Legendary Chefs Susan Feniger And Mary Sue Milliken Debut Their New Restaurant, Alice B. In Palm Springs

Palm Springs, CA

James Beard and Julia Child award-winning chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken opened their new dining destination Alice B. on December 6th. Conveniently located near the heart of downtown and nestled within the lobby of Living Out, Alice B. marks the celebrated chefs’ latest culinary venture and first-ever Palm Springs restaurant.

For more than 40 years, Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken have been among the most fearless pioneers in the American restaurant world. The duo met as the only women working at Le Perroquet, one of Chicago’s finest French restaurants, and quickly forged a business partnership which forever changed the culinary landscape of Los Angeles. They incorporated eclectic dishes from around the world at their groundbreaking City Café and ambitious CITY Restaurant. The chefs introduced new audiences to modern Mexican cuisine with their critically acclaimed Border Grill restaurants and solidified their celebrity chef status with the popular Food Network series, Too Hot Tamales. The pair founded Mundo Hospitality Group known for vibrant flavors, sustainably-sourced ingredients, warm hospitality, and beloved spin-offs Border Grill Trucks, SOCALO, BBQ Mexicana, and Pacha Mamas. In 2018, the chefs were honored with the annual Gold Award by the Los Angeles Times for culinary excellence, innovation, and contribution in expanding the notion of Southern California cooking.

​​(Chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger)

“Alice B. represents a new era for us, a departure from the bold Mexican and Latin-inspired flavors we’re known for, and an opportunity to revisit our roots as chefs. Susan and I trained in the French kitchen but we also love drawing inspiration from around the world. We’re so excited to introduce Palm Springs to our version of craveable California inflected dishes where the ingredients speak directly to diners from their plates. Hospitality is in our DNA and we can’t wait to take care of the Palm Springs dining community – starting with dinner, but soon to add weekend brunch, catering and eventually lunch, too!” says Milliken.

Alice B. combines Southern California’s incredible seasonal bounty with French and Mediterranean-leaning flavors. The culinary vision is a collaborative effort between Feniger, Milliken and Executive Chef Lance Velasquez, who was named a “Rising Star Chef” by Esquire and a “Ten Best New American Chef” by Food & Wine Magazine. Velasquez brings his signature Cornmeal Cheddar Drop Biscuits and expertise to craft a menu featuring globally-inspired California cuisine. Add to that classic cocktails with exciting twists, craft beers, and a curated wine selection spanning California, Oregon, Mexico, New Zealand, France and Italy.

The bill of fare continues the chefs’ tradition of utilizing local, organic SoCal produce in dishes such as:

• Kenter Farms Chicory Salad
• Cauliflower Leek Soup
• Vegan Sweet Potato Stew
• Rancho Gordo Hummus & Labneh Dips
• Roasted County Line Harvest Carrots
• Crispy Weiser Farms Smashed Potatoes
• Perris Farm Apple Gratin

(Cauliflower Leek Soup)

However, meat lovers will have plenty of selections to choose from, highlights include:

• Short Rib & Potato Croquettes
• Mary’s Seeded Chicken Cutlet
• Grilled New York Strip with parsley butter and black pepper crema
• Braised Lamb Shank
• Smash Burger (bar menu only)
• Classic Pepperoni Pizza (bar menu only)

(Grilled Prime Ribeye)

This unique dining experience is located at Living Out, a luxury resort-style LGBTQ+ active senior community surrounded by spectacular mountain views. Inspired by the extraordinary life of Alice B. Toklas and her life partner Gertrude Stein, the restaurant establishes a vibrant space where culinary excellence and community converge seamlessly. The inviting bar and dining room reference the iconic mid-century modern style Palm Springs is famous for, and artful accents that pay tribute to Toklas and Stein’s legacy. The restaurant features a rotating art gallery with pieces created by local female and LGBTQ+ artists integrated into the dining areas. With a piano in the bar, guests can also expect live entertainment several times a week.

“Curating welcoming restaurants that bring people together over food has long been our passion. Mary Sue and I have spent many years in Palm Springs with our family and friends, and have always loved the area,” says Feniger. “We want this to be a place where guests can come, feel comfortable, enjoy delicious meals and drinks with their loved ones. What’s even more special is that this restaurant represents an ode to the love Alice B. and Gertrude Stein shared, a feeling that will engulf you the moment you walk in and take you back to their impressive life together. Our hope is Alice B. will feel like your home away from home that you’ll want to return to time and time again.”

Alice B. is open for dinner Wednesday to Sunday with indoor and outdoor dining. On Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday the hours are 5PM – 9PM and on Friday and Saturday, 5PM – 10PM. Soon, Alice B. will open 7 days a week and will offer weekend brunch, catering and private events.

Alice B. is located at 1122 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262.

To learn more, please visit www.aliceb.com and follow along @aliceb_ps.