An Inside Look at Temalpakh Farm and the Augustine Casino Kitchen in Coachella Valley

Nothing Beats Sustainability and Fresh Produce!

Written By: Taylor Gorski
Photography Provided By: Augustine Casino and Temalpakh Farm

Situated in Coachella is Temalpakh Farm—a farm and market offering healthy, fresh and sustainable produce to all. In 2012, the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians established the farm on tribal land. While the farm has been in the works for years, it is now shifting into what it was meant to be. “With everything we do on the farm, we look at environmental impact. We’re constantly working towards a greener future,” says General Manager Eric Wilson.

A 10-acre solar farm sits near their date orchard. “The energy produced from the solar field offsets our electrical footprint here at the farm,” Wilson says. Natural ecosystems are mimicked and diversifying the crops has been a main mission of the farm over the past three years. Locally sourced compost is also added to the crops.  

The goal of the farm is to create a peaceful, symbiotic environment to grow and learn. “It all started with Mary Ann [Martin] and her vision of a sustainable farm that provides healthy food for the community. Although I never had the chance to meet Mary Ann, I really hope we can turn this farm into a lasting legacy that she would be proud of,” says Wilson. Martin, who rebuilt the tribe after being its only member at one point in the 1980s, led the planning of the farm. 

A Farm Box, packed with new produce every week, is offered to those in the Coachella Valley area. “We can’t wait to share it with the community. My favorite aspect about the farm would be its overall concept. It’s not just a farm with fields; there is a lot more to it,” explains Wilson. “We will have tons of things to see and do here—[but] I’m not quite ready to say just what yet! We want to have a little bit of suspense and excitement when we have our grand opening, so we don’t want to give it all away just yet.” 

Temalpakh Farm is situated behind Augustine Casino. Augustine Casino Food and Beverage Director Marco Sotomayor says, “I foresee us gradually increasing the use of Temalpakh products in our menus. For the immediate future, we are working on some seasonal specials featuring Temalpakh Farm products exclusively.”

New Augustine Casino Chef Jorge Martinez believes the secret ingredient to cooking is using farm-to-table produce. While cooking for 13 years at renowned restaurants in Beverly Hills (Wolfgang Puck), Florence, Italy (Apicius Culinary School) and Las Vegas (Trattoria del Lupo), Martinez has now made his way to Greater Palm Springs.

Augustine Casino has some of the most devoted and loyal employees—some have spent 13 to 17 years with the casino,” Martinez states. Take a visit to Augustine Casino to taste the new menu for yourself—specifically the Bomba Shrimp recommended by Chef Martinez!

The passion that goes into making the food at Augustine Casino and Temalpakh Farms is unmatched. Coachella’s best kept secret awaits! 

Temalpakh Farm
1 Roberta Way
Coachella, CA 92236

Augustine Casino
84001 Ave 54
Coachella, CA 92236
888.PLAY.2.WIN

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Taylor is a graduate from the University of Southern California with a degree in journalism. She is our Los Angeles and Orange County editor. You can find her dining at a new restaurant, in the ocean or planning her next adventure. Say hello!

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