Farm — Restaurant in Palm Springs

I came to Palm Springs alone for a work trip, which just happened to overlap my birthday weekend. The prospect of being alone on my birthday was a little sad, so I resolved to find an atmospheric place for dinner to lift my spirits. Farm stood out to me when I walked by it in the morning, and when I walked back in late evening I was able to secure a table for one on OpenTable with 15 minutes notice. I approached the hostess and was seated immediately without issue, and also wished a happy birthday!

You cannot tell just how special Farm’s atmosphere is from the street. The garden opens up after walking in, overgrown vines pouring down from the roof, and the live music wafting about the tables and interesting tile floors.

My waiter was extremely friendly and brought the chalkboard menu over, as well as a complementary birthday champagne glass with a floating raspberry. He gave me some recommendations about the 3 course prix fixe menu and took my order.

An amuse bouche arrived of watermelon with Brie and pistachios. Warm bread, cheesy flatbread and subtly garlicky butter welcomely followed, soon proceeded by the spicy ahi tuna tartare my waiter had steered me towards - not wrongly! I also ordered the Key Lime Pie cocktail which was perfectly fit to its name without being too cloyingly sweet - with a consistency almost reminiscent of a Ramos Gin Fizz at the Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans.

After some time to digest the appetizer, and a pleasant unannounced “palate cleanser” of lemon sorbet, my main course appeared, medium-rare Waygu Sirloin steak replete with asparagus and broccoli Mac and cheese - an innovative side I thought! The second I took a bite of the steak I was transported by the tenderness and subtle flavor of the pepper sauce. Around this time, I began thinking how this meal at Farm might be competing with the one time almost a decade ago I went to Joe Beef in Montreal for my personal award of best restaurant in North America.

My waiter asked if I wanted a longer break of a few minutes before my desert which I appreciated and soaked in the music performer this evening. When my Banana Caramel cheesecake arrived with a birthday candle, I was jokingly told not to forget to make a wish! The first bite of cheesecake was even more impressive than the steak and it stayed captivating until the end.

Like a proper European restaurant, I was never rushed to pay the bill or get out. At the same time, the receipt was brought to me proactively without any of the awkward waiting and flagging down that sometimes happens at the end of otherwise happy restaurant experiences! What’s more, this incredible prix fixe experience was just $69 plus my $16 cocktail. I have paid far more, for far less impressive food and drink, far too many times in far too many places. This includes Europe/France! Considering value for money, it’s not a stretch to call Farm a total bargain.

Farm gets a 10 out of 10 on every measure. Accessibility to walk right in given the right circumstances, check (more than Joe Beef can say - if you’re not booking months in advance there you don’t stand a chance!). Beautiful and romantic yet lively and family friendly atmosphere, check. Incredibly welcoming and attentive staff, check. Inspiring food that walks the line between fresh and decadent, bursting with flavor yet not cheating by being overly salty or fatty, check. And price, double check. You will not regret an...

Ever since I tried Farm for the first time a couple of years ago I've been wanting to try their prix fixe dinner menu. After finally getting to try it I can appreciate and see why it as well as this restaurant overall is at the top of many lists.

You'll have to check out the Farm website because they change the menu every 11 days (I think?). I also believe they don't do walk ins for the dinner, so be sure to reserve. But with that said, the meal includes Amuse Bouche, Palate Cleanser, Appetizer, Entree and a Dessert . And at the time of this writing it costs $69/pp. So not the cheapest meal, but you could also spend much more than that piecing together a meal at another restaurant with the same number of courses.

Oh and the meal does come with bread & parm crisps along with what I think was herb butter. Simple but very good. You'll never catch me eating bread & butter at home, but at a restaurant, I'm all in.

I'll just comment on a few of the dishes for noteworthy thoughts since the menu rotates anyways.

-While the Prime Rib I chose for my entree was not bad by any means, it was also not that impressive and I can't imagine telling a friend that they have to go here for the prime rib. I just wish there was some type of crust, and that the mashed potatoes it came with weren't so bland. I really like looking for flavors and dishes I can't myself duplicate at home. For comparison's sake, I've had similar prime rib experiences at a wedding, or a cruise, etc.

-I again ordered the Baked Brie (feel free to check out my last review for more thoughts :) This must be a "staple", "house" dish here since they even offer it at dinner. It was for sure at least a couple bucks more than the last time I had it. Oh inflation...But it was at least still as good.

-The Amuse Bouche of Ahi Tuna Lettuce Wrap was ever so tiny but actually really good. Such a good sesame flavor, just nice & fresh

-Both desserts (Pecan Pie & Pumpkin Cheesecake) were good enough. I've had both better & worse variations at other places. The pumpkin flavor was not so strong, which sometimes is better because I find then it comes off too heavy on the spices. The pecan pie was just a little dry, but good overall nutty flavor.

In the end I was actually going give this updated review 4 starts, but Farm gets a 5 again for a couple reasons

-The service was so great. Very friendly and attentive enough. I loved how we did not feel rushed at all during the meal. In fact, the served asked a couple of times if we wanted a little break between courses.

-Also, just the general ambiance. Sitting outside here in the evening is key. It's very dark, cozy and feels like you are in a quaint garden. Really make for a great setting to enjoy all the courses.

If you're looking for dinner in Palm Springs, Farm is definitely...

I enjoyed a wonderful experience at Farm in Palm Springs for an early Mother's Day dinner. We had delightful three hour six course dinner in a magical setting with live music and delicious fare.

PROS: The hostesses graciously greeted us and sat us a bit earlier than our reservation time. Had a nice table in one of the rooms with a fireplace and a large mirror. The saxophonist played and the sound poured in with great acoustics from the speakers. The amuse bouch had avocado, so I could not eat it, so my mom enjoyed all two. My dad could not eat solid foods due to mouth surgery. The bread course had warm fresh items and silky salty butter. The beet salad, melon salad, and corn soup provided earthy, tart, sweet, and creamy bites and tastes. The varied textures provided a kaleidescope of fresh tastes. The baked brie offered sweet and savory mixes of grilled bread, pear, and date spread! The lemon sorbet palate cleanser provided a balanced experience that did its job. The salmon entree provided an exquisitely pan fried crispy and juicy flaky fillet. The creamy dijon mustard sauce complimented the protein perfectly. The sweet peppers offered a wonderful crunch. The swiss chard added some bitter contrast to the garlic potatoes. The wonderfully bitter Citron crepe provided a nice end to a culinary cruise. Crystal took great photos in the garden. Gilbert was professional and affable.

CONS: They asked me so many times for extra drinks. I had to prompt them multiple times to fill the water glasses and refills on tea and diet coke. They charged me full price for mashed potatoes, soup, and sorbet for my dad's meal. I get it.

OVERALL: I highly recommend this restaurant for a magical evening meal inspired by...