummy food. But the outdoor misters complete the experience!

What’s Their Secret To Earning The Top Spot On Not One, But Two Review Sites?
Both Trip Advisor and Yelp rate the Sandwich Shop as their #1 best deli sandwich spot in the greater Palm Springs area.  A foodie destination, the Coachella Valley has a ton of different restaurants, café, bistros, and grab-n-go venues to satiate an appetite for almost any craving. But if you peruse the reviews for the Sandwich Shop, they read like a gourmet critique from the finest culinary trade magazines: 

  • “Perfect proportions.
  • “Craveable composition.”
  • “Balanced flavors”
  • “Abundant in meat and fillings and the bread is a must order.”
  • “Overall:
    Probably one of the best — if not, the best — sandwiches I’ve ever had. Their crackly bread is a must-get, it gives you the satisfying crunch you want without tearing up the roof of your mouth. The aesthetic of the crackly bread is also just so fitting, it literally looks like the desert ground (so fitting considering where this place is located). The construction of the sandwich itself holds and doesn’t spill out after the first bite. The turkey defies the laws of gastronomy and is somehow not dry. The service and people working there are pleasant to be around. Anyone visiting the area must go here, it’s a non-negotiable.”

outdoor misters palm springs

Can the Outdoor Misters add to the experience?
It can be argued that meeting more than one sensory requirement can improve an experience.  So if you are hot and sweaty waiting for your food or miserably uncomfortable eating your food in hot weather, it might not taste as good. The Sandwich Shop mitigated this problem by outfitting their casual patio with outdoor misters. The outdoor misters dot their shade structure making for a welcome place to relax, sit, savor, and enjoy, each and every, bite at an unhurried pace. Outdoor misters, also, offer a visually pleasing cool mist that can draws attention to a busy patio.  The site of happy, smiling, crowds is a great indicator of a thriving place put on your “must-try” list. The Sandwich Shop crew also goes the extra mile to ensure customers feel cared for.  They have incredible customer service that is friendly and helpful.

outdoor misters sandwich shop palm springs

Could It Be Their Sauces?
Bomb Sauce
Buttermilk Dressing, Jalapenos, and Franks Red Hot Sauce
(should this be bottled in a jar to take home?)

Secret Sauce
Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic & Herbs

outdoor misters on patio palm springs

May be the secret to the Sandwich Shop’s success is their great service. Maybe it’s the sauces or fresh ingredients. Maybe it’s the daily baked bread. Maybe it’s the outdoor misters. Whatever their secret, they have created magic having earned their reputation as #1.  As one reviewer states, “The Sandwich Spot is everything a damn good sandwich should be.”

 

Misting Companies Add to The Fabric Of Desert Lifestyle Experiences

Misting companies have made the Coachella Valley their home for decades. Offering spectacular cooling effects to water features, outdoor dining spaces, and patios throughout the desert, misting companies like Koolfog have added to the fabric of desert lifestyle experiences. A unique part of desert culture is its reputation as a place to attend to the mind, body, and spirit. This has been influenced by the heritage of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians as well as their tradition of “taking to the waters”, a soaking ritual practiced for thousands of years. Rich in hot mineral springs, known for their physical and spiritual healing benefits, the Agua Caliente people take pride in the sacred waters on their land.

Healing & Cooling Waters
Koolfog is excited to be a leader amongst the valley’s misting companies that have applied evaporative cooling technology to regional destinations. In early spring, The Spa at Sec-he opened at Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza in Palm Springs. The Spa is a celebration of the sacred healing waters of the Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring and is a central theme throughout the 73,000 square foot wellness complex. The Sec-he Spa is home to a peaceful setting for guests to indulge in cutting-edge therapies and enjoy a host of amenities designed to pamper both men and women including mineral baths, a eucalyptus steam room, a menthol sauna, aromatherapy showers, halotherapy salt caves, men’s and women’s whirlpools, fitness room and flotation rooms. The outdoor environment features a resort-style waterfall pool, a zero-edge mineral pool, outdoor whirlpool and both indoor and outdoor dining. The state-of-the-art custom misting systems have been strategically placed to keep visitors refreshed in the desert’s dry seasonal atmosphere.

 

Misting Companies Create a Tranquil Spa Ambiance
Creating an inviting atmosphere is one of the things misting companies, such as Koolfog, try to accomplish with the design and installation of each misting system. When designing a misting system for a destination spa, attention to ambiance and comfort is a priority. Detail in creating a subtle sensory experience allows guests to see, hear, and feel a subtle mist that leaves one refreshed without getting wet. A spa invites its patrons to enter into a sanctuary to rejuvenate and relax the body and soul so it is extremely important for misting systems to seamless blend functionality with aesthetics. Koolfog has a reputation as the best of the best in luxury amenities with the highest quality products integrating innovation, aesthetics, technology, and customer service. With flourishes of mist and fog splashed in display at some of the most exclusive properties in the world, misting companies have made their mark on the desert scene. From golf courses to pool patios and fine outdoor dining areas to luxury resorts, it would not feel like the desert without a hint of mist. Koolfog is proud to work with valued customers such as The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indian projects and we are thrilled with the opening of The Spa at Sec-he.

Patio Misters Make La Quinta A Cool Place to Visit

La Quinta, California is a resort city in the Coachella Valley. Known as the “gem in the desert”, La Quinta is a chic enclave nestled beneath the Santa Rosa Mountains with year-round warm weather to attract a cosmopolitan crowd. The city is unarguably one of the leading golf destinations in the United States and is home to rambling estates, ranches, orchards, vineyards and of course, the luxuriously famous, La Quinta Resort & Club. Sights and scents of lemon and jasmine dot the gorgeous landscape and nature trails draw outdoor enthusiasts, hikers and cyclists to La Quinta’s meandering paths.  Spotting a Big Horn Sheep or Chuckwalla isn’t out of the ordinary and artists flock to the area from all over the world to savor the cultured art scene. Soaking in the sun is a poolside pleasure that is desert inspired. Aqua pools reach up to azure skies with cool patio misters peeking from structural eves, cabanas, loggias, and more.

patio misters la quinta

Patio Misters on the railing at La Quinta Brewing Company, Old Town La Quinta.

Patio misters are not just comfortable amenities to counter arid climes. In fact, these high-pressure evaporative cooling systems are a daily part of life. When temperatures rise to extremes, a misting system can make a difference in how one spends their day. Misters can be found at many of La Quinta’s upscale golf clubs, residential spaces, restaurant terraces, poolside patios, hotel gardens, and shopping centers.

The shaded courtyard patio at TQLAS Agave Bar & Grill beckons cocktail connoisseurs and guacamole gourmands to check out some of the most authentic flavors in the region.

Koolfog designed, manufactured, and installed patio misters for the many businesses that make up the heart of Old Town La Quinta. Old Town La Quinta is an attractive outdoor marketplace with a main street lined with cobblestone walkways, white-washed adobe walls, and beautiful bougainvillea blossoms. The Renaissance-inspired architecture gives a village-like setting and is a fantastic place to chill out for an afternoon of boutique shopping, al fresco dining, or acquiring artisan finds. 

These ladies enjoy their haul on Main Street, Old Town La Quinta.

Old Town La Quinta is a great place for people-watching from the many sidewalk cafes, exquisite eateries, and cocktail hubs. The patio misting systems can be seen throughout the plazas with a haze of cool, evaporative air to refresh those in need of hydration or a bit of respite from the heat. Visitors do not have to look too far to find a misting system up and down, on balconies, on trellises on shade structures, and on restaurant courtyards. In Old Town La Quinta, misting systems are an integral part of “business as usual”.

patio misters

A misted patio is a must when it’s hot outside.

Outdoor Dining Under the Misters!!

Just Installed!!

Enzo’s Restaurant, Rancho Mirage ,California

As one customer happily shared, “We ate on the patio and were pleasantly surprised by how cool it was. When we left, we discovered the temperature in the parking lot was 110 degrees.  We sure didn’t feel the heat under the misters.”

Enzo's Rancho Mirage

Enzo’s Rancho Mirage Misters

LG’s Prime Steakhouse Installs Koolfog Misting System To Create a Special Outdoor Dining Experience.

Let’s face it… a special night out during this COVID-Era can be a much-needed treat and a chance to capture the best of life’s moments in a shared meal.  In a quick pivot to respond to evolving Covid-19 mandates, LG’s Prime Steakhouse in La Quinta has installed a distinguished Koolfog outdoor patio misting system on their terrace to provide a comfortable, cool, environment for guests to celebrate an elegant outdoor dining experience.

outdoor patio misting system

According to Daniel Phelps, General Manager and a member of the LG family legacy, “Due to Covid-19, we have focused our reopening efforts on creating a comfortable patio environment and I would say that installing Koolfog’s misting system has been imperative to maintaining our business operations.  Our patio business has more than tripled and with repeat customers, we have the confidence that we can offer an optimal dining experience.“

Dining Under the Misters, we recommend this fan-favorite:

LG’s signature 30 oz. PRIME Bone-In Rib Eye paired with Rodney Strong Reserve Cabernet

Similar to its Palm Springs location, LG’s La Quinta patio has come to life with an open and airy atmosphere to match its sophisticated charm.   Shade umbrella’s and a robust outdoor patio misting system welcome guests al fresco to ensure a fresh culinary adventure.   Phelps says he is more than happy with the results attributed to Koolfog’s misting system.  “Koolfog has been fantastic.  They were responsive, very personable, and did a clean installation job.  The misting system coverage is phenomenal and serves every purpose we need them for.  We’ve had compliments from guests about how cool the terrace is despite our raging desert heat…in fact, I think our outdoor dining experience is pretty special right now.”

 


 

As family-owned and operated restaurants, LG’s La Quinta continues its impeccable reputation and is pleased to offer its full menu 5 pm-10 pm daily including its PRIME beef selections and award-winning wine list.  LG’s Prime Steakhouse has restaurants in Palm Springs and La Quinta. Located at the corner of one of the busiest intersections in the Coachella Valley, La Quinta’s LG’s Prime Steakhouse sits on the southeast corner of Highway 111 and Washington Street.  Please phone 760-771-9911 for inquiries and reservations.

For more information visit lgsprimesteakhouse.com.

 

Park Misting Systems Coachella Valley

Recently a good friend asked our Koolfog Customer Service Team what Coachella Valley public parks have park misting systems to keep kids and critters cool.  Our team not only admires great work found amongst our misting industry community, we provide new misting system installation, repair and service to existing misters, take care of fogscapes across our local desert cities. So we thought we’d share a few of our favorite finds.

 

Freedom Park, Palm Desert

Freedom Park offers 26 acres of outdoor fun.  Designed with a ode to American History, this expansive park welcomes its visitors with a ton of amenities to indulge in sports activities, picnicking, and play.  Like baseball? Softball? Soccer? or football? The fields await. Enjoy a game on the court? Try basketball, pickleball or volleyball.  Take a walk on the path that winds around the park or take advantage of some of the areas skate features and don’t forget to pack a basket of snacks to share under the shaded picnic shelters. There truly is something for everyone…including our furry family friends.   Freedom Park has a very popular dog park boasting a green grassy area with trees to give your dog an amazing outdoor experience.  It’s been reported that there are even “baggies, scoops, balls, water bowls, and rinsing station” to pamper your pets. Of course, we are partial to the playground area at Freedom Park.  There are kids jungle gyms, climbers, slides, swings and so much more to explore! In the middle of the park there is a very cool immersive play structure in the form of a ship.  Children can use their imagination to champion the large vessel on a sea of calm waves with a lovely plume of mist gently moving through the air.   The fog fountain is comprised of a set of misting pads that are set into the ground at the front of the ship to create a sense of movement while providing a real visual and tactile experience.

 

Fountain of Life, Cathedral City

As you leave Palm Springs via Highway 111, you can’t help but know you’ve arrived at the heart of Cathedral City when you spot the spectacular “Fountain of Life”.  While not, technically, a park misting system, this beautiful piece of public art definitely gives off a mist sensation and has become a wonderful gathering place to cool off and chill. Inspired by the nature and history of the desert the large stone and mosaic fountain incorporates symbols of the areas birth and growth while surrounded by sculptures of creatures found in the Coachella Valley such as turtles, fish, wildflowers, and big horn sheep.  The artwork is colorful and tells a vibrant story of Cathedral City’s roots.  Families can been seen hanging out under the waterfalls, climbing amidst the multi-level tiers or playing in the water sprays that form lovely mist clouds around the soft surface.  According to www.cathedralcity.gov, the The “Fountain of Life” ‘s “underground tank contains two 5.5 h.p. pumps with a capacity of 450 g.p.m. The pumps process the water through a manifold for distribution among nozzles for 32 separate fountain features. Each nozzle is adjusted for quantity and pressure, which affect the height of the sprays.”  The fountain has become the centerpiece for area civic activities, shopping, and dining as well as a local  fan favorite for beating the heat.

 

Civic Center Park, Palm Desert

 Perhaps one of the most beloved parks in the Coachella Valley, Civic Center Park, Palm Desert is a picturesque destination to celebrate nature as well as exercise the body and soul.  The 70 acre park is one of the largest in the area with duck filled ponds, artfully arranged walking paths, public art pieces for reflection and contemplation, and a rose garden to breathe in the fragrance of floral beauty.  Large palm trees dot the landscape and surround a large grassy knoll with a huge amphitheatre that hosts concerts and special events.  In addition to the many sports fields and courts, the park is home to Palm Desert Parks and Recreation facilities Community Center, Aquatic Center, and YMCA.  The adjacent Skate Park and Dog Park are situated across from the College of the Desert and accessible to the public.  The Dog Park features a grass area with two seating ramadas for dog owners to relax and take shade.   The ramadas have park misting systems and make for a great respite from the heat.  Misting systems can also be found on the Picnic Pavilions located near the children’s playgrounds.   We think Civic Center Park in Palm Desert is a special place to put on your “must visit” list.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dining Under the Misters: Palm Springs Restaurant Week, May 31st- June 9th, 2019

Now in its 13th year, the upcoming Greater Palm Springs Area Restaurant Week shines a sunny spotlight on the delicacies of over 100 participating restaurants as it celebrates the Coachella Valley food scene.   This year’s theme, “’TREAT’ your heart out” brings out the best in foodie finds to indulge, without breaking the bank.  Participating eateries are offering a valued selection included in a 3 Course prix fixe menu for $29 (a $45 value). Don’t miss this opportunity to feast, and feel good too, by making a reservation to give back to our community.

According to the Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), the organization is Restaurant Week’s producing partner in collaboration with Sysco ™

and Agua Caliente Casinos.  For every reservation booked via the dineGPS.com website, $1 will be donated to the FIND Food Bank, The Desert’s Regional Food Bank.   FIND Food Bank assists approximately 85,000 Coachella Valley individuals each month. A $1 donation will provide 7 meals.

Our Koolfog “Taste Team” thinks you need to “TREAT” yourself at this year’s GPSA Restaurant Week, with an immersive sensory extravaganza at TRIO Restaurant.  Visit TRIO to indulge in a unique experience that delights with aromas from the kitchen, visually stimulating and colorful décor, lively conversation, and amazing flavors designed to satiate.  TRIO is a desert hot spot known for its welcoming atmosphere and top-notch hospitality.   This friendly venue sets the mood with great food, music, and a quintessential Palm Springs vibe.

Want to feel cool, at this local favorite? Dine on the patio under the misters!   Fresh air meets California sidewalk style as Trio serves up dishes infusing traditional Midwest Comfort Food al fresco.  And the patio, well, of course, we are partial to this fun outdoor setting sporting a miraculous misting system.  Koolfog cool water mist provides comfort and cooling to create a relaxing ambiance for customers to enjoy their meal and the view. Sitting under the patio misters at TRIO is the perfect place for people watching while seated along one of the most popular destinations to witness “what’s hip?” in Palm Springs famed Uptown Design District.

 

 TRIO Restaurant offers a diverse and mouth-watering menu. 

 

May We Suggest?

 

First Course

 Coachella Valley Bacon Wrapped Dates

Bleu Cheese Stuffed, Applewood Smoked Bacon Wrapped

 

Second Course

Butternut Squash Ravioli

Brown Butter, Crispy Sage, Bread Crumbs

 

Third Course

House-made Pudding

This sounds so good, the Koolfog “Taste Team” says, “This!”

 

For complete Restaurant Week menu and details, vegetarian and gluten-free options, as well as regular priced menu selections, go to TrioPalmSprings.com.

 

Find your Foodie Fix and “’TREAT’ your heart out” at:

Trio , Where Palm Springs Eats
707 N Palm Canyon, Uptown design district
Palm Springs, CA 92262

760-534-2851

www.triopalmsprings.com

 

 

HGTV’s Desert Flippers

HGTV’s Desert Flippers

In a recent episode of HGTV’s Desert Flippers, “Go Bold or Go Home”, Koolfog plays a key role in the house’s transformation. The show follows couple Lindsey & Eric Bennett who buy and refurbish homes in the Palm Springs Desert area. “Go Bold or Go Home” features a mid-century modern home in a desirable neighborhood that needs some tweaks to live up to its full potential. As part of the reno the Bennett’s focus on the backyard of the home, as Eric notes that “people come to Palm Springs for indoor/outdoor lifestyle” so they work to increase the usable outdoor square footage and create an appealing outdoor space. However, as the couple knows, heat can be a definite problem for potential buyers if an outdoor space is not cooled properly. Koolfog to the rescue!

We don’t want to spoil the show but can say that Lindsey raved about the “huge outdoor dining area” that was made possible by the addition of the misters to “cool the outdoor living space.” Clearly, adding a misting system helped the couple reach their goal of a successful flip!