87226 Fri Apr 22 17:13:13 -0700 2005 3 3 California 0 481161 Staying at La Quinta resort for my birthday midMay. Wanted to get opinions on dinner that would be great ambiance, wonderful food and upscale wine list. Impeccable but leisurely service would be nice. Have considered the following: Azur - La quinta Resort --- heard okay things about this restaurant and it is on property which makes it nice for not drinking and driving. Does it fit the bill of my requirements above? Desert Sage - this place looks beautiful on the website and the menu looks right up my alley. They seem to have different dining venues, outdoor, indoor, courtyard...is it is great as it looks? Arnold Palmer's - everyone loves this place, but in looking at the menu, it seems to be "comfort" food....they too have different dining venues, not sure which one would be preferrable, outdoors on the putting green --- people say they borrow putters to putt between courses...doesn't sound special birthday to me...but I don't know, maybe one of the other rooms. I want an upscale environment that has a nice bar where we could have a martini before dining...not be rushed thru dinner...but still somewhat causal dress (which most places in the Desert are anyway). I will be having spa services and my hair done before going out, so it needs to be more special than just the run of the mill dining establishments. We will be going to Las Casuelas on one of the days for lunch...love it. Any suggestions? Fri Apr 22 17:13:13 -0700 2005 0 birthday girl 1 481166 I've only eaten at Desert Sage, but I think it definitely fits the bill - I gave a brief review a couple of weeks back. The service was the only questionable item, but it may be we just one waiter on a bad night as the owner/host was very friendly & everyone else seemed very happy. We may try Azul or Omri & Boni (which is gretting great reviews) in the upcoming weeks. Sat Apr 23 12:41:35 -0700 2005 481161 0 torta basilica 2 481280 I second Omri and Boni Fri Apr 29 15:04:56 -0700 2005 481166 0 Ken J. 1 481452 Omri and Boni. One of the few bars with a view when seated at the bar. Sat May 07 03:46:07 -0700 2005 481161 0 mlgb