The Tropicale, Palm Springs

Friday evening I went to check out Tropicale, a hip new restaurant in downtown Palm Springs. It bills itself as having a chic sophisticated décor. Inside the dining room there are tables and high-backed half-circular leather booths in a plush dining room with chandeliers. The Coral Seas Lounge offers retro cocktails such as The Pink Pussycat, Just Peachy Martini , Chi-Chi Coconut Martini, Carmen Miranda Sangria and the Havana Banana Sparkling Sangria, just to name a few. We had a late reservation, 10:00pm, and although things had calmed down, there was still a very respectable crowd dining and having cocktails. There was some confusion about our waiter- four different servers took care of us with varying degrees of attention. After some confusion with the appetizers available, I enjoyed the Organic lettuce salad with toasted walnuts, gorgonzola and balsamic vinaigrette dressing. The entrees were delicious, with generous portions. although I didn't order them, the pizzas on the menu looked delicious.

above: exterior photos ot Tropicale at night, with dramatic lighting and swank palm trees and neon lights.

above left: I had the Japanese-Style Rice Bowl with Teriyaki King Salmon, Steamed Baby Bok Choy, Asparagus Tips, Tomatoes & Wild Mushrooms and above right: John had the Rare-Grilled Ahi Tuna Steak with Lime Ginger Butter, Black Sesame Seeds Green Papaya Salad Wasabi Dipping Sauce

above left: the waiting area- the "fireplace" is actually a plasma screen TV of a fireplace- very clever for our desert climate, above right: the interior bar of the Coral Seas Lounge.

above: the Coral Seas Lounge back patio and outdoor bar

-Rick Rockhill