We all love the Brigatine, but it’s a chain, right? What’s the point of driving down the Strand if you can hit up Taco Tuesday right here on the island?
I gave it a try yesterday and I’m glad I did. First off, I’m a sucker for a little drive down the Strand. Bay on one side, beach on the other…what’s not to love?
About 15 minutes later, I found myself at the new Brigatine on the corner of Seacoast and Evergreen, right across the street from the Pier.
It’s clean and contemporary and inviting with lots of bike parking and a long, open patio facing the pier and beach.
The inside is bright, and a little warmer then the revamped Coronado Brig with lots of wood and natural surfaces. The same idea though—lots of bar seating and casual eating style. (Yes the formal old-school Brig style is gone for good…but I’m rolling with it. My kids would ruin it anyway.)
Digging the Catalina Island wall art.Peek into the kitchen.Beer!
But what I’m really loving about this location is the long, open patio along Seacoast, facing the ocean. (The bartender told me its dog-friendly, and I can totally see us bringing our Bulldog.) The outdoor space is way less cramped than the patio in the Coronado location.
When it comes to the menu, yes, it’s similar to Coronado.
Of course I ordered the Orange Wit to start.
But, according the the bartender, the first two items under “Beach Favorites” are unique to I.B.!
The “Kale and Farro” with organic baby kale, Italian farro and butternut squash, California goat cheese, cucumber, raisins and truffle vinaigrette was calling my name. But the bartender encouraged me to try the “Cali Steak Taco Plate.”
I was reluctant because if I’m going to get a taco at the Brig, it’s going to be the classic fish taco, but I allowed myself to be swayed.
Holy smokes, am I glad I did!
I ordered just one taco a-la-carte, and it came out stuffed with grilled skirt steak, charred tomato salsa, HOUSE-MADE FRIES, avocado sauce, salsa fresca, and lime crema on a griddled cheese blue corn tortillas.
EXACTLY.
It was decadent and delicious. Best part? It was only $5.50. On Taco Tuesday, you can get these bad boys for $4.50!
Beer was more than the taco!
So yes…a solid THUMBS UP to the Brig in I.B. You can bet I will be back for a brew and the skirt steak taco, bulldog in tow.
What if you could escape for a few days somewhere serene, energizing, and other-worldly? What if you could soak in an ancient hot springs grotto under the desert stars, enjoy a healing session with a resident shaman, and take a sound bath with gongs? What if you could savor gourmet farm-to-table dining and sip fine wines IN YOUR BATHROBE? What if I told you this place is less than three hours away from Coronado?
Welcome to Two Bunch Palms in Desert Hot Springs. Immortalized in the 1992 Robert Altman film “The Player” with Tim Robbins, Two Bunch has long been on my bucket list. A healing hideaway, this eco-resort and spa is off the beaten path located 10 miles North of Palm Springs. Frequented by L.A. studio execs and Hollywood hipsters alike, Two Bunch Palms soothes the world-weary with its peaceful and meditative energy.
The Player starring Tim Robbins and Greta Scacchi.
The property was long-rumored as Al Capone’s West Coast hideout, complete with underground escape tunnels and bullet holes. In the 1980s, Two Bunch became popular with Hollywood stars like Mel Gibson, Daryl Hannah, Robin Williams, Goldie Hawn, Julia Roberts, and Madonna.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, the property came under disrepair during the real estate bust and underwent foreclosure in 2010. In 2012, two Hollywood film execs and a real estate developer bought the 77-acre retreat for less than $10 million. They promised to return the property to its original glory with higher-end accommodations, while honoring the land, the folklore, and the natural environment.
And honor it they do! The trees are blessed before they are cut down, and invited to return back into the plant world, according to the resident shaman who met with us during our stay.
Sounds nice, doesn’t it? Needless to say, when one of my besties organized a retreat at the property for her birthday, I booked my room.
I was delighted to see that Google Maps put Two Bunch less than 2.5 hours from Coronado. Radical!
Let’s do this!These are the faces of two distraught moms, devastated to leave their families behind.
Two Bunch is kind of in the middle of nowhere, just past those weird windmills. (Let’s just say there don’t appear to be a lot of compelling reasons to leave the resort. And that’s just fine with me.)
Entry to Two Bunch.
Welcoming Indian.
The entry is unassuming yet inviting. We noticed that there is a big board with TONS of classes included in the stay, ranging from yoga and pilates to angel card readings to how to discover your spirit animal. (More on that later.)
Sign me up!
But first things first. The first thing you notice is the intense energy of the resort. When we arrived the wind was blowing, which could be unnerving, but was actually calming in a feral, restless-desert-spirit sort of way. A visitor said, “the sound of the wind moving in the mature trees and native shrubs is soothing. These active molecules seem to surround you, as if to emphasize your presence in the moment.” I couldn’t agree more!
Soothing Palms
According to an article in the Coachella Valley Weekly, “Once referred to as Spa City, Desert Hot Springs has long claimed to be situated in a vortex that promotes health and wellness. The theory is: The city’s natural elements of mineral water, unspoiled mountain and desert expanse, its elevation, earthquake faults, wind and sunshine create a significant energy field. It’s believed the vortexes are negative ion generators influenced by magnetic forces, which produces positive energy, well-being and healing.”
Hmm…I like it!
Now, let’s check out my room. A 10 minute walk from the restaurant and the grotto, it was vintage-hip, clean and comfy with some quirky touches like woven macramé and some earthy textures and finishes. The back opened up to a dirt courtyard which contrasted with the polished interior, but not terrible way. (More like a messy hair, don’t care kind of vibe.)
Ready for that robe.
First on the agenda…slipping into my bikini and the comfy terry cloth bathrobe and slippers provided by the resort. The property has a zen, bohemiam-attitude which means you can wear your bathrobe EVERYWHERE…even to the nice restaurant!
Look, no pants!
The grounds are sprawling and gracious, without being over done. A lovely dirt path led me back to the main part of the resort, where I passed gurgling streams from the natural hot springs (I felt the water, it was warm), and a meditative stone labyrinth. (My friend tells me that you can enter the labyrinth with an intention or a question, and as you walk the answer will come to you. I tried this on my last day, and it worked.)
You remind me of a babe. What babe?The babe with the power.
In addition to natural springs, the property has a pond brimming with koi and turtles, several communal fire pit areas and more than 1,500 additional plantings, including 60 mature palm trees.
The Al Capone Suite! Supposedly there are bullet holes in the room and underground tunnels to help him escape should his enemies come a-hunting.
Loads of stain glass.
But the main draw of the property is the grotto, a blissful, enticing retreat created by the naturally heated mineral springs and famous 600-year-old healing waters. Two Bunch Palms has also built several brand-new mineral soaking tubs, wading tubs, and cold water tubs, all gushing with mineral water that leaves the ground at more than 150 degrees F.
Come on in, the water is fine!
The healing waters are said to be rich in mineral content and high in Lithium which help your body absorb the healing properties. According to a studied traveler, “Bubbling up deep from within the earth, the waters are blessed with virgin springs that are purified over the San Andreas Fault. It is ancient springs, with lots of folklore.”
Experts say the water has a perfect balance of PH and Alkalinity. This produces silky mineral water good for the body inside and out. (See, I’m a scientist now!)
After some serious blissing-out in the grotto, it was time to check out the restaurant. Essense is known for its healthy, gourmet, farm-to-table fare and it doesn’t disappoint.
My favorite thing on the menu was the breakfast veggie omelet with Jerusalem artichoke, grilled asparagus, blistered heirloom tomatoes, gobs of Boursin cheese and other assorted yumminess. They also serve up “Hand-crafted healing drinks” (in other words, they make fresh juices.) And they are delicious.
I ate this three days in a row.Serene and peaceful.
Lunch and dinner is no less mouth-watering, and we ate at this restaurant three times a day. With a scenic view of the desert, it was the perfect place to meet up after a swim in the grotto.
And did I mention they serve wine?
Ladies who lunch. In bathrobes.
The spa at Two Bunch seems small and unremarkable, located downstairs in what must be an original 1920’s/1930s building. There’s nothing high-tech about it, but the quality of the therapists is what makes it special. The therapists are known to be world-class body workers who often hone their craft in places like China and Tibet. My massage was one of the best I’ve experienced and I would definitely do it again.
A couple of my friends did the mud baths, and said it was interesting and relaxing but “stinky.” You also have to get completely naked and climb over the edge of the mud bath and flash your partner your bits and pieces as your straddle your way into the mud. I’m way too much of a prude for this so I’m glad I missed it!
No thanks.
One of the coolest things about Two Bunch is the classes, which are free and included with your stay. You simply sign up for them when you wake up, because some of them do fill up.
On my second day, I did a 9am yoga class in the Celestial Dome.
Celestial dome…out of this world!Morning yoga.
I followed that up with a 10:15 Pilates class in the View Point room. Both yoga and Pilates were great. After that, it was a “Balancing your Chakras” class in the serene and tranquil Garden room.
The Garden Room…my favorite space in the resort!
Here, under the guidance of the in-house Shaman, I used crystals learn that most of my chakras were balanced and turning in the right direction. Sadly, my chakras that dealt with “fear” and “connection to the divinity” were seriously whack. (Food for thought.)
After this class it was a quick break for lunch and a swim in the grotto, then it was time for “Vino and Van Gogh” back in the Garden Room. This class was a radical because we painted to music with our non-dominant hand after a short meditation. The art we came up with was super-cool!
Pensive artists.
Finally, we lingered in the Garden Room for the Angel Card reading, where we pick two cards and a psychic-like individual told us what they meant to us. I got “Focus” and “Retreat.”
Freak me out already.
It was a little unsettling when the lady elaborated on what these cards meant to me. I’ve never seen a psychic or anyone like that before. But her words ring true even a few weeks after my visit and I find myself coming back to them.
We met up in one of our “dirt courtyards” that night for a cheeseboard, some wine, and some mala-making. (One of my friends makes the most amazing cheeseboards on the planet, and my other friend runs a yoga company and instructed us how to make the malas. How lucky am I?)
Cheese board explosion.
Meditative malas!
After some bottle drinking, cheese-eating and mala-making it was time for an 80s dance party then off to the birthday dinner in our robes.
Beautiful birthday girl.
A grotto-swim under the desert stars led us to the 9pm “Sound Bath” with gongs, Tibetan singing bowls, and lights. It was surreal and other-worldly. Everyone sprawled out on yoga mats in a semi circle and listened to the sound bounce off the walls of the Celestial Dome. It was powerful at times, and lulling in other moments, to the point you could hear random snores from other attendees.
I was sad to leave Two Bunch the next morning. But I left feeling refreshed, relaxed, and renewed. “You look like you’ve slept for weeks,” my mom said when I got back. But most of all, I had a new perspective. A new outlook that has lingered more than a month since I got home. Will I be back? Most definitely. And I can’t wait to see what Angel cards I draw!
67425 Two Bunch Palms Trail, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240
800-472-4334 twobunchpalms.com
Happy Friday, everyone! Here are four shopping and event deals you can score without leaving the island! Hope you enjoy.
1. Thankful Tank, Amazon, $8-$14.99. Get your gratitude on with this pleasingly simple and effortlessly chic “Thankful” tank top. Available on Amazon. 2. Himalayan salt lamp, Amazon, $16.97. You don’t have a Himalayan salt lamp yet? Here’s your chance. Check out this deal on Amazon. Not only do they emit a soft, warm blow, but they are known to have healing powers that help with blood flow, improve sleep, and increase levels of serotonin in the brain. 3. Mermaid, by Jan Brett, $18.99 from Bay Books. What child doesn’t need some mermaid in their lives? Check out latest book by celebrated author and illustrator Jan Brett, waiting to enchant you at Bay Books, 1029 Orange Avenue. 4. “Take a Holiday Breath” Yoga Series at the Hotel Del Coronado, $20. A tall dose of inner calm during the holidays? Yes, please. Check out the “Take a Holiday Breath” Yoga series at the Hotel Del put on by Lululemon and CorePower. $20 gets you an hour-long yoga session on the Hotel Del Lawn and a day-long pass at the Spa at the Hotel Del. Best part? Proceeds help bring yoga to underserved communities. Get your tickets here.
Something fishy is going on in Imperial Beach…and I like it! I visited Poke 123 earlier this week, and it stole my heart–hook, line and sinker.
Let’s get this straight…a legit, affordable poke shop is open JUST down the strand? You don’t have to drive over the bridge and stress out over parking? Or pay a $5 delivery fee on Uber Eats?
I’m here to tell you that it’s all true, and Poke 123 will satisfy the cravings of even the most persnickety poke eater. The shop is already making waves with locals, and shortly after I left, there was a line almost out the door.
An easy 10-minute drive from the Village, Poke 123 beckons from the new shopping center on Palm and 9th—The one with the Starbucks and Chipotle and the Grocery Outlet. (You know the one.)
The inside is clean, contemporary and inviting. Nothing fancy, and no booze here, but that’s not what we are here for.
The manager could tell I was a Poke 123 virgin, and he came out and walked me through poke-procuring process.
First things first…you pick your bowl. The bowls are ALL THE SAME SIZE…the only thing that varies is how many scoops of protein (i.e. poke) you get.
I opted for the medium bowl, that’s 3 scoops of protein.
(As you can see, they also offer “Norritos” which are basically poke burritos and “Waves” which are like poke tacos. I’ll have to go back to try those.)
Step 1: Choose your bowl “base.” Choices are white rice, brown rice, salad, rice noodles or tortilla chips. I chose the rice noodles.
Then, you get to choose your sides, and they are all delicious! I got avocado, cucumber and seaweed salad. Yum!
Step 2: Choose your protein. The best part! Ahi, salmon, Hamachi, octopus, shrimp, scallops and chicken…even tofu, for the vegetarians among us.
I got spicy tuna, Ahi 123 and the salmon. And they are pretty juicy chunks! And check out all the sauces! I got the Fire Shoyu, Spicy Shoyu and Spicy Mayo (because I like it hot.)
Step 3: Pick your toppings. You can get crazy here! I did onion, wasabi, cilantro, ginger, and eel sauce.
The finished product? So poke-licious, I don’t want to mar its beauty…but hunger beckons. And it’s as good as it looks! Don’t believe me? Try it for yourself.
Sure, when it comes to Poke, there are lots of fish in the sea…but I can promise you, if you drive down to Poke 123, you’ll be reeled in like me. Catch my drift?
Bad Moms AND Christmas…how could you go wrong? If that’s not a recipe for a mother-effer of a holiday movie, I don’t know what is. So I grabbed four of the worst, most badly-behaved moms I know, packed a box of wine in my friend’s Louie, and headed out to the Lot at Liberty Station to see the show.
Like most of the modern world, I loved the fearless hilarity and fiery spunk of the first Bad Moms. The sarcastic, no f—ks given approach won me over long before they trashed that grocery store.
You’ll find some of that clever, nervy fun in Bad Mom’s Christmas, and plenty of “Ho ho ho-ing” around. But before you watch the moms get drunk in the food court and deck the halls with a stolen Christmas tree from Foot Locker, keep in mind…this is a sequel! You won’t find the same brave novelty of the first film, and things DO get a little sentimental when all of the mothers of the Bad Moms appear and shake up the snow globe.
An untenably funny Christine Baranski plays mom to the Mila Kunis character, bringing more ice to the screen than an arctic glacier. The strangely needy yet endearing Cheryl Hines plays the mom of Kristen Bell, and my favorite—the ageless Susan Sarandon—plays the gambling, hitch-hiking, pot-smoking mom of badass Carla.
A lot of people in our group expressed displeasure that the movie wasn’t as light and funny as the first film, and it does get more serious as the characters explore the relationships with their own moms. (To be honest, I actually found myself enjoying the deeper moments with the moms and it didn’t really bother me too much.)
Was it as funny as the first one? Probably not, but that’s not a terrible thing. You still get to watch the moms twerk with Santa Claus and open up a can of whoop-ass on a shopping mall.
But please. Do yourself a favor. This movie is meant to be enjoyed in person at the theater, with your best girlfriends (preferably decked out in Christmas sweaters, see below) and a glass—nay bottle—of wine. This film, like many things in life, is about the experience…not the details.
Just don’t get carried away and put too much brandy in your eggnog, or you’ll wind up in an uber with a clean up charge on your bill.
Not only do they emit a soft, warm blow, but they are known to have healing powers that help with blood flow, improve sleep, and increase levels of serotonin in the brain.
