Dinner at Circa 59, Riviera Resort Palm Springs
Posted on Aug 12, 2009 under Archives | No Comment
Room, Riviera Resort, Palm Springs
I checked in to the retro Riviera Resort last weekend for a story on dog-friendly hotels. The revamped resort opened about a year ago after a $70 million renovation. I was in one of 45 guest rooms that was decorated in vibrant orange-red and rich browns.
My friend Paul joined me for dinner in the elegant Circa 59 restaurant, which offers outside covered dining overlooking the pool as well as a dramatic sleek indoor area. Here are some of the great dishes we had during our tasting menu:
Lobster Bisque
We started with a creamy rich lobter bisque.
Beet salad
Next came a pickled beet salad with tangerines and goat cheese. We liked the sweet and sour combination of the goat cheese with the pickled beets.
Starter trio
Next came a delicious starter trio of appetizers.
Berkshire Pork Belly
Ahi tuna tartare
Crabcake
Appetizers included Berkshire pork belly with sweet and sour lentils and celery root slaw, ahi tartare and tataki and a tasty crab cake. Paul especially liked the crab cake, I couldn’t choose a favorite because all were very good.
Trio of main dishes
Next came a trio of main dishes, including halibut with red wine risotto, a filet of beef with short rib ragout and asparagus and yellowfin tuna with pistachio risotto.
Halibut with red wine risotto
Beef with shortrib ragout
Yellowfin tuna with pistacio risotto
Paul and I loved all of these dishes, our fave was the halibut. Dessert was a trio of creme brulee (my fave), chocolate mousse (also very tasty) and Paul’s fave, pineapple carrot cake.
Creme brulee
Chocolate mousse with cherries
Pineapple carrot cake
Circa 50 is perfect for a group gathering (outside area overlooking the amoeba shaped pool is perfect for drinks with friends) and for an intimate romantic dinner (inside high booths provide close seating amidst a dramatic atmosphere).
1600 North Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, 760/327-8311