Sites, sights and delights on tasting tour
Food tastings at a variety of dining establishments mix with a guided walk highlighting local art, history and culture in a pleasing blend provided by a unique new business in the valley.
Desert Tasty Tours launched last January to lead small groups of residents and visitors through two of the valley’s most popular destinations — El Paseo in Palm Desert and downtown Palm Springs. Each tour includes stops at six restaurants and specialty food shops, where guests can sample the fare of each, along with a narration of the unique features of both areas.
The company’s owner, Kristy Kneiding, uses the slogan “Stroll. Savor. Smile!” to impart the impression of the experience planned for tour guests. While former marketing manager for the City of Palm Desert, she said she was inspired to create the business after going on a similar tour in another city. “I wondered, why is there not something like that in this area?”
Already aware of the Palm Desert cultural and dining scene, she developed Desert Tasty Tours and began leading groups of usually eight to 14 on mid-day outings along El Paseo a few days a week. Later she also began conducting similar tours for groups in Palm Springs.
The 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. tours cover about 1.5 miles each, include enough food samplings to constitute a full lunch with a little wine and a desert, and also treat guests to a stop at a specialty food shop.
Many of her guests have been visitors to the valley, Kneiding said, and the tours have become popular with local residents seeking a unique outing for visiting family and friends. But of the locals who come along, “there are almost always things about the cities and the areas that they may not have known before. I think people are always surprised by what they learn.”
Conversation among group members is easy-going and spurred by individual reactions to the elements of the tour. “Everyone likes something different,” Kneiding said.
For the current season, in order to offer more outings per week, Kneiding has hired a guide for downtown Palm Springs, while she continues to lead the tours in Palm Desert. Tours are $48 and available Wednesday through Saturday in both locations. Private outings can also be arranged.
For more information, including where to meet and individual stops included, call Kneiding at (760) 565-2262 or visit www.deserttastytours.com. Tickets can also be purchased on the website or by calling 1-800-979-3370.