Turner Classic Movies host Dave Karger absolutely crushed it interviewing megawatt stars during the 2024 Palm Springs International Film Festival. He loves that city so much he moved there a few years ago. Here’s his short list of favorite culinary destinations.

Melvyn’s at the historic Ingleside Inn in Palm Springs is a dining destination that was a favorite haunt of the Rat Pack in the 1960s.

Melvyn’s via Instagram

**Favorite throwback Hollywood: **“Melvyn’s is my go-to special occasion place, where I take out-of-town friends. It’s so inviting, from the minute you walk in and hear the music in the bar, it’s great. I love to look at all the old black and white photos on the wall in the bar, too. It adds to the Rat Pack vibe. Plus, where else can you get something flambed? My favorite is the chicken pot pie and I always try to save room for Bananas Foster and Cherries Jubilee.”

Pomme Frite in Palm Springs is a French-inspired restaurant with a Belgian twist.

Pomme Frite via Instagram

Getting a frites fix: Karger proudly identifies as a Francophile – “I’ve been there 22 times and I’m going back again this summer” – so when he’s craving French food with a Belgian twist, he heads Pomme Frite. “I love it, the staff is so friendly. It’s a great place for a steak-frites. It truly transports you to a different continent.” Don’t forget to ask for all the dipping sauces with your frites.

Turner Classic Movie host Dave Karger makes his home in Southern California’s Coachella Valley and loves dining at La Tablita, a humble cafe in Cathedral City.

La Tablita via Instagram

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Scoring South of the Border fare: “La Tablita is kind of a non-descript looking place from the outside, it’s in a strip mall in Cathedral City. But when you walk in, it’s beautiful, the people who work there are so friendly. It’s a neighborhood place for sure, but the food is top-notch. I usually get a combo plate with enchiladas and a taco. They make a phenomenal margaritas that comes in two sizes. I love a margarita, but the large is served in something that’s like the size of a bucket. I stick with the regular size.”

Native Foods in Palm Springs serves a take-off of a fast food mainstay. The Munchwrap Supreme is stuffed with plant-based cheese and veggies.

Native Foods Cafe via Instagram

Vegan for meat lovers: “Friends turned me onto Native Foods Cafe recently and it’s become my new obsession. I’m not a vegan, but I’m intrigued by vegan foods. There’s a vegan takeoff of a Taco Bell mainstay, it’s called a Munchwrap Supreme. It’s made with vegan cheese and it’s so good. The staff is so friendly and helpful. They’re willing to walk you through the menu if you’re not familiar with vegan food. It’s become a new favorite of mine for lunch.”

Wine lovers, explore here: “There’s a relatively new store called Hyphen. It’s run by John Libonati, who focuses on natural and organic wines that come from small producers. I love white wine and rose and I just love going in and hearing about what’s new and different, whether it’s Greece or South America or St. Tropez, he has so many interesting options to explore.”

Watch for the release of Karger’s new book, “50 Oscar Nights”, which will be officially launched Jan. 23.

Turner Classic Movies host Dave Karger, left, interviewed the cast and the director of Poor Things at the 2024 Palm Springs International Film Festival.

Palm Springs International Film Festival via Instagram

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