I have been reading the recommendations from "Table for Two" dining review. How accurate are the recommendations? I have narrowed it down to a few restaurants that I would like to try: La Crepe Cafe Bakery, La Quinta Cliff House, Pablo's Restaurant at Marriott's Rancho Palma.

We are going to Palm Springs for July 4th weekend to celebrate our second year anniversary. I would like ONE restaurant that would stand out in ambience and food. Something that won't break the bank. I was thinking of The Cliff House. Will I be able to see fireworks from the patio seating? Where is the best seat in the house?

Any other recommendations for a romantic evening?

Lucy:

First, happy anniversary!

You *might* be able to see the fireworks at College of the Desert from the Cliff House, but probably not that well. There are numerous shows planned, but that is probably the closest and one of the best.

As far as the recommendations, I would go with Cuistot, La Quinta Grill or Le St. Germaine over the Cliff House. The ambience is very good there and the food is good, not great.

Romantic places in Palm Springs are Ingleside Inn at Melvyn's, Europa, La Provence, maybe Johannes Cosmopolitan Cuisine. the toughest part of your order to fill is on price. The places with the superior ambiance tend to cost the most. Don't know that any of them 'break the bank' though. What did you have in mind for $$$, wine included?

PS Local

Thanks so much for your suggestions. I was wondering about Cuistot. How is the food there? Most of the reviews don't give much info on the ambiance. What do you think?

Also, La Quinta has so many different locations. Which one do you prefer?

As for breaking the bank...something under $50 per person with with out wine.
Thanks!

I had a really good Chilean Sea Bass at The Yard House.

Lucy:

The food at Cuistot really is superb. It won a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence last year. I have found the food and service to be very even. The ambiance is elegant. But there are more romantic places in terms of the feel. Another spot is Le Paon on Hwy 74 in Palm Desert. The food is also top notch with a little more romantic flare. Both Cuistot and Paon would have no problem sucking up your budget. Adding wine could easily double it. I would also suggest La Quinta Grill again in La Quinta. Great food and a romantic Spanish ambiance. If you go there, you could also visit the La Quinta Hotel nearby for a walk in the gardens. If the Adobe Grill is open, you could stop in for a great Adobe margarita.

Good luck!