Wilma & Frieda Celebrates Its New Palm Springs Location and Its Upcoming Menu Items
Written By: Lauren McCarran
Photography By: John Pacheco
A local favorite has set up a new eatery in Palm Springs. Wilma & Frieda’s second location carries over the same eclectic industrial farmhouse charm, inviting staff, laid-back vibe and some of the same modern comfort foods as the original. The brother and sister co-owning duo has been adding their own flair to their grandmothers’ recipes, elevating traditional foods into new, but deliciously familiar territory. To commemorate the opening, Wilma & Frieda hosted a spirited soiree at the new downtown location.
New Location, Who Dis?
Next to the bustling Palm Canyon Drive sits Wilma & Frieda’s new and expansive restaurant. Live music consumed the space as guests walked into the dimly-lit, rustic-styled, full bar that opened up to the skies. Complimentary Champagne was endlessly passed around and soon the bar filled with the vibrant chatter of a good time. On the right side of the bar is the swanky lounge with a massive fireplace to cozy up to. The relaxed atmosphere encouraged guests to leisurely sip their beverages and nibble on a beautiful display of cheeses, crackers and fruits. On the other side of the bar, the building extends into the three dining areas. These rooms have a more formal ambiance, but no less charming and welcoming. Guests of all ages and backgrounds were scattered around mingling. The free-flowing Champagne kept everyone buzzing and bubbly.
Play That Funky Music
By 8 p.m. the first dining area transformed into a dance floor. A six-piece band, fully equipped with a sax player, set the mood covering songs from artists like John Mayer to Marvin Gaye and the crowd-pleasing Justin Timberlake. The music continued to flow along with the food, booze and celebration. One guest described the music as “vibey AF.”
You Are Who You Eat With
“Always eat with people [who] are hungry, if not, their lack of appetite will rub off on you,” says Manager Carlos Calixto. That’s sort of the motto they go by at Wilma & Frieda, and it sounds like good advice to us! The inspiration behind the food comes from owners Kelly McFall and Kreg Alexander’s love for their grandmothers’ cooking, slightly tweaked to their own modern taste. “We like to take foods we ate growing up and make them better,” Alexander said with enthusiasm. The food served at the event was a sneak peek at what their soon-to-be catering menu will offer. With a substantially bigger kitchen, the Palm Springs location has endless possibilities allowing the chef to create more than just brunch classics—Wilma & Frieda will be unveiling a mouth-watering dinner menu for their new location in mid-January. The chicken and waffles were among one of the savory dishes served at the event that may make an appearance on the new menu. Other highly-praised offerings of the night included the sweet and spicy meatballs, deviled potatoes and Philly cheesesteak dip. These items will be part of their catering and private dinner menus. “We like to take dinner foods to a different level,” says McFall. The famous pastries and renowned baked goods, such as the Nutter-Butter cream-filled cookies and the delectable layered Wilma & Frieda Bar will also be available at the Palm Springs location.
Brimming With Bubbles
With an expanded new space comes an expanded full bar serving up original favorites such as the homemade, sweeter Bloody Mary and newly-added signature craft cocktails. The aromatic Wilma & Frieda Aperol Spritz is a unique blend of citrus and saffron, a distinctive and enticing infusion of flavors that can be enjoyed all year long in the desert climate. Another new concoction is the Mexicali Blues, a color changing tequila-based blend of sweet and bitter flavors balanced with hints of sage and mint. Both libations are topped off with prosecco for a light and refreshing finish.
Wilma & Frieda
155 S Palm Canyon Dr, Ste A21-A27
Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.992.5080
