Tag: Fine Dining

The Perfect Winter Dinner in the Desert

You know that feeling when everything about a meal clicks? The setting, the food, the drinks, the people, it all just works.

That’s exactly how I felt at Maleza Palm Springs during their wine-dinner with Ce Acatl Winery and Palm Springs Bottle Shop.

As Sophi from the Golden Girls would say, “Picture this: A crisp desert night, long wooden tables glowing under the soft flicker of candlelight, and towering pipe-organ cacti standing tall like natural guardians to a temple of food. There’s something about dining outdoors in the cool evening air that makes every sip of wine and every bite of food feel just a little more indulgent.

The evening was a celebration of food, wine, and community, something I think we are all seeking a bit more of these days. A family-style meal where strangers became friends over shared plates and stories. And the best part? Every wine we tasted came from Ce Acatl, a winery dedicated to showcasing the rich, complex wines of Baja California.

Before this night, I honestly didn’t know much about Baja’s wine scene. Now? I’m hooked.

I want to spend a moment talking about Palm Springs Bottle Shop they’re doing something special in the world of wine and spirits.

Unlike big-box liquor stores, they handpick every bottle on their shelves, focusing on LGBTQ+, women, and BIPOC-owned brands. Their mission isn’t just about selling wine; it’s about supporting independent makers, creating a space for underrepresented voices, and redefining what a corner store can be.To that end, check out the small-batch pop tarts they sell from Ghetto Gastro.

The Food & Wine Pairings: A Match Made in Baja

Every course was beautifully paired with a wine from Ce Acatl, and I have to say—Baja California’s wine scene deserves way more attention.

I have had a lot of beet salads in my day, and I will say this one wasbright and fresh and at the same time rich and earthy. The creamy queso fresco, crunchy pepitas, and zippy salsa verde played well together, making for a bold and refreshing dish.

The Sarape Wine was a perfect match and easily my favorite wine of the evening. I will be buying this for my next dinner party. Light-bodied yet complex, with notes of plum and French oak, it brought out the natural sweetness of the beets.

This was the dish of the night for me.

The braised pork shank was fall-apart tender, with a deeply flavorful, meaty crust and just the right amount of spice. I love pork in pretty much any form, but this? This was next level. The masa grits were smooth, creamy, and just a little smoky, and the green apple salsa added a pop of brightness that kept every bite from feeling too heavy. I honestly wanted to take the leftovers home in my purse.

And the wine? That Nebbiolo was great. With notes of apricot, plum, caramel, and a little hit of chocolate, it was the perfect complement—rich enough to stand up to the pork but balanced enough to keep things interesting.

I love desserts, and I am the guy who will always order weird desserts at a restaurant. Perhaps it is from my years of working the pastry station. Unfortunately, I was not a huge fan of this squash mousse. It was not really sweet and didn’t provide much textural contrast.

I did enjoy the 2019 Syrah,  Dark red fruit, a little pepper, a hint of funk—it was complex enough and a fine desert on its own.

What Made This Night Special

Beyond the incredible food and wine, the night’s highlight was hearing from the winemaker behind Ce Acatl, who walked us through the history of Baja’s underappreciated but fast-growing wine scene.

I hadn’t thought much about Baja California as a wine region before. But after this dinner? I’m convinced it’s a region I want to know more about. The combination of mineral rich soil, Meditertanean climate, and innovative winemakers is producing wines that are full of personality and depth.

This is why I love these kinds of events. They don’t just introduce you to new flavors—they introduce you to the people and places behind them.

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Final Thoughts: A Dinner Worth Remembering

The cozy atmosphere, the incredible pairings, the storytelling behind each wine—it all came together in a way that felt effortless and special at the same time.

If you’re looking for a dining experience that’s more than just a meal, keep an eye out for Maleza’s next Desert Dining event. It’s not just about great food and wine—it’s about community, discovery, and celebrating the craft of small producers.

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