James Beard and Julia Child award-winning chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken have opened their new restaurant Alice B. in Palm Springs.
The chef duo’s newest eatery is located in a LGBTQ+ retirement complex Living Out in the heart of Palm Springs. The Two Hot Tamales opened City and Border Grill restaurants, have authored multiple cookbooks and had their own show on the Food Network. The pair founded Mundo Hospitality Group known for vibrant flavors, sustainably sourced ingredients, warm hospitality, and beloved spin-offs Border Grill Trucks, SOCALO, BBQ Mexicana, and Pacha Mamas. In 2018, the chefs were honored with the annual Gold Award by the Los Angeles Times for culinary excellence, innovation, and contribution in expanding the notion of Southern California cooking.
The restaurant is named after the partner of writer Gertrude Stein and the inside dining room features a portrait of the couple by British-American artist Jo Hay.
"Alice B. represents a new era for us, a departure from the bold Mexican and Latin-inspired flavors we’re known for, and an opportunity to revisit our roots as chefs. Susan and I trained in the French kitchen but we also love drawing inspiration from around the world. We’re so excited to introduce Palm Springs to our version of craveable California inflected dishes where the ingredients speak directly to diners from their plates. Hospitality is in our DNA and we can’t wait to take care of the Palm Springs dining community” said Milliken.
During our dinner Chef Feniger stopped by for a chat, letting us know that Alice B.’s brunch would launch the following morning. She shared the new brunch menu, which included savory and sweet breakfast biscuit sandwiches, challah French Toast, smoked salmon bagel, a breakfast grain veggie bowl, spring vegetable frittata, chopped Cobb salad and a burger.
Diners can choose to sit outside on the small patio, inside in the main dining room or at the large bar area which features a piano. The design style is Palm Springs mid-century modern, with large chandeliers, a beige and blue color scheme, tables with comfy circular chairs and local art.
Alice B. combines Southern California, French and Mediterranean-leaning flavors. The culinary vision is a collaborative effort between Feniger, Milliken and Executive Chef Lance Velasquez, who was named a “Rising Star Chef” by Esquire and a “Ten Best New American Chef” by Food & Wine Magazine. The menu features globally-inspired California cuisine.
The dinner menu includes delicious cornmeal cheddar drop biscuits with honey, yellowtail crudo, a carrot and ginger soup and our favorite appetizer of the night the crispy gold potato croquettes with smoked ham.
Larger plates include a roasted cauliflower wedge, grits with chanterelles, branzino with a celery root remoulade, chicken cutlet with apple radish pomegranate salad, Steak Diane and a pork shoulder. Sides include charred broccolini, crispy smashed potatoes and sauteed sugar snap peas.
Desserts include an apple gratin, tahini ice cream with chocolate sauce and a salted caramel pot de crème.
There’s also great signature and classic cocktails, we sampled the spirit free citrus mint spritz and ginger hibiscus sparkler, both were delicious.
We sampled the main dining menu. The bar menu includes cream of tomato soup, marinated olives, a chilled wedge salad, baked macaroni, grilled cheese sandwich, cornmeal cheddar biscuits and smashed potatoes.
“Curating welcoming restaurants that bring people together over food has long been our passion. Mary Sue and I have spent many years in Palm Springs with our family and friends, and have always loved the area,” says Feniger. “We want this to be a place where guests can come, feel comfortable, enjoy delicious meals and drinks with their loved ones. What’s even more special is that this restaurant represents an ode to the love Alice B. and Gertrude Stein shared, a feeling that will engulf you the moment you walk in and take you back to their impressive life together. Our hope is Alice B. will feel like your home away from home that you’ll want to return to time and time again.”
Alice B. is open for dinner Wednesday to Sunday with indoor and outdoor dining. On Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday the hours are 5PM – 9PM and on Friday and Saturday, 5PM – 10PM. Weekend brunch is Saturday and Sunday starting at 9am. Alice B. is located at 1122 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262. To learn more, please visit www.aliceb.com.
