It’s a deli, it’s a cafe, it’s a marketplace, you can get a beer, glass of wine . . . a Mimosa. It’s the new “go to” place in the desert, and for having only been open for a matter of weeks, it’s doing gangbusters.
Jennifer and Christophe Douheret are the talented and creative couple who gave birth to Clementine – its first incarnation was located beside Trader Joe’s in Palm Desert two years ago where it began as Clementine Patisserie. What a lovely little place where you could get a latte and something scrumptious that was baked right there onsite, like a fresh almond croissant. The French bistro furniture out front of the store coaxed you to sit for a spell and enjoy the desert day.
Move the clock up to now – the second incarnation, which has morphed into Clementine Gourmet Marketplace & Café. As it says on its Facebook page, Clementine “is a beautiful homage to the bright marketplaces of ‘The Countries of the Sun, ‘ describing Italy, France, Spain, Morocco, and other countries along the Mediterranean.” Jennifer, Christophe and their handsome, talented and attentive staff now offer a wide array of take-home deli items, delicate desserts, breakfast and lunch options, and fabulous gift ideas.
You can dine in at Clementine . . . or take out. Stop by on your way home from work to pick up something mouthwatering for your dinner or a dinner party. You can pick out dishes from the deli case, stop off at the pasta bar or just order a glass of wine and take in all of the good energy of the people working and dining there.
Don’t be surprised to be greeted at Clementine’s front door as if you are an old friend. There is something at this establishment for everyone and you owe it to yourself to stop by and see for yourself. I promise you won’t be disappointed. But you may suffer a bit as you try to pick out which delectable dish from the many offered that you will nosh upon today. Just remember, you can always go back and try something new another day.
Located at 72990 El Paseo (and Monterey) in Palm Desert.
Breakfast is served from 8 to 11 a.m. Monday through Saturday and all day Sunday. Lunch is from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.