Cork & Fork — Restaurant in Indio

Came here one weekend when I was visiting Palm Springs. Although La Quinta is a fair trek from downtown Palm Springs, my friend and I were hungry and all the Palm Springs restaurants seemed lackluster for some reason.

We got here just in time for the 8pm last seating (looks like we aren't in LA anymore Toto) and were seated promptly. The ambiance was very relaxing, with mood lighting and a big, open feel.

My friend and I split the following:

-shishito peppers: I'm a huge fan and my friend had never tried them. These were exceptionally good - they didn't even need the side dipping sauce. However, we did manage to get THREE really spicy ones in our dish. The waitress told us only 1/100 are spicy so I guess we weren't too lucky that night.

-grilled watermelon: oh my gosh. How did I spend my whole life not knowing that watermelon with feta was a thing? It's going to be my new summer salad. These came in three generous chunks, topped with feta, arugula, red onions, and balsamic reduction. I know that combination sounds weird but it was actually just mind-blowingly delicious.

-grown up grilled cheese: everything a grilled cheese should be PLUS beef. Need I say more?

-rustic (mushroom) pizza: this came with mushrooms, a variety of cheeses, and herbs as well as a side of chili oil for smokiness. Wow. Although we were nearly stuffed by the time we got this, we managed two slices apiece. Perfection.

-gelato: we shared the generous portion of white raspberry gelato. Is it made in-house? probably since there's only one flavor of the day. Is it creamy and perfectly balanced? but of course!

Overall, absolutely amazing find and very reasonable prices. Great ambiance (lots of oldies but hey, it is P.S.) and amazing service. I would definitely trek out here again next time I'm in the...

Hope they are just still in "getting organized" mode since they so recently opened? Last night we met friends to celebrate DH's 73rd birthday and try out; new to us and everyone dining spot! Service was extreme slow, finally took our order and 20 minutes later advised DH's choice of pizza was not available as were " out of pizza dough, so new menu and decision made, Our friends fared better and their food delivered promptly while our's was detained at least another 30 minutes! Admittedly, I chose poorly, my starter dates were a miniscule portion; and my radicchio salad, I don't think touched the grille as it was supposed to; as arrived barely warm and hard as a rock! Not flavorful, as I imagined. The birthday desert we were promised, had to be "to go" as they were in a hurry to turn our table. So the only good service, was how quickly they retrieved our used dishes, again only with the next customer in mind. The birthday desert was a 2 inch ball of gelato; we had to race home to the freezer to salvage! Only serving on the patio on weekends, so plan accordingly. Happy Hour only provided on up in the air bar tables with the most uncomfortable cut off your circulation chairs as not well cushioned and obviously designed to turn tables quickly! Might give them one more...

Wanted to give this place 5 stars as the food and atmosphere were great. Unfortunately our cheese plate appetizer came with plenty delicious cheeses and only 4 small pieces of bread, 1 of which was burnt. When I requested more bread, I was not informed they charge you. Your bread to cheese ratio is unacceptable, it’s bread, quit being cheap. For $16 I should get enough bread to eat the cheese you serve me.

The regrettable part is that my party of 4 was hit with an automatic gratuity. It might have been posted but industry standard is parties of 8 or more get an auto gratuity. Frustrating as I am a generous tipper but feel I was duped by this restaurant sliding in a charge that deviates from typical dining experiences. I was not advised of the auto gratuity as it’s tucked in with the tax calculation so the restaurant got a nice 40% tip from me. I just hope management isn’t cheap and taking their employees tips as our waitress was kind and im fine with her getting my money.

Undecided if I will return.

Edit: our reservation was for 6, but only 4 of us dined as 2 people couldn’t make it. The owners reply shows the quality of management and helped me decide that I...