Restaurant: Workshop Kitchen + Bar
Location: 800 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262. (760) 459-3451
Date: September 25, 2024
Cuisine: New American
Chef: Michael Beckman
Rating: Tasty
Workshop Kitchen + Bar opened in 2012 inside the historic 1926 El Paseo building in Palm Springs’ Uptown Design District, instantly recasting the desert city’s image from mid-century nostalgia to forward-looking cool. Chef Michael Beckman—an Institute Paul Bocuse–trained Californian who cooked in Lyon, Berlin, and at Auberge du Soleil—partnered with longtime friend and front-of-house maven Joseph Mourani to launch the project. They enlisted New York–based SOMA Architects to carve a soaring, almost Brutalist dining room out of the old structure: 27-foot concrete walls, cathedral-like niches of black leather, a 35-foot communal table of poured concrete, and an open, copper-clad kitchen that glows like a forge. The dramatic redesign earned a James Beard Award for restaurant design and turned Workshop into an architectural pilgrimage site as much as a place to eat.
Beckman’s cooking follows a strict farm-to-table and whole-animal ethos, drawing produce from Coachella Valley farms, heritage meats from Southern California ranchers, and day-boat seafood from the Pacific, most of it finished in a wood-fired oven. Menus shift with the desert seasons—roasted Romanesco with brown-butter breadcrumbs in winter, charred octopus with citrus and Fresno chile when orchards are heavy, dry-aged rib-eye glazed with date molasses during the summer harvest. The bar applies the same locavore rigor, infusing spirits with desert botanicals and shaking cocktails that spotlight regional citrus and stone fruit. This disciplined yet playful approach, coupled with service that balances urban polish and Palm Springs ease, has made Workshop Kitchen + Bar the flag-bearer for the city’s culinary renaissance, inspiring a wave of chef-driven openings and cementing Palm Springs as a bona fide dining destination rather than just a retro resort town.
Chef-partner Michael Beckman arrived at Workshop Kitchen + Bar in 2012 with a résumé that belies the scruffy ease of Palm Springs. A Southern California native, he graduated from the Culinary Institute of America at Hyde Park and then spent almost a decade in Europe, cooking in Michelin-starred kitchens such as L’Auberge de l’Ill in Alsace, Hotel Adlon’s Lorenz Adlon in Berlin and the Ritz-Carlton’s Restaurant Vitrum, eventually rising to chef de cuisine before returning to the States. A stint with Joachim Splichal’s Patina Group in Los Angeles rounded out his classical foundation and introduced him to the produce-driven ethos that now defines his own cooking.
Beckman’s signature at Workshop is a modern California menu filtered through Old-World technique: vegetables pulled from Coachella Valley farms the same morning they are blistered in a 750-degree stone hearth; whole animals broken down in-house for charcuterie or slow-roasted on the bone; North African spices, Alpine pickling liquids and French sauces sharing the same plate without crowding one another. Influences range from the precision of German fine dining to the exuberance of North African street markets he visited while staging abroad, and the common denominator is respect for ingredients and seasonality. The restaurant’s Brutalist dining room won a James Beard Award for design, while Beckman himself has been a James Beard “Best Chef: West” semifinalist and a Food & Wine “People’s Best New Chef” nominee; local press routinely names Workshop the Coachella Valley’s top table.
Guiding it all is a clear philosophy: cook with what the desert gives you, waste nothing, and let technique serve—not obscure—the product. Beckman keeps relationships with a tight circle of small growers, mills his own flour for the naturally leavened bread program, and writes menus around the bumper crops those farmers bring to the back door. The result is a dining experience that feels simultaneously worldly and rooted, proof that a destination resort town can have a serious, ingredient-first dining culture at its heart.
Stepping into the restaurant is akin to entering a sophisticated art gallery, where the stark concrete walls meet the warmth of intimate black booths, creating a striking contrast that fosters both elegance and comfort. The minimalist design, accentuated by linear pendant lights, casts a soft glow over the tables, inviting diners to engage in a sensory exploration of flavors and textures. This thoughtfully curated space not only enhances the culinary experience but also encourages a connection between guests, making every meal a memorable journey through taste and ambiance.
Gathered around the table, a vibrant group of food enthusiasts and culinary creators come together to savor an exquisite dining experience.
The set menu.
The Champagne Drappier, a captivating Rosé from the renowned Aube region, showcases the 2018 vintage. This vibrant expression combines Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, offering delicate red fruit notes, a touch of minerality, and a refreshing effervescence. Its versatility makes it an excellent pairing with seafood dishes or light appetizers.
With a charming salmon hue, this sparkling wine carries a bouquet of strawberries and raspberries, complemented by subtle floral notes. Drappier’s meticulous craftsmanship shines through, making it an ideal companion for celebrations or a delightful aperitif to start any meal on a festive note.
Les Graviers, produced by Béatrice & Stéphane Tissot in the Jura region of France, is a captivating 2016 vintage white wine. With its unique blend of Chardonnay and Savagnin, this wine exhibits a rich, complex profile of ripe stone fruits, subtle nuttiness, and a hint of oxidative character. Ideal for pairing with creamy cheeses, roasted chicken, or seafood dishes, it enhances the dining experience with its elegant acidity and minerality.
Scallop Crudo, yuzu broth, cara cara, fresno chile, nasturtium. This dish is a refreshing symphony of flavors, with the delicate sweetness of the scallops beautifully accentuated by the bright, citrusy notes of yuzu. The vibrant hues of cara cara oranges and the subtle heat of fresno chiles create a visually stunning presentation, while the fresh nasturtium adds a peppery finish, making each bite a delightful exploration of textures and tastes.
Summer Squash, stracciatella, sungold tomato, chive oil, dukkah, fresh herbs, crispy shallot. The vibrant medley of colors and textures creates a visual masterpiece, while the creamy stracciatella intertwines with the sweet burst of sungold tomatoes. Each bite offers a delicate balance of earthiness from the dukkah and a fragrant lift from the chive oil, complemented by the satisfying crunch of crispy shallots and the freshness of herbs.
Salad.
Oyster Mushrooms, chicken fried, bread & butter pickle, buttermilk sauce, spiced honey, parker house roll. The golden-brown crust encasing the tender oyster mushrooms offers a delightful crunch, while the buttermilk sauce adds a creamy tang that perfectly complements the earthy notes of the fungi. The spiced honey introduces a whisper of sweetness, harmonizing beautifully with the tangy pickle, and each bite reveals a comforting nostalgia reminiscent of cherished family gatherings.
The 2010 Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes from Domaine Denis Mortet is a stunning expression of Burgundy, showcasing the complexity and depth of this esteemed region. Its vibrant ruby hue hints at the intense aromas of ripe red berries, earth, and subtle spice. On the palate, the wine is elegantly structured with fine tannins and a refreshing acidity, making it an exquisite match for duck confit or a rich mushroom risotto.
SWEET CORN RISOTTO, saffron butter, pecorino, parsley, Australian winter truffle. This dish envelops you in a warm embrace of creamy texture, with the sweet corn lending a delightful burst of freshness that harmonizes beautifully with the earthy aroma of truffle. The golden hue, punctuated by flecks of green parsley, not only pleases the eye but also enhances the overall sensory experience, creating a perfect balance of richness and subtlety in every bite.
Weiser Farms Conehead Cabbage, tahini, chili crisp, almonds, Thai basil, mint, pita. This dish presents an inviting array of colors, with the vibrant green of fresh herbs juxtaposed against the creamy beige of tahini. The Conehead cabbage, with its crisp texture, provides an excellent canvas for the umami-rich chili crisp, while the almonds add a delightful crunch that elevates each bite. Aromatic notes of mint and Thai basil weave through the dish, creating a refreshing experience that dances on the palate.
Liberty Farms Duck à l’Orange, snap peas, Ojal pixies, blood orange, pea tendrils, togarashi. The duck, perfectly roasted to achieve a crisp skin, offers a rich, savory depth, while the vibrant blood orange provides a refreshing acidity that cuts through the richness. The snap peas and pea tendrils add a delightful crunch and freshness, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that dance on the palate.
Château Pape Clément, a renowned producer from the Pessac-Léognan region, presents its 2000 vintage, a superb blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. This elegant wine exhibits rich notes of dark fruit, cedar, and a hint of truffle, complemented by velvety tannins. Ideal for pairing with lamb dishes or a hearty beef stew, it showcases the complexity and finesse characteristic of top-tier Bordeaux.
Dry-Aged Masami Ranch Ribeye, 18-oz American Wagyu, grilled over wood fire, roasted cipollini onions, broccolini, carrots, bone marrow butter. The deep, caramelized crust of the ribeye contrasts beautifully with its tender, marbled interior, offering a rich umami experience. Each bite releases a symphony of savory flavors, harmonized by the sweetness of the roasted cipollini onions and the earthy notes of broccolini and carrots, all enriched by the luscious bone marrow butter that envelops the palate in a luxurious finish.
Pita.
Veggies.
Pistachio Tres Leches, rose water cream. This dessert is a delightful fusion of textures, with the moist sponge soaking up the rich, creamy tres leches, while the delicate, floral notes of rose water elevate the experience. The vibrant green of the pistachios adds an alluring visual contrast, and each bite offers a harmonious balance of sweetness and nutty depth, enveloping the palate in a luxurious embrace.
Chocolate Cremeux, Valrhona Jivara, dulce de leche pearls, seasonal fruit. This dessert is a decadent indulgence, featuring a silky smooth chocolate base that melts on the tongue, harmoniously complemented by the luscious, creamy pearls of dulce de leche. The vibrant seasonal fruits add a refreshing contrast, their bright colors and natural sweetness elevating the dish while providing a delightful textural balance against the rich chocolate. The aroma is intoxicating, a sweet embrace that invites you in for another delightful bite.
