Review: Navigator, Palm Springs Surf Club

While in Palm Springs, I had the pleasure of dining at Chef Michael Hung’s newest venture Navigator, located at the Palm Springs Surf Club. In addition to being the Executive Chef, Michael is also the Director of Food & Beverage at this new surfing/dining hotspot. Navigator had only been open for a few weeks when we arrived, and word quickly spread. Guests began arriving soon after, and the dining room started buzzing.

Navigator Chef Michael Hung 

Chef Michael is a celebrated force in the culinary world. He has earned high praise from renowned food critics, such as the late Jonathan Gold and famed San Francisco Chronicle food critic, Michael Bauer. From the East Coast (NYC) to the West Coast (San Francisco and LA), Chef Michael has been a part of acclaimed teams at Daniel and Aquavit, as well as Jardiniere (James Beard Award-winner), led by the renowned Chef Traci Des Jardins. He was also part of the team at Michelin-starred La Folie with Chef Roland Passot.

His work at Faith & Flower in Los Angeles brought additional accolades from iconic publications such as Esquire, Los Angeles Magazine, and Travel + Leisure. Chef Michael first came to Palm Springs as the Executive Chef for Steve Hermann Hotels. Here, he updated menus at The Colony Club (at The Colony Palms) and SO.PA (at L’Horizon Resort and Hermann Bungalows.) He helped earn a Michelin Guide listing for The Colony Club.

Navigator, Palm Springs Surf Club

We arrived at the Palm Springs Surf Club just before sunset and caught a breathtaking view of the San Jacinto Mountains. We also visited the state-of-the-art wave pool, located on the same property. The pool, spanning 440 feet long, is 200 feet wide and holds roughly 4,000,000 gallons of water. It produces powerful waves in the middle of the desert, attracting pro surfers worldwide. A bar next to the wave pool serves Navigator’s food and beverages.

Inside, the restaurant’s new décor is stunning. It features a relaxed yet upscale ambience with a nod to the nautical and hints of surf culture. Many of the furnishings were hand crafted and imported from places like Bali. A large outdoor dining space sits just outside the restaurant. The property is wonderful – what a great place to unwind. 

Everyone is clearly excited about Chef Michael’s newest culinary creations. His recipes draw inspiration from famous surf destinations around the globe, and the flavor profiles are fantastic. The menu spotlights American cuisine influenced by the spices of Portugal, Morocco, Mexico, Indonesia, and Hawaii.

Wine & Mocktails

Now it was time for our culinary adventure to begin. Beverage Director Anthony Dougherty came by to introduce himself. After finding out I am a lover of red wine, he returned with several tastes. I decided on a 2022 Siduri Pinot Noir Willamette Valley. It offered notes of dark cherry and chocolate, with a whisper of earthiness. It was lovely. My husband ordered a tantalizing non alcoholic cocktail. The Watermelon Mint Lemonade Mocktail was delightful and not too sweet. 

Small Bites and Appetizers

Our server Holly led us through the menu and answered all our questions. She was quite knowledgeable. Chef Michael also gave his recommendations. While enjoying our beverages, we finally decided and started our meal with the Potato & Salt Cod Croquettes. The delicately fried balls had a wonderful crunch. The inside filling of salt cod and potato was exquisite, as was the sea of creamy saffron garlic aioli they were sitting in. 

Next the Garlic Shrimp Skewers arrived at our table. It came with Koshikari Rice which was fantastic –  the sauce was deliciously sweet and briny. The dish was beautifully displayed. While the shrimp was split, a mound of lightly pickled English cucumber was served on the side. This made for a unique trio that ignited my taste buds. 

Navigator’s Entrees

Soon Holly brought out our two entrees – the Sea Bass Grilled and a Roasted Bavette Steak. These were both audacious in very different ways. The sea bass was flaky, delicate and infused with flavor. The delectable achiote rub permeated the fish but in a subtle balanced way. It was mild yet bold in flavor. The anatto cumin spice combo is a favorite of mine, and it really elevated the dish. Holly told us the sea bass was barramundi from New Zealand. It is already one of Navigator’s signature dishes. The Peruvian inspired Pepper Escabeche, another flavor enhancer, was simply divine. We also ordered a side of broccolini. Holly insisted we squeeze the grilled lemon on it, and we were glad we took her advice. It had delightful Mediterranean flavor. It was cooked on point and offered a striking crunch.

The 8 ounce Bavette Steak was perfectly cooked and so tender. It came with a terrific tomato jam, as well as a lightly curried Béarnaise Sauce. The sauce was rich and buttery. It was an excellent combo which took the steak to the next level. The Broccolini went well with the steak as well.

Desserts

Finally, two exceptional desserts arrived at our table. The hot apple pie was served in its own small (but not that small) pyrex dish. It was topped with vanilla bean ice cream. Ahhh – what a finale! The crust of the pie was warm and flaky, while the inside apple mixture was just divine. 

As a chocolate obsessed person, my favorite was the Valrhona Dark Chocolate Mousse. Of course, you just read how scrumptious the apple pie was, but this dish brings it home for chocolate lovers. It offered multiple layers of deep dark chocolate. The homemade lush whipped cream complemented the mousse, yet also tamed the deep flavor. It was a perfect union of textures and flavors, topped with sweet chewy toffee crumbles.

Navigator at the Palm Springs Surf Club is open for Dinner every Monday through Sunday from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. Lunch is served Monday to Friday from 11:00am to 3:00pm. In addition, you can enjoy Weekend Brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am to 4:00pm at Navigator. They even offer a Happy Hour menu from 3:00pm to 6:00pm Monday to Friday as well as on the weekends from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Navigator at the Palm Springs Surf Club, 1500 S Gene Autry Trail Palm Springs, CA 92264; For additional info, visit the website – www.NavigatorPS.com

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