When it comes to pastimes in Palm Springs, dining out is #1. But with more than six hundred eating establishments dotting the area from Desert Hot Springs to Indio, choosing the perfect lunch spot could pose a major problem. Local food writer Peter Osbaldeston aids hungry vacationers with his second edition of this inclusive guide, profiling the ultimate in Palm Springs cuisine. Only the high and low points are addressed, whether it is the chef's credentials, the building's history, or the ingredients in the main dish.

Imagine waiting in line for hours only to discover that the building is less than pristine, the hollandaise sauce has the consistency of diesel fuel, and the background music is loud and irritating. Osbaldeston comes to the rescue with vivid descriptions that capture the essence and atmosphere as only a local can. He brings to life the "subtle flavors of the lobster marry[ing] at once with the sparkling pea bisque" at Azur in La Quinta, or "one of the most potent assaults of wild-mushroom aromas" at Johannes in Palm Springs. Knowing exactly what to expect, every tourist can dine like a native in the luxurious Coachella Valley.