Seven Olive Restaurant Brings Mediterranean Flavor to Indian Wells

Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa Seven Olive Modern Gastropub Entrance Photo by Kathy Condon

Feeling like you want a change of scenery?  With temperatures still high, we Palm Springs residents are looking for something different to convince us to leave the confining walls of our home.

The Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa in Indian Wells, California, asked me to visit the resort and dine at their Seven Olive Modern Gastropub. I jumped at the chance, knowing their grounds would provide a refreshing lift from our desert environment.

The resort hosted a friend and me.

Arrival at the Renaissance

When one turns onto the grounds of this magnificent resort, it feels like you are entering a world of luxury and opulence. Tall palm trees surround the parking area. Be sure to bring your parking ticket, as Seven Olive Modern Gastropub will validate it.

Walk into the lobby, then down the grand staircase, and look to your right; you will find the Seven Olive Restaurant. Newly updated, this inviting space is spacious and definitely sending out contemporary vibes. The furniture is sleek, and the lighting is unique, the perfect complement to the seating areas.

View from Table at the Seven Olive Restaurant Photo by Kathy Condon

Table with a View at Seven Olive Modern Gastropub

There is a good reason to make a reservation. Ask for a window. The view is stunning. The mountains are in the distance; palm trees surround the pond, and the pond fountain happily spouts streams of water that glisten in the sun.

Let the Meal Begin at Seven Olive Restaurant

 I ordered my Old Fashioned, which arrived under a smoke-filled dome. I highly recommend the cocktail, made with a twist of homemade date syrup. My friend, who rarely orders a cocktail, pronounced the Desert Blossom Spirit, made with Pilla Select aperitif liqueur, hibiscus-date syrup, sparkling wine, and soda, worthy of a second one.

From experience, when I have been asked to review a restaurant, I ask if the chef can send out the dishes they are most proud of. The menu also had numerous interesting items; I honestly didn’t know where to start.

Unique Eatable Candle-Like Appetizer at Seven Olive Photo by Kathy Condon

Bread Arrives

Fresh-baked ciabatta is often served as a starter, but normally with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. With the restaurant's name, Seven Olives, I shouldn't have been surprised that the dipping oil was made with Castelvetrano olives. What made it truly unique was a mound of beeswax reduction, shaped into an edible candle and lit in front of us. The warm sauce was delicious, and it was all we could do was hold back and not eat it all because we knew the meal was starting.

If you want a warm appetizer to share, I suggest the Goat Cheese Tart with dates, bacon, and caramelized onions, which will please even the most discriminating diner.

Seven Olive Caesar Salad Photo by Kathy Condon

Seven Olive Caesar Salad Arrives

Oh my, I already decided this will be part of my meal next time, or maybe my entrée with a bit of protein added. Romaine hearts, kale, cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado, topped with Parmesan cheese and olive crumbs. Yes, you read it right: olive crumbs. Chef told us, with a smile, he has found dehydrated olives maintain their flavor and can be used in various ways,

Entrees We Enjoyed at Seven Olive Restaurant

Seven Olive State Salad Photo by Kathy Condon

New York Steak Salad is a misnomer, for it was much more than a salad.  I could literally cut the steak with my butter knife—not sure I've ever eaten steak like that. It came with butter-poached potatoes, bordelaise sauce, a heart of romaine, green goddess dressing, and micro herbs.

Seven Olive Seafood Pasta Photo by Kathy Condon

My friend tried the Seafood Pasta with saffron linguine, snow crab, shrimp, and lemon garlic cream sauce with a touch of chives. She totally enjoyed it and was wishing there were leftovers to take home, but alas, there weren’t.

Dessert Time

Seven Olive Espresso Martini Photo by Kathy Condon

Since I am becoming a connoisseur of Espresso Martinis, I decided to order one. Admittedly, it is not my favorite, but I couldn’t put my finger on why it was not quite right.

Yes, we were stuffed, but our waitress convinced us to try their signature dessert: the Seven Olives Butter Cake with mixed berries and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. We approved and cleaned the plate.

It was a delightful evening with a beautiful view. The copper-colored silverware added a nice touch. With the first dish, the micro flowers caught my attention; I admit their miniature status always fascinates me. The attention to detail and the little things enhanced our dining experience.

The Seven Olive Modern Gastropub is classy, yet it creates an atmosphere where we felt immediately welcome. If you are hungry for pizza or a burger, you can find them here with an upgraded twist. The restaurant welcomes families, and my window seat experience showed me a place where I felt cared for and completely satisfied with the quality of the meal.

Grounds of Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa Photo by Kathy Condon

After you finish your meal, take time to stroll the grounds and wander out to the olive grove, the place from which Seven Olive gets its name. A beautiful, quiet refuge where you can look up and see the stars.

Kathy Condon is a journalist with a niche in Luxury Experiences, Hidden Delights, and Communities in the Shadow of Large Cities. kathy@kathycondon.net

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