Lunch with the bears

With all these friends around wanting to do lunch, Steve started organizing an occasional lunch out, starting in December 2023. As a group, we figured it would be a good way to socialize, meet new people, check out new restaurants, be a little adventurous ... plus, a bear's gotta eat.

On this page, we'll keep track of where we ate, what we thought of the food, etc. I'm hopeful that all this information in one place will prove useful (to us, and other friends here in the Coachella Valley) when trying to decide where to go out to eat.

CIE SICHUAN CUISINE 45682 Towne Street, Indio CA 92201 (760) 342-9888 CIE Sichuan web site Yelp reviews (4 stars)	Dec. 1, 2023
WHO SHOWED UP: Steve, Joe S., Rick G., Josh G., Carl L.
THE RESTAURANT: Possibly the best and most authentic Chinese food in the Coachella Valley. Never seems to be that busy, unfortunately. Sichuan dishes are the highlight, but they also offer less-than-stellar dim sum and a wide range of dishes from an extensive menu, including strange-to-western-taste dishes like Spicy Sizzling Pork Tongue and Boiled Frog.
WHAT WE ORDERED: Since the restaurant was new to everyone but Steve and Carl, Steve picked out some of the dishes -- chicken hot wok, spicy pork belly, eggplant with garlic sauce -- and Rick picked out salted shrimp and stir-fried lotus root.
WILL WE BE BACK? Yes, it's still our favorite Chinese restaurant in the valley, although it is possible to have a mediocre meal here. Stick to Sichuan dishes and avoid the dim sum and American dishes like sweet and sour pork.	Total (before tip):    around $125 ($25.00 ea.)
Steve, Carl, Joe, Josh and Rick dig in

BLAZING KING BBQ & HOTPOT 72600 Dinah Shore Drive, Palm Desert CA 92211 (760) 699-8206 Blazing King's web site Yelp reviews (4 stars)	Dec. 18, 2023
WHO SHOWED UP: Steve, Carl L., John L., John S., Rick G., Joe S.
THE RESTAURANT: In the building of an old (and not very good) Chinese buffet is this new, sleek Korean barbecue restaurant, where customers grill meats at their tables. There's a hotpot option (cooking in broth) that we decided to postpone until the next time we came here.
WHAT WE ORDERED: We ordered the "king's choice" option, which included a few non-meat options like chicken gyoza and corn cheese (a sort of cheesy creamed corn). For the meats we tried spicy pork belly, both thick and thin cut, spicy shrimp, spicy calimari, beef bulgogi and beef brisket. The "king's plus" option includes better-quality brisket, ribs, baby octopus and other things, and the "king's premium" includes fried oysters, scallops, tongue, short ribs, etc. Hotpot option is an additional $4.99 per person.
WILL WE BE BACK? Probably. We liked the variety, although the quality didn't bowl us over. Not bad, just not especially flavorful. The thick-cut pork belly was deemed inedible by some. Overall, it was a little better than adequate ... and friends have said the hotpot option produces a better result. Also, try to sit away from the grill or you'll wind up doing all the work.	Total (with tip): about $230 ($38.00 ea.)
Steve, Rick, hidden John L., John S., Carl, Joe

BEECH PLEASE 67555 E Palm Canyon, Cathedral City CA 92234 (760) 202-0144 BeeCh Please web site Yelp reviews (4 1/2 stars)	Jan. 11, 2024
WHO SHOWED UP: Steve, Carl L., John L., John S., Rick G., Mike T.
THE RESTAURANT: Smallish Korean place specializing in Beer and Chicken (hence the name) in the site of numerous other Asian restaurants.
WHAT WE ORDERED: To start, Korean spring rolls, kimchi mandu (lightly fried dumplings) and pork mandu. For entrees (which included salad, rice and radish), our group stuck to two things, fire chicken and ton katsu, with some kimchi on the side.
WILL WE BE BACK? Maybe. I wasn't especially pleased, but the rest of the group seemed to like it more. We all complained the the kimchi wasn't spicy enough, and tasted more like tomato soup.	Total (with tip): $240 ($40.00 ea.)
Mike, John S., Steve, Rick, Carl outside the restaurant, and Carl with his fire chicken

ONO HAWAIIAN BBQ 42560 Jackson Street, Indio CA 92203 (760) 984-0788 Ono Hawaiian BBQ web site Yelp reviews (4 stars)	Jan. 30, 2024
WHO SHOWED UP: Steve, Carl L., John S., Joe S., Roy M., Marty K.
THE RESTAURANT: Fast food Hawaiian with various permutations of chicken (Hawaiian BBQ, teriyaki, etc.), pork and beef (short ribs, BBQ beef, kalua pork), fried shrimp and fish, rice, macaroni salad, etc.
WHAT WE ORDERED: Chicken katsus for some of us, plus fire chicken, Spam musubi, etc. Most plates came with rice and macaroni salad.
WILL WE BE BACK? Maybe, if we want to combine it with a trip to bearby Winco grocery store. I thought it was pretty good for fast food, but some of the others were less impressed.	Total: about $16 ea.
Marty, Steve, John, Roy, Joe (with Carl taking the photo)

ITS TASTE OF INDIA 13104 Palm Drive, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240 (760) 671-6283 Its Taste of India web site Yelp reviews (4 1/2 stars)	Feb. 13, 2024
WHO SHOWED UP: Steve, Carl L., John S., Joe S., Roy M., Paul L., Gene B., Tom F., Joe L.
THE RESTAURANT: Authentic Indian that is so authentic it doesn't even serve beef or pork, with a range of chicken, lamb and vegetarian dishes, as well as various appetizers and breads.
WHAT WE ORDERED: Mango lassis, vegetable pakoras, vegetable samosas, shahi paneer, chicken tikka masala, chicken makhani, lamb biryani, rotis, naans, etc. Plus the ubiquitous white rice.
WILL WE BE BACK? Yep! We shared everything, and it was all very tasty. We mostly ordered the spicier dishes as medium, but I'm ready to go hotter. We should have ordered more of the specialty breads, like the onion kulcha and potato paratha. And grammar police who think the name should have an apostrophe, like "here it is, the taste of India," should think of it as more like a possessive "enjoy this particular restaurant's taste of India."	Total: $35 ea.
Tom, Roy, Joe, Carl, Paul, Steve, Gene, Joe, John

On Feb. 27, 2024, we returned to Sichuan CIE ... with 19 people! From far right, Brad H., Troy A., Allison, Carl L., Steve S., Gene B., Steve A., John S., Craig C., Roy M., Joe S., Tim N., Peter L., Clayton M., Brian D., Lou P., Matt D.

MI CULTURA PERUVIAN COLOMBIAN CUISINE 44795 San Pablo Avenue, Palm Desert CA 92260 (760) 636-1707 Mi Cultura web site Yelp reviews (4 1/2 stars)	Mar. 22, 2024
WHO SHOWED UP: Steve, Roy M., Mitch W., Derek, Mark, Joe S., Craig C., John S.-B., Dave S.-B., Tom F., John G., Jay R., Matt M., Rick G., Carl L., Lou P.
THE RESTAURANT: Family-owned restaurant with friendly service spotlighting the often-potato-centric cuisine of Peru and Colombia.
WHAT WE ORDERED: Chicken, fried fish, fried rice (arroz chaufa), empanadas, ceviche, etc. (Mussels are misspelled as "muscles" on the menu but is corrected on the web site!)
WILL WE BE BACK? Sure! Food was tasty, good-sized portions, not too expensive, and the service was friendly and fairly quick. And there's a nice Italian bakery next door!	Total (with tip):    around $25 each
Various folks dig in to Peruvian

PALM TREE PALACE 79660 Highway 111 Ste 103 La Quinta, CA 92253-6513 (760) 289-6633 Palm Tree Palace web site Yelp reviews (4 stars)	April 8, 2024
WHO SHOWED UP: Steve, Roy M., Keith A., Steve S., Matt D., Jamie L., Brian D., Carl L., John S., Joe L., Rob M., Greg S., Dave W., Dave C.
THE RESTAURANT: Plain but comfortable Cantonese restaurant in a down-valley strip mall.
WHAT WE ORDERED: Shumai, crab rangoon, chicken with garlic ... and about six orders of Mongolian beef, which was recommended by Joe L. Most of us ordered the lunch special, which included soup (most of us ordered hot and sour) and rice.
WILL WE BE BACK? Most likely we'll try it again. The servers admitted they were shortstaffed the day we tried it out and that the Mongolian beef in particular was not up to their usual standards. Orderes that requested spicier didn't get spicier. Portions were also a little on the small size. Most of the group, however, had no complaints about the quality of the food, and the service was friendly, and efficient for serving a group of 14.	Total (with tip):    around $20 each
Some of our crowd at Palm Tree Palace

JALISCO RESTAURANT 17725 N Indian Canyon Dr North Palm Springs, CA 92258 (760) 251-9787 (no Jalisco Palace web site) Yelp reviews (5 stars)	April 25, 2024
WHO SHOWED UP: Steve, Lou P., Keith A., Art, Roy M., Blake L., Bob F., Matt D., Perf, Rick G., John S., Tom F., David W., David C.
THE RESTAURANT: Plain and somewhat small Mexican restaurant next toa tire store.
WHAT WE ORDERED: Carnitas platters, tortas, pata bravas, burria, burritos, tacos, huevos rancheros, etc.
WILL WE BE BACK? Oh yeah! The food is delicious and the restaurant has become a favorite of everyone I know who has tried it. If only they were open after 6 p.m. ...	Total (with tip):    around $20 each
a large crowd at Jalisco

DA CHEF NOODLE 40100 Washington St Ste 141 Bermuda Dunes, CA 92203 (760) 200-3216 Da Chef Noodle web site Yelp reviews (3 1/2 stars)	May 13, 2024
WHO SHOWED UP: Steve, Roy M., David W. David C., John D., Rob M., Lou P., Matt D., Matt F., Steve A., Rick G., Rick G., Josh G., Rob W., Mark M., Jesse?
THE RESTAURANT: Thai restaurant in a non-descript strip mall.
WHAT WE ORDERED: Pad Thai, curries, calamari, steamed pork buns, dumplings, etc.
WILL WE BE BACK? Possibly, if we're in the area. Our group was a little polarized, with some finding it tasty and worthwhile and some others finding it bland.	Total (with tip):    around $22 each
some of our group at Da Chef Noodle

WIENERSCHNITZEL 68785 Ramon Rd Cathedral City, CA 92234 (760) 699-8484 Wienerschnitzel web site Yelp reviews (3 stars)	May 28, 2024
WHO SHOWED UP: Steve, Aramis T., Paul F., Richard H., Arthur R., Jack T.
THE RESTAURANT: Authentic German delicacies -- no, wait, it's hot dogs, corn dogs, ice cream shakes and other carnival food in a stand-alone fast-food restaurant.
WHAT WE ORDERED: Corn dogs, chili cheese dogs, chili cheese fries, shakes, corn dog bites, poppers.
WILL WE BE BACK? If we're in the mood for corn dogs and chili cheese fries, sure. The Wienerschnitzel web site also has coupons for discounts, like $8 for two corn dogs, two chili dogs and chili cheese fries.	Total (without tip):    around $12 each
our table at Wienerschnitzel

PHO VU 34260 Monterey Ave Ste 101 Palm Desert, CA 92211 (760) 324-1888 Pho Vu web site appears to be down Yelp reviews (3 1/2 stars)	July 12, 2024
WHO SHOWED UP: Steve, John S., Trent H., Steve A., Steve Z., Gary Y., Loren G., Stan J., David C., David W.
THE RESTAURANT: Large chain Vietnamese offering pho, rice dishes, banh mi sandwiches and more.
WHAT WE ORDERED: Pho, eggrolls, bahn mi, etc.
WILL WE BE BACK? Everyone else's food looked better than my sad little sandwich -- one of the worst bahn mi sandwiches I've ever had. Might go back just to try out something else. Everyone else said the food was serviceable, except for John, who also ordered the sad little sandwich.	Total (without tip):    around $15 each
our disappointed table at Pho Vu

DELICIAS MEXICAN CUISINE 66121 Pierson Blvd Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240 (760) 894-3400 No Delicias web site Yelp reviews (4 stars)	July 19, 2024
WHO SHOWED UP: Steve, Trent H., Samy A., Gary S., Joe A., Marty D., David C., David W., Mark M., Bob W.
THE RESTAURANT: Reportedly this restaurant offers a more cosmopolitan Mexico City cuisine than the usual northern Mexican fare ... but whatever. It's delicious. Large space with room for crowds.
WHAT WE ORDERED: Mole enchiladas with chicken, tacos, special guacamole, chile rellenos, etc.
WILL WE BE BACK? Yes! Along with Jalisco, this is one of the best Mexican restaurants in the valley, with friendly service and items on the menu you don't often see.	Total (without tip):    around $22 each
our happy table at Delicias

CHICKEN RANCH 515 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 (760) 832-6682 Chicken Ranch web site Yelp reviews (4 stars)	Aug. 1, 2024
WHO SHOWED UP: David C., George, Downing, Kurt, Paul, Bob, Mark, Jack, David W.
THE RESTAURANT: Chicken-based casual dining with indoor and outdoor spaces.
WHAT WE ORDERED: Not sure! Since I didn't go.
WILL WE BE BACK? Possibly! When you're looking for a chicken-based restaurant, this one comes immediately to mind. However, years ago, when this place first opened, I was a little taken aback when I saw the BBQ chicken salad added an upcharge if you actually wanted chicken in it. What the hell?	Total (without tip):    probably around $22 each
outdoor dining at the Chicken Ranch

DJ'S SPORTS BAR & GRILL 34331 Date Palm Drive, Cathedral City, CA 92262 (760) 268-5131 DJ's web site Yelp reviews (4 1/2 stars)	Sept. 27, 2024
WHO SHOWED UP: Rob M., Downing G., George C., David C., Steve A., Chuck P., Mark M., Steve A., Tyler, Dwight B., David W., Joe S., Eric G., me
THE RESTAURANT: Large sports bar.
WHAT WE ORDERED: Burgers, fries, wings, etc.
WILL WE BE BACK? Not for me. The burger and fries were fine, but small and overpriced. And the sports screens around the dining area hold no attraction.	Total (without tip):    probably around $20 each
the lunch crowd, and small $15 burger and skimpy fries

SUPER TACO TAQUERIA 67778 E Palm Canyon Dr, Cathedral City 92234 (760) 321-1999 No web site Yelp reviews (4 1/2 stars)	Dec. 19, 2024
WHO SHOWED UP: About 21 folks
THE RESTAURANT: Former Greek restaurant now turned informal taqueria. Order at the front and the food is delivered to your table.
WHAT WE ORDERED: Tacos, carne asada fries, etc.
WILL WE BE BACK? Quite possibly. The tacos were diffrent and interesting, although not everyone was enchanted. If the lunch group comes back, we'll most likely sit inside -- the patio was too noisy.	Total (without tip):    around $16 each
one of our tables at Super Taco

THE SANDWICH SPOT 276 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs 92262 (760) 778-7900 web site Yelp reviews (4 1/2 stars)	Jan. 7, 2025
WHO SHOWED UP: Rick, Mike, DeVerne, Matt, Reid, Richard, Steve, Keith
THE RESTAURANT: Sandwich-making restaurant with terrific sandwiches (many tennis-themed) and a special on Tuesdays -- wear a caftan, muumuu or robe, and chips and drink (with your sandwich) are free.
WHAT WE ORDERED: Sandwiches. Five of us wore caftans and got our chips and drinks for free! Although Jack said I looked like an Arabic mental patient who'll do anything for a discount. And will offer you a flower as a gift from the Universal Life Church.
WILL WE BE BACK? Definitely. The sandwiches are among the best you'll find anywhere. The Dutch Crunch bread choice is especially good..	Total (without tip):    around $17 each, if you wore a caftan
wearing caftans are Mike, Steve, Rick, Keith, Matt

NAVIGATOR 1500 S Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs 92264 (760) 205-3634 web site Yelp reviews (4 1/2 stars)	Jan. 21, 2025
WHO SHOWED UP: Jamie, Brian, Joe, John, Roy, Jamie, Greg, DeVerne, Kip, Steve, David
THE RESTAURANT: Surf-inspired cuisine at a former kids' water park, now turned adult surfing park.
WHAT WE ORDERED: Mostly sandwiches -- grilled cheese and tomato soup, ratatouille with baratta cheese, etc. A few of the guys got cocktails, which they said were quite tasty.
WILL WE BE BACK? Most likely. The food and service were good, and the background, with the crashing waves and the mountains, made for a very pleasant view. Rivals Escena for best view in PS. We also thought it was cheaper than it should be. Not that we're complaining.	Total (without tip):    around $20 each, plus more if you were drinking
lunch-goers and the surf
HOLD EVERYTHING! The lunch group went back the following week, because we enjoyed it so much the first time ... and we'd never seen a restaurant go downhill so quickly. The prices were higher, the lunch menu was gone, and the food was a shadow of what it was. $33 for a dry burger and cold fries? We won't be back.

STUFT PIZZA BAR & GRILL 72-840 Highway 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260 (760) 610-7990 Stuft web site Yelp reviews (3 1/2 stars)	Feb. 18, 2025
WHO SHOWED UP: About 27 folks -- a record for this group!
THE RESTAURANT: Large chain pizza place (serving other things as well) in a somewhat upscale mall.
WHAT WE ORDERED: Pizza, salads, nachos. I ordered the nachos because it was a Taco Tuesday special, but they were disappointingly on the cold side.
WILL WE BE BACK? Quite possibly. The space was large and expansive, perfect for a really large group. The happy hour offers nice discounts on appetizers and small pizzas.	Total (without tip):    around $16-20 each
our huge crowd of hungry bears

BLACK CAT PIZZA 72795 Highway 111 Ste G2, Palm Desert, CA 92260 (442) 282-8019 no web site Yelp reviews (4 1/2 stars)	May 1, 2025
WHO SHOWED UP: About 13 folks. I ordered takeout, myself.
THE RESTAURANT: Former Haus of Pizza (also serving Russian food) has morphed into a pizzeria serving Detroit-style pizza, baked in square pans with crusty cheese around the edges.
WHAT WE ORDERED: Pizza, I suppose. I ordered separately and left before other folks ordered their food.
WILL WE BE BACK? Not sure. The pizza was okay but overpriced for a small pizza of six slices (each about 4" by 5"). In a realistic world the pizza would be half that price.	Total (without tip):    around $24 per pizza
a long table of pizza-lovers

Bearcooks | Food | Lunch with the Bears