The Golden Age of Palm Springs has returned in full force, bringing with it the vibrancy and energy of bright young (well youngish to mid-life) things. Palm Springs is no longer just a playground for retired snowbirds, double income no kids crowd, the politically incorrect male golfers, politicians, uber wealthy corporate titans, trust fund babies, or Hollywood set. It has evolved into a bohemian culture where visitors come to escape for a weekend and fall in love with the magical atmosphere the Coachella Valley offers them. This evolution has also resulted in an elevation of our culinary delights. Speakeasies, tiki bars, fusion food, historic Palm Springs dining establishments and gay bars add to the charm this desert oasis offers year-round.
Bar Cecil is a gem that has emerged as one of the best and most celebrated culinary experiences in the desert. It’s made every “hot” or “must go” list with a caveat that it’s nearly impossible to get a reservation at. Is it worth it? Absolutely! There is nothing about the experience that disappoints. So how do you get a coveted seat at this star restaurant of the desert? A couple insider tips to snag a spot and what to do once you’ve got the golden ticket:
- Cecil is pronounced sessel and the restaurant is named after photographer Cecil Beaton who inspired the aesthetic and vibe. Cecil is known for glamorous images of his extravagant upper-class sitters, as well as his costume designed and outlandish outfits. He even won an Oscar for creating the Black and White Ascot attire in the 1964 film My Fair Lady.
- Reservations are only available via Open Table, so if you tend to be technically challenged or adverse to doing anything without calling and speaking to someone, you might be out of luck if you are stubborn and unwilling to enlist the assistance of your office staff or children/grandchildren. They can be made 30 days out for parties up to six. Reservations are for a two-hour window, so try to be respectful of the time allotment. Oh, and it’s a cashless restaurant so you need to pay with credit or debit-card.
One girl, four guys…who said Cecil was the only one who knows about extravagance? - For those of you who are adverse to scheduling your life too far out, either because of fear of commitment or that you might miss out on a better opportunity because you’ve committed to an evening of inspired cocktails and delicacies to delight the tastebuds, you have bigger issues in life that require a therapist and the only option available to you is getting lucky because someone has canceled their reservations last minute and you stumble on them, or you arrive at 5 and hope to get a coveted seat at the bar. It will be an early evening leaving plenty of time for you to find a different companion or plan if you decide who you’re with just isn’t working for you.
- For the planners, the dreamers and ones who actually know what you want out of your dining experiences, go on Open Table about 30 days out, select Bar Cecil and the find future availability option and take whatever reservation is available. Who cares what day of the week it is, and if you have anyone to go with you or not – it will all work out, just take the reservation and figure it out later.
Every bun needs a good branding! - If the bar is the only option, don’t fret – it’s a stunning bar, you can order a full meal or just appetizers. The caramelized onion tart and colossal shrimp cocktail are two of my favorites.
- You’re from a big City and can’t possibly fathom dining before 9? Suck it up – take the early reservation and find an apres dinner spot for drinks and music. You came to the desert and let’s face it cocktails start at 10:30 am, early bird dining at 3:30 pm and most people are blissfully passed out from sun, booze and food by 9:30 pm. Don’t fret, it’s a preview of coming attractions!
- The hand-crafted cocktails are amazing, if you are a martini afficionado they will make you the perfect martini to your specifications (minus bleu cheese olives which I keep requesting unsuccessfully). If your wallet is feeling a little plush or you’re celebrating, try the Fifty Dollar Martini which comes with a side of caviar and deviled egg.
- The wine list offers a carefully curated selection of wines, with very few selections breaking 3 digits. Two of my favorites from California – Matthiasson (Napa) and Lieu Dit (Santa Barbara) are on the list and come in under $70 a bottle.
- The food will not disappoint from the menu staples available every such as steak frites (my personal favorite and possibly best in the desert), the burger, pork chop to daily specials – you simply can’t go wrong. I’ve sampled most everything on the menu and cannot think of anything that disappointed.
Bar Cecil epitomizes the spirit of the desert. It’s part French Riveria, part old school Hollywood glamour and 100% perfection. Whether you’re a local or visitor, it’s a must visit. Don’t hesitate if someone asks “Shall we?”.
Make reservations at:
Hours – Tuesday through Sunday 5-10 (Kitchen closes at 9)
Located at:
1555 S. Palm Canyon Drive Suite H-104
Palm Springs, CA 92264
PS, want to experience more of Cecil Beaton? National Portrait Gallery published Cecil Beaton’s Cocktail Book which is full of classic cocktails from the 1920’s and 1930’s along with some of his fabulous and over the top photography. Available on Amazon for $22.30 or at your local bookstore.
