When I ate at their sister restaurant, Puglia in Lake Arrowhead I was very impressed and loved their menu, hospitality and everything that they stood for. At their new incarnation I felt even more joyous and happy, pretty much a real party in your mouth from start to finish.
Owners Chef Antonello Zito. And Patrick Abbate knew what their mission was very early on. When they met they decided right then that they had to form a partnership on a new restaurant endeavor, the rest is history, and both establishments have gone on to be very successful.
Co – Owner Patrick Abbate says – “It’s a dream that has been cooking for years, for a very long time, my staff and I have been working day and night to bring traditional Italian food. Our first location is in Lake Arrowhead CA., we have been through many challenges and we persevere. We are now ready for our second location Palm Spring and we are here to stay. Pasta runs in our family, and Al dente makes you smile,” Patrick Abbate has many talents, he is also a very prolific musician, his guitar riffs have become very famous, having been a member of the 1970’s rock band – Black Sheep. He even has a guitar brand where the guitars are made in Modena Italy. He started playing guitar when he was 11. Became a professional player early in his teenage years studying Classic, Electric and Acoustic guitar. He plays pretty much every style. Patrick studied experimental composition at the Conservatory of Cagliari and he played with several bands throughout the years. Often known for his shredding ability, he considers himself more than just a guitar virtuoso. Patrick is a very busy guy; his wife and kids are back in Italy so he travels every 18 days to see them. When I met him he had just gotten off the plane the day before. https://www.patrickabbate.com/
Here’s What I tried:
Antipasti:
Spring plate, with artichokes, sun dried tomatoes, grilled eggplant and bell peppers with potatoes, onion, tomatoes and carrots, red peppers, green beans marinated in herbs oil and white vinegar. What a nice fresh way to start my dining experience. It is large so share with your dining companions.
Pasta:
Spaghetti Bolognese, their homemade Bolognese sauce with grass-fed ground beef and ground pork in tomato sauce with Italian herbs and spices, onion carrots, and celery over rigatoni pasta. I asked for whatever their homemade pasta was and they gave me this, it was so wonderful
Lobster Ravioli, very large, very tasty ravioli, with the perfect sauce and wonderful lobster filling.
Gnocchi pesto with Black Truffle Gnocchi, Fresh Potatoes Gnocchi infused with black truffle, tossed in extra virgin olive oil with roasted garlic Italian parsley and chili flakes. There is lots of fresh garlic in the sauce that coupled with the black truffle makes for one very elegant dish. Make sure you give your date a taste so you can both enjoy the lingering garlic aromas.
Mains:
Branzino (sea bass), Delicate spigola frozen on the boat, stuffed with olives, lemons and tomatoes, baked in white wine and extra virgin olive oil. Served full and fillet on the table! The tableside show is quite fun, deboning the fish and then pouring their lovely sauce on top of it, so delicious.
Pizza:
Palmina Pizza with Pesto base, mozzarella cheese, bresaola, cherry tomatoes, and creamy burrata cheese. This pizza is as beautiful as it is tasty, what an amazing pizza. They have a pizza oven from Italy that produces some delicious super authentic pizza.
Dessert:
Tiramisu, they do a flambé tableside for a real show, so much fun.
Panecotta, creamy rich, just the best way to end my amazing dinner.
Wines I Tried:
Ele Primotivo Puglia, Primotivo Polvanera, Nero di Troia, Aldegheri Le Pietre Santambrogio – Each wine was individual as it gets, but all were just perfect with this glorious food.
Many customers at their Lake Arrowhead location were from the Palm Springs area, so it made sense to open up a restaurant in Palm Springs. The mural on the wall at the restaurant is a work in progress, but it depicts the unique architecture that Puglia has to offer.
I just love the hometown atmosphere of this remarkable restaurant, really when you’re here you are family.
Palmina By Puglia Italian Restaurant
2500 North Palm Canyon Dr.
Palm Spring CA. 92262 (760) 898-9255
Restaurant Hours
Monday 5:30pm – 9:00pm
Tuesday 5:30pm – 9:00pm
Wednesday CLOSED
Thursday 5:30pm – 9:00pm
Friday 5:30pm – 9:30pm
Saturday 5:30pm – 9:30pm
Sunday 5:30pm – 9:00pm
https://www.palminabypuglia.com/
