​Five Ways to Maximize Your Dine GPS Restaurant Week Experience

Quinoa tabbouleh with dates inspired by Le Vallouris in Palm Springs (Photo:Ruksana Hussain)

Dine GPS, the Greater Palm Springs Restaurant event of the year, is coming up end of this month and you need to be well versed with the area and what’s in store to make the most of your time when there. Of course, dining is going to be the highlight of your visit if you head over during the festival but there’s so much more within the different cities that make up the GPS area, which consists of Cathedral City and Desert Hot Springs, Palms Springs, Palm Desert, La Quinta and Indian Wells, Indio, and Rancho Mirage. I learned more about their plans for this year’s edition at a sneak peek press preview organized in Los Angeles, where we recreated some of the menu items from this year's many offerings. GPS is just a few hours drive away from L.A and a quick/easy weekend getaway if you’d like to head out on a whim. It is also a great additional road trip if you are visiting the city of angels. Here are a few more ways to enjoy the ten days of the event...

Fried squid rings served with aioli inspired by Justin's in Cathedral City (Photo:Ruksana Hussain)

Eating out all the time
The weather is always in your favor in GPS. Patio dining and outdoor seating options an be found aplenty so getting a taste of desert dining shouldn’t be a problem. Cool morning, warm afternoons and clear night skies offer an all-day dining atmosphere. Whether you seek mountain peaks or golfing greens, poolside blues or sidewalk views, you can find a spot for your party to enjoy and take it all in.
 
Eating healthy anywhere
Not only does the air feel clean and healthy in GPS but also the food. Known as a spa town since forever, the resorts here have their loyal clientele and so do the restaurants. Natural foods and wholesome dining experiences abound, with vegan and vegetarian options available, and other food preferences respected. If your wellness is top of mind, you’ve got a variety to pick from here.
 
Eating with family
Much as this is an area that hosts a multitude of events annually (look at their website for their calendar of events, you’ll know what I’m talking about), there is a strong focus on family dining with many venues providing activities for the kiddos and several also including doggy water bowls and treats for your fur babies. No kids or fur babies here but glad our friends have these options. 
 
Eating?! Let’s drink
Well, the desert does make you thirsty lol!! So why not grab a cocktail or few? GPS offers not just great restaurants with enviable dining fare but also crafty cocktails that provide that perfect libation by a professional mixologist to take your oasis getaway to a whole other level. Evening sips got a tad bit more enticing and when you consider the views all around, you’ll want another.
 
Eating between touristing
Of course, you aren’t held captive by just the dining, or maybe you are! There’s so much to see and do in GPS whether you are faring solo, as a couple, with friends, with family or any other group. There’s museums galore, shopping districts, golf courses, hiking trails, gardens and more. So head on to their website and plan your trip now. If you’ve been to GPS then share your recommendations in the comments. And if not, start planning to trEAT your heart out! 

Ceviche 'tacos' - tune cured in lime juice served in a bao bun with salsa inspired by Purple Palm in Palm Springs (Photo:Ruksana Hussain)