How to Upgrade Your Vacation Comfort Food in Palm Springs
A guide to take your culinary experience while on vacation to the next level.
Palm Springs is a desert oasis, a haven for relaxation and indulgence. With its sunny days, luxurious spas, and breathtaking views of the San Jacinto Mountains, it’s no surprise that Palm Springs is a popular destination for travelers seeking to unwind and recharge. Even celebrities like the Kardashians and Leonardo Di Caprio, or Brad & Angelina (back in the day) love this destination. They too would agree that one of the best ways to unwind is through delicious food.
Often, while on vacation, I am inclined to try local cuisine and extravagant dishes, because my mindset tends to be “if not now, when?”. However, even on these trips, there are are times when we just want to watch a movie in our couches (or in the movie theater, if your Villa has one) or to cook in the amazing kitchen we rented. That is all part of what a getaway means: taking more time to enjoy the routinely things like cooking, or sleeping, since they are all redefined when in a vacation mood.
Basically, there are times when even on vacation I crave comfort food. This happened to me during my recent stay in Palm Springs. My first instinct was to order a good burger and fries, but for some reason it didn’t feel entirely right. I was there, in the desert oasis that is Palm Springs, and I felt I could do better. Since I had more time and inspiration, I decided it was the perfect time and place to upgrade my comfort food experience. After some exploration and experimentation, I discovered some tips and tricks to do it.
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Here ́s my guide on how to take your comfort food to the next level in Palm Springs:
Add Some Spice.
In Palm Springs, there are plenty of Mexican restaurants that serveupspicy dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and chile rellenos. But you can also add a little heat to your comfort food at home. Try adding some hot sauce or jalapenos to your mac and cheese, or some sriracha to your grilled cheese sandwich.
Local Ingredients.
Palm Springs is surrounded by agricultural areas that produce a wide variety of fresh produce. Take advantage of the local ingredients and add some fresh fruits and vegetables to your comfort food. Head to the local farmers' market and pick up some fresh herbs, tomatoes, and avocados to add to your salads or sandwiches. You'll taste the difference in the quality of the ingredients, and you'll be supporting local farmers and businesses.
Unique Twists.
Another way to upgrade your comfort food is by putting your own unique spin on classic dishes. For example, instead of a traditional grilled cheese sandwich, try adding some sliced apple or pear and a drizzle of honey for a sweet and savory twist. Or, instead of plain old mashed potatoes, mix in some roasted garlic or grated parmesan for extra flavor.
Indulgea Little.
Vacation is a time to indulge, and there's no better way to do that than with dessert. Instead of your usual ice cream or cake, try some of the local sweet treats. Date shakes are a Palm Springs specialty, made with fresh dates from the nearby Coachella Valley. Or try some Mexican sweet bread, like conchas or pan dulce, for a unique and delicious dessert.
Try Something New.
Finally, don't be afraid to try something new. Palm Springs is known for its unique and diverse dining scene, so step outside your comfort zone and try a new cuisine or restaurant. Maybe you'll discover a new favorite dish or restaurant that you'll want to visit every time you're in town.
In conclusion, with a bit of creativity and exploration, you can make your culinary experience while staying in Palm Springs enjoyable and unique, besides comfy. Who knows-- you may even take home some of the tricks you learned or some of the flavor combinations you dared to try. Or maybe just the attitude, the desire to upgrade those activities in your routine like cooking. It will all some up to the unforgettable memories you make on your trip, but this time, you will know how to bring and perpetuate this vacation feeling into your daily life.
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