PALM DESERT. You have to see this place to fully appreciate it. The airy, two-story restaurant features a winding metal, glass, and cherry staircase, along with concrete floors, black carpets, animal skin prints, and striking artwork. Its French menu features tempting creations like Chilean sea bass and grilled spicy shrimp with chayote squash slaw and sun-dried tomato vinaigrette. An extensive wine cellar offers the finest French vintages. Closed summers.

PALM DESERT. With an expansive, all-weather patio that affords fantastic people-watching, this charming cafe is a standout for morning fare and easy-going dining. Choose to sit indoors and browse the changing artwork, or stake a claim on the patio and prepare to be indulged. Although morning fare isn't served throughout the week, it's a treat worth savoring, as indicated by wonderful crepes, perfectly prepared eggs and frittatas, and other delicacies. Lunch and dinner bring classics like coq au vin, bouillabaisse, and quiche Lorraine. The cafe is closed seasonally in July and August.

A romantic dinner awaits at this elegant Mediterranean-style villa, where you can dine fireside or on the patio underneath the stars. The award-winning menu features such tempting entrees as medallions of pork sauteed with apple brandy and fresh dates, and salmon in parchment with creme fraiche, zucchini, mushrooms, and fresh dill. You'll also find pastas, steaks, and fresh seafood.

The Icon Bar aspect of this establishment takes advantage of the restaurant's global artifacts and <i>objets</i>, creating a broad, international atmosphere that's especially appreciated on weekends. A creative martini menu offers lip-smacking options, and a fantastic wine selection makes for good choosing too. Rhythmic music provides a steady beat, and many patrons find themselves compelled to dance. In addition, live music is a bar standard from Thursday to Saturday. The atmosphere is cool-chic, just like the clientele. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays during the summer season.