THE CRANORS Focused on Excellence SUNNYLANDS' Haunting Portrait HIGH LIVING at Desert Island

Home , High Living, Leonore Annenberg, Sunnylands, Walter Annenberg

R M The Magazine of Rancho Mirage

THE CRANORS Focused on Excellence SUNNYLANDS’ Haunting Portrait HIGH LIVING at Desert Island

SEAN AND DIANA CRANOR 20 OF CAMERA WEST 15 PRIMARY CARE

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39000 Bob Hope Drive Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 emc.org/365 760-360-3365 Welcome R M

WELCOME TO THE SECOND ANNUAL ISSUE OF ever, the revitalized Ritz-Carlton features a contemporary R/M magazine, the official publication for the City of Rancho aesthetic that takes full advantage of the rugged desert terrain, Mirage. The pages to follow underscore the legacy and history with plenty of outdoor gathering spaces, two new restaurants, that have earned our community the reputation of being a and a luxurious spa. In “Palate Pleasers” (page 70), “Spa favored celebrity escape and playground of the presidents. Escapes” (page 66), and “Set Your Sites” (page 58), you’ll learn When speaking of our city’s illustrious past, bound to come more about the offerings available at The Ritz-Carlton as well up is the late billionaire and publishing magnate Walter H. as those found at our city’s other equally ﬁne resorts: The Annenberg and his wife, Leonore. In “Portrait of a Friendship” Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa, Agua Caliente Casino (page 22), Anne Rowe, director of collections and exhibitions Resort Spa, and Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort. at Sunnylands, opens a window on the friendship formed We’re also about discovering the desert’s hidden gems. Did between Walter Annenberg and the great American painter you know that Rancho Mirage is home to the valley’s oldest Andrew Wyeth. Over the decades, they made memories and craft microbrewery? In “Craft On Tap” (page 16), we take you shared milestones, including Wyeth’s highly publicized “Helga behind the scenes at Babe’s Bar-B-Que & Brewhouse to learn Pictures” episode, which revealed 245 paintings and drawings, about brewmaster Scot Grabbe’s award-winning selection of many of them nudes, all painted of the same woman in secrecy. craft beers. And in our cover story “South by Camera West” During the Helga years, in 1978, over the course of six (page 32), we introduce Sean and Diana Cranor. The couple has separate sittings in the artist’s studio in Chadds Ford, long enjoyed the serenity, warm weather, and natural beauty of Pennsylvania, Wyeth also painted a portrait of Annenberg. our desert, so while considering a Southern California location Rowe tells the intriguing, sometimes comical, backstory of the to complement their high-end camera stores in Northern resulting portrait that now hangs at Sunnylands. California, Rancho Mirage made perfect sense. With Camera In addition to celebrating our history, the following pages West’s arrival on Highway 111 in 2010, the city not only draws also highlight what’s new in our ever-evolving desert city celebrities, politicians, and diplomats but also professional — where to play, dine, and spa. Since last year’s issue, we’ve photographers and serious camera collectors. witnessed the highly anticipated return of The Ritz-Carlton, We hope you enjoy this year’s edition. Whether you live here Rancho Mirage, a 23-acre resort perched on a bluff above Frank year-round, part-time, visiting for a weekend, or celebrating Sinatra Drive. Originally opened as a Ritz-Carlton property in a special occasion, Rancho Mirage is a favored escape and 1988, the resort changed hands (and names) three years later playground for everyone. before it completely closed in 2006. Now back and better than — The Editors

1 The Pete Dye Golf Course at Mission Hills Country Club Contents 5/THE SCENE Who / What / Where / When

12/CAMEO: BROADWAY BABY Newly retired veteran actor and comedian Kaye Ballard discusses her storied life and career. by Gloria Greer / photography by Andy Stolarek 14/CAMEO: CREATIVE EVOLUTIONARY Architect Narendra Patel strikes an aesthetic, earth-friendly balance in Rancho Mirage. by Lawrence Karol / photography by George Gutenberg 16/CAMEO: CRAFT ON TAP Brewmaster Scot Grabbe hops to it at Babe’s Bar-B-Que & Brewhouse. by Lawrence Karol / photography by Andy Stolarek 18/GAME MASTERS For four pro athletes, Rancho Mirage is not just a place to train and play — it’s a place to call home. by Lawrence Karol / photography by Andy Stolarek 22/PORTRAIT OF A FRIENDSHIP The bond between philanthropist, publishing tycoon, and U.S. ambassador Walter Annenberg and American painter Andrew Wyeth culminates with a haunting work of art. by Anne Rowe 32/SOUTH BY CAMERA WEST Rancho Mirage becomes a destination for camera aﬁcionados, thanks to a Northern California couple who set down roots here. by Christian Gulliksen / photography by Marc Royce / styled by Susan Stein 40/THE HOUSE THAT ROBERGE BUILT A rammed-earth home in Rancho Mirage reﬂects the creativity of its owner. photography by George Gutenberg 52/HIGH LIVING AT DESERT ISLAND The Coachella Valley’s best-kept secret features verdant open space, a lake, and a colorful history in ... yachting. by Sheila Grattan 58/RESORTS: SET YOUR SITES Under the wing of skilled event planners, four Rancho Mirage Resorts orchestrate special occasions that satisfy whims and exceed expectations. by Lisa Marie Hart 66/SPA: SPA ESCAPES Whether it’s to relax overworked muscles, refresh the senses, or calm the spirit, a RANCHO MIRAGE resort has just the right treatment for you. by Carolyn Patten 70/DINING: PALATE PLEASERS Meet the gastronomic tastemakers behind some of Rancho Mirage’s best food and drink And for good measure, they share their favorite recipes too. by Sheila Gibson Stoodley / photography by Jon Edwards 84/DINING: OUT OF THE GOOD EARTH From Northern California to Italy and regions in between, the farm-to-table movement has gone global — including right here in Rancho Mirage. by Sheila Gibson Stoodley

COVER 92/DINING: WHAT TO EAT Photography: MARC ROYCE From multicourse meals to fast, fresh bites, Rancho Mirage restaurants cater to all palates with a diverse Styling: SUSAN STEIN array of cuisine. Hair and Makeup: JOY FIELD OF J. RUSSELL! THE SALON 96/FUN FOR ALL Location: CAMERA WEST, RANCHO MIRAGE Whether friends and family are coming to visit you in our desert paradise or you’re looking for a staycation with something for everyone, you’ll ﬁnd everything you’re looking for at The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa. To receive the R/M INSIDER and R/M MAGAZINE in your email, visit www.RanchoMirageCA.gov, scroll to the bottom of the home page, and 104/A SHORE THING subscribe. Follow us by clicking the social media The LPGA tournament founded by Dinah Shore will be held at the Mission Hills County Club in Rancho icons at the top of the home page. Mirage for the 43rd straight year.

3 R M RANCHO MIRAGE

CITY COUNCIL Mayor IRIS K. SMOTRICH Mayor Pro Tem G. DANA HOBART Councilmember RICHARD W. KITE Councilmember CHARLES TOWNSEND Councilmember TED WEILL

CITY STAFF City Manager R ANDAL K. BYNDER City Attorney STEVEN B. QUINTANILLA City Clerk CINDY SCOTT Director of Administrative Services KIM MALCOLM-VALENTE Library Director DAVID BRYANT Director of Public Works BRUCE B. HARRY JR. City Engineer WILLIAM A. ENOS Finance Director ISAIAH HAGERMAN Director of Marketing/Public Relations ROBERT BARRETT

CITY OF RANCHO MIRAGE 69825 Highway 111 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 760-324-4511 www.RanchoMirageCA.gov www.RelaxRanchoMirage.com

Publisher FR ANKLIN W. JONES Chief Financial Officer JOSEPH HINMAN Editorial Director JULIE SINCLAIR Editor JESSICA TAYLOR TUDZIN Art Director JIM AUGUSTO Managing Editor OLGA REYES Senior Editors ASHLEY BREEDING, JOAN PAGE MCKENNA Editorial Intern LINDSEY LITTLEPAGE Production Manager LAURA REYES Digital Imaging MARCO MORACHA

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sheila Grattan, Gloria Greer, Christian Gulliksen, Lisa Marie Hart, Lawrence Karol, Liz Mazurski, Carloyn Patten, Michelle Roe, Susan Stein, Sheila Gibson Stoodley

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jon Edwards, George Gutenberg, Millicent Harvey, Ethan Kaminsky, Marc Royce, Andy Stolarek

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information provided in this publication.

Desert Publications Inc. makes no guarantee of the accuracy of information supplied by this

publication, advertisers, organizations, or individual contributors. The publisher is not responsible

for loss or damage to unsolicited editorial or photography. Desert Publications Inc., 303 N. Indian Canyon Dr.,

Palm Springs, CA 92262, 760-325-2333; FAX: 760-325-7008; www.palmspringslife.com

4 The Scene

WHO / WHAT / WHERE / WHEN

by MICHELLE ROE

THE ART OF GIVING Throughout the second half of the 20th century, Walter and Leonore Annenberg received into their Rancho Mirage estate, Sunnylands, some of the world’s most inﬂ uential personalities, from Dwight Eisenhower to George W. Bush, Princess Grace to Queen Elizabeth, Bob Hope to Kirk Douglas. On January 25, Sunnylands Center & Gardens will open the year-long exhibition Treasures at Sunnylands: Selections From The Gift Collection of Walter and Leonore Annenberg, revealing 46 gifts that the high-proﬁ le couple received from their honored guests. Among the items on display will be this red leather attaché. Ministers of the British government used cases like this, whose original design dates back to 1860, to transport sensitive documents. This one, gifted to Walter Annenberg in 1973 from British diplomats Sir Denis Arthur Greenhill and Sir Burke St. John Trends stands 11 inches tall and is gold embossed with the royal cipher and ministerial title. Other items visitors can expect to see at the exhibition include an automobile given to the Annenbergs by Frank Sinatra. To learn more about the exhibition and other

MARK DAVIDSON/COURTESY SUNNYLANDS CENTER & GARDENS & SUNNYLANDS CENTER DAVIDSON/COURTESY MARK Sunnylands activities, visit www.Sunnylands.org or call 760-202-2222.

5 The Scene

GOLFER’S NOTEBOOK The Rancho Mirage tradition continues as Mission Hills Country Club plays host to the ladies of golf in the year’s ﬁrst major LPGA Tournament, the ANA Inspiration (formerly the Kraft Nabisco Championship). Defending champion and rising star Lexi Thompson (shown left), will take to the fairways to meet the world’s best female golfers as they vie for the famed Dinah Shore Trophy and earn the right to take the famed plunge into Poppie’s Pond. This popular tournament not only sets the tone for the 2015 LPGA season but also remains a local favorite among golf fans. Guests will receive opportunities to mingle with the top 120 female players in the world (from 25 different countries), sample a new golf club, or partake in a golf clinic taught by a female pro golfer. Rancho Mirage’s signature event will celebrate its 44th year March 30–Apr. 5. Visit

PAUL LESTER PAUL www.LPGA.com to learn more.

AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER Showcasing more than 100 juried artists, primarily from the Southwest, the Rancho Mirage Art Affaire takes place each November, offering a weekend of local art, ﬁne food, and live smooth jazz by nationally recognized performers. Colorful booths featuring mixed media, jewelry, sculpture, glass, clay, metalwork, watercolor, oil painting, and textiles make this free, annual event one of the valley’s signature celebrations. For more information, visit www.RanchoMirageCa.gov/art-affaire; 760-324-4511.

6 The Scene

TALKS OF THE TOWN Once again, three distinguished guests will visit our community to share their stories and ideas during the prestigious Rancho Mirage Speaker Series. The monthly series — held this year on the last Tuesday of January, February, and the second to last Tuesday of March — OH…TO BE A KID! kicks off with U.S. Ambassador John Create memories. Share in the joy of Bolton lecturing on world events and exploration. Search for knowledge and just … his thoughts on the Middle East. Next, play. In addition to programs for little chefs, Dick Cavett, legendary comedian, scientists, and budding gardeners, more author, and talk show host, follows than 50 hands-on activities await eager with his clever and humorous musings. learners at the Children’s Discovery Museum of The Desert. Grandparents are encouraged And rounding out the program, to stop by for coffee and pastries during American merchant marine Richard the museum’s free, newly scheduled event, Phillips, captain of the Maersk Grandparent Morning at the Museum. Alabama (shown here), the cargo ship Guests will tour the museum and receive that was hijacked on the Indian Ocean ideas on how to plan a special day with the in 2009 by Somali pirates, will speak. grandkids without screens, monitors, and handheld devices. Look for other special Tom Hanks portrayed Phillips in the events throughout the year, including Play movie based on the captain’s book, For the Kids charity golf tournament in April A Captain’s Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy and a very special Daddy-Daughter Dance in Seals and Dangerous Days at Sea. May. For more details, call 760-321-0602 or www.RMSpeakerSeries.com. visit www.CDmod.org.

7 The Scene

THE BEST LITTLE THEATRE IN THE DESERT Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre’s current season, The American Melting Pot, offers a look at our varied peoples and cultures. CVRep begins 2015 with Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters’ First 100 Years, by Emily Mann (Jan. 21– Feb. 8); La Gringa, by Carmen Rivera (Mar. 4–22); and Hold These Truths: The Journey Of Gordon Hirabayashi, a solo play by Jeanne Sakata (Apr. 15–May 3). Plays are held at The Atrium in Rancho Mirage and detailed information and ticket purchasing can be found at www.CVRep.org or phone 760-296-2966.

ON YOUR MARK, GET READY, GO! Don’t wait for a zombie apocalypse to start thinking about how to protect your family in an emergency. You can never be too prepared for any disaster, and the City of Rancho Mirage’s Emergency Preparedness Commission is here to help. The annual Race to Be Ready, a combination 5k-1k walk-run and expo, will be held at the Rancho Mirage Public Library, March 29, and is a fun way for adults, children, and even pets to participate in hands-on training and emergency communication awareness. Be sure to check out survival supplies from on-site vendors that include local, state, and national emergency personnel. Simulations and rarely seen exhibits will also be on hand to demonstrate live ﬁrst response action. For more information, visit www.RaceToBeReady.com. THINKSTOCKPHOTO.COM

8 The Scene

A WELL-READ LIFE The state-of-the-art Rancho Mirage Public Library is one of the leading performing arts and cultural centers in the desert, offering much more than access to information and literature. In addition to art exhibits and displays, the library also supports concerts, lectures, ﬁlm screenings, educational outreach, and children’s programs. In keeping with the 21st century, the library has also increased its downloadable e-content availability, which includes interactive, full- color magazines. Browse the Zinio program to access popular digital magazines with no check-out limit. www.RanchoMirageLibrary.org; 760-341-7323.

EMPOWERING CHANGE The city’s Tolerance Education Center plays an important role in our diverse community. Here, exhibits, movie screenings, and lectures promote understanding, civility, and respect for all cultures and ethnicities. Educational programs focus on historical tragedies such as the Holocaust to provide not only insight into the past but also how to prevent similar events in the future. The center also addresses bullying, racial and religious prejudice, and discrimination based upon sexual orientation or physical and mental disabilities. “Our work here is to teach both adults and children of the dangers of hatred and bigotry, and empower them to make a change,” explains Director Melisse Banwer. www.ToleranceEducationCenter.org; 760-328-8252.

THE WRITE STUFF Still shining from its inaugural success last year, the Rancho Mirage Writers Festival is not just one of the most talked about cultural events in the valley but is quickly rising to national acclaim. This year’s four-day festival will feature talks, panel discussions, and Q&A sessions with 40 authors in an informal environment. “We are bringing together readers, fans, and internationally noted and award-winning authors to honor their works and celebrate the written word,” says event co-founder Jamie Kabler. Keynote speakers include desert resident and best-selling novelist Anne Rice (shown above) and Daniel James Brown, author of The Boys in the Boat, currently being made into a major motion picture. The 2015 Rancho Mirage Writers Festival takes place Jan. 21-24. Visit www.RMWritersFest.org for registration and venue details.

9 CURATED AND STYLED BY SUSAN STEIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY ETHAN KAMINSKY

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10 The Scene

HAUTE TREASURES Shopping Rancho Mirage’s six consignment and resale boutiques can be an illuminating experience — if you know what to look for. Such luxury brands as Gucci, Prada, Chanel, and others can often be found. Here, we feature a lavish sampling of apparel and accessories spotted on a recent shopping expedition. Your reward will be well 13 worth the hunt, with most prices less than half the original.

1. Vintage Fendi three-quarter rabbit fur coat from American Cancer Society Discovery Shop in Rancho Las Palmas, available for bidding in late January, 2015 2. Roberto Cavalli pleated silk print blouse, SJ’s Resale Boutique, $169 3. Wool challis Chanel camellia scarf, SJ’s Resale Boutique, $389 4. Ted Lapidus square sunglasses, SJ’s Resale Boutique, $179 14 5. Prada silk and gold tweed handbag with leather trim, Suzy’s Repeat, $295 6. Bakelite and 14-karat gold ring, SJ’s Resale Boutique, $699 7. Chanel pearl and gold “CC” disc belt, SJ’s Resale Boutique, $450 15 8. Judith Leiber black lizard belt with gold and precious stone buckle, SJ’s Resale Boutique, $400 9. Furla red leather clutch, Goodwill store, $99 10. St. John pearl and gold classic earrings, Collectors Corner, $35 11. Emilio Pucci silk printed pumps, SJ’s Resale Boutique, $250 12. Italian custom-made bracelet with 4.57-ounce 18-karat gold and 8.10 total weight diamonds, M. Schwartz Jewelers at Misty’s Consignments, $21,650 13. YSL long necklace with semiprecious stones, SJ’s Resale Boutique, $650 14. Chanel pink velvet print scarf, SJ’s Resale Boutique, $400 15. Judith Leiber gold clutch with black and white Swarovski crystals, 16 SJ’s Resale Boutique, $1,500 16. Italian 19-karat gold pendant with 85.3 grams lapis lazuli, 1-carat ruby and 14 diamonds, M. Schwartz Jewelers at Misty’s Consignments, $10,275

STORES American Cancer Society Discovery Shop 42412 Bob Hope Drive. 760-568-5967 Collectors Corner 71280 Highway 111. 760-346-1012 Goodwill 72014 Highway 111. 760-423-5666 M. Schwartz Jewelers at Misty’s Consignments 70007 Highway 111. 760-836-3850 SJ Resale Boutique 71680 Highway 111, Suite D. 760-836-9090 Suzy’s Repeat 71610 Highway 111. 760-776-8733

11 AT HOME IN THE DESERT Kaye Ballard and her dogs Tillie, Toots, and Jacqueline. Opposite: Spike Jones, Kaye Ballard, and Mickey Katz in the 1940s. COURTESTYOFKAYEBALLARD

12 Cameo

BROADWAY COURTESTY OF KAYE BALLARD BABY

Newly retired veteran actor and comedian KAYE BALLARD discusses her storied life and career.

Seated with her three beloved dogs and framed “I appeared in amateur shows all over Ohio,” She’s also traveled to London and gave two by playbills featuring many of her legendary she says, “including the USO.” After graduation, command performances before the royal family. co-stars, Kaye Ballard says she couldn’t be an agent saw Ballard perform, signed her, and “I worked all the time but never made a lot of happier. At 89, after 74 years of consistently booked her into vaudeville shows and burlesque. money. My reward was to know and work with working, the veteran comedian and actor Her agent’s friend, famed 1940s bandleader and so many people I respect and admire, including has retired. “I never went one year without musical jokester Spike Jones, then offered her a Jack Paar, Johnny Carson [she appeared on The working,” she says with pride. “But I am looking job touring with his orchestra through Canada Tonight Show 150 times], Carol Burnett, Marlon forward to spending more time at home.” and the United States, performing up to six Brando, Sandy Dennis, Siân Phillips, Joan Since 1970, home for Ballard has been Rancho shows a day. Rivers, Ethel Merman, and Carol Channing,” she Mirage, where the performer shares a cozy Ballard made her Broadway debut in 1946 says. In fact, she admits to writing her memoir, house with two poodle-Maltese mixes, Tillie and with Three to Make Ready. A starring role in How I Lost 53 Pounds in 10 Years, to reminisce Toots, and a Shih Tzu, Jacqueline — named after The Golden Apple soon followed, as did a host of about legends who had crossed her life. “I don’t Oliver Stone’s mother. Her two-bedroom house other Broadway shows. Before long, Hollywood want people to forget Jimmy Durante, Imogene is situated on Kaye Ballard Lane, a three-block beckoned and the little girl from Cleveland with Coca, Billy De Wolfe, or Jack Benny,” she says. street named for her in 2003. “I love waking up the big dreams found her way onto the cover of Ballard ultimately landed in the desert in the morning and looking at the clear skies and Life magazine. because of another legend: “It was Desi [Arnaz],” majestic mountains,” she says. “I love the peace In television and film, Ballard acted alongside she says of the creative genius behind I Love and quiet. It’s the center of everything here in Shelley Winters in A House Is Not a Home, Rita Lucy, who also produced the television series the valley, yet it feels like a small town that never Moreno and Jerry Stiller in The Ritz, and Jodie The Mothers-in-Law, co-starring Ballard and seems crowded.” Foster in Freaky Friday. In Richard Rodgers and Eve Arden. “Desi had bought this little house, Ballard carved out her early career in her Oscar Hammerstein’s CBS TV special Cinderella, and one day [during the holidays], he said, ‘Go to hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, where she Ballard played one of the ugly stepsisters. “The the desert, and you can have my house for two entertained high school classmates with first time we heard the score, Rodgers played it weeks.’ When I arrived and opened the door, I impersonations. Since she couldn’t afford to on the piano and Hammerstein sang it,” she says. found a money tree on the table, a Santa Claus in attend the school football games, she learned to “That was unforgettable.” the swimming pool, and Champagne and caviar play the flute and became a member of the band Still, theater remains Ballard’s first love: “There in the refrigerator. I knew right away I had to instead. Finally, Ballard’s art teacher told her to is instant gratification,” she says of working in have this house, so I bought it. It was the best “stop dreaming — go do it,” and Ballard listened. such musicals as Funny Girl, Follies, and Nunsense. move I ever made.” R/M

by GLORIA GREER / photography by ANDY STOLAREK

13 ORGANIC TO HIGH-TECH Narendra Patel at his office in Rancho Mirage. Below left: The architect’s style combines organic materials and long, curved lines. Below right: A rendering of a mixed-use complex in Jiangmen, China, designed by Patel. PATEL ARCHITECTURE PATEL ARCHITECTURE

14 Cameo CREATIVE EVOLUTIONARY

Architect NARENDRA PATEL strikes an aesthetic, earth-friendly balance in Rancho Mirage. by LAWRENCE KAROL / photography by GEORGE GUTENBERG

The neutral tones, natural stone, and signature curvilinear be “eco-tech,” meaning ecological architecture combined style of Narendra Patel’s architecture flawlessly capture with high technology. the sensibilities of the desert. His innate connection to the Still, it is no accident that Patel’s Performing Arts region’s landscape belies the fact that there was once a time Building reflects shades of Frank Lloyd Wright’s estate in when the celebrated Rancho Mirage–based designer had Scottsdale, Arizona. “Before I built the complex, I happened never even heard of the Coachella Valley. That changed in to visit Taliesin West, and I noticed that Wright had not 1981, when David Christian’s architecture and design firm only created a school of architecture for his interns and offered the young Patel — a native son of India who had students but also a space for them to be involved in fashion, studied in Canada and was into his second year of training the culinary arts, the performing arts, and all aspects of in the south of France — a position in Palm Springs. design and lifestyle, which was fascinating to me,” Patel To gain a glimpse of Patel’s distinctly organic, modern says. That trip ultimately inspired him to integrate a dance approach — as well as his longtime commitment to green studio into the design of the building, so his wife, Valerie architecture — look no further than the design of his Mahabir, a ballet teacher, could conduct classes as well as Performing Arts Building, where his office is located, near have a space for performances. Patel, who has always been The River in Rancho Mirage. “In my view, sustainability and interested in aerial acrobatics such as those popularized by aesthetics are entirely compatible goals,” Patel says. “I am Cirque du Soleil, also installed aerial silk in the studio and strongly against airtight buildings built with toxic materials, practices the intense, strength-building activity every day minimal daylight, and just a few cubic feet of fresh air per before work. person. No matter how energy- and resource-efficient a Over the years, Patel has designed approximately 15 building is, its staying power is determined by how deeply homes in Rancho Mirage (including Lucille Ball’s) and it appeals to the senses, how well it fits into the community, more than 120 homes in the Coachella Valley. His work in and how comfortable it is to use. Intelligent green building China, where he has designed about 35 cities, has brought can result in spare, aesthetically appealing structures that the architect worldwide recognition. He is currently can resonate with those who work and live in them.” developing a downtown super block in Chengdu, located A protégé of the prominent midcentury architect in the southwestern part of the country. The project will Donald Wexler, Patel’s style has often been described as encompass 3 million square feet with a shopping center, organic, eco-friendly, and even spiritual, and compared to theaters, and high-rise residential and commercial towers. the likes of John Lautner and Frank Lloyd Wright. Patel “I tend not to be stuck in the past but instead look to the himself, though, is hesitant to categorize his designs, present and future and always focus on things that have a insisting that his work reflects not necessarily a style but timeless architecture,” Patel says. “Yet I do it in a way that an evolution of ideas. “Lautner and Wright have always will not be dated in the future.” been my heroes, and I admire their work immensely,” he Regardless of where on the globe his work takes him, says. “If they were alive today, they would likely agree Patel’s heart remains in Rancho Mirage. “This is my with me, and would not be copying the same thing they hometown now,” he says. “I feel privileged to be living and Patel Architecture did 50 years ago. They would instead continue to evolve working here. I am spiritually, physically, and academically 71711 San Jacinto Drive 760-776-5031 and create new ideas for the future.” Patel adds that if he happier than ever before, and no matter where in the world www.PatelArchitecture.com had to define his architecture in a single word, it would I am, I always want to come back.” R/M

15 16 Cameo

CRAFT ON TAP Brewmaster SCOT GRABBE hops to it at Babe’s Bar-B-Que & Brewhouse. by LAWRENCE KAROL / photography by ANDY STOLAREK

The grand black silo standing in front of Babe’s Bar-B-Que & Brewhouse is more than just a cool landmark at The River at Rancho Mirage. That silo actually holds the base malt that Brewmaster Scot Grabbe uses to create Babe’s award-winning microbrews, including the establishment’s heavily favored Honey Blonde Ale. “I probably brew the Honey Blonde three times more than the others, just to keep up with the demand,” Grabbe says. Also popular is the award-winning Belgian Vanilla Blonde Ale, which Grabbe likes to infuse with golden raisins and Madagascar vanilla beans. The brew bug bit Grabbe, who grew up primarily in the Midwest, while he was attending Emporia State University in Kansas. After stints at the Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery chain and the Free State Brewing Co., also in Kansas, Grabbe moved his family to Rancho Mirage in 2007 to take on the brewmaster position at Babe’s. Babe’s has been brewing its own beer since it opened in 2002, and its commitment to quality has been rewarded with 26 medals from national and international beer competitions. “Since 2009, we’ve participated in the Los Angeles International Commercial Beer Competition and have received 18 medals,” Grabbe says. To achieve this level of excellence requires a lot of experimentation and creativity. “My boss, Art Vasquez, and I typically decide on a new seasonal beer that we want to attempt, and sometimes it will be a one-off; other times it goes over so well that we’ll try to fit it in permanently,” Grabbe says. Most recently, Babe’s Belgian Vanilla Blonde Ale took the Silver Medal at the 2014 Great American Bear Festival, the nation’s most prestigious commercial beer competition. Ask Grabbe about his favorite brew style, and he’ll tell you he likes the “really hoppy” ones, such as the full flavor of India pale ales, or IPA for short. Because of the desert heat, however, Grabbe, tends to favor a lighter, mellow style that tastes best cold. Every now and then, though, he’ll produce a heavier Belgian-style or an IPA brew. Keep an eye out for an Amber Rye IPA that Grabbe plans to bring to this year’s seasonal lineup. And if you’re one of those hopheads who like to get nerdy about knowing the origins of your beer, you’re in luck. Babe’s offers brewery tours from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., December through June (excluding Wednesdays and Thursdays) or July through November (excluding Sundays and Mondays). On the tour, visitors can see Grabbe’s custom JV Northwest brew system, tucked just off the kitchen into a narrow but highly efficient space. The system includes four fermenters and five serving tanks, replete with beer Babe’s Bar-B-Que & Brewhouse lines that run straight underground to the taps in the restaurant. But the best part of the 71800 Highway 111, Suite A-176 tour, aside from tasting Babe’s award-winning brews, may just be entering that grand silo 760-346-8738 www.BabesBBQue.com out front, the one with the door that says “Authorized Personnel Only.” R/M

17 Game Masters

For FOUR PRO ATHLETES, Rancho Mirage is not just a place to train and play — it’s a place to call home. by LAWRENCE KAROL / photography by ANDY STOLAREK

BORN TO GOLF “It was surreal,” says LGPA veteran Sherri Steinhauer of winning her ﬁrst British Open championship in 1998. “I was so far from home and winning overseas was a dream come true.” That dream repeated the following year in 1999 and again in 2006. Today, the 52-year-old Steinhauer competes on the Legends Tour, the official senior tour of the LGPA. Born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin, Steinhauer has easily slipped into desert living. “To me, Rancho Mirage is like fantasyland with great golf, great restaurants, and great weather,” she says. “I’m an outdoor person by nature and there’s no better place for that than right here.” When asked about her favorite hole, she looks no further than her own neighborhood at Mission Hills Country Club: “Without sounding cliché, I really like No. 18 on the Dinah Shore Tournament Course. It has a lot of great history, a lot of great memories, and there are so many different ways to play it.”

18 HOT TO TROT When Michael Cintas ﬁrst straddled a pony at age 2, he formed a love affair with riding that would shape the rest of his life. Set on owning a horse of his own, he received his ﬁrst at the age of 12. “Without this wonderful young horse who taught me so much, I would have never gained the appreciation for all the animals in my life,” Cintas says. “Every day after I got out of school, I would go straight to the stables and ride.” Though injured in a boating accident in 1971, which resulted in the amputation of one of his legs, Cintas, now 66, founded Rancho Mirage’s Equestrian Centers International. “[Over the years], the city has been our sponsor for many USA Pentathlon events, Pentathlon camps, and competitions, and they were especially there for us when we produced our 2011 Pentathlon World Cup and hosted 36 countries,” he says. Cintas also serves as the equestrian coach for the USA Pentathlon and has been an Olympic coach for the games in Athens, Beijing, London, and now Rio. As for Cintas, he’s still riding and competing too.

19 ON THE BALL “One of my most exciting matches was playing against U.S. Open champion Samantha Stosur at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells in front of my home crowd,” says tennis champion Martina Nejedly, a native-born Czech who moved to the desert with her family at age 16 so she could play tennis year-round. Although she’s been a local since 1992, Nejedly’s career has taken her to the far reaches of the globe to play all four Grand Slam tournaments, as well as to other tournaments in Uruguay, Columbia, and Israel. When asked what she likes most about living in the area, she credits the perfect landscaping and the natural beauty of the mountains. “Also, it’s the perfect little compact area where I do most everything. I love to run and hike up in the hills,” she says. She also loves her job as tennis pro at Rancho Mirage’s Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa.

20 LOCAL KNOCKOUT Boxing champion Timothy Bradley, 31, epitomizes homegrown talent. Born in Palm Springs, raised in Cathedral City, and married to his high school sweetheart, Monica, he developed an interest in boxing at age 11 and got his start at the Boys and Girls Club in Indio. Now a pro boxer, Bradley’s career took off in 2013 after he defeated Russian boxer Ruslan Provodnikov and World Boxing Organization junior welterweight champion Juan Manuel Márquez. Although he lost to Manny Pacquiao in April 2014, Bradley says, “I fought a courageous fight and a lot people respect what I did.” He got even more respect when, in a December 13 bout in Las Vegas, he fought Argentinian Diego Chavez to a draw. With three World Championship belts, Bradley and his wife now reside in Rancho Mirage. “We spent a lot of time here, going out to eat and going to the movies at The River,” he says. “We figured we might as well get a house here too.” Bradley credits sound nutrition and a vegan diet during training camp for giving him an edge in the ring, and when asked about his “Desert Storm” nickname, he adds, “I wanted something that reflected where I come from, something I thought kind of fit me, my personality, and the way I train. It just sounded great.”

21 O

WALTER ANNENBERG, 1978, TEMPERA ©ANDREW WYETH. PHOTO BY GRAYDON WOOD.

22 Portrait of a Friendship

The bond between philanthropist, publishing tycoon, and U.S. ambassador WALTER ANNENBERG and American painter ANDREW WYETH culminates with a haunting work of art.

by ANNE ROWE / photography courtesy THE ANNENBERG FOUNDATION TRUST AT SUNNYLANDS O NCE THE WINTER ESTATE OF WALTER AND LEONORE that a 1987 watercolor by Andrew Newell Wyeth, one of the most Annenberg, the 200-acre Sunnylands property houses a magnificent significant American artists of the 20th century, was discovered, tucked collection of historic films, photos, and documents, including letters and unceremoniously yet carefully in a file of correspondence between Walter handwritten cards from U.S. presidents and the British royal family. Annenberg and Wyeth. The home itself, built by architect A. Quincy Jones in 1966, stands as an In the back rooms of museums, it is not unheard of for items to appear exquisite example of midcentury architecture, housing decorative arts and that were previously somehow not accounted for. There’s even a term furnishings that range from the Tang Dynasty to midcentury modern. assigned to such a discovery: “FIC,” which means, “found in collection.” It is perhaps the Annenbergs’ $1 billion Impressionist and Post- This indicates to current and future collections managers and curators Impressionist art collection — consisting of works by Renoir, Degas, that the item entered the collection without an attendant record Monet, Gauguin, Cézanne, and van Gogh — that best elucidates the high- explaining its path into storage. The thrill of such a remarkable find as the profile couple’s aesthetic sensibility and generosity. Wyeth watercolor might come only once in an archivist’s life, if ever. Most of that collection now resides at New York City’s Metropolitan On April 11, 2014, FIC magic occurred for a second time at Sunnylands, Museum of Art. The originals that once hung prominently at Sunnylands when archivist Frank Lopez discovered a second unknown watercolor by were replaced with replicas produced by the Met under the careful Wyeth. Among cards, guest lists, and clippings from the 1988 celebration instruction of Leonore to ensure a close and masterful match. However, of Walter Annenberg’s 80th birthday was a special birthday wish from the the couple did hold back a few cherished originals at Sunnylands, including famed painter. The work captures a mood familiar to the Wyeth oeuvre: two recent discoveries that previously had gone undocumented. a tranquil, early-morning scene of late winter from the painter’s studio, Since Leonore’s passing in the winter of 2009, the property has been dubbed The Mill, in the rural township of Chadds Ford, located just 20 placed under the direction of The Annenberg Foundation Trust, which miles southwest from the Annenbergs’ primary home in Wynnewood, has indexed and cataloged papers left behind by the Annenbergs into Pennsylvania. The morning light illuminates the trees, and in the a museum-model collections database. It was through these efforts distance, snow and ice melt, creating a newly formed pond. With clouds

23 FROM THE ARCHIVES Clockwise from left: A 1966 letter from Andrew Wyeth congratulates Walter Annenberg on receiving an honorary doctor of laws degree; Leonore Annenberg and Andrew Wyeth, unknown location, 1960s; in a 1979 letter, Annenberg responds with his customary wit to a newspaper article acknowledging Chadds Ford as “Wyeth country”; in March 1981, Andrew Wyeth enjoys a laugh with Leonore Annenberg in Washington, D.C.

24 Considering Wyeth’s celebrated artistic pedigree dating to his ﬁrst exhibition in 1937 and Annenberg’s reputation as one of America’s great art collectors, it is predictable that these two would eventually connect.

reflected in the water, a small rowboat is moored near some bare trees. THE SUBJECT It is unclear how Annenberg and Wyeth first met. The proximity of Without question, the centerpiece of Sunnylands’ Wyeth holdings is the their primary homes may have played a part. However, considering portrait Annenberg commissioned from Wyeth in 1978. Permanently Wyeth’s celebrated artistic pedigree dating to his first exhibition in 1937 installed in its original Sunnylands location, in a den called the Room of and Annenberg’s reputation as one of America’s great art collectors, it is Memories, the painting provides the easterly point in a triangulation of predictable that these two would eventually connect. portraits that include Annenberg’s father, Moses, on the west wall and a Correspondence in the Sunnylands archive speaks to a mutually Rembrandt Peale porthole portrait of George Washington on the south respectful relationship between Wyeth and Annenberg. For instance, wall — a veritable triumvirate of famous Americans. a handwritten letter on personal stationary with the words “The Mill” Of note is Wyeth’s depiction of Annenberg — an unsmiling, thin-lipped, embossed at the top, congratulates Annenberg on a recent honorary solitary bust of a figure dressed in a stiff, beige, high-collared choir robe doctors of laws degree. The letter, dated 1966, also acknowledges — and the painter’s personal, rather unusual inscription on the portrait: Annenberg’s wife, Leonore, and is signed, “My best to you both, Andrew.” To Walter Annenberg, by his friend Andrew Wyeth, indicating something Annenberg responded, thanking the painter for his acknowledgment; it beyond a routine commission. Annenberg himself stated another curious begins, “Dear Andy.” The devolution in formality over the years makes it thing, something Wyeth had not done on any of his other works: He signed clear that their friendship continued to solidify. In 1975, another letter the painting in the upper left corner instead of the lower right. from Walter began, “My Dear Andy.” The Annenbergs wrote and spoke of being thrilled by the painting, This familiarity is further evidenced in a letter dated February 1987, a although it has been suggested that Leonore, through the loving eyes of few months following the explosive revelation that Wyeth had engaged in a devoted wife, felt it didn’t capture the warm nature of her husband’s a clandestine artist-model relationship with a Chadds Ford neighbor, the personality. She later installed a framed photo of Walter in the same Ely now infamous Helga Testorf. Annenberg, in his customary style, provided Cathedral choir robe he wore for the portrait directly beneath the painting his friend with a good-natured and well-deserved ribbing, delivered so that viewers could contemplate for themselves the juxtaposition of through the wry sense of humor for which he was well known. The letter portrait and subject in situ. is the only documented acknowledgment of the Helga matter between the The portrait evokes a mood of loneliness and is not unlike many works two old friends, with Annenberg signing off, “Every good wish to Betsy in the Wyeth canon, something that was not lost on the artist, who once [Wyeth’s wife], Helga, and you!” said, “Most people think my work is severe.” Categorized by others as a Incidentally, the artist-model relationship between Wyeth and Testorf realist, Wyeth described his work as abstract rather than realistic: “A lot was reportedly platonic, a time-honored liaison between an artist and his of people say I’ve brought realism back.… I honestly think of myself as an muse. But it was unknown to nearly everyone, including Wyeth’s wife and abstractionist.… My God, when you really begin to peer into something, Testorf’s husband. This unexpected pairing manifested into 245 paintings a simple object, and realize the profound meaning of that thing — if you and drawings of Testorf, many of them nudes. Though eyebrows are rarely have an emotion about it, there’s no end.… My struggle is to preserve that raised in the contemporary art world, the discovery of this voluminous, abstract flash.” erotic, and secret body of work (quietly created and stored at fellow artist As with all of Wyeth’s works, the painting appears to lack color, but a George “Frolic” Weymouth’s home) by a national treasure such as Wyeth closer inspection reveals a complex network of neutral earthy tones. As stunned the art world and captured news headlines for some time. startling as it is captivating, Wyeth’s depiction of Annenberg as physically

25 26 LIFE IMITATING ART Walter Annenberg, wearing the Ely Cathedral Choir robe he purchased in London, poses in front of the portrait he commissioned Andrew Wyeth to paint of him in 1978.

27 ROOM OF MEMORIES Andrew Wyeth’s portrait of Walter Annenberg hangs prominently amid Annenberg family photos at Sunnylands. KEN HAYDEN KEN

28 Upon arrival for each sitting, the two distinguished American lions, Wyeth, 60, and Annenberg, 69, exchanged pleasantries, which included gossip, jokes about the weather, and headline news culled from The Philadelphia Inquirer — a paper once owned by Annenberg and his father before him.

strong, with a broad, arrow-straight, and upright posture suggests a Annenberg had become enamored with choir robes while living in scaffolding of attended-to musculature. The stark compositional choice England, during his tenure as the ambassador to the Court of St. James’s creates a great deal of unoccupied physical space around Annenberg, under the Nixon administration. He appreciated their beauty and providing no context whatsoever. craftsmanship and was quite fond of the one he wore for his portrait. “The Wyeth painted the portrait in his Chadds Ford studio over the course of first time I went to Ely Cathedral to hear the renowned choir, I saw these six separate sittings. Palm Desert resident Michael Comerford, who from choir robes,” Annenberg once explained. “Later I bought a number of them 1969 to 2009 was the butler and personal assistant to the Annenbergs, in London. Gorgeous!” accompanied Walter on the excursions to Chadds Ford and recalls a rustic As a public figure, Annenberg well understood and carefully cultivated setting that revealed a stereotypical artistic space where creativity and the power of image. Given this awareness and the attention he paid to order do not coexist. He affectionately described it in his warm Irish creating a flawless public persona, the unusual choice of dress for the accent as “very untidy and disarranged.” portrait of a diplomat arose often in interviews with Annenberg following Upon arrival for each sitting, the two distinguished American lions, the completion of the painting. Choosing such unconventional attire for Wyeth, 60, and Annenberg, 69, exchanged pleasantries, which included the portrait generated and continues to generate a great deal of interest. gossip, jokes about the weather, and headline news culled from The In a profile with Main Line Community Magazine in 1989, Annenberg Philadelphia Inquirer — a paper once owned by Annenberg and his father expanded on the subject: before him. Like Annenberg, Wyeth excelled in topical witticisms, so political Ha! Andy wanted me to wear his fencing jacket, but I’m a bit jokes were especially popular between the two. But once the painting too beefy in the chest and shoulders for it to fit. So instead I am session began, the small talk came to an abrupt halt, save for an occasional wearing, of all things, a choir robe. Visiting Ely Cathedral in directive from Wyeth for Annenberg to turn his head slightly. While East Anglia, I was most impressed with the cut and color of the Annenberg sat on a stool in front of a neutral canvas backdrop, classical choristers robes. So I went to Whipple in London and had them music played, typically Bach, Mozart, or Rachmaninoff. Sittings usually make me several. Sometimes when we are home for dinner, I wear lasted about 45 minutes, with the exception of one significantly longer one of them. So that’s how Andy painted me. session, which Comerford recalls Annenberg remarked on afterward. Following each sitting, Comerford drove in the chauffeured car with As noted by art critic Marina Alandra Vaizey, Wyeth, for his part, was Annenberg from Chadds Ford to the town of Radnor, mission control fascinated with the clothes people chose, with the element of costume, for Triangle Publications Inc., where Annenberg published, among uniforms, the recall of the past, the games played, as well as a touch of other titles, the then-ubiquitous TV Guide magazine. On sitting days, role playing. Annenberg made sure his schedule remained free from receiving outside visitors, as the otherwise distinguished publisher, U.S. ambassador, and THE ARTIST philanthropist would be dressed in a golf shirt, slacks, and a conservative The artistic process can be, depending on the artist, fraught with a variety blazer, attire specifically chosen so he could slip in and out of his choir robe of physical and psychological challenges and any number of creative land with ease. For each sitting, Annenberg brought the robe freshly pressed in mines. Unlike many artists who struggle for recognition they never receive a hanging garment bag. or only posthumously, Andrew Wyeth was unique in the art world: He

29 CARLOS ALEJANDRO CARLOS CARLOS ALEJANDRO CARLOS

THE ARTIST’S STUDIO Top: A glimpse into Andrew Wyeth’s studio at The Mill. Left: Andrew Wyeth stands alongside Tenant Farmer in his studio, circa 1961; the painting currently hangs at the Delaware Art Museum. Above: Sign on the door to Wyeth’s studio warns autograph seekers not to interrupt the artist at work. CHRISTIAN C. SANDERSON MUSEUM, CHADDS FORD, PA. Unlike many artists who struggle for recognition they never receive or only posthumously, Andrew Wyeth was unique in the art world: He was both respected and popular during his lifetime.

was both respected and popular during his lifetime. Wyeth described his pools. Tempera’s more the quality of the walls of this room, or a own vulnerability: hornet’s nest, or a beehive — almost a dusty beauty … it takes a great deal of patience to build up the weight of the thing. You just The most difficult thing, of course, is to keep up the white heat of can’t do it as you can with watercolor — in one stroke. It’s too thin. excitement after you’ve started. After all, a painting in tempera takes a long time. First, I work it as you would a watercolor and THE ENDURING ART then carry it on into depth, and that’s where the real struggle In 1980, Annenberg’s portrait made its public debut at the Royal Academy comes in — to retain that original fire and yet work simplicity and of Arts in London. The retrospective show of 61 Wyeth paintings was the power into the painting without it being just cleverness. I mean painter’s first major European exhibition. This was also the first exhibition really getting the meat of it. I think that’s the most difficult thing. by a living American artist ever held at the academy. The Annenbergs lent two paintings to the academy exhibition. A second Wyeth in their The artist later stated that he never showed anything that was a work in collection, The Mill, 1962, is an important work depicting a favorite progress. “No one knows what I’m doing,” he said. “When I’ve got a thing subject, Wyeth’s Chadds Ford home in winter. In 2007, Leonore donated under way, my wife comes in the studio, but I don’t let anyone else see it. The Mill to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Annenberg’s portrait also When a lot of people see my work, to me it’s like a curtain coming down. It appeared in 1989 at the Philadelphia Museum of Art as a frontispiece to stops all spontaneity. I always want to be able to rub the whole picture out, to an exhibition of the Annenbergs’ Impressionist and Post-Impressionist feel free to get rid of it. But if someone breaks into the studio and says, ‘I love art collection. this,’ then you become hesitant, paint around what they like, and save it.” Wyeth and Annenberg shared many commonalities, not the least of For Wyeth’s haunting portrait of Annenberg, he used his signature which was their significant contributions to American art history. In fact, medium: egg tempera on masonite board. Wyeth learned this favored an accolade these friends shared was the honor of being a recipient of the combination from Peter Hurd, his brother-in-law. “He taught me National Medal of Arts; Annenberg in 1993 and Wyeth in 2007. The former everything I know technically about the medium: mixing the emulsion passed away in 2002 and the latter in 2009. and adding the dry pigments.” He liked to paint in a similar fashion as As for the recent watercolor discovered in the Sunnylands archives, the Florentines, on pressed wood, or masonite panels. But unlike the once the painting is indexed, assigned a museum object ID number, Florentines, whose works ultimately cracked, Wyeth coated his boards and stored with conservation in mind, the existence of this lovely little with four or five coats of gesso, a mixture of Permalba, and gelatin glue watercolor will be shared with Wyeth curators and historians. It will before sanding. Of the process, Wyeth said: be an exciting day for those who have interest in the record of Andrew Wyeth’s work. Unbeknownst until now to anyone except, of course, the The tempera itself, the pigment, takes about six months to dry, Annenbergs themselves, there are now three original Andrew Wyeth so that its adhesion to the coated panel, as you can imagine, is works at Sunnylands, the most significant, of course, being the portrait of really tough. You know the way egg sticks on a plate if you leave Walter Annenberg. R/M it for a while? Well, that’s why we use it, except that the egg color disappears. It’s a remarkable medium. Not for everyone, of course. ANNE ROWE is the author of The Pleasure of Your Company: I wouldn’t call the medium particularly suitable for the black that Entertaining at Sunnylands. She is also the director of collections and say, Jackson Pollock or Rembrandt gets, which is like looking into exhibitions at The Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands.

31 A

SEAN AND DIANA CRANOR Diana is wearing Winter Solstice pencil skirt by Clover Canyon, $220, and leather jersey top by Bailey 44, $156; both available at Saks Fifth Avenue in Palm Desert. Sean is wearing a plaid jacket by Absolute Rebellion, $225, and a patterned shirt, $165; both available by Don Vincent Menswear in Palm Desert.

Camera West 70177 Highway 111, #100 760-992-5422 www.CameraWest.com

32 South by Camera West

Rancho Mirage becomes a destination for CAMERA AFICIONADOS, thanks to a Northern California couple who set down roots here.

by CHRISTIAN GULLIKSEN / photography by MARC ROYCE / styled by SUSAN STEIN hair and makeup by JOY FIELDS OF J. RUSSELL! THE SALON A FTER ESTABLISHING CAMERA WEST AS THE BAY AREA’S The typical Leica buyer used to be a successful man in his 50s who premier resource for high-end photographic equipment, Sean and Diana wanted the best of everything. However, that’s changing. More women Cranor set their sights on Southern California. But opening a new shop are buying high-end cameras, and the demographic has expanded in one of the obvious contenders — Los Angeles and San Diego — didn’t to include younger customers. There are still two basic reasons, feel like the right ﬁt. That’s when a weekend getaway to Rancho Mirage though, that buyers invest in a Leica. “Some people buy because it’s a inspired a mutual epiphany. “One night after a bottle of wine, we said, mechanically beautiful item,” Diana says. “Other people love to shoot ‘Wait! We love this place. Why don’t we open a shop here?’” Diana recalls. and want the right tool for the job.” Plans for a Rancho Mirage store progressed during the couple’s frequent The Cranors met when Diana gave a commission to Sean, then a trips to Europe. While in France, they received a portfolio of properties working photographer, who had actually set out to become a lawyer from their real estate agent in California. “It looked so exotic after being in when he entered college 25 years ago but turned to his first love, Paris,” Diana says. “We were excited about being in the desert!” photography, instead. The couple’s shared love for all things shutter The Cranors chose to locate their new Camera West store in a continues to blur the line between their personal and professional former architectural studio on Highway 111, away from ordinary retail lives. “How do we relax?” Diana asks. “We sell cameras! We both environments. This lends itself to a customer experience no one would put in a lot of time, we like to work, and we enjoy what we do. It isn’t describe as ordinary or retail. “We get close to clientele,” Sean says. drudgery.” But that doesn’t mean there isn’t time for friends when “They’ll come in and we’ll have coffee, a glass of wine, some Champagne, the store closes in the evening. The pair enjoys entertaining at home, like friends.” where Diana cooks Italian but Sean’s French cuisine takes center stage. The couple enjoys a special relationship with the Leica brand. Camera “Sean is a superb chef,” Diana says. “His food is incredibly complex and West stores in Walnut Creek and Rancho Mirage both contain Leica incredibly delicious.” boutiques, and the Cranors recently opened a dedicated Leica shop Also pleasing to the senses of the Cranors’ guests is a photographic in San Francisco. “We’re probably their largest distributor in North collection that includes original work by Ruth Bernhard, Ansel Adams, America,” Diana notes. Edward Weston, and Imogen Cunningham. Not on display in Rancho Camera West doesn’t, however, limit itself to new products. With his Mirage is one of Diana’s recent purchases: a Peter Turnley that will widespread reputation and network, Sean has also become an invaluable stay at the couple’s San Francisco pied-à-terre until their newest store resource for collectors of vintage cameras. In fact, it’s not unusual for requires less hands-on attention. clients from around the world to arrive in corporate jets when they hear No matter where life takes the Cranors, though, the pull of the desert he has a rare Leica. “We learn what it is clients are most interested in,” always remains. “Our true home is Rancho Mirage,” concludes Diana. Sean says. “I’ll have a special piece come in and call a customer to say I just “We come here whenever possible.” Sean concurs. “Quality of life is acquired a 135 Hektor in gray paint made in 1941 for the German army.” probably the deﬁning factor — it’s why everyone lives here.” R/M

33 4

34 Sean and Diana Cranor continue to share their love of photography outside their store, Camera West. This page: Sean’s camera of choice these days is the Leica M (Type 240) digital camera with a vintage 75mm1.4 Summilux lens. Opposite: Diana surrounded by some of the couple’s favorite books and prized photographs.

35 forty-six 36 WHY BUY A LEICA? According to Sean Cranor, who owns Camera West with his wife Diana, the greatest selling point is handcrafted precision. “You can sit a Leica on the table and it’s beautiful to behold. You can hold it and feel the quality. Or use it as the tool it’s designed for — it makes incredible images that leap off the page. They have a look all their own.” Like a good wristwatch or a ﬁne-sounding motorcycle, he explains, a Leica simply does what it does better than anything else.

The German manufacturer is celebrating its 100th anniversary, a century of technological excellence that includes selling the ﬁrst 35 mm camera to achieve commercial success. The company also has the historical distinction of having saved as many as 300 lives during the Holocaust by assigning Jewish employees to its overseas sales offices.

While new Leicas don’t come cheaply, most buyers will ﬁnd that they aren’t out of reach. Expect to pay around $700 for an entry-level model. Prices escalate quickly, though, and a stainless steel model built in limited numbers to commemorate Leica’s 100th anniversary retailed for $55,000. Prices for vintage Leicas tend to range from $300 to $30,000 — one 1923 example, however, fetched $2.8 million at auction in 2012. — C.G.

37 38 Sean and Diana Cranor enjoy some private time at their home in Rancho Mirage. “We love the light at dusk, especially here in the desert,” Diana says. 39 The House That Roberge Built

A RAMMED-EARTH HOME in Rancho Mirage reﬂects the creativity of its owner. photography by GEORGE GUTENBERG

40 Denise Roberge T HARVEY MILLICENT HIRTEEN YEARS AGO, LOCAL ART CURATOR AND JEWELRY DESIGNER Denise Roberge set out to build a desert sanctuary. For her, it all started with four basic essentials: A great city to build it in. A great architect. A great team of about 40 artisans, craftsmen, and tradesmen. And, ﬁnally, a very good dirt broker. All of these conditions came together in 2002 when Roberge teamed with local architect Jim McIntosh on a year-long project to build a four-building, rammed-earth compound on 1.5 acres of scruffy Rancho Mirage horse property. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have a little attitude either, one that dares to push boundaries and is open to experimentation.

HEAVEN IS A PLACE ON EARTH Inspiration for the home was born out of a trip Roberge took to Portugal. There, she became determined to re-create the look and feel of that country’s centuries-old castles, providing an artistic environment that would also reflect her antiquarian interests. “We tried to make the home look like it was an old castle that had fallen apart but had been restored,” Roberge explains. McIntosh, founder of the Palm Desert firm JMA Architecture, ultimately settled on rammed-earth construction, one of the world’s oldest forms of architecture, because “it feels solid, looks old naturally, and it’s honest without conventional framing and faux finishes.” The end result is a testament to the power of artistic collaboration. “All of the tradespeople involved had to perform their responsibilities in a new way,” McIntosh notes. “Everyone had to be creative and solve problems. There was a wonderfully unique feeling of shared craftsmanship; each person really applied their trades in ways they aren’t normally called to do. It was great to see creativity happen.” Approaching the home today, visitors first take note of the property’s rammed-earth perimeter wall, a sort of Alice in Wonderland of books, etched with a reader’s delight of 6-foot-tall book bindings, complete with titles. Through a narrow gatehouse entry, the 5,000-square-foot main house stands at the end of a long, circular driveway that creates a sense of arrival — and a transition into another realm. The prelude of verdant lawn, mature citrus and eucalyptus trees, and a lagoon-like saltwater pool featuring a swim-up bar with underwater barstools pays off with the surprise and delight of the main house. COME ON-A MY HOUSE The home’s entrance is flanked by two antique windows that Roberge sourced from London. “Stores used to advertise their wares by painting the products on their windows,” Roberge says. These two are advertisements for black and white shoe polish. Inside, the home’s interior was designed without a particular style in mind, decorating with finds Roberge discovered in local consignment shops when the new furnishings she ordered did not suit the home’s earthy construction. The aesthetic can perhaps best be described as a “contemporary territorial style,” artfully combining design elements of Victorian, modern, and pueblo. “I just brought together things that I liked,” Roberge says. “We decorated with items sourced from secondhand stores because I ordered a lot of new furniture and nothing worked, so I had to regroup in my decorating.” In addition to no finishes, the home contains no drywall — just the natural texture and elegance of compacted earth. “We wanted the fireplace to look like volcanic rock,” Roberge says. “The crew applied the rammed earth, and three of us spent three hours carving it away with spatulas before it dried to give the fireplace a rocky appearance.” The result is a spacious haven framed in beamed ceilings, carved surfaces, and stone detailing. A skylight runs down the center ridge of the roof, allowing natural light to spill softly into the interior while the solid earth walls, as much as 4 feet thick in some places, prevent the desert sun from overheating the house. Stained-glass windows enliven the space with color and bring additional light to the room, providing the feel of a medieval chapel. In all, the home contains 51 painted- and stained-glass windows, all imported from Belgium and England. Other noteworthy accents in the grand room include the hand-painted ceiling murals, an original design by a local artist depicting magnolias.

RED, RED WINE Thick, stone-like walls with natural cracks and stained- glass windows imported from Belgium provide the home with the look, color, and feel of an old European castle. Floors throughout are made from rammed earth as well, naturally stained with red wine. (“Great for when guests spill wine at parties,” Roberge says.) Further adding to the eclectic ambiance is a corrugated tin ceiling that has been rusted to look old, lending a countrified edge. “This room reminds me of the movement from old to new,” says Roberge, who uses this space primarily for holiday feasts. The room is one of the few places in the house where the walls received some paint. “I wanted some feature on the ceiling that looked old but had some brightness behind it,” Roberge says. To achieve this, she first painted the upper wall in dark brown, then applied silver leaf over it, and finished with an application of a raw umber wash.

45 WHERE THE LIVING IS EASY “Guests love the family room, because it is less formal and they feel free to go in and out of the kitchen as they wish,” Roberge says, who is known to bring her cockatiels Poopsie and Rosie into the home to join the fun. Most of her entertaining takes place here, where there is always a fire flickering in the fireplace on cool desert nights or open-air access to the outdoors on warm early-summer evenings. The space also offers a wine storage area, another one of the home’s more remarkable features. During construction, bottle-sized cylinders were placed into the wall while it was being shaped, leaving spaces when removed for wine bottles to slide into the cool stone. “It looks like a huge swallow’s nest,” McIntosh says. “The way the bottle necks protrude looks like birds’ heads sticking out.”

46 47 4

48 SWEET DREAMS ARE MADE OF THIS A rotunda library in the living room leads to the master bedroom, serving as the closest thing to a passage space in the home. “I didn’t want any hallways in the home,” Roberge says. “I wanted the space to ﬂow, without disconnections.” Here, Roberge, who is an avid reader, keeps her eclectic collection of novels and books on a variety of subjects ranging from history to politics to art to novels. Her favorite room in the house is the master bedroom, which opens to a patio with an outdoor ﬁreplace, the swimming pool, and courtyard. “Every morning I get up and just say, ‘Wow,’” she says. “The light changes throughout the day, but midmorning is my favorite time of day.” On the bedroom’s ceiling, Roberge installed a tasteful blend of leather and barbed wire, creating a masculine cowboy aesthetic. The look is balanced with the addition of a cowhide bench and surreal works of art featuring beautiful women and is further softened by the inclusion of candles and ruffled bedding. “The idea is leather, barbwire, and lace,” Roberge says.

49 50 TAKE ME TO THE WATER The classic elements — earth, water, air, and ﬁre — come together in this bathing sanctuary located immediately off the main bedroom. Here, Roberge allows the lace theme to continue too. “We couldn’t put a normal bathtub in because it would look like we didn’t think it through,” Roberge says. She and McIntosh solved the problem by pouring concrete around the tub and carefully embedding lace around its edges just before it dried. “You can see we didn’t get it perfect, but that’s what make it interesting.” The addition of a ﬁreplace, a walk- in rotunda shower, and original artwork completes the rustic yet feminine look. R/M

51 The idea was to create the footprint of a great estate, with a series of modern high-rise buildings clustered on a 25-acre island surrounded by another 25 acres of lake. GEORGE GUTENBERG GEORGE

52 High Living at Desert Island

The Coachella Valley’s best-kept secret features verdant open space, a lake, and a colorful history in ... yachting.

by SHEILA GRATTAN H ERE’S A LITTLE-KNOWN FACT: RANCHO MIRAGE “The homeowners got the idea to have a formal yacht club for lake contains a desert island. Perhaps more spectacular still is that the man- activities,” he says. “With some pull, they somehow managed to obtain a made lake surrounding the island once served as the site of yacht club real charter until eventually they were found out.” regattas, replete with commodores and captains in full yachting regalia — The erstwhile Rancho Mirage commodores, Shuey says, started out white slacks, gold-buttoned navy blue jackets with epaulets, and captain’s with about 50 people and grew from there. Over the years, the regattas caps adorned with insignia, gold braids, and patent leather visors. graduated to paddle-boat races and the yacht club members supplied But the “yachts” were a wee bit small, and instead of bowing to the barbecue and hot dogs for attending Desert Island residents. wind, the vessels responded to remote-control radios. Indeed, despite As the boat races gradually went to permanent dry dock, members the bungee flag and strict bylaws, the yacht club’s official charter would began a new tradition: an elaborate fishing derby for their grandchildren, ultimately be revoked once the sanctioning authority, unamused, found with Shuey serving as the formal emcee. The event, naturally, came with out that the club’s members were remote-control boating hobbyists. another set of strict rules: Children had to cast from shore and have all Memories of the Desert Island Yacht Club delight Steven Shuey, catches meticulously measured and weighed. The children were also who worked at Desert Island Golf and Country Club from 1975 to 2008. required to release their largemouth bass catches back to the desert deep. “Back in the day, homeowners from the Pacific Northwest and Newport The concept of an island in the desert was born in 1970, during a time Beach came from boating backgrounds,” Shuey recalls of the residents when the area was little more than vast, undeveloped desert carrying the who yachted for real at their primary homes in the summer and play- sounds of crowing roosters from a nearby family farm. Developer Winmar yachted in the winter months at their desert homes in Rancho Mirage. of the Desert, a subsidiary of Seattle insurance giant Safeco, entered into

53 54 ARCHIVES

PALM SPRINGS LIFE SPRINGS PALM ALL PHOTOS FROM THE

FROM THE ARCHIVES Clockwise from opposite top left: Desert Island under construction, 1971; golﬁng at Desert Island, early 1970s; Desert Island Yacht Club boats going in the water; Desert Island Yacht Club members; the Club House; the Desmond Muirhead plan for the golf course; a model of the residences; sailing on the lake; and the residences under construction. GEORGE GUTENBERG GEORGE

56 a lease with land speculator L.L. “Red” Oaks, who had cobbled together president of the Men’s Club. A retired Contra Costa County developer, several pieces of undeveloped land — totaling 160 square acres — down the Garrow was crazy about toy trains and outfitted his terrace with a junction road from Frank Sinatra’s desert compound and across the street from the that included 32 trains, all synchronized to operate simultaneously. Before 200-acre Annenberg estate, Sunnylands. long, he and his wife, Belle, were entertaining other residents on their The idea was to create the footprint of a great estate, with a series of terrace, which they had dubbed “party central.” modern high-rise buildings clustered on a 25-acre island surrounded by In February 1977, another resident, Dr. George Phelps, hosted a another 25 acres of lake. The lake itself would also be surrounded, by an wild-game stag party at the clubhouse, supplying a feast of chukars, venison, outer band of 110 acres of landscaped grounds and an 18-acre golf course wild duck, and antelope, which the chef prepared “with loving care, for the with towering trees. Winmar rightfully believed there was an overlooked everlasting gustatory memories of the 90-odd appreciative” members. The housing market for urban snowbirds, particularly those from the Pacific next year, another resident hunter, Virg Austreng, contributed wild game. Northwest and East Coast, who were not only acclimated to high-rise Though it was always fun, the residents weren’t always playing around living but insisted on it. For them, living several stories above ground felt — sometimes their activities ventured into altruism. Such was the case safer and more luxurious. They also appreciated having access to a trusted in 1973, when Garrow organized the community’s Five Star Classic staff to keep everything in tiptop shape and the type of high security that fundraising drive to help build Eisenhower Medical Center’s first surgical comes with having a lake that pulls double duty as a moat. In addition pavilion, located nearby on Bob Hope Drive. After encouraging his Desert to 24-hour surveillance, a sole bridge crossing is the only way to access Island pals to pledge $1 million, Garrow received an overwhelming Desert Island’s three residential towers. response, raising $1.6 million toward the effort. In total, the company built 226 units in three towers, one at five Though yacht commodores, train engineers, and wild-game hunters stories and two at seven. “A number of snowbirds purchased multiple may no longer set the agenda at Desert Island, it’s still a great place to live condominiums so that each of their grown children and their families and play. Today, Desert Island Golf and Country Club exists as a private could stay in their own place during the season,” recalls longtime on-site equity club. In 1981, 220 residents purchased the clubhouse and golf course Desert Island broker Debra Manning. “One lady bought an extra from Winmar for $2.5 million. Three years later, the members purchased condominium and left it empty; her estate didn’t discover it for 10 years.” the remaining land for $1.2 million. Considering the economic climate of the 1970s, it’s fairly easy to Golf professional Carol Gatherum says many of the newest golf club understand why many members bought units in bulk. The country was in members are younger, and they join just so they can play the mature a scary inflationary cycle, and interest rates peaked at about 12.9 percent. Desmond Muirhead course. They live in nearby homes outside the Most units sold for less than $40,000, while top-floor penthouses, which community and “hop on over in their golf carts.” It is one of the rare desert today sell for upward of $1.5 million, ranged between $60,000 to $100,000. courses whose design is independent of the residences, and one golfers All residences — penthouses and condos alike — offered large terraces and often elect to walk. spectacular views of the desert, mountains, and golf course. “It’s like living in a castle with a moat,” says Stuart Anderson, the warm Renowned golf course architect Desmond Muirhead completed the and folksy entrepreneurial cowboy who built the Black Angus restaurant course in 1971. Gloriously absent of housing and dotted with mature trees, chain. He and his wife, Helen, love the community and its proximity to the Desert Island fairways continue to provide an open, pastoral feeling Eisenhower Medical Center, but they especially enjoy the west-facing today, with residences clustered on the island. The community is in fact terrace, where Stuart likes to soak in the vistas of the sun setting behind mostly open space and even includes a nature preserve containing fish, the San Jacinto Mountains while sipping a dry gin martini. “We have bunnies, egrets, herons, cormorants, and swans, so it is little wonder that beautiful unobstructed views of sunrise and sunset from 2,000 square feet scores of people drive by the Coachella Valley’s only high-rise residences of terrace on both sides of our condominium,” Helen adds. every day and never even realize it, earning the community a reputation Michael Childers, famous for his celebrity and fashion photo portraits, among its members as the desert’s best-kept secret. Given today’s land echoes this sentiment when he says he was lured to the property for the values and the extraordinary amount of set-back space required to make peace, security, and beauty of the grounds. His dogs — two Cavalier King tall buildings disappear visually, such a development will likely never be Charles spaniels and a Bedlington terrier — also enjoy the grounds, with duplicated here again. its stocked lake, bunnies, swans, and a private dog park tucked behind As for Desert Island’s playful spirit, we can trace that back to the the tennis courts. Indeed, a faraway world from the arid landscape that community’s first 10 resident couples. Bragdon Garrow was the first occupied this space just 35 years ago. R/M

57 Set Your Sites

Under the wing of skilled event planners, four RANCHO MIRAGE RESORTS orchestrate special occasions that satisfy whims and exceed expectations. by LISA MARIE HART

Masters Plaza

58 Resorts

Celebrity Ballroom

RANCHO MIRAGE ALLURES AS THE WESTIN MISSION HILLS GOLF RESORT & SPA a serene and sophisticated destination Located next door to the Mission Hills Country Italian-themed Pinzimini Restaurant is a favorite within a destination. Here, beautiful Club, home of the LPGA Tour (formerly known choice among brides and grooms. events — from bar mitzvahs to as the Kraft Nabisco Championship and now the The Masters Plaza, surrounded by palm trees ANA Inspiration), this Rancho Mirage resort and sparkling with illumination from thousands of weddings — take shape with ﬁ nesse, spa is the destination of choice for many of golf’s twinkle lights and sweeping views of the Pete Dye exuding grand importance on even most iconic players. But the calendar doesn’t have Golf Course and San Jacinto Mountains, provides the smallest detail. Venues include to say “April” for the Westin to be a sought-after a spectacular setting for outdoor receptions and inspired meeting spaces, pristine hot spot for a swinging good time. dinners. Private terraces with panoramic views, lawns, and glittering ballrooms — even In addition to 512 spacious guest rooms and picturesque courtyards, and lush green spaces a 2,000-seat theater. And because no suites, The Westin Mission Hills off ers more provide other options for outdoor events. special occasion is complete without than 40 distinct event spaces. “Flexibility and Or take to the resort’s driving range, which proximity of meeting spaces allow event planners can easily transform into a cool garden party or pre- and post-event leisure activities, the ability to keep their group in the same area of a spirited carnival-themed celebration, complete each property off ers its own brand the hotel,” says Klint Kolbu, Director of Catering with a Ferris wheel and hot air balloon! of amenities, including on-site golf, & Event Management. Kolbu notes that requests Any one of the resort’s three pools (one features tennis, spa, dining, shopping, gambling, for “green meetings” are also happily honored. a 60-foot waterslide) is great for outdoor family a sandy beach and water park, even Another feature event planners love is the events, while the two championship courses “drive-in” movies on the greens. Recent 17,325-square-foot Celebrity Ballroom that can appeal to pros and weekend golfers alike. The welcome up to 1,280 guests for a banquet dinner Spa is a welcome place to relax after a day on renovations and ongoing upgrades or up to 1,800 guests in theater style. The resort’s the tennis and volleyball courts or along the across the board uphold the city’s smaller ballrooms are ideal for hosting product property’s jogging and biking paths. A nightcap by reputation as a sparkling oasis of launches, fundraisers, and anniversary dinners. the Fireside Lounge’s ﬁ re pit rounds out the day panoramic mountain backdrops and Popular for bridal parties are the resort’s three at The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa. time-tested class and charm. hospitality suites. For rehearsal dinners, the 760-328-5955; www.WestinMissionHills.com

59 Sunset Suite

The Show sixty-four 60 Cahuilla Ballroom

AGUA CALIENTE CASINO RESORT SPA Behind the scenes, staff members are hands-on from setup to breakdown A midvalley location and an eager staff poised to cater to any vision are to ensure a seamless production. the hallmarks of this around-the-clock resort. Since its opening in 2008, For arriving guests, clients can count on the resort’s complimentary Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa has been the go-to venue for some of valet service. Other features include all-area free Wi-Fi, a built-in sound the area’s biggest red carpet galas, among them the annual American system, and a suite of audio and visual equipment. Gilbert says that Advertising Awards, the Palm Springs Women in Film & Television Broken without the need for an outside vendor, clients can save up to 50 percent on Glass Awards, and a variety of fashion fêtes staged by the Rancho Mirage their event. Woman’s Club. Outdoor spaces include a picturesque lawn setting that stays “Our answer is always yes,” says banquet manager Rick Gilbert, reciting evergreen, thanks to realistically lush synthetic turf that is kind to the 340-room resort’s approach to over-the-top requests. This sort of high heels. Indoors, meeting spaces gleam with artful Italian glass wall above-and-beyond approach, combined with 10,000 square feet of event sconces and modern, tiered-crystal chandeliers that glow on dimmers. space and Agua Caliente’s one-stop-shopping philosophy, has helped the Available for intimate receptions and dinners is the exclusive Sunset resort earn a coveted AAA Four Diamond Award every year since 2010. Suite with an adjoining terrace, while the Cahuilla Ballroom greets By request, Gilbert, a trained performer with more than 20 musicals attendees with a lighted 64-foot runway. For exceptionally large events and live shows under his belt, will perform an entertaining presentation of (up to 2,000), The Show theater is available for booking. 760-321-2000; the featured meal. He calls this quick live skit “Touring the Dinner Menu.” www.HotWaterCasino.com

61 The Point

The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom sixty-eight 62 Resorts

The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom Terrace

THE RITZ-CARLTON, RANCHO MIRAGE wood paneling in the restored Gerald Ford Boardroom. This stately retreat From its cradled hilltop perch off Frank Sinatra Drive, The Ritz-Carlton, leads down to the garage for discreet access. In the Mission Hills Room, Rancho Mirage promises easygoing refinement. The 244-room stunner execs can scribble right on the glass walls with marker pens. Simply take a embodies the pinnacle of desert chic, complete with three swimming photo with your cellphone and email your notes back to work — no bulky pools, a luxurious full-service spa, and a recently opened steakhouse paper flip charts required. called The Edge, which looks out to the whole of Rancho Mirage and From product launches to think tanks, events receive a signature spin. Greater Palm Springs. For example, instead of a typical lunch break where everyone runs off Special occasions emphasize tailor-fit details in breathtaking to check email, the resort can arrange a fun cooking class that further environments. The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom adjoins a terrace where guests engages guests, says Anne Marie Whelan, the resort’s director of sales can gather over cocktails to admire the swath of mountains. The wedding- and marketing. ready Vista Lawn faces a serenity pool backed by broad desert panoramas. The Ritz-Carlton team maintains a cool air that is professional Two private restaurant dining areas, a second lawn, and intimate al fresco yet relaxed. Here, guests’ comfort is the resort’s highest mission and locations allow hosts to curate a multifaceted affair. effortless execution is a given. Whether you are an event planner Corporate clients love the resort for its polish and personality. They or a guest, one thing is certain: You will feel spoiled. 760-321-8282; delight at the bit of tradition that remains in place, as seen in the original www.RitzCarlton.com/ranchomirage

63 HGTV Valencia Suite

sixty-two Las Palmas Lawn 64 Resort Plaza

OMNI RANCHO LAS PALMAS RESORT & SPA clients had recently arranged. And with several HGTV-designed This highly romantic Spanish Colonial–style resort offers as much to do Grand Suites, the spa has become a favorite for executive retreats as well. on-site as it does nearby. Located just across Highway 111, it is in proximity European in flavor and function, the resort plaza is a perfect venue for of The River, a shopping, dining, and entertainment complex. The resort’s gatherings. Outfitted with fire pits and cozy seating and offering live music, true magic, however, lies in its intimate feel, despite its sprawling, 240- the space is designed for connecting with colleagues, family, or friends. For acre footprint. Here, guests are treated to natural scenery, including birthdays and other festive occasions, the Spanish courtyard rounds out the Las Palmas Lawn — a lush setting ideal for a wedding or social dining the open-air options with its 1,000-capacity Starlight Terrace, providing events. The 27-hole Ted Robinson–designed golf course offers another 360-degree mountain views. For events requiring less space, consider verdant option, where betrothed couples and corporate execs alike find it the courtyard’s 300-capacity Sunrise Terrace, which looks out to the golf hard to choose between the vast expanse of the fifth fairway and the pond- course and lake. and-waterfall backdrop along the sixth tee box. For more casual fairway For business meetings, the recently renovated Fairway Conference events, the resort offers seasonal “drive-in” movie events, where guests Center houses a cluster of meeting spaces, reflecting an energized color can drive up in golf carts and munch on popcorn while a film unfolds on a palette and an unexpected mix of modern and traditionally elegant giant screen. artwork and furnishings. Also located here is the Las Palmas Ballroom’s For wedding parties, bridal showers, and girlfriend soirées, consider pre-function space, a favored venue for business meetings. the courtyard cabanas at the spa. Stefanie Paquette, the resort’s event Other amenities include tennis, a spa and salon, great boutiques, planner, can arrange for tables, comfortable lounge seating, and flowing wonderful restaurants, and the Splashtopia water park, where kids draperies that provide privacy as well as a light and airy mood. The spa can frolic on a sandy beach while adults cool off in the “lazy river.” also offers a cozy setting for popping the question, as one of Paquette’s 760-568-2727; www.RanchoLasPalmas.com

65 Spa Escapes

Whether it’s to relax overworked muscles, refresh the senses, or calm the spirit, a RANCHO MIRAGE resort has just the right treatment for you.

by CAROLYN PATTEN

Balancing Shirodhara

at the Sunstone Spa THINKSTOCKPHOTO.COM

66 Spa THINKSTOCKPHOTO.COM

WITH BLUE SKIES hovering above mountain views, 75-degree winter days, and world-class golf and tennis, there’s a reason why Rancho Mirage is called an oasis of gracious living. That experience is made even more so by our community’s four luxury resorts, whose spas are known for their transformative treatments, exclusive face and body products, and facilities designed to create a sense of relaxation and serenity. Each spa offers a signature massage, a ﬁne choice for a “me time” pampering service whose effects will linger for days.

BALANCING SHIRODHARA at the Sunstone Spa originates from the ancient East Indian medical system of ayurveda (science of life). The practice originated in India about 3,000 to 5,000 years ago and is one of that country’s traditional healthcare systems, aimed at restoring balance between mind and body. In this Sunstone treatment, traditional herbal- infused oils are applied to the body and left to absorb during a gentle face, neck, and scalp massage. The treatment ﬁnishes with a deep state of relaxation induced by a soft, continuous stream of warm aromatic oil poured gently on the forehead, creating a balanced state of awareness and physical peace. Shirodhara is said to be useful in dissipating headaches, hyperten- sion, and stress. 50 minutes, $130; 80 minutes, $190

SUNSTONE SPA Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa 32250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage 760-202-2121 www.HotWaterCasino.com

THE SPIRIT OF THE MOUNTAINS body ritual at The Ritz- Carlton, Rancho Mirage calms the mind and body through a soothing sequence of indoor and outdoor experiences, thanks to treatment rooms featuring private outdoor showers and terraces. Inspired by ancient healing traditions, the treatment begins with a fragrant body exfoliation using natural mineral salts and such desert botanicals as prickly pear, arnica, and fresh lavender, followed by a luxuriant shower outdoors. An expert massage that includes the healing properties of warm stones and lavender oil follows and is completed with a scalp massage and body wrap. The entire experience aims to relax, hydrate, and restore. With a signature focus on indoor-outdoor wellness, the newly built 25,000-square-foot spa also includes an al fresco coed whirlpool and relaxation area with a waterfall and mountain vistas. 110 minutes, $325

THE RITZ-CARLTON, RANCHO MIRAGE 68900 Frank Sinatra Drive, Rancho Mirage

The indoor-outdoor treatment suite at 760-321-8282 The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage Spa www.RitzCarlton.com/ranchomirage Spa Las Palmas, Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa

68 The Spa at Westin Mission Hills

RANCHO SPORTS CONDITIONING MASSAGE at HAWAIIAN LOMI LOMI at The Spa at Mission Hills draws on the Spa Las Palmas is designed to help athletes — and weekend warriors — ancient Hawaiian view of energy flow. This sees the physical, mental, prepare their bodies for optimal performance, recover after a big event, emotional, and spiritual realms as related aspects of a “whole self,” so and function well during training. This treatment begins with a massage that healing in one realm has a healing effect on the others. Lomi Lomi oil infused with your choice of one of the spa’s three signature essences: uses the therapist’s expertise to remove energy blockages and open new lavender for relaxation, citrus for re-energizing, and arnica to relieve sore pathways for the body’s energy. The free-flowing strokes have many of muscles. During the massage, an herbal pillow is placed over your eyes and the same benefits of traditional Swedish massage, including improved warm towels are wrapped around your feet. This helps to relax, ground, circulation and immune response, increased range of motion and flex- and center your energy. Swedish massage, along with targeted deeper work ibility, improved posture, faster healing, slower heart rate and lower to address tight flexor muscles or trigger points, aims to improve range blood pressure. This holistic approach aims to rejuvenate mind, body, of motion and keep you in the flow. The overall experience acts to ease and spirit, bringing you into greater harmony with your own body and muscle tension and inflammation after activity and helps loosen muscles. the world around you. 50 minutes $140, 80 minutes $200 50 minutes $145, 80 minutes $200 THE SPA AT MISSION HILLS SPA LAS PALMAS Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa 71333 Dinah Shore Drive, Rancho Mirage 41000 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage 760-770-2180 760-568-2727 www.SpaAtMissionHills.com www.RanchoLasPalmas.com

69 Palate Pleasers

MEET THE GASTRONOMIC TASTEMAKERS behind some of Rancho Mirage’s best food and drink. And for good measure, they share their favorite recipes too. by SHEILA GIBSON STOODLEY / photography by JON EDWARDS

seventy-four 70 Dining

FRENCH TOAST BREAD PUDDING Executive Chef Serves four This decadent dish off the State Fare Bar + Kitchen menu is one of Chef Bruno Lopez’s most popular Bruno Lopez breakfast items. Now you can make it at home. State Fare Bar + Kitchen, 1 pint fresh blueberries, 1/4 reserved for garnish 2 cups sugar The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage 1 cup butter 1 teaspoon salt 12 eggs, beaten IT WAS THE BOY SCOUTS, of all things, that spurred Bruno Lopez to learn to cook at age 14. 1 1/3 cups milk Though he and his fellow Scouts were French, only he was motivated enough to badger his 1/3 cup apricot compote, jarred or homemade 1/3 cup crème fraîche mother for pointers on improving the campsite grub. “She gave me tips I was able to use 1/3 cup maple syrup over a ﬁre outdoors. I became the cook for the rest of my time as a Boy Scout, and I began 6 slices brioche, cut in half to make rectangles my vocation right there,” he says with a laugh. “I did a four-course dinner for those guys. I 1/2 cup crème fraîche brought my mom’s paella dish for the troop and did it over the ﬁre. I never looked back.” 1/2 cup whipping cream 1 tablespoon simple syrup What about Rancho Mirage attracts you? It’s very relaxing, and everybody is friendly. It’s like a village or a little city where everyone 1. Chill a whipping bowl and whisk attachment in knows everyone. It’s very enjoyable. freezer for 10 minutes. These will be used later to make the whipped crème fraîche.

What is your favorite ingredient to work with and why? 2. Combine 3/4 pint fresh blueberries with I really enjoyed cooking foie gras in the past, but I cannot do it anymore since it’s been 1/3 cup apricot compote to make blueberry-apricot outlawed in California. I miss foie gras a lot. And I really enjoy cooking scallops, because compote. Set aside. they’re so delicate and sweet. You can have so many combinations and it’s difficult to mess up. 3. Make caramel sauce by melting butter over You always have great results with scallops. medium heat. Add sugar and stir until it dissolves. Reduce heat to low and stir frequently to ensure Describe your cooking philosophy. even cooking. The butter will separate, but the Seventy-ﬁve percent of the success of a dish comes from the main products that you use. If I sauce will eventually bring everything back get a beautiful Maine lobster that’s just been poached in a court bouillon (a spiced, aromatic together. Cook until the caramel is copper colored.

stock ideal for shellﬁsh) and served with homemade aioli or mayonnaise, it will be a success 4. Make custard by whisking eggs, milk, 1/3 cup right there. crème fraîche, and maple syrup until smooth.

5. Coat slices of brioche in custard mixture. Relying only on ingredients you regularly keep in your kitchen, what would you throw together if guests paid you an unexpected visit? 6. Divide caramel sauce into 4 oven-proof dishes. It would be a little difficult, because I don’t spend too much time in my house. But I’m always 7. Overlap 3 rectangles of brioche on top of able to put together a great homemade pasta sauce with some pasta and a nice salad. I do have caramel sauce and brush with melted butter. charcuterie and cheese, so I should be able to put something together. And I always have a 8. Bake at 375 degrees for 12-15 minutes great bottle of wine, so that will make the company happy. until brown.

9. While baking the toast, remove the whipping bowl and whisk attachment from freezer, and whisk crème fraîche, whipping cream, and simple syrup until peaks form.

10. Remove toast from oven and top each dish with a tablespoon each of blueberry apricot compote 68900 Frank Sinatra Drive 760-321-8282 and whipped crème fraîche. www.RitzCarlton.com/ranchomirage 11. Garnish with fresh blueberries.

THINKSTOCKPHOTOS.COM 71 seventy-five 72 Dining

WATERS CAFÉ SAIMIN Serves four Executive Chef A Hawaiian dish, saimin comes in many forms. Chef Mulligan likes to use this recipe in Agua Mike Mulligan Caliente’s Waters Café. The broth takes an Udon noodle, or wheat noodle, but rice noodles or soba Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa noodles can be substituted. All the other garnish ingredients are optional. Whatever you choose to add, be sure to make them bite-sized pieces. BORN IN PHILADELPHIA and raised in south New Jersey, Mike Mulligan has lived in the Coachella Valley for the last 14 years. His culinary journey began when he was 15, working 2 quarts rich chicken stock or broth summers at a hotel-restaurant on the Jersey shore. “It came very easy for me,” Mulligan 1 ounce premium kombu (dried kelp) says of his earliest days in the kitchen. “It was interesting and I saw progress. My passion for 1 ounce bonito ﬂ akes cooking kept growing and growing and I’ve enjoyed it ever since.” 1 pound udon noodles, blanched and cooled 8 ounces roasted chicken, skin and bones removed and sliced into bite-sized pieces What draws you to Rancho Mirage? 4 ounces Kamaboko (a type of ﬁ sh cake), sliced It’s one of the most beautiful cities in the Coachella Valley, and the weather is slightly cooler. 4 ounces Portuguese sausage, sliced, browned, There seems to be this dip — I don’t know what it is, but when you drive down Bob Hope Drive, and cooled which is right in the middle of Rancho Mirage, it seems to drop a few degrees no matter what 2 leaves baby bok choy (or other leafy green), time of the day it is. trimmed and par cooked 4 shiitake mushrooms, sliced, sautéed, What is your favorite ingredient to work with, and why? and cooled Tomatoes, when they are best — in mid to late summer. I like to use them in pies, sauces, 2 hard-boiled eggs, quartered salads, or anything that calls for tomatoes. 1 carrot, curled or shredded

What is your cooking philosophy? 1. Make the dashi broth by combining the chicken Be simple but sound. No matter what I’m doing, I try to do it as fundamentally correctly as stock and kombu and slowly bring to a boil. possible. If there are problems, I can easily fi x them. Remove from heat and discard the kombu. Add the bonito fl akes and bring back to boil. Remove from heat and let steep 10 minutes. Strain through If guests drop in on you unexpectedly, what are you prepared to throw together with the a cheesecloth or coff ee fi lter; keep hot or cool staple items you regularly keep in your kitchen? for later. It’s probably going to be pizza, because I usually have dough made already in my refrigerator, and I can just stretch them out and throw them on the pizza stone I have in my oven, or even 2. Add all garnish ingredients, including noodles, to on the grill outside. hot kombu broth when ready to eat, and serve with chopsticks and Asian soup spoons.

32250 Bob Hope Drive 888-999-1995 www.HotWaterCasino.com

THINKSTOCKPHOTOS.COM 73 74 Dining Executive Chef Joel Delmond The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa

JOEL DELMOND’S CULINARY PASSION was kindled by eating a great meal — his grandmother’s goose confit with chanterelle mushrooms and potatoes, served to him as a young boy when he visited her home in the Périgord region of France. “She had a huge chimney where you could actually sit down inside the fireplace, and that’s where she’d cook,” he recalls. “The first time I ate this, I was like, ‘Wow.’ Since that time, it was all about food.” After cooking professionally in such countries as Holland, Italy, Greece, Egypt, and Morocco, WINTER LEEKS WITH Delmond brought his talents to America, serving the Westin hotel chain in Boston, New York, ROGUE RIVER BLUE CHEESE Atlanta, Seattle, Kansas City, and eventually at The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa in Serves six Rancho Mirage, where he has lived for the last 18 years.

Chef Joel Delmond’s winter side dish marries What keeps you in Rancho Mirage? crunchy winter leeks, a red wine vinegar from the It’s serene, and the weather is fantastic. There’s quite a bit that it has to offer — you can ﬁnd a French region of Banyuls, and blue cheese from lot of things in one very small area. It’s clean and it’s quiet. I love it. Rogue River, Oregon. Add some toasted walnuts, and the result is pure heaven on the palate. What ingredient can you not live without? Salt. You have to use it in everything, and if you don’t have it, it’s going to be very difficult to 6 large leeks create something that is good. In terms of ingredients that are more important, I love to work 6 ounces Rogue River blue cheese with ﬁsh all year round. 1 cup toasted walnuts 4 tablespoons chives, chopped

What is your cooking philosophy? 1/2 cup walnut oil 1/4 cup Banyuls vinegar Treat food with respect. That goes for every stage of the process, from storage to preparation Sea salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste to cooking. Respect the product that you are working with. If you apply that idea to everything you do in the kitchen, it will take you far. 1. Clean leeks by removing first layer. Cut the root end and the darker green part at the top. Wash If company swung by unexpectedly, what are you prepared to throw together for your thoroughly, 2 or 3 times. visitors, using just the staples that you usually keep in your kitchen? 2. Tie leeks in bunches of 3 with kitchen twine to Definitely a pasta dish, because I make a lot of fresh pastas and freeze them. I always have keep their shape. cheese, so there would definitely be cheese, whether I add it to an appetizer or the main course or have it as a course by itself. And I always keep some type of fish. For flavors, I can walk 3. Cook leeks in boiling salted water until fork tender, about 15 minutes or so. outside and just pick whatever I have in the front or the back garden. I have a lot of citrus — yuzu, Kaffir lime, grapefruit, Meyer lemon — and I have herbs. If I have butter, salt, pepper, 4. Remove from hot water and plunge into ice bath. and some seasoning, I’m good to go. I can make a very good meal for anyone who comes in at Drain well and gently squeeze leeks to remove any time. excess water. Place on paper towel. 5. Cut leeks crosswise, about 1 1/2 inch in length. Arrange on plate and season with salt and pepper.

6. Drizzle leeks with walnut oil and vinegar, 71333 Dinah Shore Drive sprinkle with chives, top with blue cheese 760-328-5955 and walnuts. www.WestinMissionHills.com

ROGUE CREAMERY ROGUE 75 76 Dining

SALMON CARPACCIO Executive Chef Serves four As either a beautiful appetizer or light meal paired with a salad and white wine, Chef Robert Nyerick’s Robert Nyerick fresh and easy recipe is a winner every time.

bluEmber Restaurant, 12 ounces wild-caught salmon (best available) 1 teaspoon sea salt (preferably Maldon) Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa 1 Meyer lemon, juiced 3 ounces extra-virgin olive oil (cold pressed, small producer) ROBERT NYERICK CUT HIS CULINARY TEETH at a kosher deli in a Polish neighborhood 1 fennel stalk, bulb cleaned and shaved; tops in New Haven, Connecticut, and the experience conﬁrmed his desire to see and taste the removed, cleaned, chopped, and set aside world. “It reinforced how important food is,” he says of his years traveling. “It’s never the 3 ounces mixed organic baby greens same, it’s never perfect, it’s always redeﬁning itself. There’s never an end point. There is no Freshly cracked black pepper to taste one answer; there are multiple answers. All of those aspects are what has kept me engaged for so long.” 1. Slice salmon lengthwise as thin as possible, and place evenly in well of plate.

What do you like most about Rancho Mirage? 2. Brush salmon lightly with some of the Meyer It’s centrally located, but it’s deﬁnitely got a small-town feel to it. It’s pretty much everything lemon juice, salt lightly, cover with clear wrap, you’re looking for, no matter what it is, and it’s easy to get to. refrigerate for 1 or 2 hours.

3. Toss shaved fennel with remaining Meyer lemon What is your favorite ingredient to work with and why? juice and olive oil. Let marinate for 30 minutes. Oils. You can flavor them how you want and use them in a lot of different ways — as part of the 4. Combine chopped green fennel tips with the marinade, as part of the flavoring, or as decoration on the plate. shaved fennel and mixed baby greens. Season with salt and pepper. How do you sum up your cooking philosophy? 5. Place mixture in center of salmon; serve with If you select the best ingredients, use the proper techniques, have a clear vision of where crispy flatbread. you’re going with it, and don’t overcomplicate it, it’s going to come out right every time.

If company should drop in unexpectedly, what are you prepared to throw together with what you’ve already got stocked in the kitchen? I don’t have to think about this one: nasi goreng. It’s the national dish of Indonesia and it’s usually presented with a fried egg on top. The thing I like about it is you can make it to anybody’s taste. And it’s easy to make for ﬁve or six people on the ﬂy, because once you have the rice cooked, you just add other ingredients to enhance it. When my kids come home, that’s the one thing they always ask me to make right away.

41000 Bob Hope Drive 760-568-2727 www.RanchoLasPalmas.com/bluember

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SALMON FISH CAKES Executive Chef Serves four This simple fishcake recipe from Chef Richard Pelz takes no eggs or breadcrumbs. Serve with tartar Richard Pelz sauce, sweet chili sauce, or capers and a squeeze of fresh lemon. Wally’s Desert Turtle 3 (4 ounces each) salmon fillets 4 Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced SANTA CRUZ NATIVE RICHARD PELZ mastered the art and ritual of dining out while 1 tablespoon ketchup he was still very young. “I grew up putting on a suit and tie and going out to dinner with my 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard family,” he says. “My mother was a Francophile, and she loved French food. I grew up with 2 scallions, finely chopped beef bourguignon and pâtés on Sundays.” The idea of cooking for a living came much later, All-purpose flour for dusting and at her behest — she pointed out how easily and naturally he could crack a cookbook and Grapeseed oil for frying go to work. Pelz headed off to study at the Culinary Institute of America and found his way to Salt and pepper Wally’s Desert Turtle after stints in Manhattan and Europe. 1. Poach salmon in a large, shallow pan. (Milk may be used in place of water.) Bring to a boil, then What do you like most about Rancho Mirage? reduce heat and cook for 3-4 minutes. Lift the fish You get a real sense of charm when you hit the trails and you can look down on the valley — out of the pan and reserve the poaching liquid. a sense of calmness. It has a natural, rugged beauty. 2. Meanwhile, boil potatoes in a large pot of water for 15 minutes until tender. When the potatoes are What is your favorite ingredient to work with? done, place in a bowl and whisk in the reserved Foie gras. It’s so versatile. It’s a luxury item, but for me it’s about the flavor and everything poaching liquid. you can garnish it with, whether it’s fruits or vinegars or gastriques [a syrup made from 3. Stir in ketchup, mustard, scallions, and half the caramelized sugar and vinegar]. Pork is my second choice. Again, it has versatility. You salmon into the whisked potatoes. Mix until well can braise, grill, or sauté it, and it just has so much flavor. I’m also a big fan of charcuterie combined and add the remaining salmon. and sausages. 4. Form the salmon mixture and dust with flour. Allow the cakes to set in the refrigerator for How do you sum up your cooking philosophy? 15 minutes. I think that each protein, whether it’s chicken or beef or fish, needs to have its integrity. If you’re going to have a chicken, it should taste like chicken. Fish should taste like fish. Nothing 5. Heat oil in a pan, and cook the salmon cakes should be masked or overpowered by heavy sauces. Ingredients should speak for themselves. for 3 minutes on each side. They should be golden brown.

If company should drop in unexpectedly, what are you prepared to throw together using just the staple items that you usually keep in your kitchen? My refrigerator is dominated by baby food at the moment. [Laughs.] I have 4-year-old and 10-month-old daughters. But I always have cheese and charcuterie and bread here. And lots of olive oils.

71775 Highway 111 760-568-9321 www.WallysDesertTurtle.com

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FISH COOKED IN PARCHMENT PAPER Executive Chef Serves two With its fresh and vibrant seaside flavors, this very easy recipe provided by Chef Drew Davis will Drew Davis instantly transport you to the Mediterranean. Serve with a crisp green salad and a crunchy baguette. Catalan Mediterranean Cuisine 6-ounce white fish fillet (snapper, cod, or halibut) 1/2 zucchini, thinly sliced WHEN DREW DAVIS WAS 15, he began working as a prep cook at a bar and grill in Kansas 1 ripe heirloom tomato, sliced 1/4 inch thick City, Missouri. “I’m an artist and I like the lifestyle,” he says. “I didn’t want to be behind a 1 1/2 tablespoons whole capers desk all day.” Like any successful person, Davis has a clear view of his weaknesses and has 1 Yukon Gold potato, sliced paper thin found a way to counteract them: He invited his father to be his business partner at Catalan. 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped olives “Most chefs aren’t good businessmen,” he says. “They’re not good at budgeting or spending 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced money. They get too excited about food and see this great product and want to buy it. Having a A few herb leaves such as basil, parsley, cilantro, or oregano keen businessman is important to any restaurant.” Olive oil to drizzle Salt and pepper to taste What do you like most about Rancho Mirage? There’s a fair amount of diversity in age. Many people think that it’s all an older crowd, but we 1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. get a very mixed crowd here: young, middle-aged, old, and older. I enjoy that. And, obviously, 2. Make a large square of parchment — about the weather’s nice nine months out of the year. 12-14 inches.

What is your favorite ingredient to work with and why? 3. Place ﬁsh across corner of a large square of I like all spring vegetables, and I love working with ﬁsh. But I don’t really have a favorite parchment paper (about 14 inches long) and layer all ingredients in no particular order. ingredient. I think that’s like asking yourself who your favorite child is if you’re a parent. It’s hard to choose. 4. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

How do you sum up your cooking philosophy? 5. Fold parchment paper over to make a triangle.

One word: Simple. I don’t like to turn a gorgeous lobster into lobster ravioli. You’ll never see 6. Start at one end of triangle and crimp and fold something like that on my menu. If you look at my menus, 99.9 percent of my ingredients are edges over to form a seal all the way to other end listed on there. I don’t like to add anything extra. of triangle.

7. Place on baking sheet and bake for 9 to 12 minutes. If company should drop in unexpectedly, what are you prepared to throw together using 8. To serve, cut a hole on top of the parchment just the staple items that you usually keep in your kitchen? paper and peel back. I don’t do a lot of cooking at my house. I taste great food all day, and once work is over, I go into a different mode. Sometimes at 11:30 or 12 at night when I get off, I’m not in the mood for anything special. My personal kitchen is ﬁlled with not-so-good choices [laughs]. I have a lot of cereal in my house. I think if people came unexpectedly to my house, they’d be eating a bowl of cereal. That’s the truth.

70026 Highway 111 760-770-9508 www.CatalanRestaurant.com

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PUNCH DRUNK LOVE Head Bartender Serves one Named after one of Dariush Farzaneh’s favorite movies, this Hawaiian-style coconut punch is Dariush Farzaneh served in the form of a martini.

Roy’s Restaurant 1 ounce Crater Lake vodka 1/2 ounce coconut water 1/2 ounce pineapple juice IRANIAN-BORN DARIUSH FARZANEH came to Roy’s in 2006 as a server and caught 1/2 ounce orange or mango juice the attention of then-lead bartender (now bar and beverage manager) Eddie Coy. Farzaneh Squeeze of fresh lime quickly proved he had a knack for making drinks. “It is a fast-paced, high-intensity job in Smallest splash of amaretto which you get to work with your hands, utilize knowledge and creativity, and interact with a Pomegranate syrup for lacing glass great variety of people,” he says. He lavishes plaudits on his mentor, Coy. “I’ve learned a lot about respect, humility, and craftsmanship from Eddie,” he says, before citing a choice piece Pour all ingredients over ice in a cocktail shaker. Stir and strain into a martini glass laced with of advice: “If you’re not having fun, you’re doing something wrong.” pomegranate syrup.

What do you enjoy most about Rancho Mirage? It’s peaceful, with just enough business and entertainment to be interesting. I can leave Roy’s after work and be [hiking] at the Bump and Grind trailhead ﬁve minutes later to unwind.

What is your favorite ingredient to work with and why? I enjoy using ingredients with tart ﬂavors. Things like lime, lemon, blood orange, pomegranate … an ingredient that cuts the sweetness of a drink, adding balance. If I had to choose just one, I suppose it would be lime.

How do you sum up your cocktail philosophy? Bartenders should constantly strive to improve their mastery of cocktails and cuisine while making their guests feel as if they were in the home of a good friend. Bartending can never be perfected, so I’m always learning about something or someone.

What do you like to drink when you’re off the clock and socializing with friends? One of my longtime favorite drinks is Laphroaig scotch, neat. It is a very peaty, smoky scotch. After a night of mixing drinks at work, it’s nice to sit down to something that requires no ice, no shakers, no fruit, and no juice.

71959 Highway 111 760-340-9044 www.RoysRestaurant.com

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84 Dining Out of the Good Earth

From Northern California to Italy and regions in between, the FARM-TO-TABLE movement has gone global — including right here in Rancho Mirage.

by SHEILA GIBSON STOODLEY I F YOU HAPPENED TO HAVE DINED AT SABATINO’S Esposito is one of many in the Coachella Valley culinary scene who Ristorante Italiano on a particular warm fall night in October and ordered believes in the notion of farm-to-table, an ethos that values spending the capellini alla caprese, those “fresh chopped roma tomatoes” on your money at local farms and other whole-food venues where customers can plate of angel hair pasta were actually fresh chopped heirloom tomatoes. buy food directly from the people who grew, reared, or caught it — be it Sabatino’s owner, Karen Esposito, had purchased them the day before at fruits, vegetables, herbs, meats, or fish. Its earliest champion was Alice the farmers market, returning to the kitchen with 10 pounds of the red Waters, who founded the legendary restaurant Chez Panisse in Berkeley, beauties, as well as 4 pounds each of Brussels sprouts and green beans. California, in 1971. Her wish to come as close as she could to making meals The fresh-from-the-farmers market tomatoes also popped up in that like those she savored in France ultimately led her to cultivate a network night’s caprese appetizer and the bruschetta checca appetizer. The Brussels of dozens of local suppliers. Farm-to-table also embraces the Slow Food sprouts and green beans were offered as side-dish seasonal vegetables. movement, which flickered to life in 1986 when Italian journalist Carlo Esposito, who co-owns the 4-year-old restaurant on Bob Hope Drive Petrini broke the scandalous news that a McDonald’s had plans to open with her husband, Sam, handles the grocery purchases for Sabatino’s. in the heart of Rome. Fearful that the burger chain would threaten the Naturally, she consults closely with her executive chef, Marc Cummings, existence of the trattorias and osterias that he so loved, he challenged like- on the kitchen’s needs, but she keeps a freer hand when shopping at the minded folks to champion “slow food,” a concept that embodies everything local farmers markets. that fast food is not: thoughtful, local, sustainable. “It varies,” she says when asked what she looks for when she ventures “Slow food” and farm-to-table also implicitly addresses specific to Palm Desert on Wednesdays, Palm Springs on Saturdays, and La Quinta concerns about how food is produced, making it easier for the average on Sundays. “I look for what’s in season and what’s fresh. You want to buy person to find organic products grown without pesticides and fresh all the time, and you have the opportunity to do that here.” chemicals, foods that are not genetically modified, and foods produced

85 “I look for what’s in season and what’s fresh. You want to buy fresh all the time, and you have the opportunity to do that here.” — KAREN ESPOSITO, SABATINO’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO

Karen Esposito and Executive Chef Marc Cummings of Sabatino’s Ristorante Italiano. ETHAN KAMINSKY ETHAN eighty-six 86 Dining

and transported in a manner that allows the lowest carbon footprint, present her chef with 10 pounds of locally grown, organic heirloom which is to say, the closer the food is sourced to home, the better it is for tomatoes. The same is true for The Ritz-Carlton, where Lopez must also the environment. reach beyond the bounds of California for some ingredients. “Our biggest But at its roots, farm-to-table is as much about what tastes good as it challenge here is the seafood program,” he says. One of the top-selling is about eating foods that are good for you and good for the planet. In a dishes at the restaurant are the scallops, but Lopez admits that he sources 2012 interview with Forbes Travel Guide, Waters said, “I never thought them from Prince Edward Island, not California. “We still use some about needing organic or sustainable. I only wanted taste. But what California products on the dish, though,” he adds. happened is I ended up at the doorsteps of those farmers and ranchers In addition to bluEmber, Chef Nyerick also oversees the culinary who were growing organically and locally.” The appeal of eating this way program for Omni Rancho Las Palmas and must make sensible is unmistakable, and several Rancho Mirage restaurants are putting the compromises for breakfasting guests. “Bananas don’t grow here,” he says. movement’s core ideas into action in their own distinctive ways. “It’s hard to tell someone that they can’t have bananas because they’re not coming from anywhere local,” he says, adding that a line has to be DEFINING LOCAL drawn somewhere, otherwise a movement meant to enhance the eating It should be said that Esposito’s sojourns to the farmers markets make experience ends up becoming a radicalization. her an outlier of sorts. Most restaurants rely on third-party vendors On the other hand, Nyerick has radically shortened the journey who obtain groceries for them from local farms that might also have for some of bluEmber’s produce by installing an on-site herb garden. a presence at farmers markets, but the vendors don’t necessarily buy The 100-square-foot garden was previously tucked away out of sight directly from the market stalls. Nor does Esposito expect to cover all of of the patrons and was recently relocated to a spot at the front of the her restaurant’s needs with her thrice-weekly shopping trips. The good restaurant. “Where we had it before was probably more practical, but thing about farm-to-table is that there are many ways to authentically it wasn’t visual. I think the visual aspect is better for everybody,” he honor its spirit. says. “What’s more fun than ordering a mojito and seeing the bartender The word local is important in this context, but it can mean different run out with a pair of scissors to snip a couple of pieces of mint? Or things to different chefs, and their definitions follow their own forms the cook is out there getting basil and thyme, and you order pasta, and of sound logic. At Sabatino’s, Esposito and Cummings agree that local the plate arrives to the table with those fresh herbs.” means within 3 to 4 miles. Down the road, Robert Nyerick, executive chef at bluEmber at Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa on Bob GRASS-FED, PASTURE-RAISED, NATURAL Hope Drive, separates local into two rings: the first encircling the 30 One aspect of farm-to-table that sometimes gets lost in the shuffle is meat miles that contain the Coachella and Imperial valleys, and the second — chicken, lamb, pork, and beef can all fit the ethos as well. Richard Pelz encircling Southern California. of Wally’s Desert Turtle relies on Mary’s Free Range Chicken in Fresno, The boundaries that Executive Chef Bruno Lopez prefers are baked California, for chicken; Superior Farms of Davis, California, for grass- into the name of his restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage fed lamb; and Aspen Ridge Natural Beef of Greeley, Colorado, for beef. off Frank Sinatra Drive: State Fare Bar + Kitchen. “We stick to having Each follows high standards for the healthiest treatment of its livestock, 90 percent of the products served on our menu come from California,” says which includes raising them in a natural and healthy environment, and Lopez, and California is undeniably a generously large and fruitful area abstaining from the use of hormones and antibiotics. But again, Pelz, who to call upon. Executive Chef Richard Pelz of Wally’s Desert Turtle also dislikes the term “farm-to-table,” stresses that taste trumps all, and it’s defines the entire state of California as local. OK to roam past the bounds of what’s considered local in pursuit of the The map chef Drew Davis uses at Catalan Mediterranean Cuisine is best-tasting meats. Speaking of Aspen Ridge, he says, “They have really broader still, and perfectly justifiable. “If you can get any of your fish or good beef, and certainly, Americans are beef eaters. I wouldn’t quite call meat or produce within 500 miles of you, you’re doing a really good job,” he it Kobe, but it’s tender, with good marbling.” He is pleased to have scored says, citing this radius as consistent with Slow Food edicts. “It’s hard to get a coup with Superior Farms, whose owner he has hosted at Wally’s. He something super close, no matter where you are.” says Superior keeps two facilities, one in Colorado and one in California, Though it is infinitely easier to practice farm-to-table values in and and he has secured a supply of lamb from the more local of the two. “We around Rancho Mirage than it is in, say, parts of the Midwest, it is neither are the only ones in the desert to get [California] lamb,” he says. “The cheap nor easy. Moreover, when farm-to-table runs smack-bang into others have Colorado.” The farms whose meats, fruits, and vegetables fill customer expectations, the latter often win out. The caprese dishes at Wally’s walk-ins are credited by name in the descriptions of the dishes on Sabatino’s, for example, are permanent fixtures on that establishment’s the menu, which is printed daily. “We pay homage to the farms,” he says. menu; suffice it to say that come February, Esposito won’t be able to “They deserve full credit.”

87 “We pay homage to the farms. They deserve full credit.” — RICHARD PELZ, WALLY’S DESERT TURTLE THINKSTOCKPHOTOS.COM eighty-eight 88 Wally’s Desert Turtle’s Heirloom Tomato Salad with Burrata and Balsamic Caviar JON EDWARDS/WALLY’S DESERT TURTLE DESERT EDWARDS/WALLY’S JON eighty-nine “Ninety percent of the products served on our menu come from California.” — BRUNO LOPEZ, STATE FARE BAR + KITCHEN

Huevos Rancheros with black beans, cotija cheese, and crispy tortillas, offered at The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage ninety 90 Dining

“I get very excited when someone comes in who’s a vegetarian or a vegan because it gives me a chance to play.” — DREW DAVIS, CATAL AN THINKSTOCKPHOTOS.COM

HOLD THE BEEF by leaving out the cheese. BluEmber restaurant also views vegetarians You might think that farm-to-table awareness would increase the number and vegans as a win-win. Nyerick preps his managers and waiters to ask and quality of vegetarian and vegan dishes at restaurants, but you’d be these diners what vegetables they like and will whip up something based wrong. There are indeed greater options for diners who avoid animal around that information. “A lot of times it’ll end up going on the next menu proteins, but that happy circumstance should be credited not to farmers or going out as a special,” Nyerick says. “The interactive part, for me, is a markets but to chefs’ willingness to treat their vegetarian and vegan stronger point than putting out a menu that says, ‘here are your options.’” patrons with sensitivity and respect. The days of sizing up a side dish and Catalan’s Davis favors a similar approach, though, notably, he does passing it off as a main or forgetting to mention the chicken stock in the not list vegetarian or vegan dishes on his menu. “I get very excited when minestrone are, fortunately, dwindling if not gone. One of Lopez’s early someone comes in who’s a vegetarian or a vegan, because it gives me a hits at State Fare, open since May 2014, is a vegetarian tagine prepared chance to play,” he says. “I look around [my walk-in] and I’m able to do with garbanzo beans and local vegetables and served with a kale salad and something special for that person. Most of the time it’s never the same.” also a wheatberry salad, plus “a little bit of yogurt for sweetness,” he says. If anything, farm-to-table is likely to gain an ever-stronger hold on the “It was very well received by vegetarians, so we kept it permanently on the Rancho Mirage restaurant scene. It stimulates the local economy, allows menu.” Another State Fare favorite is an heirloom tomato burrata salad hundreds of people to engage in interesting and meaningful work, and it that can be made vegan by eliminating the cheese and adding a greater tastes a heck of a lot better than a bred-for-blandness, fast-food burger. variety of tomatoes. “We think it’s extremely important to develop the philosophy of farm-to- Sabatino’s pleases vegetarians with eggplant Parmesan and the table,” Esposito concludes. “Then you’re really giving your customers the aforementioned bruschetta and caprese dishes, which can be made vegan attention and the food that they deserve.” R/M

91 Where to Eat

From multicourse meals to fast, fresh bites, RANCHO MIRAGE restaurants cater to all palates with a diverse array of cuisine.

Baby beet salad, with upland cress, feta, citrus aioli, ginger tuille, and blood orange oil from bluEmber, Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa JON EDWARDSJON

92 Dining

AMERICAN International House Splash Grill Panda Express Applebee’s of Pancakes Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort Inside Pavilions 71740 Highway 111 Monterey Marketplace & Spa 760-321-5738 760-674-0761 760-770-5686 41000 Bob Hope Drive www.PandaExpress.com www.AppleBees.com www.Ihop.com 760-568-2727 www.RanchoLasPalmas.com P.F. Chang’s China Bistro Aspen Mill Bakery & Café Johnny Rockets /splash-grill The River Clark’s Nutrition 71885 Highway 111 760-776-4912 760-328-1500 760-674-3120 Subway www.PFChangs.com Rancho Mirage Library www.JohnnyRockets.com Country Club Village 760-836-0608 760-674-3311 Sam’s Sushi Sunnylands Center & Gardens McDonald’s Monterey Marketplace The River 760-202-2222 Monterey Marketplace 760-328-4078 760-636-5031 www.AspenMillsPS.com 760-202-6894 www.Subway.com www.SamSushiRiver.com www.McDonalds.com Babe’s Bar-B-Que Grill Wendy’s Shabu-Shabu Zen & Sake Bar & Brewhouse Mimi’s Café Monterey Marketplace 71680 Highway 111, Suite F The River 71861 Highway 111 760-321-8614 760-779-5000 760-346-8738 760-836-3905 www.Wendys.com www.Shabu-Shabu-Zen.com www.BabesBBQue.com www.MimisCafe.com Wet Bar Shanghai Inn Burgers & Beer The Palms Cafe Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Country Club Village Monterey Marketplace 69930 Highway, Suite 120 32250 Bob Hope Drive 760-568-5812 760-202-4522 760-770-1614 888-999-1995 www.ShanghaiInnRanchoMirage.com www.BurgersAndBeer.com thepalmscafeinc.com www.HotWaterCasino.com To Go Sushi The Cheesecake Factory Poker Deli Yard House Rancho Mirage Country Club Village The River Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa The River 760-341-5030 760-404-1400 32250 Bob Hope Drive 760-779-1415 www.TheCheeseCakeFactory.com 888-999-1995 www.YardHouse.com/CA CARIBBEAN www.HotWaterCasino.com /rancho-mirage-restaurant/ Dhat Island Caribbean Creole Five Guys Burgers & Fries Cuisine The River R Bar ASIAN FUSION 69830 Highway 111 760-346-8100 Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort Emperor Buffet 760-324-1300 www.FiveGuys.com & Spa 69600 Highway 111 www.DhatIslandRM.com 41000 Bob Hope Drive 760-328-9200 Goody’s Café 760-568-2727 www.EmperorBuffet.com CONTINENTAL Country Club Village www.RanchoLasPalmas.com bluEmber 760-346-2604 Hibachi Steak House & Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort www.GoodysCafe.net Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Sushi Bar & Spa & Spirits 71680 Highway 111 41000 Bob Hope Drive Great American Grill Monterey Marketplace 760-674-0078 760-568-2727 at Hilton Garden Inn 760-324-8310 www.HibachiRM.com www.RanchoLasPalmas.com/ 71700 Highway 111 www.RedRobin.com bluember 760-776-9700 Kobe Japanese Steakhouse www.HiltonGardenInn.com Season’s Grill 69838 Highway 111 Catalan Mediterranean Cuisine The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort 760-324-1717 70026 Highway 111 The Honey Baked Ham Co. & Spa www.KobeRanchoMirage.com 760-770-9508 (Carry-Out) 71333 Dinah Shore Drive www.CatalanRestaurant.com 71634 Highway 111 760-328-5955 Midori 760-346-3894 www.WestinMissionHills.com/ Pavilions Shopping Center Francesco’s Café www.HoneyBaked.com Seasons-Restaurant 760-202-8186 72047 Dinah Shore Drive www.MidoriRM.com 760-202-4425

93 Fire Roasted Pizza from Pinzimini, Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa

ninety-four Dining

Grand Palms Buffet Livreri’s Bella Napoli Java Caliente MEXICAN Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa 69930 Highway 111, Suite 121 Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Baja Fresh Mexican Grill 32250 Bob Hope Drive 760-537-7488 32250 Bob Hope Drive The River 888-999-1995 888-999-1995 760-674-9380 www.HotWaterCasino.com/dine.html Michael’s Pizzeria www.HotWaterCasino.com www.BajaFresh.com The River Shame on the Moon 760-341-4222 Jensen’s Las Casuelas Nuevas 69950 Frank Sinatra Drive www.MichaelsPizzeria.com 69900 Frank Sinatra Drive 70050 Highway 111 760-324-5515 760-770-3355 760-328-8844 www.ShameOnTheMoon.com The Old Spaghetti Factory www.JensensFoods.com www.LasCasueLasNuevas.com 71743 Hwy 111 Si Bon Belgian Bistro 760-341-5600 Juice It Up! Maracas Mexican Cantina Country Club Village www.OSF.com Monterey Marketplace & Grill 760-837-0011 760-202-7713 Monterey Marketplace www.SIBon-sogood.com Pinzimini www.JuiceItUp.com 760-321-1001 The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort www.Maracas-Restaurant.com State Fare + Kitchen & Spa Koffi The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage 71333 Dinah Shore Drive 71380 Highway 111 STEAK & SEAFOOD 68900 Frank Sinatra Drive 760-770-2150 760-340-2444 The Edge 760-321-8282 www.PinziminiPalmSprings.com www.KoffiCoffee.com The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage www.RitzCarlton.com/en/Properties/ 68900 Frank Sinatra Drive RanchoMirage/Dining/StateFare Sabatino’s Ristorante Italiano Rocky Mountain 760-321-8282 Pavilions Shopping Center Chocolate Factory www.RitzCarlton.com/en/Properties/ Wally’s Desert Turtle 760-324-9200 The River RanchoMirage/Dining/TheEdge/ 71775 Highway 111 www.sabatinosranchomirage.com 760-346-2929 Default.htm 760-568-9321 www.RMCF.com/ca/ www.Wallys-Desert-Turtle.com The Slice – NY Style Pizzeria ranchomirage50615/ Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse Ristorante & Wine Bar Waters Café Monterey Marketplace Starbucks The River Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa 760-202-3122 Country Club Village 760-776-6685 32250 Bob Hope Drive www.TheSlicePizza.com 760-341-4925 www.FlemingsSteakhouse.com/ 888-999-1995 Pavilions Shopping Center locations/ca/rancho-mirage www.HotWaterCasino.com LIGHT FARE – ON THE GO 760-324-4667 Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream The River Lord Fletcher Inn INDIAN The River 760-776-1844 70385 Highway 111 Naan House 760-779-1823 www.Starbucks.com 760-328-1161 Monterey Marketplace www.BenJerry.com/ranchomirage www.LordFletcher.com 760-321-3326 Swiss Donut www.NaanHouseIndianCuisine.com Brandini Toffee Country Club Village Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion Rancho Las Palmas Shopping Center 760-346-5888 71959 Highway 111 ITALIAN 760-200-1598 760-340-9044 Alberto’s Ristorante www.BrandiniToffee.com Tulip Hill Winery www.RoysRestaurant.com 71416 Highway 111 The River 760-346-3221 Golden Spoon Frozen Yogurt 760-568-5678 The Steakhouse www.Albertos-RIstorante.com County Club Village www.TuliphillWinery.com Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa 760-340-0402 32250 Bob Hope Drive D’Carlo’s Italian Café www.GoldenSpoon.com 888-999-1995 Rancho Las Palmas Shopping Center www.HotWaterCasino.com 760-340-4444 www.DCarlosItalianCafe.com

95 Fun for All

Whether friends and family are coming to visit you in our desert paradise or you’re looking for a staycation with something for everyone, you’ll ﬁnd everything you’re looking for at THE WESTIN MISSION HILLS GOLF RESORT & SPA. by MARISSA WILLIAMS

96 The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa 71333 Dinah Shore Drive Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 760-328-5955 or hotel reservations: 877-253-0041 www.westinmissionhills.com

97 Guests ﬁnd the resort’s picturesque mountain views, secluded location, and myriad offerings create the perfect escape.

98 SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE T HE 360-ACRE OASIS IN THE HEART OF RANCHO MIRAGE If you or your guests are visiting with the family in town, the Westin offers plenty of ways to play, be it top-rated golf courses, a round of tennis, Kids Club is perfect for the little ones. Open to children ages 4-12, the or a day at the spa. Add in a variety of dining options ranging from upscale 4-hour session keeps the kids entertained with interactive arts, crafts, Italian cuisine to casual American takeout, and it’s hard to see why you’d movie nights, and other activities. Meanwhile, parents can enjoy date want to stay anywhere else. night at the resort’s on-site restaurant, Pinzimini, catch an early tee time, Rancho Mirage’s year-round sunshine beckons visitors and residents or indulge in a spa treatment. The Westin Kids Club is $30 per session and alike to spend their days by the pool, which is why there’s no shortage includes lunch or dinner. of poolside fun at Westin Mission Hills. Three swimming pools offer a Kids can also unleash their inquisitive sides through the resort’s new variety of poolside atmospheres. The main Las Brisas pool beckons guests Desert Ranger Program, available for children ages 5-12. On Saturday to take a thrilling ride down the 60-foot waterslide, while the Las Hadas mornings, Desert Rangers don their safari hats and vests as they prepare pool offers a more relaxed experience. The La Paloma pool, meanwhile, is for a day of meeting the plants and wildlife that call the desert home. The known for its private, adults-only atmosphere. Those looking for Saturday program includes a tour of the resort’s in-lobby terrarium, where Desert afternoon fun shouldn’t miss the poolside Sundown Saturdays, which Rangers meet the resort’s frogs, reptiles, and snakes, as well as a walking feature a live DJ, margarita backpacks, beer pong tournaments, and tour of the resort to learn about the palm trees and other plants found cocktail specials. on the property. The program also includes meeting the resort’s resident Another popular activity in Rancho Mirage is hitting the golf course, tortoise, Scooter, as they prepare a tortoise-friendly lunch to feed him, and and Westin Mission Hills is well respected for its two championship preparing their own smoothies to enjoy with lunch using fresh ingredients courses. Featuring Pete Dye and Gary Player designs, the resort’s courses picked from the chef’s garden. feature stunning desert views and challenge even the most experienced of After lunch, Desert Rangers enjoy a guided tour of The Living Desert in golfers. The Westin Golf Academy lets players up their golf game through Palm Desert. The Desert Ranger Program is $75 and includes all activities, lessons, clinics, and even intensive golf schools. A Junior Golf Program is lunch and admission to The Living Desert. also available for players 15 and under. When it comes time to dine, the authentic Tuscan flavors found at the Prefer racquets to clubs? The Westin Mission Hills’ tennis program modern Pinzimini restaurant simply can’t be missed. For more casual includes clinics, private lessons, and special seasonal offerings, all held on dining, the resort offers a number of options: Dilbert’s Diner and Take- the resort’s seven hard courts. Out offers a range of family-friendly favorites, while creative, seasonally After a day of golf or tennis, take a journey into wellness at The Spa at inspired dishes are on the menu at Season’s Grill. Meanwhile, Mission Westin Mission Hills. Here, a full-service spa menu lets you return to your Hills Market Café offers plenty of grab-and-go options. Casual outdoor best self as you let go of the stresses of everyday life with a deep tissue venues include the Fireside Lounge, overlooking the 18th hole of the massage, rejuvenating facial, or pampering body wrap. Afterwards, unwind resort’s Pete Dye golf course, and the Las Brisas Café and Caliente Bar, in the eucalyptus steam room, soak in the therapy pool or take some offering poolside refreshments. time for yourself as you sip on fresh fruit-infused water in the Relaxation Whether you’re looking for world-class golf, fine dining, family-friendly Lounge. A full range of hair, nail, and waxing services are also available, activities or a tranquil spa experience, you’ll find what you’re seeking at and on the weekends, you can find your Zen at one of the Spa’s yoga classes. The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa.

99 The Pete Dye course

Las Brisas Pool forty-foursixty-four 100 Fireside Lounge Patio

Deluxe Pool View Room forty-five 101 Pinzimini

102 SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE Pinzimini

Enjoy the authentic ﬂavors of Italy in the heart of Rancho Mirage at PINZIMINI, an upscale and modern dining experience at The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa.

An impressive variety of Tuscan-inspired pastas, pizzas, grilled meats, and salads make up the menu at Pinzimini, where James Beard honored Executive Chef Joel Delmond brings decades of international experience to the kitchen. Pastas are handmade in-house, while pizzas are baked to crispy perfection in an authentic brick oven. One of the menu’s standouts is the chef’s special grilled rib eye, an aged 12-ounce steak served with savory Barolo mushroom sauce, grilled lemon, and polenta fritti. Fresh ingredients take Pinzimini’s menu to the next level, as many dishes feature herbs and vegetables straight from Delmond’s on-site garden. Tomatoes, chili peppers, basil, and oregano are just a few of the colorful and aromatic ingredients that are harvested from the garden and used in sauces, soups, and entrees. Organic ingredients are also featured throughout the Pinzimini menu, and gluten-free diners can enjoy selections like the Pomodoro chicken or the buffalo mozzarella pizza. And if you’re a Rancho Mirage resident, you’re in luck. Launched in early 2015, the restaurant’s “Good Neighbor” program offers these farm-fresh Tuscan flavors at a 20 percent discount at Pinzimini. Residents can sign up and receive a “Good Neighbor” card by simply presenting a driver’s license or utility bill that shows Rancho Mirage residency. After signing up, Rancho Mirage residents simply present their card when dining at Pinzimini to enjoy their discount. Perks of the “Good Neighbor” program don’t end there, either: after signing up, cardholders receive an exclusive “Buy one entrée, get one free” coupon to redeem Sunday through Thursday (not to be combined with the cardholder discount). Another Pinzimini special that locals love is the weekend brunch, offered on both Saturdays and Sundays. For just $25, indulge in a full spread of breakfast buffet favorites, and for just $5 more, spoil yourself with bottomless mimosas. Another favorite for in-the-know locals? The valet parking, a complimentary offering for all diners. Of course, Pinzimini’s dining room is exceptional in its own right. Surrounded by floor-to-ceiling glass windows, diners have clear views of the green golf course, blue desert sky and quintessential palm trees. By night, the dining room transforms into an intimate affair, perfect for a special evening in Rancho Mirage. Who knew you could enjoy the true flavors of Italy right in your own backyard? R/M Shore stands under her eponymous drive (bestowed upon her in 1986) with the Mission Hills Golf Course behind her. ARCHIVES

PALM SPRINGS LIFE SPRINGS PALM

IN 1972, RANCHO MIRAGE RESIDENT DINAH SHORE FOUNDED WHAT HAS become the City’s signature event. Now, 43 years later, the LPGA tournament A that became known as the Kraft Nabisco Championship will be renamed the ANA Inspiration. All Nippon Airways has signed a ﬁve-year contract to support what is known globally as one of the most important women’s golf events. From the beginning, the tournament has been held at the Mission Hills Country Club, and SHORE now, with a new deeply committed sponsor, the tournament will continue to be played annually at the country club where it was founded. Dinah Shore’s legacy has been memorialized in the naming of the tournament’s trophy. The winner’s leap into Poppies Pond — once taken by Shore — is revered as one of the great sporting moments in the annual cycle of athletic events. This year’s tournament will be held at THING R/M Mission Hills March 30 through April 5. The tradition lives on — thanks Dinah!

104 Perfect setting. CELEBRATE 2015