Citron at the Viceroy Palm Springs

The Scene
This hotel restaurant is a sparkling and spiffy example of the desert's revival of mid-century-modern decor. Cool lemon-yellow walls temper shiny white-marble floors, and severe black-metal coachman's lamps punctuate flowing '50s-style furnishings. A full-service bar attracts a sleek martini crowd, while a covered patio lined with flickering candles provides a peaceful milieu for cooing couples.

The Food
The seasonal menu features French-inspired dishes accented with market-fresh produce. Chunks of sweet, juicy watermelon make a refreshing addition to golden heirloom tomato salad, and plump Mexican shrimp in honey sauce adds a sweet twist to the tuna tartare starter. Standout entrees include tender Maple Leaf Farm duck breast perched in a pool of rich foie gras demi-glace, while flavorful French Dover sole stands up to bits of smoky lardon. The Citron tart, its buttery crust filled with lemon curd and topped with fresh berries, is a refreshing conclusion.