La Quinta – Check it out . . . if you love sushi, and it seems you either love it or you don’t, there’s no in between . . . but if you LOVE sushi, then have you eaten at Sam’s Sushi right here in La Quinta?
The owner is Sam Kwon, who came to the U.S. from Korea and was involved with restaurants before moving to California in 1999. He moved here to the desert in 2002 and has had his La Quinta restaurant open for four years now. Sam’s was expanded last year from a 35 seat sushi bar to a 92 seat restaurant. Obviously, Sam’s Sushi has been well received here on the east end of the valley.
Sam’s Sushi has a contemporary vibe with spacious high ceilings and soothing colors and woods. A wide variety of Nigiri sushi and sashimi is offered, along with a long list of specialty rolls – which includes baked lobster, a neighborhood favorite. Also offered are lunch and dinner specials.
It wouldn’t be sushi without sake to accompany it. Sam’s offers a variety of premium cold sakes and hot sake is also available. Popular Japanese beers are available as well.
Sam also owns Sam’s Korean BBQ & Teriyaki Grill, which is just around the corner in the same La Quinta complex. A third restaurant, also Sam’s Sushi, is located at The River in Rancho Mirage.
SAM’S Sushi in La Quinta is located at 79485 Highway 111. For more information or for reservations, call 760-771-8285.
More
La Quinta – Palmilla is a desert community built in 2002-06 – sitting just off Avenue 50, west of Jefferson St. It catches your eye, as its exterior wall is painted lovely earth colors compatible with its desert surroundings. it is guard-gated, like so many communities around here are, but what lies inside the artistically designed wrought iron entrance gate is distinctively different and appealing.
Palmilla’s grounds are scattered with over 8 acres of lakes – a beautiful juxtaposition of water to the dry arid desert environs. There are 159 homes here, painted in strong earthy tones of terra cotta, umber and sage. There are interesting architectural features used here such as stacked stone accents, curved exterior walls and artsy courtyard gates – all lending an air of sophistication and class to these homes which range in size from 3,800sf to 4,600sf built on over-sized lots of varying sizes.
Another draw to living in Palmilla is its close proximity to the many restaurants and convenient shopping in La Quinta. It is within walking distance of a drug store, grocery store and restaurants. Residents of this highly sought after address also find their community to be a friendly one. Though there are no country club-type amenities at Palmilla, the upside is that the HOAs are relatively low. Most of the homes here have their own private pools.
Many of Palmilla’s homes are located lakeside, as there are 13 connected lakes running throughout. The landscaping is premier and only serves to enhance the community’s unique architecture. Palmilla received “Best in American Living” designation by the National Association of Home Builders . . . and has also received awards for its desert landscape design.
Palmilla is also conveniently located a couple of miles from Old Town La Quinta and is less than 3 miles from the Empire and Eldorado Polo Grounds. Highway 111 is just 2 miles north and Interstate 10 is just 4 miles north of the community.
It’s easy to understand why people fall in love with Palmilla and make their homes there permanently. If you are interested in looking at homes for sale there, call Kim Kelly of HK Lane Real Estate in La Quinta. She is well acquainted with the homes in Palmilla and will be happy to tour you around the property.
More
La Quinta is fortunate to have an amazing art event held during season called “Art Under the Umbrellas.” About this time of year when we locals are weary from the incessant heat of our lovely desert clime, it’s nice to think of something bright and cheerful and fun that will be returning to Old Town La Quinta.
October 27th kicks off the first “Art Under the Umbrellas” for the new season. Trust me, that date will be here before you now it. Over 70 artists will be presenting their works . . . everything from painting, glass, ceramic, jewelry, wood, sculpture, photography, fiber and mixed media. The streets are closed off in Old Town just for this artistic venue.
Lovers of art can find amazing quality pieces for purchase at “Art Under the Umbrellas.” It is always a special day outdoors as those seeking to enjoy and experience the art . . . and to buy, amble along the streets taking in all of the incredible talent. It’s also a good time to explore the shops and dining opportunities in Old Town.
And guess what could be even better . . . admission and parking are FREE !!! The new “Art Under the Umbrellas” schedule is on the following Saturdays from 10am to 4pm: October 27, November 10, November 24 and Dec. 1 – all in 2012. The 2013 schedule is: January 12, January 19, February 9, February 16 and March 23.
So, just something to keep your mind occupied, thinking about those days that are coming when the weather is cooler and picture perfect – and “Art Under the Umbrellas” will be waiting for you.
For more information, go to www.lqaf.com/cultural-events/art-under-the-umbrellas/
More
The City of La Quinta has a proposed plan to put in a roundabout near the entry of the La Quinta Cove neighborhood at the intersection of Eisenhower Dr. and Calle Sinaloa. The roundabout would replace the existing four-way stop there.
Roundabouts are used extensively in Europe and are becoming increasingly popular in this country. They require those vehicles approaching it to have to slow down and yield to circulating traffic, thereby reducing accidents by up to 60%, according to traffic engineers
There are already four roundabouts located in La Quinta and they keep traffic moving without having a signal there. Because the roundabouts force traffic to slow down, there is a reduction in broadside collisions from drivers who run traffic stops.
The roundabout is expected to be installed later this year and will cost approximately $600,000. Additional landscaping could run the cost up more, and one design includes installation of an art piece that serves as an entryway to the Cove neighborhood.
Some Cove residents who got a look at the new road design are not in favor of it. Nearly 7,700 cares travel on Eisenhower Dr. up into the Cove during off-season, and city staff estimates that the number increases 10% during peak season. That’s a whole lot of cars coming in and out of the Cove.
FYI – the La Quinta Cover Neighborhood Association is in favor of the roundabout. Landscape designs will likely go before the City Council at its meeting on July 17.
What are your thoughts?
More
