Wolfgang Puck debuts newest concept WP Kitchen + Bar in Palm Desert
Palm Desert, CA – October 26, 2015 – Today chef and restaurateur Wolfgang Puck introduces his newest restaurant concept, WP Kitchen + Bar to the city of Palm Desert. Open now and situated in the former Wolfgang Puck Pizza Bar location, the restaurant boasts a fresh new look and offers a refined dining experience for locals and visitors alike.
“Palm Desert has always been a special place to me, so when we had the opportunity to open a restaurant here I didn’t hesitate,” said Wolfgang Puck. “The way people are dining today is different than just a few years ago so my idea with WP Kitchen + Bar was to create a more relaxed environment, expand the number of seasonal and healthy options on the menu, and share a piece of how I like to eat in my own home. I hope you enjoy!”
THE MENU:
Drawing inspiration from how the acclaimed chef and restaurateur entertains at home with family and friends, WP Kitchen + Bar boasts Wolfgang’s globally influenced cuisine in an approachable, family-style format. Wolfgang has appointed brand veteran Matt Leverty as the Executive Chef of the restaurant. Leverty began his career with the Wolfgang Puck family in 2006 when he was hired as a line cook at the former 20.21, Puck’s Asian fusion restaurant in Minneapolis. Leverty has since worked his way up through a number of Wolfgang’s fine dining kitchens, most recently working as a sous chef and kitchen manager of Spago Las Vegas.
The all-day menu features a seasonal selection of shareable dishes such as the Smoked Salmon Bruschetta with watercress, apples, radish, pumpkin seeds and a horseradish cream, a Fritto Misto with shrimp, calamari, kaboucha squash, cauliflower, lemon and squid aiolo, and aKale and Spinach Salad with farro, goat cheese and a citrus vinaigrette. Larger share options range from pizzas and pastas including theDiavalo Chicken pizza with shishito peppers, Fresno chili, pickled eggplant and mozzarella; Wolfgang’s signature Smoked Salmon pizza with dill crème, red onion, chives and caviar, and a Spaghetti Gargano with Dungeness crab, radicchio, serrano chili, lemon and breadcrumbs. A variety of seafood, steak and other proteins round out the menu and range from Wolfgang’s take on the classic “Pollo al Mattone,” to a Sea Bass “Veracruz” with tomato, garlic, chili, green olive, capers and lemon, and a Braised Beef Short Rib with Moroccan spices, cous, dried fruit and toasted almonds.
Together, Wolfgang and Corporate Pastry Chef Kamel Guechida developed a dessert menu that illustrates their expertise in French technique and love for a classic end to any meal. Highlights include the Salted Caramel Pudding with crème fraiche whipped cream and brown sugar, aMolten Chocolate Cake with chocolate ice cream, and a rotating selection of seasonal ice creams.
Complementing the menu is an eclectic offering of wines by the glass and full bottle, craft beers and handcrafted cocktails. With a focus on south of the border spirits, the new bar menu features a wide range of artisan tequilas and smoky mezcals. Cocktail highlights include theSmoke & Salt with Zicaru Silver Mezcal, Chamuscos Silver Tequila, white crème de menthe and oregeat syrup, and the Desert Bloom with Buffalo Trace Bourbon, maple syrup, sage and lemon.
THE SPACE:
Wolfgang and his team worked collaboratively with EDG Interior Architecture + Design to create an updated, bright and modern space that flows seamlessly with the surrounding desert landscape. A variety of light-washed woods, rustic colors and desert-inspired textiles add a dynamic yet contemporary flare to the 140-seat dining room, where new pendant lighting is suspended above. The existing outdoor patio now offers built-in banquette seating for up to 35 guests and is surrounded by desert foliage for a comfortable and relaxed outdoor dining experience.
WP Kitchen + Bar is located at 73130 El Paseo in scenic Palm Desert. The restaurant is open from 11AM – 9PM on Sunday, 11AM – 10PMMonday – Thursday and 11AM – 11PM Friday – Saturday. Happy hour is from 3-5PM daily in the bar, lounge and outdoor patio. For additional details please contact the restaurant at 760.568.2700, or visit www.wolfgangpuck.com.
About Wolfgang Puck:
The name Wolfgang Puck is synonymous with the best of restaurant hospitality and the ultimate in all aspects of the culinary arts. The famed chef and restaurateur has built a brand that encompasses three companies: Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group, Wolfgang Puck Cateringand Wolfgang Puck Worldwide, Inc. Wolfgang’s first fine dining venture began in 1982 with the opening of Spago in Los Angeles, and has since grown to over 26 award-winning locations that span over six countries including the U.S., United Kingdom and Singapore. Wolfgang Puck Worldwide, Inc. is a privately held corporation that includes a rapidly growing portfolio of company-owned and franchised locations of casual dining and fast-casual restaurants, as well as an extensive list of branded consumer products and other licensing and merchandising projects. Of the 50+ restaurants located across the globe, several are situated within non-traditional settings such as airports, universities, casinos and hospitals, as well as hotels, malls and as free-standing venues. Wolfgang Puck Catering, brings a new level of innovation and inspiration to special event and contract dining services for cultural, corporate and entertainment venues across the country, offering a restaurant-quality experience in a special event setting for both small and large scale events.
