Tis the season to be merry and socialize. Share a meal. Make new friends. Dine under the stars, in view of the ever changing dreamy mountainscape. Palm Springs may be the easiest place to find community. Start with a sensational feast.

Spanish Paella dinner at Villa Royale‘s Del Rey

Del Rey, the speakeasy bar and cozy restaurant at sexy adults-only hideaway hotel Villa Royale, returns with its monthly, family-style paella dinners for the 2024-25 season. These five-course dinners – served in the chic restaurant and magical, candle-lit patio – have been popular with hotel guests and local diners since they started last year. Del Rey’s Noche de Paella prix fixe menu includes a welcome bite and drink, pintxo, starter, salad, tapa, paella and dessert. The cost is $85 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

As soon as you arrive, enjoy a large glass of Cava to complement the recipes of Chef Jose-Ibarra-Sandoval, with an hour of hefty tapa bites – like marinated anchovies with olives, lump crab dip on crisp bread, and chimichurri steak bites. Seated at sexy candlelit tables inside, the multi course menu will satiate your appetite, starting with bacon wrapped dates and pear gorgonzola salad with red onion, candied walnuts and fig vinaigrette. Cheesy croquettes follow on colorful plates. All leading up to the main event – a savory seafood paella. For an additional price, order Sangria or Vino to enhance the flavors.

After the introductory courses, step outside to admire the grand Paella pan – as wide as a table – being stirred by the chef, with loads of seafood and veggies mixed within the saffron flavored rice. A crema is doused on top of the Paella for the filling grand finale. Indulge, but save room for the shared the light creamy Basque cheesecake, burnt on top for a rich creme caramel flavor.

“I’m excited to share my paella with our guests at Del Rey’s special dinners,” said Chef Jose. “We’re creating this authentic Spanish dish with the finest seafood, shellfish and meats available, and serving it with delicious tapas and pintxos. It’s a beautiful menu for a date night or for a dinner with friends.”

Reservations can be made through OpenTable, and for parties of six or more, please call direct to 760-327-2714.

Family-style Fried Chicken Dinner at Holiday House

Chef Jon Butler leads the culinary teams at Palm Springs’ Holiday House and Sparrows Lodge, a new Michelin Key recipient. His work alongside some of the finest chefs in the world and a passion for sourcing from local small-farm purveyors adds excitement to The Pantry and The Barn Kitchen dining experiences at both boutique hotel settings. Besides lunch, dinner, and The Pantry’s intimate weekend brunch – with stunning views and classy mod resort vibes – fried chicken communal dinners have returned.

The Pantry, at 28-room boutique Holiday House, hosts a family-style Fried Chicken Dinner twice a month, on Thursdays. The family dinner is a one-time seating at 6:30pm, with only 40 seats per night.

Each guest will have the opportunity to enjoy in this traditional shared fried chicken meal with all the accompaniments. Dine under the stars and take part in this one-of-a-kind “family-style” dining experience. Reservations can be made through Open Table, or by calling the hotel directly.

Cheers to new friends and the community dining spirit!