Clandestino
About us
One weekend Liz and I took a short break from life as lawyers and decided to dream a little. We brainstormed, reminisced, reflected, and projected, all with the goal of discovering where our dreams intersected. It was clear after a while that our life change would involve hospitality.
We love people and their stories, and nothing brings people together like a great meal in a memorable setting. Our first restaurant [ad]venture was FARM, also located in downtown Palm Springs. FARM allowed us to bring our love of the French countryside to a charming little courtyard, chock full of flowers and tucked away from the hustle and bustle. We love everything that has become FARM, but there was more to be said.
We next ventured into the world of high-end Jalisco-style Mexican cuisine with Tac/Quila. We envisioned offering fine Mexican cuisine in a sophisticated environment that is reminiscent of Mexico City in the 1950s. We are grateful for your support of the Tac/Quila brand.
After Tac/Quila opened, we perceived your demand for a smaller restaurant that features unique offerings on small plates. A place where our guests could "pop in" for a hearty meal and a hand-crafted cocktail or glass of wine. The Front Porch at Farm was created to respond to that demand.
But then it was time for Clandestino, Tac/Quila's moody sister.
Clandestino...the next chapter
The best English translation we have seen for Clandestino is . . . hidden or kept secret.
We have been fortunate to be given the opportunity to interpret the cuisine of Provence through FARM, to bring the cuisine of Jalisco, Mexico to the Palm Springs diner through Tac/Quila and to provide a variety of smaller offerings paired with great cocktails and wine through the Front Porch.
We believe it is now time to "kick out the walls" and offer a unique Latin American experience to those who wish to dine in, those who wish to take out, and those who wish to enjoy the cuisine at their catered event. Hence, the Clandestino experience!
Just what is the Clandestino experience?
True to its name, Clandestino is off the beaten path - secret if you will. Located on the Paseo behind Johnny Was at 175 North Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 160, it exudes the ethos of Old Palm Springs, itself a clandestine destination.
Palm Springs first drew the attention of the Hollywood crowd in the 1930s, when Hollywood movie stars began to visit. The movie stars were drawn to Palm Springs by their desire for privacy - and because it was allegedly within the radius of permitted travel in their studio contracts. A clandestine experience beckoned adventurers even then.
Clandestino opens up to the foothills of the breathtaking San Jacinto Mountains - you can experience Palm Springs at its best from either our beautiful outdoor dining space or our fully stocked cantina, which opens to the outdoors.
When you enter the cantina, you will understand why we call Clandestino "Tac/Quila's moody sister." The dark ceilings, walls, and floor accented by lush, colorful seating areas, our spectacular art collection, and of course, our massive back bar, all work together to create a mood. A mood that is undercover, stealthy, and frankly, moody.
Whether you are enjoying our Latin cuisine, our craft cocktails, or our array of fine liquors in the restaurant, at home, or at your catered event, the experience will be the same - excellent, well-curated food and drink, beautifully presented and delivered with our love.
That is the Clandestino experience. We wish to share it with you.
THE EYES
Did I mention our art collection? It's moody too! Notice the emphasis that the artwork places on the eyes. The eyes are the windows to our souls. When dining and drinking at Clandestino, besides enjoying your experience, we want you to ponder the beauty of life. As with all of our adventures, art is central to the experience. At Clandestino, you will find Mexican, French, and American art that speaks to our hearts. Ask your server about the history of any particular piece.
BUSINESS MODEL
Our business model is unusual for the restaurant industry. We believe that if we invest in the best possible ingredients and people, and focus our resources on presentation and environment, our customers will recognize the difference and will be excited to return and share their experience with others. We believe that a cocktail should be the creative expression of its author and that a good meal must be an artistic blend of flavor, aroma, and color. A true dining experience should involve an awakening of all of the senses and we hope to bring this delight to our guests...again, and again, and again.