We ran into some choppy waters on a recent visit to Margaritaville in Palm Springs.
Iconic musician Jimmy Buffett has been performing since the 1970s. He’s also developed a thriving … [+]
Wasting away again
First up, a confession: I’m a longtime fan of Jimmy Buffett. Maybe not quite a Parrothead, but I stumbled onto his feel good pop-country music when I was living in Montana decades ago and fell hard. It was not long after his memorable appearance in the Jeff Bridges film “Rancho Deluxe”, when he belted out “Livingstone Saturday Night.”
His infectious party-til-you-drop spirit was the soundtrack of my 20s and 30s. I even scored tickets to a rare — and magical — acoustic solo set he performed in Telluride, Colo., in 1983. Yes, Jimmy and I go way back.
Like many young crushes, I eventually moved on and you know what? Jimmy didn’t even notice. His star kept rising and that mega-talent evolved into a savvy businessman that reminded many of another guy named Buffett. (As in Warren, duh!) That dude who blew out his flip flop is now worth more than $600 million.
When Jimmy B launched his Margaritaville empire in the 1980s, his fans flocked to charmingly kitschy restaurants and later to the laid-back resorts decked out in a festive tropical style that his company launched in 2010. Looking for your lost shaker of salt? It’s probably at the Five O’Clock Somewhere Bar.
Margaritaville Resort in Palm Springs, Calif., is the first company’s first resort on the West … [+]
Watching the sun bake all those tourists covered in oil
The expansive property in Palm Springs is the first Margaritaville on the West Coast, smoothly moving into the former Riviera hotel in November 2020. Its location on the edge of the bustling downtown core makes it an island onto itself and that’s cool.
On a recent weekday visit, the vibe was super chill and my stay began with an absolutely outstanding trip to the St. Somewhere Spa. There are dozens of treatment options, but it was clear I needed to experience the Avocado Pear Refresher after reading the delicious description:
“Begin with the succulent scent of ripe pears revitalizing your mood, filling the air as a sea salt and rice bran exfoliator begins to remove all your dull and tired skin. A cool and refreshing Guac Star Mask is then applied followed by a nourishing yet sultry milk and chicory root wrap and ending with an uplifting whipped citrus shea butter application.”
Buffed and polished and totally blissed out, I headed to the pool to sip something frosty while listening to the retro playlist that included a generous helping of… you guessed it, Jimmy Buffett. Now, if you don’t crack up when Jimmy and Alan Jackson start singing their classic duet “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” while you’re in full view of the bar with the same name… well, come on.
At that moment, I became a true blue fan again. Not just of Buffet’s easy going style and catchy lyrics, but of his evolution into a savvy businessman. Like the pillows in my comfy room said… it’s all about those Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude.
Dinner at the JWB Grill was where the smooth sailing journey kind of hit the rocks.
Fish tacos at the JWB Grill in the Margaritaville Resort in Palm Springs are featured on the dinner … [+]
JWB Grill time
The dining room was closed for an update while I was staying there, but I circled back a couple weeks later for dinner with a friend.
After being seated in an inviting outdoor courtyard under a canopy of trees and near a fire pit, we waited and waited and waited for our server to arrive. Fine, the gap gave us time to catch up.
Only problem was that snail’s pacing continued throughout the evening. Nearby tables went uncleared. The restaurant wasn’t full, but the kitchen seemed to be struggling to keep up.
Yes, maybe this is just part of dining out during the post-pandemic era, where it’s nearly impossible to find enough staff. At least half the crew seemed to be training newbies. I get it. It’s a challenging time to try and run a restaurant.
When the food finally arrived, it was fine, though my Caesar was underdressed and the chicken mole was a long way from piping hot. My friend raved about his fish tacos, though. I had a rare care of entree envy and in hindsight, I regret not ordering the burger. Because, you know, “Cheeseburger in Paradise”.
Looking around the room, other parties seemed to be enjoying their meals. A few millennials popped in for a round of cocktails and selfies by the fire. There were families and folks attending a conference, still wearing their name tags.
So what if we had to wait for the waitstaff? Why shouldn’t I just take a chill pill and mellow out?
Well because I’m going to hold Jimmy B and his crew to some solid gold standards. As he sings in that 1977 smash hit that inspired an empire: “Some people say there’s a woman to blame, but I know it’s my own damn fault.”
After a slightly disappointing dinner, I’d give Margaritaville a B- (with an A+ for the spa and the accommodating housekeeping staff) but I’m confident there’s room for improvement. I know Jimmy Buffett can do better.
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