A curious travel writer doesn’t turn down opportunities to explore or review places that come her way. Admittedly, this travel writer hadn’t considered herself a food writer, but since the invitations were coming, I thought, “Why not?”
These invitations to review restaurants have sharpened my palate and helped me understand and honor the roles chefs play in a restaurant's success or demise. I have also learned that most chefs will appreciate your sharing if something isn’t quite right.
Dinner at Agua Caliente Casino Waters Cafe
Note that I said, “Hidden Delight" in the title of this article. I will use this new term to replace the overused phrase “Hidden Gem.”
I call Waters Café, located inside the Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage a hidden delight for two reasons:
1. It is hidden on the far west side of the Agua Caliente Casino. Granted, it is by the pool and outdoor patio, but if you are not staying there, you might miss it entirely.
2. The food is outstanding and plentiful, and the cuisine is unexpectedly fine in a café.
Cocktail starts the Meal
I sat down with a friend I had invited to accompany me. We hadn’t seen each other for a while, so I ordered a cocktail. When the waitress asked what I wanted, I said, “Something photo-worthy.” We laughed, and she said, “What would you like the main ingredient to be?” I said, “Whiskey.” Let’s let the bartender decide.
Much to my delight, this citrusy cocktail arrived—the bartender named it an Irish mojito. It was refreshing and flavorful, and I would order it again.
Meanwhile, my dining partner smiled when offered two types of iced tea. The waitress observed and kept her glass filled to the brim throughout the meal.
First Course
We decided to share a salad, and our eyes landed on the Local Farm Table Ingredients Salad. My dining companion said, “I’m not normally one to finish a salad, but this one is outstanding.”
Meanwhile, I enjoyed the fresh blackberries hiding under the goat cheese and crisp greens. We both commented on the generous amount of slivered roasted almonds scattered through the salad.
Second Course
We took Chef Juan Morales's recommendations. He said they were new items recently added to the menu and wanted our opinion.
My companion ordered the Citrus-Marinated “Brick” Jidori Chicken. It was semi-boneless chicken served with whipped garlic mashed potato and charred broccolini. She pronounced the meal excellent and appreciated the very moist chicken.
My plate arrived with Braised Beef Short Ribs. I so enjoyed the short ribs, which were easily cut with my fork. The steamed baby carrots, something I hadn’t had in ages, and the whipped mashed potatoes were the perfect accompaniment.
Since we had cleaned our salad plates, we found ourselves stuffed, and the next day, we had enough food from the entrée for lunch in our takeaway boxes.
Third Course
We wanted to be surprised with our dessert, so Chef Morales sent us Sea Salt, Chocolate, and Caramel Pot de Crème. Crumbles of pistachio brittle, whipped cream, and strawberries adored the one side of the dish.
We took one spoonful and then looked at each other—Oh my! The salted caramel reminded me of seaside taffy. Only it didn’t stick to your teeth. It was so smooth.
The dessert is extremely rich, so we decided it could easily be the crowning dish for a group of three or four to share. The fruit bathed in whipped cream went well to counter the sweetness of the pot de cream.
The meal had ended, but we sat there and continued our conversation. No one rushed us. We had chosen to sit in a booth, but there are many tables in the café, with some along the large glass window where you can watch people enjoying the outdoor patio.
They also have a wraparound bar right off the casino's hallway. Word is that Happy Hour is plentiful, too. This is a great place to dine in a casual atmosphere when meeting friends.
Chef Juan Morales Shares His Goal for the Waters Cafe
Chef Juan Morales was a delight and shared his pride in what he has accomplished overseeing all the restaurants at the Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage. When we commented on how surprised we were to find such food at a casino, he said, “There is a difference between a casino restaurant and a restaurant in a casino.” I want Waters Café to be known as a restaurant in a casino.”
We asked him to repeat what he said, so we got it right. Yes, after dining here, I believe he is creating exactly what he desires at the Agua Caliente Casino Waters Café is a restaurant inside a casino.
Kathy Condon is a travel writer and award-winning author. Her niche is luxury experiences, hidden delights, and communities living in the shadows of large cities. She can be reached at 760-902-3094 or kathy@kathycondon.net. www.PalmSpringsInsiderGuide.com