"Justin is currently closed for the summer, as noted on their website: "WE ARE CLOSED FOR THE SUMMER! WE'LL BE BACK ON SEPTEMBER 18TH."
How did we end up here? Recently, we celebrated our 12th anniversary with no plans. Our initial goal was to visit Glen Ivy Spa in Corona for a relaxing day and to grab a bite at nearby restaurants like Woodranch Grill afterward. However, we were turned away from Glen Ivy due to their new summer policy requiring reservations for both entry and services. Disappointment set in, but we persevered and decided to head to Palm Springs, aiming to visit ARRIVE, which boasts a fantastic public pool and a great bar/restaurant. To our delight, it was quiet that morning, and we managed to settle in at the pool, ordering drinks and enjoying a wonderful day of swimming, eating, and sipping— all for far less than what we would have spent at Glen Ivy, and without the crowds.
This brings us to Justin. A co-worker of my wife had recommended this new restaurant in Cathedral City, and since we were in Palm Springs and eager to try something new, we seized the opportunity. Thankfully, we visited just before they closed for the summer, and we were thrilled with our experience.
**Location/Ambience:**
If you don’t know where Justin is located, you might easily miss it. Nestled in a small shopping center, parking is in the back, and you have to follow a painted arrow that leads to the front patio. The interior exudes rustic elegance with a modern cowboy vibe—soft wood walls and angular furniture complementing the hard floors.
**Menu:**
My wife and I opted for the prix fixe menu to sample a bit of everything, accompanied by a bottle of sparkling wine.
**For the Table:**
- **Crispy Kale Chips**: Irresistibly addictive. We could have devoured an entire truckload!
**Appetizers:**
- **Cowboy Candy**: Candied jalapeño with cream cheese on crostini. This dish was a favorite, reminding us of a similar treat from our beloved coffee shop in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The mix of spicy and sweet was delightful.
- **Calamari Garam Masala with Moroccan Mayo**: These resembled Mexican chicharrón. The exotic flavors were intriguing, but it was a touch too salty for my liking—perhaps the only dish of the evening I wouldn’t reorder.
- **Charcuterie**: Featuring duck prosciutto and Midnight Moon cheese. While the portion was small compared to typical charcuterie boards, the flavors were exceptional—particularly the jerky-like texture of the duck with the cheese. The smaller size suited us, as we had several more dishes to try.
- **Wild Boar Carnitas**: Served with ayocote beans, cara cara orange, and snow pea tendrils, this dish was a scrumptious blend of savory and citrus, perfectly balanced by the beans and peas. I’d order this again without hesitation.
- **Spring Vegetable Vichyssoise**: A delicious vegetable puree soup with asparagus and potato, which I opted to have hot. Rich and flavorful, it was a standout dish.
- **Little Gem Caesar**: A refreshing salad featuring white anchovy and Parmigiano Reggiano, perfectly prepped for the mains.
**Main Courses:**
- **Cacio e Pepe with Shrimp**: A stellar dish! The pasta was perfectly al dente, complemented by a wonderful sauce and plump, juicy shrimp.
- **Grilled Wagyu Tenderloin**: Accompanied by mole verde, cippolini onions, asparagus, and Aaron's oca leaf, this dish was decadent and delicious. The meat was exceptional and paired wonderfully with the mole sauce. I even commented on how perfectly cooked the vegetables were.
**Summary:**
In summary, we were lucky to discover Justin and enjoy a fabulous meal there just before their summer break. It was an excellent dining experience, and I look forward to returning and trying more offerings from the chef."
