Cantala / The Riviera Resort & Spa (Closed Permanently) Formerly: Circa 59

MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT

Overpriced, poor service, small portions, are just a few reasons to stay clear of this establishment!

Empty, theatrical, flies

I had seen Circa 59's Prix Fixe menu for Palm Springs Restaurant Week online and just missed being able to try it, so I dropped by for lunch with high hopes. The OTT Glam-of-the-Giants interior design of the Riviera's uber-cool lobby carried over into the high-ceilinged, super plush restaurant.Very theatrical and completely empty. As the interior was dark, and I had brought a magazine to relax with, I took the receptionist's suggestion to sit in the cooled open air section facing the pool. Perfect resort view of tanned hipsters, but I was plagued with flies during my meal. I always rank a restaurant by their Caesar salad, and the version here (hearts of Romaine) was pedestrian: leaf, grated cheese, and croutons that seemed to be out of a bag. Freshly toasted bread drizzled with olive oil and some anchovies on the side would have perked it up a few notches. The dressing was on the side - a glistening, grey glob in a ramekin - and that made it very clumsy for me to dress with only a fork and knife, and it did taste fresh-made. My sirloin burger was perfectly cooked to my request and delicious. I had finished 2/3 of it by the time the mustard I had requested showed up. My waiter, who said he'd be back to take my bill, wasn't, and, after exhausting my magazine, a bus boy was kind enough to fetch a different waiter to bring my change.

Very elegant

Wonderful place for dinner, drinks and an overnight stay.