Palm Springs: A First Great Place to Try

When my husband and I embarked upon our mini holiday trip to Palm Springs, we were both in the dark. He wasn’t aware of the swanky retro history surrounding that glorious town. I wasn’t aware of all the glorious restaurants that cater to folks like me. (Folks like me meaning gluten-free, dairy-free.) So the surprises we both encountered made the trip even more cool. There’s just something great about traveling to a new place and eating like the locals. I travel to eat. It’s the only way best way in my opinion.
So here’s how the foodie adventures went down: I went to Google and searched “Must Eats While in Palm Springs” and found a list of restaurants. Then I read the menu lists out to Mark, and he decided randomly on Lulu California Bistro. I can’t remember for the life of me what triggered his decision, but I’m glad it triggered because the restaurant was amazing!
We walk in and immediately saw a sign stating that they were THE best gluten-free restaurant in Palm Springs. Um, that award exists?! Score! I swear I was in heaven when I saw a whole portion of the menu dedicated to the gluten-intolerant. Boo-ya!

 
I chose the Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash because the veggies were calling my name. It didn’t disappoint. I was totally planning on scarfing it down and then having to order something else (since it was on the appetizer list), but it was filling and tasty. I loved the dressing that came with it and lately I’ve been on an acorn squash kick … Gotta be the fall weather. (Warning: meal was larger than it appears in picture.)

Of course I had to try a cocktail while there. I admit fully I don’t choose sophisticated libations when I go out. I’m all about the fruity and refreshing. Sue me. Chi Chi cocktail it ’twas! Gilbey’s vodka, piña colada mix and pineapple juice? YES, PLEASE! Didn’t go with my meal at all, but boy was it fun to drink, especially considering I was in a desert. Who wouldn’t want an icy glass of happy?

… And then there was dessert. Flourless chocolate cake came with Mark’s three-course meal. I couldn’t resist. Neither one of us are too terribly fond of chocolate, but it looked amazing and was actually great. I love different levels of chocolate all mixed together. A little chocolate cake with some mousse; this worked for me. I despise all things raspberry, so I skipped the drizzle dunks. Stuck to the strawberry, mint and actual cake and was just fine.

In all it set the precedent for our food adventure weekend. (More of my culinary adventures to come in future weeks!) My dishes were tasty and new for my palate. When I’m in a new place, I try to always order something I couldn’t get anywhere else. You’d think this would be hard since this is just a California spot and I happen to live in the state, but Lulu’s had enough menu creativity to keep the adventure mindset alive and well.
How do you pick what new places you’ll try when you’re on vacay? How do you pick what to order? —Tish