"WANDERLAND"

December 18th and 19th, 2013

"We love Christmas and we wanted to let the holiday spirit shine.  We planned a festive romp across the desert in a shuttle.  There were many stops along the way.  It was a really fun way to celebrate the season with great friends old and new"

THE PURPLE ROOM ~ CLUB TRINADAD

We started the evening off at the "PURPLE ROOM", Palm Springs hottest new venue.  They pulled out all the stops with a fully hosted bar featuring specialty cocktails and a fantastic selection of appetizers including

Fried Green Tomatoes

St. Louis Style Ribs

Teriyaki Marinated Chicken Wings

and

Crab Cakes with a Lemon Caper Aioli

EUROPA ~ VILLA ROYALE

Then it was on to the shuttle where an elf handed out Santa Hats and Reindeer antlers as we toasted with Apple Cider Martinis.  Our driver whisked us off to Europa at the Villa Royale Inn.  The next two courses were served on their intimate patio flanked by a fireplace and lit by only candlelight.  The heaters kept us toasty warm but we had fluffy red and green blankets at the ready in case anyone felt a chill.

First an Amuse Bouche of

Mushroom Stuffed MushroomS

and then a house salad of

Field Greens, Citrus and Tomatoes in a Light Vinaigrette

followed by

Chicken Breast Roulade with Cashews and Spinach accompanied by Fresh Steamed Broccoli and Rosemary Mashed Potatoes

CANDY CANE LANE ~ MINERVA ROAD

Then it was back in the shuttle for spiked hot chocolate, Christmas Carols and a short trip to Candy Cane Lane.  The air was fresh and brisk as we walked the two blocks of elaborately lit homes each one enhancing the holiday spirit.

TONGA HUT ~ PALM SPRINGS

We finished the evening at the Tonga Hut, Palm Springs.  A new Tiki Restaurant and Lounge that wasn't even open yet.

They opened just for us and served

Hibiscus, Citrus Coolers

Coconut Infused Egg Nog

and a refreshing dessert inspired by the classic

Mojito

Then back to the Purple Room it was, singing all the way.

It was a magical evening,  I know it sure put us in the holiday spirit.