The Best Iberico Ham at Sol y Sombra and More

(Gerry Furth-Sides) If you happen to need any convincing that Iberico Pork is the finest in the world, all you need to eat is the Estofado de Cerdo (Spanish Rub Braised Pork) at Sol y Sombra (sun and shadow) in the Palm Springs area. This mouth-watering dish proves it: Pork Butt, Mash Potatoes, Pimentones, Red Wine Sauce and Hazelnut Gremolata ($42).

If the dish seems pricey, we had three more meals out of it at home the next days! The flavors just intensified and deepened.

Native to areas of Portugal and central and southern Spain, distinctive Black Iberian Pork has always been the most tender and rich in a rustic way. This is because the pigs feed on a diet of acorns and elements of natural forests. The impacts the meat directly, giving it a nutty, evocative flavor.

The pork is representative of one of the major world cuisines. Master Sommelier Evan Goldstein’s description at a recent Wines from Spain event: “Italian food is the most universally popular in the world you could say that more varied Spanish cuisine  – and wine –  is Italian food with more pizazz.”  We agree. 

The menu is extensive with at least two dozen classic tapas and then another full menu with everything from three different paellas to grilled branzino. This Shrimp, Mussels, Clams, Calamari, Bomba Rice, Saffron, sweet peppers, peas, tomatoes, Paprika, Lemon was thoughtfully made for one ( 2 Guest$32.50)

Chef Gardner has developed a tapas-style menu that celebrates the Coachella Valley’s agricultural roots, lacing Spanish-inspired dishes with citrus, dates, chilies and other locally-grown ingredients. Paella fans can sample several versions of the signature Spanish dish, ranging from traditional to vegetarian. 

Sol y Sombra is also a famous signature Spanish cocktails. So is more than a coincidence that cocktails are star at the tableside Bar Cart at the restaurant.

There the team’s mixologists create custom drinks with the freshest ingredients and top-shelf spirits. Rounding out the beverage offerings is an excellent selection of Spanish and Californias wines — plus, one of the desert’s best and most extensive tequila lists.

Palm Springs’ iconic restaurateur, Chad Gardner, created Sol y Sombra set inside The new Paloma Resort’s historic Adobe. Constructed to be condos, the location works better as a boutique resort.

Sol y Sombra, at The Paloma Resort set behind bustling Palm Canyon Drive.is he latest offering from the couple behind popular restaurants Farm and Tac/Quila, Clandestino. The sultry environment, colorful seating areas, and art collection create the atmosphere they call “Tac/Quila’s moody sister,” according to a current Travel and Leisure article.

I was fortunate enough to be staying at a home just across the street built by the same architect. So we could just walk down the driveway. The entire property at one time housed a fig farm. It’s in the ideal location: about 100 yards outside of official Palm Springs in Cathedral City.00

Details: This restaurant inside the courtyard maze of the Palomar Hotel is not visible from the street in a residential neighborhood of Cathedral City.

For details, please see: //thepalomaresort.com/gallery, 67670 Carey Road, Cathedral City, CA 92234, 1-760-864-1177.

It is much larger than it appears on the outside. There are two indoor dining rooms with fireplaces and a large patio both in front and in back. The cosy Poca Sombra speakeasy—an intimate lounge specializing in tequila and mezcal libations inside.

Originally owned by two pioneering women in the 1920s and 1930s, Mary T. Bernardin and Laura K. Carey respectively, the property is bounded by two streets that now bear their names. The Adobe holding Sol y Sombra Restaurant dates back to this era.

One of the valley’s pioneering families planted a 48-acre date palm grove, which once encompassed the property. A portion of this grove still exists.

The renovated adobe farmhouse that I was fortunate to stay in with cousins is owned by their friend who grew up in it. The friend’s dad was President Dwight Eisenhower’s personal physician. The Eisenhower name is seen in clinics throughout the area.