Kestrel: A Richard Blais Kitchen and Lounge
An elevated culinary oasis at Indian Wells Golf Resort
Story by Daniela Delgado
Photography provided by Indian Wells Golf Resort
This fall, Kestrel: A Richard Blais Kitchen and Lounge will celebrate its one-year anniversary, marking a remarkable debut in the desert culinary scene. Perched atop Indian Wells Golf Resort, Kestrel has quickly become a favorite among both golf aficionados and food connoisseurs seeking a sophisticated yet welcoming dining experience.
The visionary behind Kestrel is acclaimed chef and television personality, Richard Blais. He created the concept a few years ago during a visit to Indian Wells. While out on the golf course, Blais witnessed an extraordinary falcon—later identified as a kestrel. Kestrels, known for its vibrant colors and spirited agility, are the smallest, yet most colorful of the American falcons. Inspired by this encounter, Blais sought to capture the kestrel’s essence, translating its lively spirit into a restaurant that’s as colorful in design as it is bold in flavor, a celebration of the West Coast culinary fare.
From the moment guests step into Kestrel, they’re greeted with an inviting atmosphere that balances both comfort and refinement. Much like the rest of the resort, the restaurant’s design represents an extension of both the past and the present of the desert and embodies the spirit of the greater Palm Springs area. Expansive patios give way to panoramic views of pristine fairways and dramatic mountainscapes, showcasing the natural beauty that Indian Wells has to offer. The ambiance is a perfect blend of indoor sophistication and outdoor tranquility.
“Kestrel is designed to serve both locals and visitors,” explains Ashley Scott, marketing director at Indian Wells Golf Resort. “We wanted to create a relaxed yet refined space for those staying in Indian Wells, California, while also offering an elevated family-friendly environment that locals can enjoy any day of the week.”
Whether stopping for a casual lunch or planning a memorable dinner, Kestrel’s ambiance adapts perfectly to any occasion. After a round of golf, guests can unwind at the bar with a craft brew and a Blais burger. Groups can gather around the fire pits on the lounge patio, perfect for cocktails and shared plates as the sun sets over the Santa Rosa mountains. For intimate dinners, the elegant main dining room provides a comfortable yet upscale setting.
Kestrel offers more than just a scenic view—it provides a refined dining experience that marries coastal elegance with regional flavors. The concept behind Richard Blais’s “modern California” cuisine is his take on some of the West Coast classics with a creative twist. For lunch, the locally inspired menu features California staples like club sandwiches and smash burgers, alongside options like the popular ahi poke bowl, a guest favorite. In the evening, the dinner menu excites guests with a myriad of fresh catches and premium cuts such as the Chilean sea bass, prime rib, center cut pork chops, and prime rib. Every meal deserves a sweet finale, and Kestrel’s desserts—crafted entirely in-house—offer just that. A signature favorite, the carrot and date cake, is elegantly layered with spiced cream cheese frosting and finished with a date compote. The restaurant also hosts a lively Sunday brunch that boasts familiar favorites like loaded crispy potatoes, huevos rancheros, short rib hash, and eggs benedicts.
The menu is crafted with freshness and sustainability in mind, changing seasonally to allow for produce, cuts, and catches to be locally sourced from ranches and farms. The emphasis on both sustainability and flavor ensures that every bite delivers a balanced harmony of taste and presentation.
“At Kestrel, our dedication to sustainability and local sourcing is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in preserving the land we love and supporting our community by using ingredients that are locally and ethically sourced,” states Scott, “This commitment not only ensures the highest quality in our products but also helps us give back to the region that inspires us.”
No culinary experience at Kestrel would be complete without exploring their handcrafted cocktails. In fact, these drinks beg a visit all on their own as they are an art form in and of themselves. Dramatic, inventive, and visually captivating, many of their exquisite cocktails provide in house entertainment. Highlights include the Liquid Nitrogen Margarita, a show-stopping four-person cocktail with a smoky, visually theatrical flair; the Pistachio Old Fashioned, where the whiskey is infused with pistachios in house; and the Smoke on Water, a butterfly-infused tea mezcal union, served with an edible smoke bubble. Each drink is crafted to delight both the palate and the eyes.
Kestrel additionally features two private dining rooms, perfect for hosting unforgettable dining events. Whether it be a corporate function, a rehearsal dinner, or a milestone gathering, the team is dedicated to tailor-made experiences. In fact, they can work with guests to craft a custom menu, ensuring each event is equally special as it is seamless.
Whether you’re seeking a quiet retreat or a lively dining experience, whether local or visiting the desert, Kestrel promises a memorable experience—an authentic taste of Indian Wells’ refined hospitality and culinary flair.
