Posted: Mon., Jan. 4, 2010, 3:23pm PT

Desert food blooms

Original entrees spice Palm Springs' ambience

By Kathy A. McDonald

King's Highway

Palm Springs' dining scene is slowly improving, with new spots that offer updated, imaginative menus. And for the cost-conscious, daily happy-hour specials are plentiful.

Cheeky's: Start your day with a fresh-squeezed tangerine mimosa and a flight of house-cured bacon. Serving breakfast all day and lunch, Cheeky's also has out-of-the-ordinary sandwich combos and uses seasonally fresh, local and organic ingredients. On weekends, expect a line for breakfast.
Where: 622 N. Palm Canyon
Phone: [phone]
Web: cheekysps.com

El Mirasol: South of downtown on Palm Canyon Drive and a hospitable alternative to perennial tourist favorite Las Casuelas, El Mirasol attracts locals with its pleasant patio, fiery shrimp diablo and the oversized and potent margaritas.
Where: 140 E Palm Canyon Dr.

Phone: [phone]

The Falls Prime Steak House: A contempo place that plays it old school, with steaks and more than 35 types of martinis taking centerstage at this central downtown, dinner-only restaurant.
Where: 155 S. Palm Canyon Dr.
Phone: [phone]
Web: thefallsprimesteakhouse.com

King's Highway and the Amigo Room at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club: A former Denny's and midcentury-built Howard Johnson's motel, it's been revamped as an ultra-cool hangout with modern comfort food, vegetarian options and cocktails.
Where: 701 E. Canyon Dr.

Phone: [phone]
Web: acehotel.com/palmsprings

Matchbox: Sporting a fire-edged balcony overlooking Palm Canyon's action, Matchbox is close to festival venues and serves wood-fired pizzas, specialty burgers and artisan beer on tap, making this casual indoor/outdoor eatery very popular.
Where: 2nd level, Mercado Plaza, 155 S. Palm Canyon Dr.
Phone: [phone]
Web: matchboxpalmsprings.com

(Pat Saperstein contributed to this report.)