Staff
The Weekly Independent Comics Page for Dec. 5, 2019!
On this week's multicolored-light-strewn weekly Independent comics page: This Modern World again puts on MAGA-vision; Jen Sorensen ponders all the retro trends; (Th)ink looks inside the mind of Mr. Zuckerberg; Red Meat needs to revise a history paper; and Apoca Clips posits that Rudy's goose may be cooked.
The Weekly Independent Comics Page for Nov. 28, 2019!
Happy Thanksgiving! On this week's gravy-slathered weekly Independent comics page: Apoca Clips learns the real truth behind that ridiculous Tesla truck announcement; Red Meat makes plans for a solo Thanksgiving; This Modern World looks at the perspective of wealthy Democrats; Jen Sorensen wonders what happens if a president commits crimes, but almost half the country doesn't believe it; and The K Chronicles has a Hollywood moment.
Best of Coachella Valley 2019-2020: Staff Picks
Best Band to Help You Learn Spanish
Ocho Ojos
In all honesty, the only Spanish words I—a decidedly white guy—know are lyrics to Ocho Ojos songs.
Following a last-minute booking at Coachella in 2017, and an album and EP release in 2018, the duo transformed into a quartet, with the band’s sound evolving into something that could be described as “psychedelic cumbia.”
This has been a standout year for Ocho Ojos: The band was again on the Coachella schedule—when the poster was released, not as a last-minute addition. This prompted a frenzy for Ocho Ojos, as the group could seemingly be seen performing anywhere in the valley, and even in Los Angeles. The shows could range from 30 minutes to three hours, thanks to the band members’ ability to perform many popular Spanish tunes in addition their own catalog—all while keeping the crowd singing along and dancing the night away.
When Sunday nights at Coachella came, the boys proceeded to close out the Sonora Stage in front of a packed tent. The energy was electric, and it was something only a band that truly represents the Coachella Valley could pull off.
Don’t believe me? Then take it from Rolling Stone: “Ocho Ojos managed to make their performance feel like a grand family function of pure baile with all your primos and extended relatives in attendance.” The performances were listed by the publication’s writers as one of the 16 best things they saw.
—Matt King
Best Weird Place to See a Band
Gadi’s Bar and Grill
In a building at 56193 Twentynine Palms Highway that has been home to various restaurants since the 1960s, Gadi’s Bar and Grill (www.gadisbarandgrill.com)has now been around since 2014, when Gadi Okevi bought what was then a Yucca Valley rib joint.
One side has a tiny bar with dining booths … but a short walk down a hallway will take you to an adjoining second barroom with a sound stage. Here’s where things get weird: Looming above the generic tables, chairs and tile floor is some wacked-out wavy woodwork that worms its way over the room. It was apparently created in the ’60s, and the wood-lined walls and ceiling don’t match anything else.
Why the funky ceiling was built remains a mystery. Was it was done as a creative way to hide vents? Or to amplify acoustics? Who knows. Whatever the case may be, soundman Jason Maxfield always makes the room sound amazing.
Gadi’s hosts an eclectic mix of live shows, from smaller local bands to occasional bigger acts, in genres including country, metal, old school punk or rock—Gadi doesn’t seem to have met a genre he doesn’t like. And thanks to Jason Maxfield, it all sounds amazing—whether or not that crazy ceiling is a help or a hinderance.
—Beth Allen
Best Ramen
Ramen Musashi
We’ve often posited in these pages that the Coachella Valley is about five years behind the big cities regarding the arrival of food and drink trends—and such is the case when it comes to ramen.
This time last year, if I wanted reliably good ramen in the Coachella Valley, I had nowhere to go, at least that I knew of. However, today, I have at least one regularly available option: Hooray for Ramen Musashi, located at 44491 Town Center Way, in Palm Desert.
This little restaurant was opened earlier this year by the good folks who also operate Musashi Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar, which has been around since 1996. In other words, Ramen Musashi is run by restaurateurs who know what they’re doing—and this is proven by every bowl of original Musashi tonkatsu that comes out of the kitchen.
Here’s what I wrote about the Musashi tonkotsu a few months back: “The ramen was revelatory. All of the ingredients were perfect. The pork was tender and delicious; the egg was a creamy delight. The garlic chips and onion did not overwhelm, and the noodles were just right. But for me, ramen is all about the broth—and this tonkotsu broth was stellar. It was packed with umami, seasoned masterfully and soooooo delicious.”
Damn. My mouth’s watering just thinking about it.
—Jimmy Boegle
Best Local Album
Captain Ghost, Into the Grave
If you’re looking for an album to listen to while driving very fast, look no further than Into the Grave.
Captain Ghost exploded onto the music scene this year—and very quickly made a name for itself, with lyrics of love and politics being screamed out in a desperate cry over firework-style guitar riffs and tight, crunchy bass and drum lines.
If you get a chance to see Captain Ghost live, take note: It is fun to see people’s reactions to the group, as mustachioed leader Brad Burton towers over his bandmates, almost Joey Ramone-esque, and his sweet stage banter offers a direct contrast to his emphatic cries.
After the band began performing, it began to win more and more hearts with each show—while anticipation grew for the release of Captain Ghost’s debut album, which is a hard-hitting 35 minutes of rock. Tracks like “Raise the Flag,” “Behold the Press” and “Last Day” are sure to make any music fan a Captain Ghost fanatic.
—Matt King
Best Evidence of Our Flourishing Theater Scene
CVRep Playhouse in Cathedral City
I’ve been fortunate enough to occasionally attend theatrical productions in the Coachella Valley for seven years now, and I’m shocked—in a good way—at how much the theater scene has absolutely flourished during that timeframe.
Dezart Performs is wowing audiences with top-notch performances in its home at the Palm Springs Woman’s Club—a home the company is quickly outgrowing. Dezart’s fellow Woman’s Club tenant, Desert Ensemble Theatre Company, is continuously mounting edgy productions of brand-new shows; Desert Theatreworks has helped revitalize the Indio Performing Arts Center with a steady slate of varied productions; and the LGBT-focused Desert Rose Playhouse continues to raise the figurative bar with seemingly every play. (Its summer production of Ruthless! was one of the funniest shows I’ve ever seen, period.)
However, this all pales in comparison to what Coachella Valley Repertory has pulled off: Raising millions of dollars to turn the old IMAX theater in Cathedral City into a Broadway-caliber, state-of-the-art playhouse.
It is, in a word, stunning. Founder Ron Celona—along with his staff, board and volunteers—have changed the game for Coachella Valley theater with the CVRep Playhouse. It’s proof that while the Coachella Valley as a whole may still be a “small town,” our theater scene is worthy of a big city.
—Jimmy Boegle
Best Comic Book Shop by Day, and Music Venue by Night
Interstellar Comic Books and Collectibles
Music nerds and comic nerds can unite under one roof at Interstellar Comics.
In the heart of Palm Springs, on Tahquitz Canyon Drive just off Indian Canyon Drive, sits this colorful comic-book shop. Whether you’re in search of a vintage find, or are excited about a new issue, you can find both on the shelves at Interstellar. You can even come in to play various card games, such as Magic the Gathering, with your friends.
But on occasion, when the sun sets over the strip, you can hear local bands reverberating within the walls of the shop. Interstellar has been host to a few shows over the year, once every couple months or so—and I couldn’t think of a better place to perform or watch a show. During these shows, local artists also sell their art inside the multifaceted space. In other words: If you catch a show at Interstellar, you are celebrating all that the local art scene has to offer, in one place, at the same time.
—Matt King
Best Tucked-Away Pastry Palace
Carousel Bakery
Carousel Bakery is an unassuming little gem, tucked away in a hidden corner of the airport-adjacent El Cielo Center (440 S. El Cielo Road), known mostly for its Spectrum storefront.
Inside, friendly and hard-working owners Elizabeth and Alberto create all their baked masterpieces from scratch, with no pre-made anything. Yep: They actually cut up and cooked a real pumpkin to make that fresh pie in the case. The result is the best possible combination of professionally baked goods and homemade appeal.
Along with a surprising variety of traditional bakery fare (pies, cakes, cookies, muffins, croissants, bagels, etc.), Carousel produces some delicious Latin specialties. Think sweet empanadas in an array of flavors ranging from apple to the more-exotic guava with cheese. And don’t miss their one-day-only offerings of Pan de Muerto for Day of the Dead, and Rosca de Reyes for Epiphany.
Carousel serves tasty sandwiches that are enough of a reason to visit, but the real jewels here are the pastries. So the next time you’ve had to wait 45 minutes to return equipment at the Spectrum store, take the edge off with a baked treasure from Carousel.
—Jeffrey Clarkson
Best Place to Feel Childlike Wonderment and Joy
Bob’s Crystal Cave at the Sky Village Swap Meet
A tiny enclave in the middle of Yucca Valley’s seven-acre Saturday-and-Sunday swap meet (7028 Theatre Road), Bob’s Crystal Cave is an anomaly amidst junk and vintage vendors, stained-glass art and desert cactus gardens.
What is it, exactly? Well, it’s a Flintstones-esque building created from chicken wire and spray foam—and its puffy porthole-pocked exterior unveils a walk of wonderment. A short wander through the spray-foam-packed hall reveals locked doors (what lurks behind them?) and small windows here and there. You can peek into a whimsical miniature world of tiny trees; and mosaics of glass, mirror and precious stone. Water flows throughout into pools of lazily swimming goldfish.
Sadly, creator Bob Carr died in January of this year. But his legacy lives on through his serene creation, one that can make even the biggest curmudgeon crack a smile. Bob’s Crystal Cave is so cool that it’s written about in “the definitive guide to the world’s hidden wonders,” Atlas Obscura.
—Beth Allen
Best Place to Learn About and Look at the Cosmos
Joshua Tree Astronomy Arts Theater
The Joshua Tree Astronomy Arts Theater is an open-air theater located next to the Joshua Tree Lake RV and Campground, at 2601 Sunfair Road.
What is it? Well, it’s a fenced-in area with a large stage and screen—including plenty of nice, sloped outdoor-chair seating, with plenty of room to set up your own chairs or blankets. It’s a big, dark place—perfect for stargazing.
Along the left side of the “theater” are various telescopes manned by gregarious members of the Southern California Desert Video Astronomers (www.scdva.org), who are happy to tour the constellations with anyone who wanders over. People of all ages can come to relax and learn tales of the cosmos. The group hosts regular events with cool themes like Friday the 13th’s “Spooky Superstitions: Lucky Stars and Moons of Doom,” or an amazing night of meteor showers at their peak. The JTAAT has also hosted movies (about aliens!) and the live tunes of local musician Clive Wright, who plays guitar along with “singing plants.”
When you go, BYOB—food, beers, buds—or, in other words, pack a picnic! Don’t forget to bring a flashlight so you can find your way to the porta-potties in the parking lot.
—Beth Allen
Best Combination of Silky and Fried
The California Avocado Fries at Grill a Burger
The other day, I was driving down the road, when all of a sudden, a thought popped into my mind: “Damn, I could go for some avocado fries at Grill-a-Burger right now.”
Now, let me place this random thought in proper context: I had not been to Grill-a-Burger in about a year and a half. I haven’t had avocado fries of any sort since then. So, what in tarnation led me to have this thought at this time? Was it the result of some unknown stimuli? A signal from the mothership?
I have no freaking idea. All I know is that ever since, I have not been able to get Grill-a-Burger’s avocado fries off my mind. These deliciously filling wedges have it all: Sweet. Savory. Smoothness. A Panko-breadcrumb crunch. Yum.
If you like avocado to the slightest degree, you must try these. Get thee to 73091 Country Club Drive, in Palm Desert, pronto.
—Jimmy Boegle
Best Pie
Buttermilk Pie at Billy Reed’s
As our press deadline for this issue approached, the heartbreaking news broke that Robbie Lemley, the co-owner of Billy Reed’s (at 1800 N. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs), had passed away at the age of 86.
After the news broke, local social-media pages were flooded with remembrances and tributes, both to Lemley himself and the iconic restaurant he helped create. I didn’t know Lemley personally (although I am sure he greeted me a time or three during my visits to Billy Reed’s). However, I adore his work: Billy Reed’s is truly one of a kind.
Billy Reed’s is the place where I celebrated my most recent birthday. It’s the place I recently took some close friends who just moved here for their first “official meal” as Palm Springs residents. And it’s the place that introduced me to what has become one of my favorite desserts: buttermilk pie.
A piece of this pie looks simple, but its flavor is surprisingly complex. I don’t know exactly what the bakers at Billy Reed’s put in their version, but buttermilk pie, I’ve come to learn, typically includes a blend of buttermilk, eggs, butter, flour, lemon, vanilla and a whole lot of sugar. The resulting custard pie is pure decadence.
Thank you, Mr. Lemley, for the special place you helped make. And thank you for broadening my dessert horizons just a little, too.
—Jimmy Boegle
- best of coachella valley
- best of coachella valley 20192020
- ocho ojos
- gadi's
- ramen musashi
- captain ghost
- into the grave
- cvrep playhouse in cathedral city
- CV rep
- coachella valley repertory
- interstellar
- carousel bakery
- bob's crystal cave
- sky village swap meet
- bob carr
- joshua tree astronomy arts theater
- grillaburger
- avocado fries
- buttermilk pie
- billy reed's
- robbie lemley
Best of Coachella Valley 2019-2020: Readers' Picks
Every year, when late August rolls around, and we start the first round of Best of Coachella Valley voting, the results announcement seems so far away.
Yet … the next three months fly by—and while the time is flying, a lot of work is being done.
Primary, that work is being done by you, the amazing readers of the Independent. To start, you tackle that first-round ballot—including almost 130 categories and NO pre-selected finalists, just a blank field to fill in next to each category.
After that goes on for several weeks, we here at the Independent get to work, and we tabulate all those first-round ballots to determine who you picked as our finalists. Then, in late September comes the announcement of each category’s three to six finalists (five in most cases)—and the start of the final round of voting. After four weeks of that, we here at the Independent check the results and begin putting together our special Best of Coachella Valley print edition, as well as this online version.
We say it every year, but it’s worth repeating: Man, you readers are good. Yeah, other publications and websites here in the Coachella Valley do readers’ polls—but the slate of winners and finalists you Independent readers come up with is so much better than the rest, partially because of how we do our polling (i.e., asking readers to vote just once in each round, to lessen the ballot-box-stuffing), but mostly because you, our readers, are smart and community-minded. This is a fantastically diverse, valley-wide selection of finalists and winners.
So, please join us to celebrate at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 18, at Copa Nightclub—again your selection this year as Best Nightclub—at 244 E. Amado Road, in Palm Springs, for the Best of Coachella Valley Awards Party. All of the winners present will receive certificates and have an opportunity to say thanks. Plus, we may have several surprises in store for everyone. I hope to see you there.
Congratulations to all of the winners and finalists … and welcome to the Best of Coachella Valley 2019-2020!
—Jimmy Boegle, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Arts
Best Art Gallery
TIE
CODA Gallery
Shag
Runners up:
3. Heather James Fine Art
4. Melissa Morgan Fine Art
5. Michael Weems Collection
Best Indoor Venue
McCallum Theatre
Runners up:
2. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
3. The Show at Agua Caliente
4. Fantasy Springs Special Events Center
5. The Hood Bar and Pizza
Best Outdoor Venue
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Runners up:
2. Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
3. Fantasy Springs Rock Yard
4. Empire Polo Club
5. Rancho Mirage Amphitheater
Best Local Arts Group/Organization
Palm Springs Art Museum
Runners up:
2. McCallum Theatre
3. Desert Rose Playhouse
4. CREATE Center for the Arts
5. Coachella Valley Symphony
Best Local Band
Giselle Woo and The Night Owls
Runners up:
2. TIE
The Flusters
Ocho Ojos
4. Avenida Music
5. Captain Ghost
Best Local DJ
DJ Galaxy
Runners up:
2. Alf Alpha
3. Alex Harrington
4. DJ Baz/Barry Martin
5. DJ Mr. D/Joe De Hoyos
Best Local Musician (Individual)
Jesika von Rabbit
Runners up:
2. Giselle Woo
3. Doug Van Sant
4. Courtney Chambers
5. Krystofer Do
Best Local Visual Artist
Adam Enrique Rodriguez
Runners up:
2. Shag
3. Sofia Enriquez
4. Chris Sanchez
5. Cristopher Cichocki
Best Movie Theater
Century La Quinta and XD
Runners up:
2. Mary Pickford Is D’Place
3. Camelot Theatres at the Palm Springs Cultural Center
4. Century Theatres at The River and XD
5. Regal Rancho Mirage Stadium 16 and IMAX
Best Museum
Palm Springs Art Museum
Runners up:
2. TIE
Palm Springs Air Museum
Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert
4. Coachella Valley History Museum
Best Producing Theater Company
Palm Canyon Theatre
Runners up:
2. Coachella Valley Repertory
3. Desert Rose Playhouse
4. Desert Theatreworks
5. Desert Ensemble Theatre Company
6. Dezart Performs
Life in the Valley
Best Local Activist/Advocacy Group/Charity
TIE
Desert AIDS Project
Palm Springs Animal Shelter
Runners up:
3. Boys and Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley
4. Coachella Valley Rescue Mission
5. Shelter From the Storm
Best Gym
EOS Fitness
Runners up:
2. 24 Hour Fitness
3. World Gym
4. In-Shape
Best Yoga
Urban Yoga
Runners up:
2. Bikram Yoga Plus
3. Yoga Center Palm Desert
4. Power Yoga Palm Springs
5. Yoga Central
Best Bowling Alley
Fantasy Lanes Bowling
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs Lanes
3. Canyon Lanes at Morongo
Best Sex Toy Shop
Skitzo Kitty
Runners up:
2. Not So Innocent
3. Gear Leather and Fetish
4. Mischief Cards and Gifts
Best Auto Repair
Exotic Car Service
Runners up:
2. A.G. Auto Care
3. Kennard’s Automotive
4. TIE
Cam Stone’s Automotive
Singh’s Automotive Repair
Best Car Wash
Quick Quack Car Wash
Runners up:
2. Elephant Car Wash
3. Executive Car Wash
4. Airport Quick Car Wash
5. Desert 100 Percent Hand Car Wash
Best Plant Nursery
Moller’s Garden Center
Runners up:
2. Moorten Botanical Garden
3. Vintage Nursery
4. Lotus Garden Center
5. Bob Williams Nursery
6. Sky Nursery
Best Pet Supplies
Bones-N-Scones
Runners up:
2. Petco
3. PetSmart
4. Pet Oasis
5. PoshPetCare
Best Annual Charity Event
Palm Springs Pride
Runners up:
2. Concert for Autism
3. McCallum Theatre Annual Gala
4. Red Dress/Dress Red (LGBT Community Center of the Desert)
5. Evening Under the Stars (AAP-Food Samaritans)
6. Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards (Desert AIDS Project)
Best Place to Gamble
Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Rancho Mirage
3. Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa Palm Springs (Spa Resort Casino)
4. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
5. Spotlight 29
Best Local TV News
KESQ News Channel 3
Runners up:
2. KMIR Channel 6/NBC Palm Springs
3. CBS Local 2
Best Local TV News Personality
Bryan Gallo, KMIR Channel 6/NBC Palm Springs
Runners up:
2. Karen Devine, KESQ News Channel 3
3. Patrick Evans, CBS Local 2
4. Brooke Beare, KESQ News Channel 3
5. Jeff Stahl, KESQ News Channel 3
Best Radio Station
KGAY 106.5
Runners up:
2. 93.7 KCLB
3. Jammin’ 99.5
4. Mix 100.5
5. 107.3 Mod FM
Best Local Radio Personality
Bradley Ryan, Mix 100.5
Runners up:
2. John Taylor, KGAY 106.5
3. Bill Feingold, KNews 94.3 FM/104.7
4. Don Wardell, 107.3 Mod FM
Best Retail Music/Video
Palm Springs Vinyl Records and Collectibles
Runners up:
2. Record Alley
3. Guitar Center
4. Music Heals
Best Comics/Games Shop
Desert Oasis Comics
Runners up:
2. Game Stop
3. Comic Asylum
Best Hotel Pool
Ace Hotel and Swim Club
Runners up:
2. The Saguaro Palm Springs
3. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
4. Renaissance Palm Springs
5. Kimpton Rowan
Best Indoor Fun/Activity
Escape Room Palm Springs
Runners up:
2. Get Air Trampoline Park
3. Glitch Palm Springs
4. Desert Rocks Indoor Climbing Gym
Best Marijuana Dispensary
Joy of Life Wellness Center
Runners up:
2. The Leaf El Paseo
3. Atomic Budz
4. Palm Springs Safe Access
5. Mother Earth’s Farmacy
Valley Professionals
Best Doctor
Dr. Maria Gopez
Runners up:
2. Dr. Bruce Ferguson
3. Gennady “Henry” Nosovitsky, PA
4. Dr. David Morris
5. Dr. Michael Jardula
Best Eye Care
Milauskas Eye Institute
Runners up:
2. Dr. David Esquibel (Desert Vision)
3. Dr. Greg Evans (Evans Eyecare)
4. Dr. Wallace Goldban (Desert Ophthalmology)
5. Dr. John K. Schofield
Best Dentist/Orthodontist
Dr. Scott Shepherd (Palm Springs Family and Cosmetic Dentistry)
Runners up:
2. Hospitality Dental and Orthodontics
3. Dr. Frank Hernandez (Hernandez Dental)
4. Dr. Gerald Chang
5. Vineyard Family Dental Office
Best Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Mark Sofonio
Runners up:
2. Dr. Timothy Jochen
3. Dr. Scott Aaronson
4. Dr. Bruce Chisholm
Best Attorney
Walter Clark
Runners up:
2. Barbara Barrett
3. Christopher Heritage
4. Brad Faber
5. Michael Knighten
Best Air Conditioning Service
Comfort Air
Runners up:
2. Timo’s Air Conditioning and Heating
3. Esser Air Conditioning and Heating
4. General Air Conditioning
5. Simmons Air
Best Personal Trainer
Jaime Jimenez
Runners up:
2. Ryann McMillon
3. Brian Guzman
4. Brandon Wertz
Best Chiropractor
Dr. Gina Davis
Runners up:
2. Dr. Jim Cox
3. Dr. Susan Brennan
4. Dr. Navid Nazemi
5. Dr. Stephen Krupey
Best Real Estate Agent
TIE
Barbara Carpenter
Paul Zapala
Runners up:
3. Shann Carr
4. Paula LaBellarti
5. Jason Allen
Best Public Servant
Rep. Raul Ruiz
Runners up:
2. Palm Springs City Councilman Geoff Kors
3. Sheriff Chad Bianco
4. Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia
5. Palm Desert City Councilman Sabby Jonathan
Fashion and Style
Best Clothing Store (Locally Owned)
Trina Turk
Runners up:
2. R&R Menswear
3. Wil Stiles
4. Kimbals
5. Division
Best Local Resale/Vintage Clothing
Revivals
Runners up:
2. Angel View
3. Goodwill
4. Plato’s Closet
Best Furniture Store
Mathis Brothers
Runners up:
2. Revivals
3. H3K Design
4. Mor Furniture for Less
5. Bob’s Discount Furniture
Best Antiques/Collectables Store
Misty’s Consignments
Runners up:
2. Sunny Dunes Antiques Mall
3. The Estate Sale Co.
4. Victoria’s Attic
Best Jeweler/Jewelry Store
Tiffany and Co.
Runners up:
2. El Paseo Jewelers
3. Leeds and Son
4. The Fine Jewelry Bar
Best Hair Salon
J. Russell! The Salon
Runners up:
2. Heads Up Hair Designs
3. 18|8 Fine Men’s Salon
4. Turquoise Salon
5. Dishwater Blonde Salon
Best Spa in a Resort/Hotel
Sunstone Spa at Agua Caliente
Runners up:
2. Spa at the Ritz Carlton
3. Spa La Quinta at the La Quinta Resort
4. The Spa at Desert Springs (JW Marriott)
5. Agua Serena Spa at Hyatt Regency Indian Wells
Best Day Spa (Non-Resort/Hotel)
Massage Envy
Runners up:
2. Studio M Salon and Spa
3. Bliss Chakra Spa
Best Florist
My Little Flower Shop
Runners up:
2. Indio Florist
3. Jensen’s Foods
4. Cathedral City Floral Designs
5. Vaso Bello Celebrations
Best Tattoo Parlor
Anarchy and Ink Tattoo
Runners up:
2. Bloodline Tattoo and Body Piercing
3. Blue Rose Tattoo
4. Adornment Piercing and Private Tattoo
5. Strata Tattoo Lab
Best Eyeglass/Optical Retailer
Costco
Runners up:
2. Desert Vision Optometry
3. Ooh La La De Paris Eyewear
4. LensCrafters
5. One Price Optical
Outside!
Best Public Garden
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Runners up:
2. Sunnylands
3. TIE
Moorten Botanical Garden
Palm Desert Civic Center Park
5. Wellness Park at Ruth Hardy Park
Best Place for Bicycling
CV Link
Runners up:
2. Joshua Tree
3. Bear Creek Path (La Quinta)
4. Tahquitz Creek Loop
Best Recreation Area
Joshua Tree
Runners up:
2. Whitewater Preserve
3. Mount San Jacinto State Park (Top of the Tram)
4. Palm Desert Civic Center Park
5. Lake Cahuilla Recreation Area
Best Hike
Bump and Grind Trail
Runners up:
2. Tahquitz Canyon Trail
3. Mount San Jacinto State Park (Top of the Tram)
4. Thousand Palms Oasis Preserve
5. The Cross Trail Loop
Best Park
Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Runners up:
2. Ruth Hardy Park
3. La Quinta Civic Center Park
4. Demuth Park
5. Sunrise Park
Best Outdoor/Camping Gear Store
Big 5 Sporting Goods
Runners up:
2. Dick’s Sporting Goods
3. Yellow Mart
4. Nomad Ventures
Best Bike Shop
Palm Springs/Palm Desert Cyclery
Runners up:
2. Tri-A-Bike
3. Joel’s Bicycle Shop
4. BikeMan
Best Sporting Goods
Big 5 Sporting Goods
Runners up:
2. Dick’s Sporting Goods
3. Yellow Mart
4. Pete Carlson’s Golf and Tennis
Best Public Golf Course
Tahquitz Creek Golf Resort
Runners up
2. Desert Willow Golf Resort
3. Eagle Falls Golf Course
4. Classic Club Golf
5. Mission Lakes Country Club
For the Kids
Best Playground
Palm Desert Civic Center Park
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Civic Center Park
3. Demuth Park
4. Ruth Hardy Park
Best Place to Buy Toys
Mr. G’s Toys and Expressions
Runners up:
2. Target
3. Walmart
4. JadaBug’s Kids Boutique
Best Kids’ Clothing Store
Target
Runners up:
2. Old Navy
3. JadaBug’s Kids Boutique
4. Carter’s
5. The Children’s Place
Best Restaurant for Kids
Chuck E. Cheese’s
Runners up:
2. Red Robin
3. Old Spaghetti Factory
4. Shakey’s Pizza
5. Billy Q’s
Best Place for Family Fun
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Runners up:
2. Boomers
3. Escape Room Palm Springs
4. Get Air Trampoline Park
5. Chuck E. Cheese’s
Best Place for a Birthday Party
Fantasy Lanes Bowling Alley
Runners up:
2. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
3. Get Air Trampoline Park
4. Chuck E. Cheese’s
5. Shakey’s Pizza
Food and Restaurants
Best Casual Eats
TIE
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Lulu California Bistro
Runners up:
3. Bongo Johnny’s
4. Kitchen 86 + Bar
5. Billy Q’s
Best Caterer
Lulu California Bistro
Runners up:
2. Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge
3. Dash and a Handful
4. Lynn Hammond
5. Fusion Flair
Best Diner
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Bongo Johnny’s
3. Keedy’s Fountain Grill
4. Rick’s Restaurant
5. John’s Restaurant
Best Organic Food Store
Sprouts Farmers Market
Runners up:
2. Clark’s Nutrition and Natural Foods
3. Whole Foods
4. Nature’s Health Food and Cafe
5. Harvest Health Foods
Best Delicatessen
Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
Runners up:
2. TKB Bakery and Deli
3. Real Italian Deli
4. Manhattan in the Desert
5. Bristol Farms
Best Custom Cakes
Over the Rainbow
Runners up:
2. Nothing Bundt Cakes
3. Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
4. Pastry Swan Bakery
5. Jensen’s Foods
Best Desserts
Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
Runners up:
2. Café 54 at Augustine Casino
3. Nothing Bundt Cakes
4. Over the Rainbow
5. Billy Reed’s
6. Jensen’s Foods
Best Ice Cream/Shakes
Great Shakes
Runners up:
2. Brandini Toffee
3. Lappert’s Ice Cream
4. Coco Freeze
5. Kreem
Best Date Shake
Shields Date Garden
Runners up:
2. Hadley’s
3. Great Shakes
4. Oasis Date Gardens
5. Windmill Market
Best Frozen Yogurt
Yogurtland
Runners up:
2. Jus Chillin’
3. Tutti Frutti
4. Beach House
Best Bakery
Townie Bagels, Bakery and Café
Runners up:
2. TKB Bakery and Deli
3. Aspen Mills
4. Frankie’s Italian Bakery, Café and Supper Club
5. Carousel Bakery
Best Barbecue
Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace
Runners up:
2. Smoke Tree BBQ
3. Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse
4. Jackalope Ranch
5. Zobo and Meester’s
Best Burger
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Tyler’s Burgers
3. Smokin’ Burgers
4. Bongo Johnny’s
5. Tony’s Burgers
Best Veggie Burger
Native Foods Café
Runners up:
2. Lulu California Bistro
3. Bongo Johnny’s
4. Palm Greens Café
5. Grand Central Palm Springs
Best Sandwich
TKB Bakery and Deli
Runners up:
2. The Sandwich Spot
3. Manhattan in the Desert
4. Bongo Johnny’s
5. The Lunchbox
6. Billy Q’s
Best Pizza
Bill’s Pizza
Runners up:
2. Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill
3. Blaze Pizza
4. Upper Crust Pizza
5. Billy Q’s
Best Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings
Runners up:
2. Wingstop
3. Bongo Johnny’s
4. Jackalope Ranch
5. Billy Q’s
Best Bagels
Townie Bagels, Bakery and Café
Runners up:
2. Sherman’s Deli and Bakery
3. Panera Bread
4. Manhattan in the Desert
5. Bristol Farms
Best Smoothies
Fresh Juice Bar
Runners up:
2. Jamba Juice
3. Koffi
4. Coco Freeze
5. Big Juice Bar
Best Buffet
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Grand Palms Buffet at Agua Caliente
3. Fresh Grill Buffet at Fantast Springs
4. Emperor Buffet
5. Potrero Canyon Buffet at Morongo
Best Local Coffee Roaster
Koffi
Runners up:
2. Joshua Tree Coffee Company
3. Coachella Valley Coffee Company
Best Coffee Shop
Koffi
Runners up:
2. Gre Coffeehouse and Art Gallery
3. Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
4. IW Coffee
5. Townie Bagels, Bakery and Café
Best Tea
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
Runners up:
2. Koffi
3. Grand Central Palm Springs
4. Starbucks
Best California Cuisine
Lulu California Bistro
Runners up:
2. Spencer’s Restaurant
3. POM California Cuisine at Fantasy Springs
4. Acqua California Bistro
5. Bellatrix at the Classic Club
Best Breakfast
TIE
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Wilma and Frieda’s
Runners up:
3. Elmer’s
4. Broken Yolk Café
5. Bongo Johnny’s
6. Spencer’s Restaurant
Best Brunch
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. Spencer’s Restaurant
3. The Tropicale
4. Lulu California Bistro
5. Bongo Johnny’s
Best Chinese
P.F. Chang’s
Runners up:
2. JOY at Fantasy Springs
3. Palm Tree Palace
4. New Fortune Asian Cuisine
5. Soul of China
Best Greek
Evzin Mediterranean Cuisine
Runners up:
2. Athena Gyro
3. Nina’s Greek Cuisine
4. Koutouki Greek Estiatorio
5. Yianni’s Taverna
Best French
Le Vallauris Restaurant
Runners up:
2. French Corner Cafe
3. L’Atelier Café
4. Cuistot Restaurant
5. Si Bon
Best Indian
Monsoon Indian Cuisine
Runners up:
2. India Oven
3. Sam’s Indian Food and Pizza
Best Italian
Mario’s Italian Café
Runners up:
2. Ristorante Mamma Gina
3. Johnny Costa’s Ristorante
4. Il Giardino
5. Il Corso
Best Japanese
Kobe Japanese Steakhouse
Runners up:
2. Shabu Shabu Zen
3. Okura Robata Grill and Sushi Bar
4. Sandfish Sushi and Whiskey
5. Taka Shin
Best Korean
JOY at Fantasy Springs
Runners up:
2. Maru Korean B.B.Q. and Grill
3. Umami Seoul
4. You Grill Korean BBQ
Best Sushi
Dragon Sushi
Runners up:
2. Misaki Sushi and Griill
3. Sandfish Sushi and Whiskey
4. Joyce’s Sushi
5. Taka Shin
Best Seafood
Fisherman’s Market and Grill
Runners up:
2. Café 54 at Augustine Casino
3. Pacifica Seafood Restaurant
4. Mitch’s on El Paseo
5. Mariscoco's Culiacan
Best Steaks/Steakhouse
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Runners up:
2. The Steakhouse at Agua Caliente
3. LG’s Prime Steakhouse
4. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar
5. Outback Steakhouse
Best Thai
Thai Smile Palm Springs
Runners up:
2. My Thai
3. Pepper’s Thai Cuisine
4. Thai House
5. Le Basil
Best Vietnamese
Pho Vu
Runners up:
2. 533 Viet Fusion
3. Rooster and the Pig
4. JOY at Fantasy Springs
5. Pho of the Desert
Best Vegetarian/Vegan
Chef Tanya’s Kitchen
Runners up:
2. Native Foods Café
3. Palm Greens Café
4. Luscious Lorraine’s
5. The Sandbox Kitchen
Best Upscale Dining
Spencer’s Restaurant
Runners up:
2. Eight4Nine Restaurant and Lounge
3. The Tropicale
4. Johannes
5. Jillian’s
Best Outdoor Seating
The Tropicale
Runners up:
2. Spencer’s Restaurant
3. Jackalope Ranch
4. Bongo Johnny’s
5. Bellatrix at the Classic Club
Best Late-Night Restaurant
Café 54 at Augustine Casino
Runners up:
2. The Tropicale
3. Bongo Johnny’s
4. King’s Highway at the Ace Hotel and Swim Club
5. Paul Bar/Food
Best Mexican
Las Casuelas Terraza
Runners up:
2. Pueblo Viejo Grill
3. Tac/Quila
4. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
5. La Tablita
Best Salsa
Rincon Norteño
Runners up:
2. Las Casuelas Terraza
3. Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill
4. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
5. Tac/Quila
Best Burrito
Las Casuelas Terraza
Runners up:
2. El Mirasol
3. Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill
4. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
5. Loco Charlie’s
Spirits and Nightlife
Best Beer Selection
Yard House
Runners up:
2. Burgers and Beer
3. Draughtsman
4. The Beer Hunter
5. Eureka!
Best Local Brewery
Coachella Valley Brewing Co.
Runners up:
2. La Quinta Brewing Co.
3. Babe’s Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse
4. Desert Beer Company
Best Place to Play Pool/Billiards
The Hood Bar and Pizza
Runners up:
2. Neil’s Lounge
3. The Beer Hunter
4. Henry’s Sports Bar and Grill
5. Bart Lounge
Best Cocktail Menu
TRIO Restaurant
Runners up:
2. The Tropicale
3. Tonga Hut
4. Workshop Kitchen + Bar
5. Seymour’s
Best Craft Cocktails
Paul Bar/Food
Runners up:
2. Seymour’s
3. Truss and Twine
4. Libation Room
5. Del Rey at the Villa Royale
Best Gay/Lesbian Bar/Club
Hunters
Runners up:
2. Toucan’s Tiki Lounge
3. Blackbook
4. Chill Bar Palm Springs
5. The Roost
6. Streetbar
Best Happy Hour
La Quinta Cliffhouse
Runners up:
2. Lulu California Bistro
3. The Tropicale
4. TIE
Il Corso
Kitchen 86 + Bar
Best Dive Bar
The Hood Bar and Pizza
Runners up:
2. Tool Shed
3. Neil’s Lounge
4. Desert Fox
5. Club 5
Best Margarita
Las Casuelas Terraza
2. Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill
3. Rio Azul Mexican Bar and Grill
4. El Mirasol
5. Tac/Quila
Best Martini
The Tropicale
Runners up:
2. Lulu California Bistro
3. Bongo Johnny’s
4. TIE
Del Rey at the Villa Royale
Zin American Bistro
Best Nightclub
Copa Palm Springs
Runners up:
2. Hunters
3. Chill Bar Palm Springs
4. Toucan’s Tiki Lounge
5. Bart Lounge
Best Sports Bar
The Beer Hunter
Runners up:
2. Big Rock Pub
3. AMP Sports Lounge
4. Revel Public House
5. Billy Q’s
6. Henry’s Sports Bar and Grill
Best Wine Bar
Zin American Bistro
Runners up:
2. V Wine Lounge
3. TIE
Dead or Alive
Twelve Cocktails Above at Fantasy Springs
5. La Fe Wine Bar
Best Wine/Liquor Store
Total Wine and More
Runners up:
2. BevMo!
3. Desert Wine Shop on 111
4. Bouschet
5. Larry’s Wine and Spirits
Best Bar Ambiance
The Tropicale
Runners up:
2. Paul Bar/Food
3. TRIO Restaurant
4. Stacy’s Palm Springs
5. Del Rey at the Villa Royale
- best of coachella valley
- best of coachella valley 20192020
- best of coachella valley party 20192020
- coda gallery
- shag
- mccallum theatre
- the living desert
- palm springs art museum
- giselle woo and the night owls
- dj galaxy
- jesika von rabbit
- adam enrique rodriguez
- century la quinta and xd
- palm canyon theatre
- desert aids project
- palm springs animal shelter
- eos fitness
- urban yoga
- fantasy lanes
- skitzo kitty
- exotic car service
- quick quack car wash
- moller's garden center
- bones n scones
- palm springs pride
- augustine casino
- cafe 54
- kesq
- bryan gallo
- kgay 1065
- bradley ryan
- palm springs vinyl records and collectibles
- desert oasis comics
- ace hotel
- ace hotel palm springs
- ace hotel and swim club
- escape room palm springs
- joy of life wellness center
- maria gopez
- milauskas eye institute
- scott shepherd
- mark sofonio
- walter clark
- comfort air
- jaime jimenez
- gina davis
- barbara carpenter
- paul zapala
- raul ruiz
- trina turk
- revivals
- mathis brothers
- misty's consignments
- tiffany and co
- j russell! the salon
- sunstone spa at agua caliente
- massage envy
- my little flower shop
- anarchy and ink
- costco
- cv link
- joshua tree
- bump and grind trail
- palm desert civic center park
- big 5
- palm springs cyclery
- palm desert cyclery
- tahquitz creek golf resort
- mr g's for kids
- target
- chuck e cheese
- lulu california bistro
- sprouts farmers market
- sherman's
- sherman's deli and bakery
- over the rainbow
- great shakes
- shields date garden
- yogurtland
- townie bagels, bakery and cafe
- townie bagels
- pappy and harriets
- native foods cafe
- tkb bakery and deli
- bill's pizza
- buffalo wild wings
- fresh juice bar
- koffi
- coffee bean and tea leaf
- wilma and frieda's cafe
- PF Chang's China Bistro
- pf chang's
- evzin mediterranean cuisine
- le vallauris
- monsoon indian cuisine
- mario's italian cafe
- kobe japanese steakhouse
- joy
- dragon sushi
- fisherman's market and grill
- ruth's chris steak house
- thai smile
- thai smile palm springs
- pho vu
- chef tanya's kitchen
- spencer's restaurant
- tropicale
- las casuelas terraza
- rincon norteno
- yard house
- coachella valley brewing co
- coachella valley brewing company
- the hood bar and pizza
- Trio restraurant
- paul bar/food
- hunters
- la quinta cliffhouse grill and bar
- la quinta cliffhouse
- copa room
- copa
- the beer hunter
- zin american bistro
- total wine and more
- palm springs family and cosmetic dentistry
The Weekly Independent Comics Page for Nov. 21, 2019!
On this week's cornbread-stuffing-filled weekly Independent comics page: This Modern World wonders what the deal is with all this impeachment stuff; Jen Sorensen looks at Facebook going all the way to 1984; The K Chronicles isn't very impressed by Hollywood; Red Meat suffers the consequences of some unwise diet choices; and Apoca Clips "learns" something at a convention.
The Weekly Independent Comics Page for Nov. 14, 2019!
On this week's pumpkin-pie-infused weekly Independent comics page: Red Meat deals with a bad cough; Apoca Clips checks in with Donny Junior on his book tour; Jen Sorensen ponders "woke culture"; The K Chronicles offers a soundtrack for the upcoming race war; and This Modern World looks at the aftermath of a Donald Trump bank robbery.
The Weekly Independent Comics Page for Nov. 7, 2019!
On this week's tax-return-releasing weekly Independent comics page: Apoca Clips welcomes back Flamey the Fire Safety Rhino; Red Meat has an idea for a movie; This Modern World gets Trump's thoughts on that perfect phone call; Jen Sorenson ponders Bill Barr's attack on the non-devout; and The K Chronicles examines the early dissent over primate change.
The Weekly Independent Comics Page for Oct. 31, 2019!
On this week's power-outage, fire-free weekly Independent comics page: The K Chronicles plays the victim card; This Modern World talks lynchings; Jen Sorensen ponders the hurdles between here and Trump's removal from office; Red Meat pays tribute to the glue stick; and Apoca Clips listens as Li'l Trumpy talks about the killing of that terrorist.
The Weekly Independent Comics Page for Oct. 24, 2019!
On this week's illegitimate, unconstitutional, witch-hunt-laden weekly Independent comics page: Jen Sorensen looks at the Trump administration's next potential claim; The K Chronicles examines how police get treated when they kill a citizen; This Modern World listens to Rudy go on and on; Apoca Clips listens to Mick Mulvaney go on and on; and Red Meat wonders why Mr. Bix threw up where he did.
The Weekly Independent Comics Page for Oct. 17, 2019!
On this week's fresh-and-fruity weekly Independent comics page: Red Meat chronicles Earl's new job at the DMV; Apoca Clips listens in as Don Jr. and Eric discuss Hunter Biden's alleged misdeeds; The K Chronicles gets wistful about the joys of being young; This Modern World ponders some extremely good-faith arguments against impeachment; and Jen Sorensen offers a tribute, of sorts, to the right-wing punk.