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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.
California Welcomes New Attractions and Celebrates Milestone Anniversaries in 2024
California
California invites travelers to experience an abundance of new offerings coming online in 2024. Throughout the year, the Golden State will celebrate the opening of exciting new attractions, rich educational offerings, milestone theme park anniversaries, luxury hotels and more.
“California’s abundance of natural beauty, diverse communities and innovative experiences make it the ultimate playground for visitors of all ages, interests and abilities,” said Caroline Beteta, president & CEO of Visit California. “Landmark new attractions and experiences – paired with milestone anniversary celebrations – make 2024 the perfect time to plan a trip to the Golden State.”
MAJOR ATTRACTION OPENINGS AND CELEBRATIONS
Destination Crenshaw Opening in February 2024
Destination Crenshaw is a reparative development project and will be the largest Black-led public art project in the United States. The project will commission more than 100 works by artists with strong ties to Los Angeles, creating a pipeline of jobs for emerging, seasoned and internationally renowned artists. New pocket parks will line the project site, providing spaces for gathering, rest and conversation as well as community healing, protest and celebration. With a commitment to environmental equity, Destination Crenshaw will reforest the boulevard, planting more than 800 trees and developing over 30,000 square feet of sustainable landscaping.
World Design Capital San Diego Tijuana 2024
World Design Capital®(WDC) is designated every two years by the World Design Organization®(WDO) and recognizes cities for their effective use of design to enhance economic, social, cultural and environmental quality of life. The San Diego Tijuana designation provides the region with a year-long international showcase of design through unique experiences and explorations that stimulate thinking and bring the two communities together to celebrate what makes San Diego Tijuana exceptional.
THRILLING THEME PARK NEWS
Disneyland Park Welcomes Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
A new attraction, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, will debut at Disneyland Park in late 2024. Guests will embark on a musical journey inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “The Princess and the Frog.” The stories of Princess Tiana also extend to Tiana’s Palace quick-service restaurant that opened in 2023, and Eudora’s Chic Boutique Featuring Tiana’s Gourmet Secrets retail shop that opened in New Orleans Square in 2022.
LEGOLAND California Turns 25 in 2024
In 2024, LEGOLAND California turns 25 and is celebrating with new attractions, entertainment and experiences. A new land, Dino Valley, debuts in spring with three rides, an interactive zone, and character meet and greets. New rides include the Explorer River Quest and DUPLO® Little Dino Trail rides. Summer introduces North America’s first-ever LEGO World Parade with six themed floats and entertainers inspired by LEGO City, LEGO NINJAGO, LEGO Friends, LEGO City Deep Sea Adventure and DUPLO.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Debuts New Rides and Celebrates Giant Dipper Centennial
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk will debut two new rides in 2024, in addition to celebrating the centennial anniversary of the iconic Giant Dipper. The Dream Wheel is a modern take on a quintessential seaside amusement park Ferris wheel. Standing just under 65 feet tall, this family-friendly ride includes 15 colorful gondolas. It provides epic views and is tentatively scheduled to open around spring break. The second ride, Surge, is tentatively scheduled to open Memorial Day weekend. Seating up to 24 people, the modern spin on a classic thrill ride will provide guests with 360 degrees of adrenaline-packed excitement.
MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES
Old Spanish Days Celebrates Centennial in Santa Barbara
Old Spanish Days Fiesta is a beloved Santa Barbara tradition celebrating 100 years in 2024. The annual event educates residents and visitors about the history and traditions of the American Indian, Spanish, Mexican and early American settlers that comprise the rich cultural heritage of Santa Barbara. Visitors may experience the historical spirit of Santa Barbara when they join the city and its residents in Fiesta celebrations.
California Wine Month Celebrates 20th Anniversary in September
September is the 20th annual California Wine Month. Wine lovers can join the festivities all month long as wineries across California host events and activities ranging from hands-on harvest boot camps to grape stomps. As the top U.S. wine-producing state and home to more than 6,200 wineries, California grows more than 100 grape varieties, produces over 81% of the country’s wine and accounts for 95% of its wine exports. In addition, California is a leader in sustainable practices, with 80% of the state’s wine produced by Certified California Sustainable wineries.
MUSEUM EXPANSIONS AND REOPENINGS
In 2024, several of California’s museums are reopening or debuting expansions. Highly anticipated openings include:
- David Geffen Galleries at LACMA, a new building for the permanent collection designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Peter Zumthor
- An expansion of the Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University, including galleries for Indigenous American art and American design
- The reimagination and reopening of Building One at the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert, including over 40 new exhibits
NOTEWORTHY NEW ACCOMMODATIONS
California’s diverse accommodation offerings continue to expand, with more than 70 new hotels and resorts opening in 2023, accounting for over 7,500 additional rooms.
Noteworthy new hotels slated to open in 2024 include:
- Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara
- Fairmont Breakers, Long Beach’s first luxury boutique hotel
- The Jordan San Gabriel, a tranquil retreat in Los Angeles County
- Chicken Ranch Casino Resort in Tuolumne County
- Pixar Place Hotel at Disneyland Resort
- Thompson Palm Springs, in the heart of the Design District
- AutoCamp Sequoia, located just outside Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
- Wildhaven Yosemite, located in Mariposa outside Yosemite National Park
These openings are just a sampling of the new experiences coming to the Golden State in 2024. For more information about what’s new across California and to see the full press release, visit media.visitcalifornia.com.
SOURCE Visit California
The Lumen Residential Community Being Built in Palm Springs
Palm, Springs, CA
Just down the block from the Taquitz River Golf Courses at 34th Avenue close to Dinah Shore Dr is a new development being built in Palm Springs.
The Lumen is now selling new homes on fee simple land starting in the $700,000s. According to their website, “The Lumen Palm Springs offers a limited collection of 41 modern living spaces with a community pool and spa to enhance the Palm Springs lifestyle.”
With four floor plans, buyers get to choose from one and two story homes starting at 1834 square feet with 2 bedrooms and 2 baths to 2483 square feet with an optional 4th bedroom and 2 1/2 baths.
(Map of homesites at Lumen)
Residence 1
- 1,834 sq. ft.
- Single story home
- 2 bedrooms
- Imagination room or optional 3rd bedroom
- 2 baths
- Great room
- Two car garage
Residence 2
- 2,338 sq. ft.
- Two story home
- Dual primary suites
- Imagination area or optional 3rd bedroom
- 2½ baths
- Great room
- Two car garage
Residence 3
- 2,483 sq. ft.
- Paired two story home
- 3 bedrooms
- Imagination room or optional 4th bedroom
- 2½ baths
- Great room
- Dining room
- Two car garage
Residence 4
- 2,295 sq. ft.
- Single story home
- 3 bedrooms
- Office or optional 4th bedroom
- 2½ baths
- Great room
- Dining area
- Two car garage
New Home Designs Revealed for Cotino, the First Storyliving by Disney Community
License: 02225444 CA
Rancho Mirage, CA
The Coachella Valley was a beloved longtime retreat for Walt Disney who owned a home in Smoke Tree Ranch in Palm Springs, serving as a tranquil retreat for Disney and his family. Now in greater Palm Springs, specifically on 618 acres in Rancho Mirage, is the setting for Cotino, the first Storyliving by Disney new-home community. The Sales Office is complete and about to open, setting the stage for presales to begin. As part of the current pre-sales launch, Storyliving by Disney is sharing the community’s initial home designs including floorplans, elevations and information about the homebuying process.
Walt Disney at the Desert Circus in 1954
“Today marks an important next step toward fulfilling our vision for Storyliving by Disney as we bring our company’s legacy of placemaking, attention to detail and guest service to life like never before,” said Claire Bilby, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Signature Experiences Emerging Businesses. “The Cotino community will celebrate everything Walt Disney loved about this valley – stunning landscape, rich history, friendly neighbors and a rejuvenating spirit – all while adding extra touches of magic only Disney can deliver. We can’t wait for residents to experience this special place where they will be inspired to live their very best lives.”
While Disney has already announced three initial home developers for the project, Woodbridge Pacific Group, Davidson Communities, and Shea Homes, the initial sales release begins with a very limited selection of single-family homes from builder Shea Homes. Buyers of all ages will have access to several options, with a special area called Longtable Park dedicated to 55+ adults. Shea Homes will offer floorplans specifically designed for the Cotino community on 50- and 60-foot-wide home sites. On the 50-foot home sites, part of the Cottage Collection, there are three different floorplans with one- and two-story models ranging from approximately 2,260 – 2,820 square feet. On the 60-foot home sites, part of the Grand Collection, there are four different floorplans with one- and two-story models ranging from approximately 2,780 – 3,730 square feet. Floorplans feature designs with flex and loft spaces while also encouraging indoor-outdoor living with entry courtyards and covered terraces. Home prices according to Disney start in the upper one million price range.
Davidson Communities and Woodbridge Pacific Group will release additional single-family home sites throughout 2024.
Homebuyers can choose from elevations within four distinct design collections – Cotino Coachella Collection, Cotino Agrarian Collection, Cotino Oasis Collection and Cotino Aspiron Collection – that represent the rich history and landscape of the greater Palm Springs area. Walt Disney Imagineering provided the architectural and aesthetic inspiration for each design collection including direction on color palettes, exterior elements and landscaping.
The Cotino community’s first phase will begin with a very limited release from Shea Homes and eventually include 327 home sites as well as a collection of parks and landscaped walking paths. The community has plans for more than 1,900 total residential units, including additional single-family homes and future condominiums.
Public and Private Amenities
Located near the first phase of residential development along Cotino Bay, plans for the community’s town center are currently underway, expected to open in phases beginning in 2026 and include shops and restaurants.
The town center will also be home to a professionally managed beach park, known as Cotino Bay Beach, where those living in or visiting Greater Palm Spring can swim, kayak and more with the purchase of a day pass. The public beach park which will feature clear turquoise water utilizing Crystal Lagoons technology.
According to multiple staff members at the Disney Cotino sales office when presented with criticism by some Coachella Valley residents weary of building Cotino Bay Beach in the Desert, they stated that although the Crystal Lagoons technology is proprietary, part of its benefits is to decrease the evaporation of the water. It was also mentioned that Disney’s Storyliving Community’s water management plan fits well within the standards of the Coachella Valley water district and that Cotino Bay will ultimately be utilizing less ongoing water than a golf course many recreationally play on across the Coachella Valley.
Physical Rendering of Public Beach Access at Cotino Storyliving By Disney Community
The Cotino community will offer a voluntary Artisan Club which costs an initial $20,000 investment then $11,000 a year offering an array of amenities and experiences infused with the Disney touch and service. Initially, Artisan Club memberships will only be available to Cotino community homeowners. A limited number of non-resident memberships may be available in the future. The Artisan Club will include a restaurant, pool, pickleball and tennis courts, and waterfront bar and activity area. The club will be located along Cotino Bay where members will be able to enjoy the bay with access to kayaks and paddle boards. The club will also be home to the Parr House, designed to look like the Parr family home in Disney and Pixar’s “Incredibles 2.” It is a multi-functional space that will be available for members to attend club-hosted events.
Physical Rendering of the Parr House at the Cotino Sales Office
For more information on Cotino, the First Storyliving by Disney Community, click here.
New to Palm Springs and Buying a Home? A Short History Lesson on Leased Land
(Tahquitz Canyon, Preserved Land Owned By Agua Caliente Band Of Indians)
License: 02225444 CA
Palm Springs, CA
The history of leased land in Palm Springs, California started in the late 1800’s when Pacific railroad started laying down tracks between Los Angeles, California and Yuma, Arizona. In 1876, the United States government deeded 52,000 acres of land to the Agua Caliente Band of Indians in the Coachella Valley. 6,700 of those acres are in Palm Springs.
As a result, it is estimated that over 23,000 residential properties are on leased land in the Coachella Valley. In Leased Land, a landowner within the Agua Caliente Band of Indians owns the land underneath the property.
Fee Land is the typical standard across the United States where the homeowner owns the land underneath the structure of the property.
The result is a checkboard type pattern divided into one square mile sections of both fee land and leased land across Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. The US Government deeded every other section to the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation. An example, can be found on this map:
The concept of leased land in Palm Springs further emerged in the mid-20th century as a means to promote real estate development and attract investors to the area. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians have played a significant role in the economic development of leased land in Palm Springs with viable projects recently built such as: The Spa at Sec-He and Agua Caliente Cathedral City
Many of the existing leases are long term spanning from 25 to 99 years and this information including the expiration year of the lease can certainly be provided to you when buying a home. These lease agreements provide individuals with the opportunity to buy existing homes, and build new homes, resorts, and commercial establishments on the leased land.
Over the years, the land use policies surrounding leased land in Palm Springs have evolved and in 1977, the Tribe and the City of Palm Springs for instance signed agreements allowing both entities to work closely together on reservation lands.. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians continue to work with local authorities and homeowners to update lease agreements, renew leases, address legal concerns, and ensure mutually beneficial arrangements for both the tribe and lessees.
