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c h r o n o f h o r s e . c o m w i n t e r 2 014 93 >> "ey have the best grande margari- tas—you can swim in them!" says barn manager Alex Wilson with a laugh. "ey also have really good enchiladas." rosAmarillo's is also a favorite of California native demi stiegler, who signed on to ride for the Auburn uni- versity equestrian team in Alabama but counts this restaurant as a must-visit whenever she's back in town. "every time i go for dinner, the place is filled with horse show people," she says. "i love their steak fajitas, and my mom orders the chicken mole every time. everything is simply delicious!" 49-990 Jefferson St., Suite 120, Indio. (760) 777-1175. rosamarillos.com Cactus Jack's if you like prime rib, a good strong drink and old-fashioned friendly service, head over to Cactus Jack's. While the name may sound like a mexican joint, what you'll actually find is a simple bar and grill with huge portions and drinks that are "like doubles, served in a bucket!" according to one bartender. While the crowd skews a bit older (mostly retirees in the off-season), there's a lively bar scene that fuels the furnace of Cactus Jack's vibe. And the food hits the spot as well. "e prime rib tastes better than anywhere i've ever had it," says Katie frank, a desert Circuit official. "e taste has a unique quality that's hard to describe. i usu- ally don't eat meat, but this is my excep- tion. e house salad is amazing too, served with a special dressing, and the tomato bisque soup rocks. it's a big part of going back to the desert each year!" 82-347 Highway 111, Indio. (760) 342- 1889. cactusjacks-indio.com. Shields Date Garden And Café is shouldn't come as a surprise to any- one, but the desert is often hot, even in January. And after long, sweltering days spent ringside, there's little Chronicle staffer lisa slade craves more than a refreshing "world-famous date shake" from the walk-up counter at the shields date garden. is indio establishment is some- thing of a local institution—it's been around since 1924—and it's popular among horse show-goers, tourists and residents alike. if you're craving some- thing more than a milkshake, there's also e Café at shields, which features RosAmarillo's Shields Date Garden And Café Bistro lisA slADe PHoto

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