Best Brunch

1. Spencer's Restaurant at The Mountain. On any day of the week, morning is a delight here. Businessmen, tennis players and ladies who breakfast all take advantage of the early light that illuminates this beautiful place. But Sunday Brunch is a real morning-to-afternoon feast, with a menu that includes three onion soup, Chinese style calamari with cilantro sweet and spicy chili sauce, a choice of seven Benedicts, hash, pancakes, 11 salads, spaghettini carbonara, liver and bacon, steaks...it would be hard to imagine a choice you couldn't find here; 701 W. Baristo Rd., Palm Springs; 327-3446; www.spencersrestaurant.com.

2. bluEmber Rancho Las Palmas, Rancho Mirage

3. Las Casuelas Nuevas, Rancho Mirage

Best of the Rest: Piero's Acqua Pazza, Rancho Mirage; Lakeview, Desert Springs, JW Marriott, Palm Desert; Sunshine Cafe, Cathedral City; Spa Casino, Palm Springs; Sherman's Deli & Bakery, Palm Springs; Don and Sweet Sue's, Cathedral City; Peabody's, Palm Springs

Best Dinner Deal

1. Piero's Acqua Pazza. There's a happy hour that lasts most of the day. There are frequent specials and a broad, affordably priced menu that ranges from a popular raw bar through a range of meat and fish entrees, pastas, salads and some imaginative pizzas and paninis. It's easy to see why this place is always bustling. And that doesn't cover the outdoor entertainment; The River, 71-800 Hwy 111, #A167, Rancho Mirage; 862-9800; pieorsacquapazza.com.

2. Fisherman's Market & Grill, valleywide

3. Hog's Breath Inn, La Quinta

Best of the Rest: Davey's Hideaway Restaurant, Palm Springs; Lord Fletcher's, Rancho Mirage; Elephant Bar Restaurant, Palm Desert; The Bistro at Bouche, Rancho Mirage; Souplantation, La Quinta; The Cheesecake Factory, Rancho Mirage; The Falls (Happy Hour), Palm Springs

Best Late Night

1. Yard House. Big, boisterous and rightfully claiming one of the best beer selections anywhere, this youthful, frequently crowded bar-restaurant actually delivers some pretty good food, too. It's not just the burgers - though the Angus beef burger with bacon, cheddar and barbecue sauce can't be ignored - but also such items as the lamb chops, steaks or the seafood, all served to the sound of great classic rock music; The River, 71-800 Hwy 111, Rancho Mirage; 779-1415; yardhouse.com.

2. Piero's Acqua Pazza, Rancho Mirage

3. Matchbox Palm Springs, Palm Springs

Best of the Rest: Chop House Palm Springs, Palm Springs; Shanghai Red's, Palm Springs; Davey's Hideaway , Palm Springs; Azul, Palm Springs; Denny's, valleywide; Village Pub, Palm Springs; Roc's Firehouse Grille, Palm Desert

Best Outdoor Dining

1. Spencer's Restaurant at The Mountain. Since last summer's subtle refurbishing, which enhanced the whole restaurant without noticeably changing anything, the extended patio areas at this upscale dining spot must be among the loveliest places for outdoor eating anywhere. Right up against the base of the San Jacinto Mountains, with a view of the tennis courts to one side, leafy gardens in front, and the rocky mountain wall at your back, a diner can enjoy the open air and still feel sheltered; 701 W. Baristo Rd, Palm Springs; 327-3446; spencersrestaurant.com.

2. Las Casuelas Terraza, Palm Springs

3. Piero's Acqua Pazza, Rancho Mirage

Best of the Rest: bluEmber, Rancho las Palmas Resort & Spa, Rancho Mirage; Tommy Bahama, Palm Desert; Jackalope Ranch, Indio; Copley's on Palm Canyon, Palm Springs; Le Vallauris, Palm Springs; Blue Coyote Grill, Palm Springs; Las Casuelas Nuevas, Rancho Mirage

Best Romantic Dinner

1. Le Vallauris. Romantic inside and out, this restored historic landmark has Flemish tapestries and Louis XV-style furniture in the dining rooms, but the chiaroscuro of towering ficus trees shading the courtyard makes outdoor dining the most romantic choice of all, at lunch, dinner or brunch. Dishes are French with a light, contemporary flair. Couples might share the signature Grand Marnier souffle for dessert; 385 W. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs; 325-5059; levallauris.com.

2. Jillian's, Palm Desert

3. bluEmber, Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa, Rancho Mirage

Best of the Rest: Copley's on Palm Canyon, Palm Springs; Wally's Desert Turtle, Rancho Mirage; Chop House, Palm Springs; Europa Restaurant, Palm Springs; Spencer's Restaurant at The Mountain, Palm Springs; Shame on the Moon, Rancho Mirage; Bing Crosby's Restaurant and Piano Lounge, Rancho Mirage

Best Chinese Restaurant

1. P.F. Chang's China Bistro. The popular Rancho Mirage P.F. Chang's is the 64th restaurant in the triumphant chain's progress, and it is one of the busiest restaurants in the valley. Giant horse sculptures, replicas of some of China's greatest treasures, flank the entrance. Chinese and American elements mix in the ambience and in the food. Full-flavored dishes blend spicy and fruity, with a good selection of vegetarian possibilities included. The River, 71-800 Hwy 111, Rancho Mirage; 776-4912; pfchangs.com.

2. Wang's in the Desert, Palm Springs

3. City Wok, Palm Desert

Best of the Rest: China King, Palm Springs; China Wok, Palm Desert; Canton Bistro, La Quinta; Tsing Tao, Palm Desert; Ming's Chinese Cuisine, Cathedral City; Great Wall Restaurant, Palm Springs; China Bistro, Indio

Best Italian Restaurant

1. Le Donne Cucina Italiana. A long-time favorite with valley residents, this cozy Italian bistro is tucked away in a shopping mall, but faithful customers have no trouble finding it. The menu is fairly simple but carefully prepared. The pastas are generous, the risotti are a specialty, and the veal dishes are possibly the most popular things on the menu. The Veal Chop Milanese is a major crowd-pleaser; 72-624 El Paseo, C-7, Palm Desert; 773-9441.

2. Mario's Italian Restaurant & Cafe, valleywide

3. Giuseppe's, Cathedral City

Best Japanese Restaurant

1. Kobe Japanese Steak House. Not just a steakhouse, but also a sushi bar, Kobe is housed in a reproduction of a Japanese country inn, with Japanese garden, water wheel, fountain and temple garden bell. Each communal table surrounds a teppan grill and the meals are prepared in front of you, skillfully sliced and diced as your appetite grows; 69-838 Hwy 111, Rancho Mirage; 324-1717; koberanchomirage.com.

2. Mikado, Desert Springs, JW Marriott Resort, Palm Desert

3. Okura Robata Grill & Sushi Bar, La Quinta

Best of the Rest: Okura Robata Grill, Palm Springs; Hibachi Japanese Steakhouse, Rancho Mirage; Matsuri Japanese Restaurant, Palm Desert; Ichiban Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar, Palm Springs; Musashi, Palm Desert; No Da Te Japanese Restaurant, Palm Desert; Maki Maki California Japanese Cuisine, Rancho Mirage

Best Mexican Restaurant

1. Las Casuelas Terraza. Recently celebrating its 30th anniversary, this iconic Palm Springs Mexican gathering place serves authentic family recipes from the Delgado restaurant dynasty, founded when Florencio and Mary Delgado opened their first Mexican restaurant in 1958. The outside patio is unrivaled for people-watching on Palm Canyon, the bar is equally unrivaled for its selection of tequilas. Owner Patty Delgado Service delights in adding seasonal dishes to an already overflowing menu. Nightly entertainment means dancing frequently breaks out. Call for their easy back-door, carry-out option, too; 222 S. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs; 325-2794; lascasuelas.com.

2. Serenata Mexican Bar & Grill, Palm Desert

3. El Mirasol Regional Cuisines of Mexico, Palm Springs

Best of the Rest: Las Casuelas Nuevas, Rancho Mirage; Armando's Dakota Bar & Grill, Palm Desert; El Gallito Restaurant, Cathedral City; Blue Coyote Grill, Palm Springs; La Casita Restaurants, valleywide; Guillermo's, Palm Desert; Don Diego's, Indian Wells

Best Sushi

1. Okura Robata Grill and Sushi Bar. Owner Jay Lee made an immediate impact with the exciting sushi served at her La Quinta location, and then more recently in Palm Springs. Both places are sleekly sophisticated, elegant and calm, and the food is impeccable. But diners would be cheating themselves if they restricted themselves to sushi. The innovative Japanese fusion dishes are amazing, too; 78-370 Hwy 111, Happy Point Plaza, La Quinta, 564-5820; okurasushi.com.

2. Musashi Japanese Restaurant, Palm Desert

3. Mikado, Desert Springs, JW Marriott Resort, Palm Desert

Best of the Rest: Margarita's Restaurant, Palm Springs; Kobe Japanese Steak House, Rancho Mirage; Joe's Sushi Shabu Shabu, Bermuda Dunes; No Da Te Japanese Restaurant, Palm Desert; Hibachi Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar, Rancho Mirage; Maki Maki, Rancho Mirage; Kiyosaku, Palm Springs

Best Thai Restaurant

1. Thai Smile. One of the earliest Thai restaurants in the valley, Thai Smile has a faithful and enthusiastic band of regulars. It's small, clean, friendly, and along with its good selection of Thai dishes, it mingles one or two Chinese and Japanese elements. People rave over its angel wings, won ton soup and curries. It can get busy but its smile remains permanent; 651 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, 320-5503.

2. Thai Smile, Rancho Mirage

3. Bangkok Five Thai Cuisine, Rancho Mirage

Best of the Rest: Le Basil, Palm Desert; Pepper's Thai Cuisine, Palm Springs; Thai Kitchen, Cathedral City; Thai Palm, Desert Hot Springs; House of Thai, Palm Springs; Krua Thai Restaurant, Palm Springs; Sengdao Thai Restaurant, Palm Springs

Best Continental Restaurant

1. Spencer's Restaurant at The Mountain. At Spencer's you get three continents for the price of one: Europe, America and Asia. Take your pick because each is well represented on the enormous menu. Appetizers range from lobster pot stickers with ginger mint jalapeno vinaigrette and chili aioli, to earthy, light wild mushroom raviolis. Entrees include Moroccan Chicken with local fig salad, Long Island Duck with blueberry port wine reduction and Chef Eric Wadlund's veal chop Milanese. Asia, America, the Mediterranean; who says the world can't exist in harmony? 701 W. Baristo Rd., Palm Springs; 327-3446; spencersrestaurant.com.

2. Copley's on Palm Canyon, Palm Springs

3. Cork Tree California Cuisine, Palm Desert

Best of the Rest: Wally's Desert Turtle, Rancho Mirage; Kaiser Grille, Palm Springs; Piero's Aqua Pazza, Rancho Mirage; Shame on the Moon, Rancho Mirage; The Grove Artisan Kitchen, Indian Wells; La Quinta Cliffhouse, La Quinta; Tropicale, Palm Springs

Best French Restaurant

1. Le Vallauris. Le Vallauris led the way with French fine dining in the desert since its opening in 1974. In the 35 years since, the menu has become lighter and more modern in approach, but it still offers the classics, beautifully prepared and elegantly presented. Their foie gras is served with toasted ginger bread, their grilled lamb with a persillade of mint, sweet pea raviolis and tomato concasse; 385 W. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, 325-5059; levallauris.com.

2. Chez Pierre, Palm Desert

3. Cuistot, Palm Desert

Best of the Rest: Zin American Bistro, Palm Springs; Le St. Germain, Indian Wells; Pomme Frite French & Belgian Cuisine, Palm Springs; Cafe Des Beaux-Arts, Palm Desert; Cafe Amuse, Palm Springs; Palmie French Restaurant, Palm Desert; Chez Philippe Cafe, Palm Springs

Best Seafood Restaurant

1. Fisherman's Market & Grill. It's the freshness and the simplicity of the meals here that makes it such a well-loved desert institution. The fish is brought direct from the docks in San Pedro, where owner Louis Pagano began his career, and can also be bought for home cooking. Chalk board specials, either charbroiled, grilled, or in some cases fried, are accompanied by cole slaw and chips or rice pilaf. The Palm Springs location houses Shanghai Red's Bar & Grill, where oysters, pastas, seafood dishes and steaks are served; 235 S. Indian Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, 327-1766; also in Palm Desert and La Quinta; fishermansmarketandgrill.com.

2. Pacifica Seafood Restaurant, Palm Desert

3. Roy's Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine, Rancho Mirage

Best of the Rest: Crab Pot Restaurant & Bar, La Quinta; Kaiser Grille, Palm Springs; Oceans, Cathedral City; Frankie's Fresh Fish Restaurant, Indio; La Quinta Cliffhouse, La Quinta; Rattlesnake at the Classic Club, Palm Desert; Seagrille, Desert Springs, JW Marriott Resort, Palm Desert

Best Steak House

1. Chop House. Kaiser and Lee Morcus, owners of the two Chop House restaurants, are serious about their meat. All meats are butchered in house, with an array of steaks, pork chops and rack of lamb. They aren't frivolous about their seafood either: seared scallops, carpaccio of tuna and lobster are all prepared lovingly. Their prix fixe menu is worth attention; Palm Springs, 262 S. Palm Canyon Dr.; 320-4500; Palm Desert, 74-040 Highway 111; 779-9888; restaurantsofpalmsprings.com.

2. Ruth's Chris Steak House, Palm Desert

3. LG's Prime Steakhouse, valleywide

Best of the Rest: Outback Steakhouse, Palm Desert; Morton's, The Steakhouse, Palm Desert; The Falls, Palm Springs; Sullivan's Steakhouse, Palm Desert; Lord Fletcher's, Rancho Mirage; The Steakhouse At Agua Caliente Casino, Rancho Mirage; Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Rancho Mirage

Best Barbeque Place

1. Babe's Bar-B-Que and Brewhouse. The giant brass pig, marking the entrance, gives a clear idea of what's inside: a juicy choice of hickory-smoked meats, including baby-back ribs, chicken and tri-tip, house micro-brewed beers, cocktails with western names, great sweet potato fries (healthy, you know!) and a special slaw with pecans and oranges. For anyone not wanting barbecue, there are tamales with goat cheese and chicken or shrimp, and smoked salmon, which can come barbecue style; The River, 71-800 Hwy 111, Rancho Mirage; 346-8738.

2. Tootie's Texas Barbecue, Cathedral City

3. Jackalope Ranch, Indio

Best of the Rest: Big Mama's, Cathedral City; Tony Roma's, Palm Desert; Cactus Jack's, Indio; Cowboy Way Bar-B-Que, Palm Springs; Elephant Bar Restaurant, Palm Desert; Simba's, Palm Springs; Crazy Bones Barbeque, Cathedral City

Best Burger

1. Tyler's. Set in the heart of Palm Springs, in what was once the city's original bus station, Tyler's hamburgers are the quintessential local burger experience, with irresistible French fries to make them even more compulsive. You can have a three-course meal here if you choose chili or soup of the day to start, and finish with a milk shake or an ice cream sundae; 149 S. Indian Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, 325-2990.

2. In-N-Out, valleywide

3. Grill-A-burger, valleywide

Best of the Rest: Keedy's Fountain Grill, Palm Desert; Burgers N Beer, Rancho Mirage; Islands Restaurant, Palm Desert; Hamburger Mary's, Palm Springs; Red Robin, valleywide; Bunz, La Quinta; George's Bar & Grill, Cathedral City

Best Fast Food

1. In-N-Out Burger. In-N-Out Burger is the place to grab not only a "good" burger - as they said in "The Big Lebowski" - but also tasty, thick shakes and perfectly fresh fries. It's a pretty simple menu, but the real aficionados order animal fries; valleywide.

2. Del Taco, valleywide

3. Chipolte Mexican Grill, valleywide

Best of the Rest: Port of Subs, valleywide; Panda Express, valleywide; Fisherman's Market & Grill, valleywide; Rubio's Mexican Grill, valleywide; Subway, valleywide; El Pollo Loco, valleywide; Carl's Jr., valleywide

Best Fish Taco

1. Fisherman's Market & Grill. There's a choice of seven fish tacos, from swordfish (which counts as two choices if you choose it Cajun style), lobster, salmon, shrimp, Mahi, calamari, and "Baja Taco," which uses fried cod. That's one for every day of the week, and the market is open daily; 235 S. Indian Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, 327-1766; fishermansmarketandgrill.com.

2. Shanghai Red's, Palm Springs

3. Rubio's Mexican Grill, valleywide

Best of the Rest: Las Casuelas Terraza, Palm Springs; Blue Coyote Grill, Palm Springs; Taco Armando's, Palm Desert; Pacifica Seafood Restaurant, Palm Desert; Islands Restaurant, Palm Desert; Taqueria San Miguel, valleywide; La Quinta Cliffhouse, La Quinta

Best Hot Dogs

1. Costco. Some places actually specialize in hot dogs and charge a pretty penny for them. But this wholesale store known to have just about everything is a fabulous choice for an inexpensive meal complete with Polish sausage and a Coke. Just eat before shopping. Two locations: La Quinta, 79-795 Hwy 111; 775-0370; and Palm Desert, 72800 Dinah Shore Dr.; 770-2810; costco.com.

2. Hot Dog On A Stick, Palm Desert

3. Tyler's Burgers, Palm Springs

Best of the Rest: Wienerschnitzel, valleywide; Grill-A-Burger, valleywide; Woody's at Lowe's, valleywide; Leenie's Weenies Cafe, Cathedral City; Burgers & Beer, Rancho Mirage; Nathan's Hot Dogs at Morongo Casino Resort, Cabazon; Menyikish Bar and Grill at Augustine Casino, Coachella

Best Pizza

1. Matchbox Vintage Pizza Bistro. The delicious wood-fired pizzas and great beer selection make it worth the visit. But topping it all off are the restaurant's balconies that make for great people-watching; 155 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs; 778-6000.

2. Haus of Pizza, Palm Desert

3. Billy Q's Good Stuff Pizza, La Quinta

Best of the Rest: Giuseppe's Pizza and Pasta, Cathedral City; Papa Dan's Pizza & Pasta, Palm Desert; Upper Crust Pizza, Cathedral City; Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill, La Quinta; Piero's Acqua Pazza, Rancho Mirage; California Pizza Kitchen, valleywide; NYPD Pizza, Palm Desert

Best Sandwich

1. Sherman's Deli & Bakery. The desert's favorite deli, Sherman's, is a Kosher-style family owned restaurant that serves all the favorite deli sandwiches. There's a sandwich board listing more than 40, including New York-style hot pastrami, hot corned beef, sliced turkey and Swiss cheese, as well as lox and cream cheese on a bagel. They'll even make the corned beef sandwiched between potato latkas, if you ask. They also have a very popular chocolate cake...and lemon cake, oh, and too many more; 401 E. Tahquitz Way, Palm Springs; 325-1199; shermansdeli.com.

2. Port of Subs, valleywide

3. Manhattan of the Desert, Palm Springs

Best of the Rest: Panera Bread, La Quinta; Jensen's Finest Foods, valleywide; Aspen Mills, Palm Springs; Bouchee Fine Foods, Rancho Mirage; Bristol Farms, Palm Desert; Ruby's, Palm Springs; Cactus Jack's, Palm Desert

Best Bagels

1. Benny's Bagels. Perhaps most famous (notorious?) for its French toast bagels, (that's right, they're covered in powdered sugar and don't mention them to New Yorkers), Benny's has not only a great selection of more regular style bagels fresh every morning, but also offers bagel breakfast sandwiches, salads, deli choices and protein shakes for non-bagel eaters; 72785 Hwy 111, # B3, Palm Desert; 568-4990.

2. Bagel Bistro, Palm Desert

3. New York Bagel & Deli, Palm Desert

Best of the Rest: Panera Bread, La Quinta; Einstein Bros. Bagels, valleywide; Manhattan in the Desert, Palm Springs; Sherman's Deli & Bakery, Palm Desert; Sherman's, Palm Springs; Jensen's Finest Foods, valleywide; Von's, valleywide

Best Bakery

1. Aspen Mills Bread Co. What's brown, crusty and good for you? The breads and rolls here actually taste like real fresh-from-the-oven bread. It doesn't matter if it's cinnamon swirl, cheesy jalapeno or old fashioned whole grain wheat, each loaf that comes out of Aspen Mills' ovens is a little bit of wheat heaven; 555 S. Sunrise Way, Palm Springs; 323-3123.

2. Pastry Swan Bakery, valleywide

3. Jensen's Fine Foods, valleywide

Best of the Rest: Panera Bread, La Quinta; Sherman's Deli, valleywide; Bristol Farms, Palm Desert; Manhattan in the Desert, Palm Springs; La Quinta Bakery, La Quinta; The Cheesecake Factory, Rancho Mirage; Old Town Coffee Company, La Quinta

Best Coffee

1. Koffi. If you think the fresh, bold coffee is the main draw for this coffeehouse, you're in for a brewed awakening. Koffi's success lies in their friendly employees and the relaxed, fun atmosphere. Not only will you catch a caffeine buzz, you're also certain to leave a little happier than when you walked in. Two locations: north Palm Springs, 515 N. Palm Canyon Dr.; 416-2244; and south Palm Springs, 1700 S. Camino Real; 322-7776.

2. Starbucks, valleywide

3. Buzz Coffee Company, Palm Desert

Best of the Rest: Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, valleywide; It's A Grind Coffee House, valleywide; Old Town Coffee Company, La Quinta; Just Java, valleywide; Bristol Farms, Palm Desert; Ignition Coffee Lounge, Palm Springs; McDonald's, valleywide

Best Frozen Yogurt

1. Golden Spoon Frozen Yogurt. All they do is perfectly fresh frozen yogurt, served straight from the soft-serve machines in this immaculate shop. It's utter deliciousness at 22 calories per ounce. Mango Tart, Irish Cream and Peanut Butter Cup tempt, along with toppings of fresh berries, nuts and ground-up candies, including Andes mints. Oh, and there's that hot Fat-Free & Sugar-Free Fudge Marshmallow Creme topping; 40101 Monterey Ave., Rancho Mirage; 340-0402; icecreamloversyogurt.com.

2. Cactusberry, Palm Springs

3. Mango Tango, Palm Desert

Best of the Rest: Yogurt Island, La Quinta; Costco, Palm Desert; Golden Spoon, Palm Springs; Yummi Yogurt, valleywide; Goldmine Yogurt, Rancho Mirage; Robeks Juice, Palm Desert, McDonald's, valleywide

Best Ice Cream

1. Cold Stone Creamery. It's the frozen slab, you see. You get to order a custom blend of your own combination of 20 or more scrumptious toppings into their premium ice cream that's made fresh in-store, daily. The stone keeps it cold throughout the blending. The possible combinations total 11.5 million - right up there with your lottery odds. But if that's overwhelming, they've got their 20 "Signature Creations" posted on the wall, along with photos. Not to be missed, however, is the frozen 25-calorie-per-ounce, natural pro-biotic "NrGize." Their "Tart & Tangy" flavor is like a creamy lemon sorbet, delightful when blended on that cold stone with blueberries and strawberries; Palm Springs, 155 S. Palm Canyon Dr.; 327-6892. Cathedral City, 68-718E Palm Canyon Dr.; 321-0158; and Palm Desert, 72840 Hwy 111; 837-0071; as well as La Quinta, 78-380 Hwy 111; 771-8242; coldstonecreamery.com.

2. Rite Aid, valleywide

3. Baskin-Robbins, valleywide

Best of the Rest: Ben & Jerry's, valleywide; Dairy Queen, valleywide; Golden Spoon, valleywide; Lappert's, Palm Springs; Sonic Drive In, Cathedral City; Dippin' Dots, La Quinta; Surf City Squeeze, La Quinta

Best Sandwich

1. Sherman's Deli & Bakery. The desert's favorite deli, Sherman's, is a Kosher-style family owned restaurant that serves all the favorite deli sandwiches. There's a sandwich board listing more than 40, including New York-style hot pastrami, hot corned beef, sliced turkey and Swiss cheese, as well as lox and cream cheese on a bagel. They'll even make the corned beef sandwiched between potato latkas, if you ask. They also have a very popular chocolate cake...and lemon cake, oh, and too many more; 401 E. Tahquitz Way, Palm Springs; 325-1199; shermansdeli.com.

2. Port of Subs, valleywide

3. Manhattan of the Desert, Palm Springs

Best of the Rest: Panera Bread, La Quinta; Jensen's Finest Foods, valleywide; Aspen Mills, Palm Springs; Bouchee Fine Foods, Rancho Mirage; Bristol Farms, Palm Desert; Ruby's, Palm Springs; Cactus Jack's, Palm Desert