Experience Classic Palm Springs at Copley’s on Palm Canyon

By Steve Brown

Time hasn’t always been easy on the Palm Springs that was once Hollywood’s stylish desert playground. It isn’t as simple as it once was to feel close to the spirit that drew movie stars, along with Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack, out to the desert. But it’s still there if you seek it out, and Copley’s on Palm Canyon brings together the best of the elegant spirit of old Palm Springs with the finest of the new.

Copley’s is in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, strongly bonded to Hollywood’s classic desert love affair. The restaurant is located in the red-tile roofed guesthouse of Cary Grant’s estate from the 1940s, in the evening shadow of the mountains, and offers gracious indoor and outdoor dining.

Our preference at Copley’s is to dine on the patio with one of their signature drinks as the sunsets behind the mountains. The outdoor courtyard is just off Palm Canyon Drive, but still feels secluded, with a fire pit, fountain, and group dining accommodations (as well as many of the fresh herbs used in the kitchen that are grown on site). For happy hour, join the crowd at Copley’s beautiful bar and lounge area, or take a leisurely dinner on the patio.

You really can’t go wrong with starters like the baby arugula and warm duck salad, and while the “Oh My Lobster Pot Pie” is a must try at least once, the innovative menu offers a bit of everything, from prosciutto wrapped duck breast with spinach and roasted figs accompanied by braised duck leg, to pan seared crispy Australian barramundi. At this award-winning restaurant, your taste buds are not going to be disappointed, no matter what entree you select. Executive Chef Andrew Copley will see to your culinary satisfaction—and beyond.

Whatever entree you choose, leave room for dessert. At many restaurants, dessert isn’t that exciting, and we frequently are fine without. But at Copley’s, it’s truly a must. Do order some coffee and try their incredible chocolate crunch bars with raspberry sorbet and chocolate sauce, or at least sample their delicious house made ice creams (basil, tarragon, Tahitian vanilla, or cinnamon), and finish with a brandy under the stars.

Copley’s is a great destination for a romantic dinner with a little old Palm Springs feel, or for that special celebration. If you’ve got a budding chef in the family, check out Andrew Copley’s cooking classes where you can learn how to prepare delicious seasonal soups and entrees.

Though long gone from the premises, I think Mr. Grant would, no doubt, approve of Copley’s decision to embrace the history of its Palm Canyon location while enhancing it with superb fine dining under the desert stars. Copley’s is an excel- lent spot to soak up a little classic Palm Springs ambiance while enjoying the city’s modern and sophisticated culinary delights.

621 N. Palm Canyon DrivePalm Springs (760)327-9555 www.copleyspalmsprings.com Hours: 6 p.m. until closingOctober 1 through June 9, 2013: Open nightly June 10 through July 6, 2013: Closed Mondays July 7 through August 29, 2013: Annual summer closure, reopens Labor DayReservations are recommended Complimentary valet parking Friday & Saturday Copley’s on Palm Canyon offers indoor dining and a beautiful bar, opposite page, as well as outdoor patio dining around the historic grounds of Cary Grant’s guesthouse.“Oh My, Lobster Pot Pie,” is one of the culinary treats awaiting guests to Copley’s on Palm Canyon, above. But we’re going to warn you—leave room for dessert or you’ll be sorry. Executive Chef Andrew Copley was trained at the Westminster Culinary College in London and gained experience at the Savoy and Park Lane hotels, as well as the Grand Hyatt on the Sunshine Coast in Australia, the Ritz Carlton (on Maui and in San Francisco), and elsewhere, prior to opening this Palm Springs restaurant with Juliana Manion Copley, and Greg Butterfield. The outdoor grounds and patio at Copley’s on Palm Canyon make for delightful outdoor dining under the desert stars, a friendly firepit for cool nights, and an excellent venue for group dining (that does double duty for Executive Chef Andrew Copley’s cooking classes during season), below. Arrive early and visit the shops and art galleries nearby on Palm Canyon Drive, or dine and catch a performance at the Palm Canyon Theatre.