Turner Classic Movies host Dave Karger absolutely crushed it interviewing megawatt stars during the 2024 Palm Springs International Film Festival. He loves that city so much he moved there a few years ago. Here’s his short list of favorite culinary destinations.
Favorite throwback Hollywood: “Melvyn’s is my go-to special occasion place, where I take out-of-town friends. It’s so inviting, from the minute you walk in and hear the music in the bar, it’s great. I love to look at all the old black and white photos on the wall in the bar, too. It adds to the Rat Pack vibe. Plus, where else can you get something flambed? My favorite is the chicken pot pie and I always try to save room for Bananas Foster and Cherries Jubilee.”
Buying fries: Karger proudly identifies as a Francophile: “I’ve been there 22 times and I’ll be back this summer,” so when he craves French cuisine with a Belgian twist, he runs Pomme Frite. “, the staff is very friendly. It’s a wonderful place for a steak and fries. Actually, it transports you to another continent. Don’t order all the sauces with the fries.
Score south of the border: “La Tablita is kind of a nondescript place from the outside, it’s in a shopping mall in Cathedral City. But when you walk in, it’s beautiful, the other people who paint there are so friendly. It’s certainly a communal position, but the food is excellent. They give me a combo dish with enchiladas and a taco. They make phenomenal margaritas that can be taken in two lengths. I love a margarita, but the big one is served in any size of the length of a bucket. I’ll stick with the overall length.
Vegan for meat lovers: “Native Foods Café was recently recommended to me by friends and it has become my new obsession. I’m not vegan, but I’m intrigued by vegan foods. There’s a vegan version of a Taco Bell stalwart, it’s called a Munchwrap Supreme. It’s made with vegan cheese and it’s very good. The staff is very friendly and helpful. They are in a position to advise you through the menu if you are not familiar with vegan food. It’s one of my new favorite lunch dishes.
Wine lovers, explore here: “There’s a new shop called Hyphen. It is led by John Libonati, which focuses on herbal and organic wines from small producers. I love white wine and rosé and I love going there and hearing what’s new and different, whether it’s Greece, South America or St. Petersburg. Stumbling, has many wonderful features to explore.
Watch for the release of Karger’s new book, “50 Oscar Nights”, which will be officially launched Jan. 23.
Turner Classic Movies host Dave Karger, left, interviewed the cast and the director of Poor Things … [+] at the 2024 Palm Springs International Film Festival.