La Fe Wine Bar — Restaurant in Palm Desert

I want to give more stars, because I don’t believe that what I experienced is emblematic of the restaurant. But I do feel that it is possible for them to prevent others from having the same experience in the future, so here goes: It would be very helpful if purse hooks were installed under those high tables. It’s a cozy floor plan and there’s really not practical place for a person’s bag. When those hooks get installed… remove the chewing gum patrons have tucked away there. I am disgusted by grown people of any socioeconomic background who think this behavior is ok. But, it is none the less apparently quite common, regardless of your tax bracket. So, it falls upon the good folks working at La Fe to roll up their sleeps and snap on some disposable gloves, because I wish I was exaggerating, but in my exploration for a purse hooks, I lost count of how many wads of chewed gum my fingers found before I realized there were no purse hooks. Lastly, I ordered the Ahi stack and I am a fan of raw ahi. It wasn’t rancid, but it was stale and had that fishy taste fresh ahi doesn’t not. In an effort to mask this I believe they over salted and sauced the fish. I was hesitant to complain as I didn’t want to detract from my group’s experience but one of my party tried the ahi and piped up to our server on my behalf. While the server removed the dish from the bill her response was insulting as she clearly said we were mistaken about the freshness and must just not like their seasoning. I’m sorry, I’m not a child tasting broccoli for the first time. And even if I were to have an unsophisticated palette, it is really not a good move to assume a defensive line as a representative of the restaurant. We weren’t being loud or attempting to draw the attention of other patrons, so I was embraced and uncomfortable for the rest of the time we were there. But the other dishes looked lovely and everyone celebrated as we intended and I think the staff even changed the air conditioning settings to make one of our guests more comfortable which was lovely. They also gave the birthday girl a beautiful desert. So I hesitated to write this review, ultimately I did so because I honestly believe the team there strives to provide a wonderful experience...

Why did we give it a 2 star overall rating given the higher individual ratings?

The atmosphere is great. Dim yet comfortable. Open yet lively. At least for the first part of the night.

We'd have to say, since our visit last year, the crowd was much thinner. For better or worse, that's up to you decide.

We spent an enjoyable evening tonight and the prices weren't exorbitant but also not for someone on a budget.

When we received the bill we noticed we were hit with a random corkage fee. In most of the country, a bottle of wine is cheaper than the glass with no fees added. Less labor less cost, right? Apparently not here. The upcharge on wine in a restaurant is already nothing to scoff at.

When questioned what the fee was for since we didn't ask them to cork it for us, the original bartender who came to help as the other was too busy chatting away in the corner, tried to explain that it was an upcharge for a bottle.

I asked him had I ordered glasses if it would be cheaper , he said yes it would be the cost of the bottle. Hmm, no corkage fee then?

So we got charged for us to do your job. I bartended for years and popping a cork is 50 cents or less of work. It cost more for us to pour our own bottle apparently.

Restaurant owners are seriously just getting too big for themselves.

If you haven't realized, restaurants are a dime a dozen and many of us aren't playing along anymore. Atmospheres, specialty drinks, amazingly presented appetizers can all be replicated.

Sadly, aside from from not going, the only way to send a message is to hold the front line responsible. Perhaps the front line might push back when they lose money over stupid greedy policies. We rarely tip less than 25-40%. Tip = .20xbill (20% of bill)...

Service and place: ambiance was really nice. Me and my friend felt a bit ignored though maybe because it was only party of two? Or maybe something else? With large party tables, we observed different treatment. Not sure but not the best feeling especially if it’s your first time.

Food: i ordered the chicken skewers, asked one of the servers if it was fresh or frozen and she just smiled like she doesn’t know or didn’t really care. It just looked and taste very similar to what i buy in a grocery store i go to and im pretty positive about it. I also don’t take spice too well and wish i knew that the sauce they use (chimichurri) was a bit spicy. It ruined my palate for the wine. My friend had the 3 empanadas and she had a mild upset stomach after.

Wine: decent selection. I just went for the Italian red that my server recommended, $16 for 6 ounces. It was ok. Im sure they...