Wilma & Frieda's Cafe (Palm Desert, California) | Influencer Restaurant Review by Guy Fieri
AI-Generated Summary: Guy Fieri’s Wilma & Frieda’s Cafe Restaurant Review Video
In this episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Guy Fieri revisits Wilma and Frieda’s Café, a family-run breakfast and lunch spot named after the owners’ grandmothers. Known for its comfort food with creative twists, the café has become a local favorite, expanding to a second location in Palm Springs.
Wilma and Frieda’s Café impressed Guy with its ability to elevate classic comfort food. From the best-selling breakfast tart to the indulgent short rib melt, each dish offers a unique twist that keeps customers coming back. The café’s dedication to scratch-made meals and creative combinations ensures it stands out in Palm Springs’ vibrant food scene.
Featured Dishes:
- Wilma and Frieda’s Breakfast Tart:
- Preparation:
- The tart starts with a blueberry compote made by simmering fresh blueberries, lemon juice, and sugar, thickened with a cornstarch slurry. The dough is made from flour, sugar, nutmeg, vanilla, shortening, and butter. The tart is filled with blueberry compote, sealed, and baked. It’s finished with a glaze, powdered sugar, and fresh blueberries.
- Guy’s Take:
- Guy described the tart as a perfect fusion of shortbread and pie crust, with the blueberry filling adding a bright, fruity flavor. It’s the café’s best-selling item, and Guy praised it as “ridiculous” and “awesome.”
- Preparation:
- Bangers and Rings:
- Preparation:
- Thick onion rings are dipped in buttermilk and a seasoned panko mixture before being fried to crispy perfection. They are paired with English muffins, cheddar, poached eggs, and homemade Hollandaise sauce, creating a twist on traditional breakfast fare.
- Guy’s Take:
- Guy loved the combination of crispy onion rings, soft poached eggs, and savory bangers. The rich flavors and textures made for a satisfying, hearty breakfast dish.
- Preparation:
- Short Rib Melt:
- Preparation:
- Boneless short ribs are braised in a mixture of red wine, garlic, and herbs overnight, then combined with pickled red onions. The short ribs are layered on sourdough with Monterey Jack cheese and sautéed arugula, then grilled to perfection.
- Guy’s Take:
- Guy called the short rib melt “tender and flavorful,” with the pickled onions adding a tangy contrast to the rich meat. It’s the café’s top-selling dish, with 800 to 1,000 melts sold weekly between both locations.
- Preparation:
- Christmas Enchiladas:
- Preparation:
- These enchiladas feature both red (rojo) and green (verde) chili sauces, making it a “Christmas-style” dish. Rojo sauce is made from guajillo chilis, cumin, and garlic, while the verde sauce uses roasted poblanos, jalapeños, and onions. Shredded chicken is layered between tortillas and topped with sour cream, queso fresco, and a sunny-side-up egg.
- Guy’s Take:
- Guy appreciated the dual sauces, highlighting the smokiness of the roasted peppers and the tenderness of the chicken. The enchiladas were described as flavorful and perfect for any season, not just Christmas.
- Preparation:
Explore Eatlect’s map for more restaurants reviewed by restaurant & food influencers like Guy Fieri. Links to the review videos on social media platforms (e.g., Youtube; TikTok) are included.
Wilma & Frieda’s Cafe is a popular breakfast and brunch spot located in Palm Desert, California. It is situated on the second level of the Sachs shopping area, offering a charming dining experience with a mix of indoor and outdoor seating. The restaurant specializes in breakfast and brunch fare, with a menu that features both sweet and savory options. Known for their house-made baked goods and creative twists on classic dishes, Wilma & Frieda’s has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Some of their signature dishes include the Churro Waffle, Banana Caramel French Toast, and homemade pop tarts. The cafe also offers savory options like chilaquiles and various egg dishes. Their commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients is evident in their menu offerings.
Address
73575 El Paseo #2310, Palm Desert, CA 92260
Customer Feedback
Customer reviews for Wilma & Frieda’s Cafe are generally positive, with many praising the quality and creativity of their dishes, particularly the sweet breakfast options and baked goods. Diners frequently highlight the Churro Waffle and French Toast as standout items. The homemade pop tarts are also a popular choice, receiving high marks for taste and presentation. Customers appreciate the attentive and friendly service, as well as the restaurant’s welcoming atmosphere. Many note that the cafe is kid-friendly, making it a good choice for families. The location within a shopping center is seen as convenient by many patrons.
While some reviewers mention that wait times can be long, especially during peak hours, most agree that the food quality makes the wait worthwhile. A few customers have noted that some savory dishes could use improvement in terms of flavor, but overall, Wilma & Frieda’s Cafe is well-regarded as a go-to spot for breakfast and brunch in Palm Desert.
