Community, Diversity, Sustainability and other Overused Words
Indian Wells, California, has recently welcomed two remarkable new dining destinations that are quickly becoming must-visit spots for locals and travelers. Kestrel Kitchen at the Indian Wells Golf Resort and Carmocha at the Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas offer distinct yet equally exceptional culinary experiences. From innovative dishes inspired by celebrity chefs to creative cocktails and inviting atmospheres, these two restaurants bring a fresh vibrancy to the dining scene in this beautiful desert city.
Kestrel Kitchen: A California Modern Experience at Indian Wells Golf Resort
Kestrel Kitchen is elevated yet relaxed, offering a sophisticated setting with stunning views of Shots in the Night's vibrant outdoor golf entertainment experience. It's a perfect blend of sleek, California-modern design and laid-back desert charm, where guests can enjoy delicious food and drinks while soaking in the energy of the surrounding activity below. The lively yet refined atmosphere suits casual outings and special occasions.
This eagerly awaited restaurant by celebrity chef Richard Blais offers a fresh spin on American classics, with standout cuts of meat and coastal seafood dishes. The menu seamlessly combines succulent wood-fired steaks, fresh, flavorful handmade pasta and locally sourced ingredients, crafting a memorable and distinctive dining experience.
The appetizers highlight the perfect balance of bold and subtle flavors. Innovative dishes such as the Spicy Tuna Arepa with avocado tartar and mango yolk and the Shrimp Cocktail with guava horseradish blend are savory and sweet. Other favorites include the Pork and Shrimp Rolls with tamari and lime and the Hamachi with pomegranate ponzu and pickled serrano, each offering a unique twist on traditional recipes.
The star of the evening was the Moroccan Vegetable Tagine, so flavorful and rich. It reflects the restaurant's global influences and is filled with couscous, chickpeas, zucchini, eggplant, and apricot harissa chutney. The Pan-Roasted Chilean Sea Bass with ginger-spiced tomato sauce and coconut rice was tender and aromatic, while the steak frites, featuring a marinated Mishima Reserve Zabutan steak, was cooked to perfection. The chimichurri butter and skinny fries complemented the steak beautifully.
Dessert at Kestrel Kitchen is a must. The Carrot and Date Cake served with a velvety pumpkin-spiced cream cheese, offers a perfect balance of warmth and sweetness. With the dessert menu changing seasonally, guests can always look forward to a new and exciting treat to end their dining experience.
Kestrel Kitchen's cocktails are as imaginative as they are artisanal. The Medjool Negroni, made with date-infused Campari and vanilla-infused Beefeater Gin, provided a unique twist on a classic cocktail. The Kestrel 75, a refreshing mix of St. Germain, Empress Gin, and cava, was a perfect drink to sip on while enjoying the desert breeze. For those looking for something non-alcoholic, the Purple Haze mocktail was refreshing and aromatic with its fresh blueberries, lavender syrup, and lemon juice. Another drink to try is the Liquid Nitrogen Margarita, an entire show you must see and experience.
Carmocha: Bringing International Flavors to the Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas
Carmocha offers a fresh take on global cuisine. Executive Chef Angelo Sosa creates a menu of small plates and mains inspired by culinary traditions from around the world. The chic interior sets the tone with its beautiful decor and relaxed ambiance, and guests can also enjoy the spacious patio's vibrant atmosphere outdoors, complemented by desert breezes. Carmocha delivers a memorable culinary journey in a stylish, contemporary, inviting setting.
The drink menu hints at the creative and playful dishes that await. It features cocktails combining unique flavors and high-quality spirits. The Johnny Cool, made with Grey Goose vodka and brine-stuffed pimento cheese olives, provides a fun twist on a classic, while the Everybody Loves Somebody, with Toki whisky and peppermint-infused ice, offers a refreshing and fragrant drink.
An exciting selection of small plates is sure to satisfy any palate. The Sticky Pork Ribs are tender and flavorful, glazed in tamarind sauce and served with mango and Medjool dates. The General's Wings, featuring Korean-style free-range chicken wings, are crispy and delicious, with a tangy General's sauce to perfectly balance heat and sweetness. The Lamb Sliders are unforgettable bites spiced with Moroccan flavors and topped with feta tzatziki and peach chutney.
The Chicken Katsu, with its crispy cutlet and flavorful katsu sauce, was another standout dish that showed off Sosa's flair for creating comfort food with a global twist. For seafood lovers, the Grilled Salmon over couscous was a dish worth savoring with its perfectly seared exterior and tender flesh.
Other options include the Braised Pork Chilaquiles with salsa verde and creamy tomatillo sauce, a vibrant, flavorful take on the classic Mexican breakfast. The Cubano Sandwich is a savory and satisfying option, combining mojo roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, all pressed into warm, crispy bread. The Carmocha Burger is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious, elevated take on an American favorite.
Carmocha also offers a range of decadent desserts. The Strawberry Tiramisu, with its pink peppercorn dust and lemon cardamom cream, is divine, as is the Moroccan Turtle, a cinnamon chocolate cake with toasted coconut and Moroccan spiced caramel. Both are tempting options for those with a sweet tooth.
Whether you're craving a casual lunch or an elegant dinner, Kestrel Kitchen and Carmocha provide two exceptional gourmet dining experiences in Indian Wells. Kestrel's California-inspired cuisine with a modern twist makes it perfect for a night out with friends or a romantic dinner, while Carmocha's playful small plates and global flavors offer a classy, approachable dining experience in a relaxed, stylish atmosphere. Together, these two restaurants cater to every palate and occasion.
BONUS: If you plan to visit Indian Wells for a long weekend or stay at the Grand Hyatt Indian Wells, visit Tía Carmen, another standout restaurant by the same renowned chef, Angelo Sosa. Bringing Latin American cuisine's bold, authentic flavors to the desert, Tía Carmen's menu celebrates Sosa's familial roots, combining locally sourced ingredients with reimagined recipes that reflect today's culinary tastes. Tía Carmen's vibe is cozy yet sophisticated. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast or brunch followed by an indulgent, sumptuous dinner.
Indian Wells is fast becoming a top destination for food enthusiasts. It's celebrated for its growing culinary diversity, which promises to impress. Visit Indian Wells and indulge in some unforgettable culinary experiences this winter.
Kestrel Kitchen, Indian Wells Golf Resort - 44500 Indian Wells Ln, Indian Wells, CA 92210
Carmocha and Tía Carmen, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas - 44600 Indian Wells Ln, Indian Wells, CA 92210
Reservations available at Open Table
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