From what I've been seeing and hearing, the Palm Springs economy is doing great.  With growth comes new businesses and with new businesses comes new things to discover.  

I decided to go grocery shopping at Fresh & Easy instead of Ralphs, yesterday, and noticed a new store next door called, "The Real Italian Deli".  I had olive oil, capers and garlic on my shopping list and decided to see what they have there in those items.  I was glad I did.  The store has a great ambiance as it looked like the type of Italian grocery store you'd see on the East coast. It had shelves filled with Italian Olive Oil, I bought the oil that came in a chianti bottle for its looks, biscotti, breads, pastas, vinegars and more.   The establishment also has a large deli case filled with salami, mortadella, ham, copa, prosciutto, aged provoline, burrate, fresh mozzarella, ricotta as well as numerous other Italian meats and cheeses.   While I wasn't there for a meal, if I were, I could have ordered one of the made-to-order salads and sandwiches from their extensive menu.  Flute limoncello, spumoni, various sorbets and tiramisu round out the menu for customers who saved room for desert. 

An olive bar, fresh pasta sauces, Italian wines, catering and so much more are part of this new Palm Springs specialty store.  I've lived in the Palm Springs area for over ten years and have never seen anything like it out here.  I will definitely go back to try their sandwiches made on fresh baked bread and so should you.

The "Real Italian Deli" is located at 100 S. Sunrise Way, Suite B, Palm Springs.  Again, it is in the Fresh & Easy shopping center.  

We had some cold weather a week or so ago, but we are back to amazing here in Palm Springs.  This picture is from my balcony looking South into the Twin Palms Estates Neighborhood and the Indian Canyons beyond.  Today's high was 74 and sunny.  By Monday, it will be 79 degrees.  Wish you were here...

Before getting into the vacation rental business, I was in technology sales.  While living in LA, the software company I was working for assigned me to be the sales rep for Texas.  On my many trips to Dallas and Houston, I fell in love with Texas BBQ, and have bemoaned the absence of good Texas BBQ here in the California desert.  Those days are over.  I just had lunch at the brand new "Smoke Tree BBQ Bar & Grill" in Palm Springs.  Located at the Smoke Tree shopping center at the intersection of Sunrise Way and East Palm Canyon Drive, this indoor/outdoor restaurant features mesquite smoked meats such as Brisket, Tri Tip, and Andouille Sausage.  Other entrees include Angus choice rib eye steak, tenderloin medallions, pork porterhouse and much more.  Like any excellent BBQ, you have your choice of delicious sides including, 4 cheese mac and cheese, smoked BBQ beans, creamed sweet corn, charred veges, jumbo baked russet potato and , yet again, much more.  

For lunch, I had their lunch special which included 1/4 pound pulled pork, 1/4 pound sausage link , fountain drink and one side.  I chose the 4 cheese mac and cheese for my side, and everything was spectacular and authentic Texas.  The price for this very satisfying lunch was only $10. 

The restaurant is decorated like a Texas bbq, including paper towel holders with paper towels, for napkins and also has creative unique drinks at its full bar. 

Please try this place when you are in town.  you won't be sorry.  The Smoke Tree BBQ Bar & Grille is located at 1775 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 405 in Palm Springs.  Check out their website here...