Joshua Tree National Park DayTrip

Joshua Tree National Park is only a one hour drive and very easy drive at that. From Palm Springs take Highway 10 W to Highway 62 until you reach Joshua Tree and follow the signs.  Before you enter be sure to stop in at the Visitor Center on the right hand side of the road.  Rangers are there and will help answer questions, provide maps and are happy to help with suggestions for  hiking, camping, off roading, picnic sites, etc.  There are also books and supplies for sale as well as a cafe next door.  Bring water, wear a hat, good shoes and don't go near the Jumping Cholla!

 Across the street from the Visitor Center is a great store full of fun things, be sure to check it out.

The park entrance is clearly marked and a great spot to take a picture!

 This National Park is over 800,000 acres and encompasses three different deserts; the Sonoran, Mojave and Colorado Desert,  From Palm Springs the most direct route brings you into the part of the park that is filled with natural rock formations and thousands of Joshua Trees which are indigenous in only two parts of the world, Jerusalem and here at the park.

There are many hiking trails for all levels of hikers, the paths are clear and are marked with information

 Be sure to bring lots of water, and do not touch any plants, the cactus needles can be painful and the Jumping Cholla just needs someone close by to throw of some very fine and difficult to remove needles.  Keep your pets with you, don't let them wander, the coyote pup below had to be rescued by animal control.  The poor hiker below well...

 Plants come in various sizes, as you can see below, doesn't matter how big or small they are nasty to deal with.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm
http://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/things2do.htm

State Fare Bar and Kitchen at The Ritz-Carlton in Rancho Mirage

The highly anticipated Ritz Carlton opened with much fanfare and rave reviews for the restaurants.  I finally made it to State Fare, which touts farm to table freshness utilizing ingredients grown or produced in California.  The restaurant has a large outdoor patio and for those who opt to sit inside ceiling to floor plate glass windows with sweeping views of the Valley, gardens and pools below.

My good friend Tammy is the Communications Director and she knows what a foodie I am so she surprised me by ordering some of what have become guest favorites.   I am in a bit of a food coma as it was impossible to just take a taste of such delicious items and then politely leave the rest to save room for more.  

The staff was amazing and the service outstanding, pictured from the left is the Food & Beverage Director Damian Jenkins, myself, Tammy Perezchica-Pshebylo, and Chef Bruno Lopez.

We began with Panko Crusted Avocado with a Tomatillo Salsa and a Red Chili Aioli. The creamy avocado with a crunchy seasoned crust was amazing- light and delicious. I was especially wowed by the salsa, not spicy but packed with flavor.  

 The Short Rib Sliders were piled high with tender beef, caramelized onions and crispy coated deep fried onions, the buns were fresh and did not fall apart.  

We asked the kitchen to split meals as, well one can only eat so much!

The salad course was the "First Ladies Unconventional Cobb Salad 18" originally created for then First Lady Nancy Reagan. The Thyme & Lemon dressing was very light and the variety of farm fresh tomatoes were the perfect ripeness and firmness, we opted to have the Blue Cheese, which was a very good quality.  

Our next dish, (yes we kept going!) was the Pacific Swordfish which had a very light Tandoori Spice and a Yogurt Raita.  The farm to table freshness really shined with the Cucumber and Fennel Salad, crisp and flavorful.  The Swordfish was tender and moist, it was really cooked just perfectly!

The picture is a half portion, as you can imagine we were slowing down considerably but still managed to enjoy every bite.  

Yes, we did dessert!  As State Fare plays on State Fair Funnel Cake is on the menu.  I have never had Funnel Cake before so I have nothing to compare it with but I highly doubt that fairs serve an amazing fruit compote with kumquats, blueberries, blackberries and more served with fresh cream and a side of nutella!  

For a full menu link to their website: 

http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/RanchoMirage/Dining/StateFare/Default.htm