Dale has loved Palm Springs since way back before Palm Springs was GAY -- yes, there was a time when Palm Springs was not a GAY MECCA as it is today. In January of 1999 -- after the move to Palm Springs - buying a home in Palm Springs and a cabin in Idyllwild and looking at every hotel for sale in the area he was able to buy the hotel he stayed at many times before, The Desert Paradise.
As he says all the time, wish for something long and hard enough, LOOK OUT, it might come true - he has never been happier although his lover decided at the last minute not to move and it took a year to get over that breakup. Dale buried himself in the hotel trying to give his guests all they have at home and more, like every amenity he can think of or a guest can think of, he will add it at once - hand made soaps - shampoo - conditioner - sun screen - mouth wash - hand and body lotion - ear plugs for swimming or if your honey snores, as well as even a sewing kit - not to mention tooth paste and brushes long forgotten in most hotels today. Dale was the first hotel with a computer for guests to use and wireless Internet for the total resort. All the beds are Cal King big beds and new - all rooms have refrigerators - coffee and coffee pots and all rooms have popcorn for the micro wave as well as PARADISE bottled water. PARADISE is on everything from the coffee cups to the water, from the ear plugs to the sanitation bands on the toilets - even the cute Teddy bears you take home wear a Desert Paradise ribbon. Dale said a couple from Maine, Bill and Jim, always naked came in the lobby and one bent over and asked his lover if it said "DESERT PARADISE" on his ass yet -- his lover said no but Dale quickly got the magic marker and said he can fix that. Dale admits it is a 24/7 job and hard to get a life. He said the hardest part or his job is to make it look easy, so that the guests do not see the work involved; after all they are here to relax and have fun.
ZiN - An American Wine Bistro
In everyday French life, it is the Bistro that is woven into the daily pattern of meals and celebrations. The Bistro is that little neighborhood restaurant where they know who you are, greet you warmly, and serve you satisfying foods that change with seasons and define regional homey French cuisine.
Zin American Bistro is an attempt to modernize and Americanize the Bistro concept; and brings a long overlooked dining option to the Coachella Valley. With its skillfully executed "American Classics", exciting wine list, warm, efficient service, and reasonable prices, Zin raises the bar for the fine art of dining casually.
Classically trained in the "old country", Nicolas believes in applying proven classic European techniques when cooking American Classics like "Buttermilk Fried Chicken". No shortcuts allowed in this kitchen.
Zin's kitchen produces every item from scratch. Only the best ingredients are accepted in this kitchen. Mindy bakes every dessert herself, now you know not to blame Nicolas for the Crème Brulée!
Mindy and Nicolas share the same philosophy in selecting their wines, Taste It! They have visited with most of the winemakers and share with them a vision of purity and honesty. No big name dropping at Zin! That's what steakhouses are for( there used to be a good one in town, but the chef left to open his own place.)
The bottles featured here represent the work of dedicated artisans new and renowned, traditional and experimental, the obscure standing shoulder to shoulder with the acknowledged greats. These wines may be new, rare, overlooked or just awfully darned good, but their commonality is this: they are made by winemakers with integrity and a point of view.
Enjoy your experience at
Zin American Bistro. Bon Appetit!
