Untacked

96 w i n t e r 2 014 U n tac k e d The Tack Room Tavern e tack room tavern at the empire polo Club is a favorite spot for both hunter/jumper riders and polo players to celebrate their weeks' accomplishments, with sunday nights being particularly horsefolk heavy. "e bar stools are saddles, and the atmosphere is all horse!" explains Cal- ifornia-based rider and trainer Kristin hardin. "e food is great, and they stock the best tequila." nelson Amaya, who has tended bar at e tack room for seven years, suggests the Jugador margarita. e aptly named concoction (it means "the player" in spanish, giving a nod to the polo community) is a simple mixture of fresh lime, agave nectar and tequila. not so simple is his culinary suggestion, another polo-themed offering. "try the ten-goal Kobe Burger," he says. "it's a half-pound of beef, bacon, citY guidE gorgonzola and caramelized onions. it's out of this world!" With happy hour from 3-7 p.m. daily, many come in for a drink or a bite after the show or polo match, and live music on the weekends keeps the nighttime crowd partying until last call, which is just after midnight. 81800 Avenue 51, Indio. (760) 347-9985. tackroomtavern.com. Wilma And Frieda's Café "After a friend invited me to Wilma and frieda's for brunch, i kept finding more and more excuses to go," admits selena frederick, the photographer behind Cheval photos and a hits ermal regular. named after the owner's grand- mothers, this breakfast and lunch joint on palm desert's shopping thor- oughfare, el paseo, features jams and recipes from the original Wilma and frieda. e service is fast, the staff is friendly, and the up-beat '50s-inspired atmosphere is refreshing when you've been on the road or at the horse show for weeks. "e food is delicious and fresh, and the coffee is purchased from local roast- ers," says frederick. "my favorite dish is the soy rizo scramble. Always be sure to choose the homemade biscuit—its flakey goodness is to die for! And don't forget to grab a homemade pastry or dessert from the beautiful display on your way out." And thanks to its prime location in palm desert's luxury shopping district, you can pick up some sartorial treats as well; Wilma and frieda's is right next door to saks fifth Avenue. 73575 El Paseo Drive, Palm Desert. (760) 773-2807. wilmafrieda.com. Arnold Palmer's Restaurant even if you're not a fan of the game, you've likely heard of golf superstar Arnold palmer. But his skills on the green and creation of his eponymous tea- and-lemonade concoction aren't his only claims to fame; his signature restaurant has been a mainstay of Coachella val- ley dining since 2004, treating visitors to an array of well-crafted meals like homemade meatloaf, double-cut pork chops, and indulgent mac and cheese. try visiting with a regular, like revolu- tion farms' Joie gatlin, for insider tips. "e best thing on the 'secret' menu is homemade potato chips with blue cheese dressing for dipping," gatlin says. "ey also have a great wine list." e various dining areas at Arnold palmer's have golf-centric names like the "masters room" and the "u.s. open room," and the walls are lined with The Tackroom Tavern

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