Palm Springs Happy Hour at Gertie's Salon and Bar to Dinner at Alice B.

Gertie's Salon and Bar at Alice B. Phto by Kathy Condon

A recent addition to the Palm Springs community is the 55-plus LGBTQ residential enclave, Living Out on Tahquitz Avenue. One of only two developments of its kind in the country is already making its mark. Tucked within its walls are two spots locals gravitate toward: lively, welcoming places where friends gather, linger, and turn an ordinary evening into something more.

While I was hosted for the evening, the following account is based entirely on my own observations and genuine impressions.

Happy Hour at Gerties Salon and Bar with Loren S. Ostrow

I had visited the lounge before, but it’s now completely revamped with fresh décor and a new name: Gertie’s Salon and Bar. When I walked in, the space was buzzing with energy, packed with people. I was told to ask for Loren, Loren S. Ostrow, who I soon learned was one of the co-owners of Living Out.

Loren had run into friends, so my guest, Gregory Douglass, and I were seated at a table with Loren and his friends, who we learned were from Los Angeles. Introductions were made, and the conversation quickly ignited into interesting conversations sprinkled with laughter.

Gertie's Salon and Bar Onion Rings Photo by Kathy Condon

My Smokey Old Fashioned arrived, while Gregory opted for wine. Meanwhile, Loren asked if I liked mushrooms. The answer was, “Yes.” Soon, Mushroom Toast arrived, roasted mixed mushrooms, herb aioli, and sourdough. Then Crispy Onion Strips arrived, battered sweet onion with black pepper aioli.  Loren pointed out that he believes they are the best in the Valley. He may be right.

Both appetizers were shared with our tablemates, thankfully, for otherwise we would have been way too stuffed for dinner. The Mushroom Toast was outstanding, and it will definitely be my choice next time I go back for happy hour.

Gertie’s has added singers and musicians to perform from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Happy Hour Tuesday through Sunday. Thirsty Thursday: Happy Hour all night in the lounge.

An observation: The sound level is high with all the happy conversations. If you are looking for an intimate, quiet conversation, skip a drink in the lounge and head to dinner in the adjacent Alice B. dining room.

Gregory Douglass, Kathy Condon, and Loren Ostrow are having dinner at Alice B.

Dining at Alice B.

Our drinks were transferred to the corner table in the diningroom of Alice B. without a hitch, and Loren, Gregory, and I made ourselves comfortable. The restaurant was brought to life by Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken, who were recruited from Los Angeles by Loren, their long-time friend.

It’s not often that ordering your dinner becomes a time of laughter and conversations revealing new information about the people with whom you are dining. But there we were, listening to Loren recommend various dishes while he explained why they were not for him. Think a man happy with macaroni and cheese, while he’s holding a menu with Ricotta Cavatelli with hand-rolled pasta shells, kale pesto, and pine nuts. He smiled, “Now, you see why Susan and Mary Sue don’t listen to me.”   

Rib-Eyed Steak with Shallots at Alice B. Photo by Kathy Condon

My entrée was a Black Angus Ribeye, crispy Idaho potato, red wine-braised shallot, and herb butter. The flavors danced in my mouth, and the ribeye literally seemed to melt. I noticed that my steak was cut into bite-sized pieces when it was served. It’s a nice touch since I didn’t have to pick up a knife and cut while carrying on a conversation.

Biscuits at Alice B. Restaurant Photo by Kathy Condon

Famous Biscuits Served at Alice B.

Now about the biscuits. The biscuits already had a following before they arrived at Alice B. Chef Lance Velasquez created the recipe. I had lost track of where to get them, then discovered he now creates Cheddar Buttermilk Biscuits here, and they are a staple on the menu.

To say I am a fan of these biscuits is accurate, and I can never get enough of them. Thus, I was thrilled to discover that they have them on hand, frozen. You can take them home. They provide complete instructions for heating, and the texture/taste is intact.

Time for Dessert

Oh my, the Tahini Cream, with sesame clusters, was the perfect ending to a special meal. So refreshing, and unexpected. I loved it.

Entrance to Gertie's Saloon and Bar and Alice B. Photo by Kathy Condon

Living Out has built more than a haven for the LGBTQ community; it’s a place where laughter, lively conversation, and first-rate food combine for an experience you have to see and experience yourself.

Kathy Condon Travel Journalist

Kathy Condon is a Travel Journalist and Content Creator. Her niche is luxury experiences, hidden delights, and communities living in the shadows of others. kathy@kathycondon.net www.PalmSpringsInsiderGuide.com    760-902-3094