Bing Crosby, the entertainer, was a true movie star and crooner with a golden voice. He inspired the likes of Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, and Dean Martin. And, he was a part-time Coachella Valley resident for years. Bing Crosby’s Restaurant and Piano Lounge is an upscale supper club that harkens back to the 1930s and ’40s, when golf togs ruled the daytime and Hollywood glam came out at night. High-back booths, plush upholstery, dark wood, and rich marble appointments create a cozy and intimate mood for fine dining. The lounge is a showplace of its own with seating for 60 and live entertainment seven nights a week, featuring the talents of Johnny Meza, Steve Madeao, Guy Grimstead and Brigitte Valdez. Comfortable chairs encourage guests to sit back and relax with one of 22 varieties of martinis (one for each of Bing’s #1 hit records) and food selections from a bar menu or the full restaurant menu. Chef Richard Perez sees to it that each dish is a thing of beauty. Entrées are served complete with a vegetable and starch accompaniment. The cuisine is described as “California Country Club,” to reflect its use of seasonal, fresh ingredients that pair nicely with wines from the 200-bottle list that emphasizes California producers. Bing Crosby’s convenient Rancho Mirage location, across Highway 111 from The River, is the second location for the tribute-based restaurant concept, following the highly successful opening of a Bing Crosby’s in Walnut Creek. In fact, Crosby’s widow, Kathryn, provided dozens of photos and items of memorabilia to give the restaurant a very personal touch. Open for dinner nightly at 5 p.m., Nightly Happy Hour, 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. Reservations are suggested. |
SHOWN ABOVE: A few of the delicious items on Executive Chef Richard Perez’ California Country Club Cuisine menu, clockwise from the bottom — “Bing Crosby’s Signature Dish” Grilled Filet Mignon with Black Truffle Demi-Glacé, Braised Haricot Vert and Spinach with Crispy Potato Cannelloni; The Wedge, chilled iceberg lettuce, Veal Scaloppine with Lemon-Caper Sauce, servrd with roasted tomato and polenta Napoleon with Parmesan crisp. The suggested wines are Joseph Phelps, Napa Valley, Insignia Red Wine, 2004 and Veuve Cliquot, Reims, La Grande Champagne Brut, 1996.This photo shows that Bing Crosby’s offers it all: great food expertly prepared; a lively lounge; and top entertainment. Shown here are Guy Grimstead and Brigitte Valdez. “An upscale supper club and piano lounge in tribute to the iconic crooner, Der Bingle.” |
MENU HIGHLIGHTS APPETIZERS
Steak Tartare Served with Capers, Red Onions, Cornichons, Dijon Mustard, Quail Egg and Bruschetta.
Dungeness Crab Cakes Tomato Ginger Chutney and Champagne Beurre Blanc. ENTRÉES
Bing Crosby’s Signature Dish Grilled Filet Mignon with Black Truffle Demi-Glacé Braised Haricot Vert and Spinach with Crispy Potato Cannelloni.
Lamb Three Ways Grilled Chop, Roasted Sirloin and Braised “Shepherd Pie.”
Veal Scallopini with Lemon-Caper Sauce Roasted Tomato and Polenta Napoleon with Parmesan Crisp. DESSERTS
Molten Chocolate Cake Warm Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Sauce, Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and Raspberry Sauce.
Bing’s Bananas Foster Caramelized Bananas, Roasted Pecans, Caramel Ice Cream and Rum Sauce.
Coffee and Doughnuts Mocha Ice Cream Cappuccino, Warm Cinnamon Sugar Beigneta and a Chocolate Coffee Cup. BEST OF THE CELLAR RED WINES
La Jota, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2001
Girard, Napa Valley Red, Meritage, 2002
Duckhorn, Napa Valley, Marlot, 2004
Artezin by Hess Estate, California, Zinfandel, 2002 WHITE WINES
Château Montelena, Napa Valley, Chardonnay, 1999
Far Niente, Napa Valley, Chardonnay, 2005
Kim Crawford, Marlborough, New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc, 2006
Leth, Austria, Gruner Veltliner, 2005
BING CROSBY'S RESTAURANT AND PIANO LOUNGE
71-743 HIGHWAY 111
RANCHO MIRAGE, CALIFORNIA 92270,
(760) 674-5764 More Information - Websites, Maps and Directions
BY GAYL BIONDI
FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY: JON EDWARDS
ROOM PHOTOGRAPHY: ETHAN KAMINSKY
FOOD STYLIST: ROLAND BIERI |
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