El Mirasol at Los Arboles — Restaurant in Palm Springs

Had dinner at El Mirasol at Los Arboles last night and frankly, I was not impressed. I initially ordered one of the house specials, Shrimp in Pipian. I was told they were out of pipan (our reservation was at 530PM.) First disappointment. At our server's suggestion, I ordered Shrimp Picado which, in retrospect, I should have passed on based on our server's less-than-enthusiastic comment ,"It's pretty good." When our dishes arrived, I experienced my second disappointment. The food was very bland, lacked seasoning, and the preparation was basically equivalent to throwing some shrimp (5) and some chopped onions, green pepper, and tomato quarters into a skillet and heating through. I make picado dishes at home that are far more flavorful. The third disappointment was the bill: $66 plus tip for mediocre (at best) food.

My cocktail (from their Mezcal list) was good as far as taste, smoky after-taste as described, but the glass was 90% ice and 10% cocktail. The guitarist was very good and did an awesome rendition of Sound of Silence in Spanish.

Overall, very mediocre Mexican food that really needed some pizazz to bring some (any) flavor to the table. I would not recommend or return. There are less expensive Mexican restaurants in PS that offer...

After waiting 45 minutes for 2 plates of carnitas and the chicken mole poblanos, I was told they were out of the chicken mole. Excuse me. Did you just wait 45 minutes to ask me what other plate I would like instead? I told her just being out the carnitas plates and we will split the 2 plates between the 3 of us back at home. After then waiting another 15 minutes with still not getting my food, I left. I went to China King where I ordered and received 3 entrees in under 20 minutes. To add insult to injury, while waiting for our food, we were not allowed to have a drink or beverage of any kind. However, the host would tell everyone they could have a beverage somewhere else and come back to pick up their orders. When I confronted him about why he keeps telling people they can go to another venue for a beverage when in fact everyone is under the same restrictions and they can't get a beverage at another restaurant. He shrugged his shoulders. I said,"Stop doing it. It is misleading and you know better. You are wasting...

Service: 5 Stars Atmosphere: 4 Stars Food: 3 Stars

Our service was fabulous. The outdoor seating was wonderful.

The food. I thought the chips and salsa was wonderful. The salsa had such good flavor. The corn tortillas were delicious.

But, I had the vegetable machaca with no cheese. The vegetables were suppose to be flame grilled and they didn't have any char marks. I believe the vegetables were just pan cooked and tossed in oil. The spinach was VERY over cooked. I have had vegetable fajitas elsewhere from a chain with more char on them. They do not have a vegetarian rice available. The price was $17 ish.

My partner for the night liked his chicken.

I believe that while the atmosphere and service is fabulous the food is truly lack luster. I would not recommend this to anyone if my reputation was on the line. The value is poor for the money.

Update: The chair my partner sat in what broken/very worn. For price per dish, I expect nice & lightly...