(Bob Hope) Humana Classic

California Desert - its nice that the PGA Tour makes a stop in La Quinta. For the 1st time since 1965 its not called the Bob Hope Classic that's a little sad  but I'm not sure a lot of 25 year olds even know who Bob is...but the good news this year the guest hope is President Bill Clinton and they changed the format to more normal 4 day tournament - its more about golf now and is only on 3 golf courses - PGA Palmer & Nicklaus Private and right across the street from me at La Quinta Country Club. Amateurs only play 3 days with the cut being made on Sunday.

And the crowds are up this year as was the wind on Saturday with gusts over 65 mph, I watched Bill Clinton hit his ball in the water on 10th tee and shortly thereafter the tourney was post poned due to the wind. They evacuated the Humana Village as tents were falling down in the wind.

Several of my Disney Pro-Am golf pros were there and were doing quite well. Kevin Kisney, Spencer Levin and Johnson Wagner who won the Sony Open the week before in Hawaii. Spoke to Johnson on the 18th tee box on Friday and told him evidently plays a lot better when I'm not in his foursome...he is one who's sporting a mustache now and after talking to him he feels its good luck, but his wife hates it.

If you visit the California Desert one of the great places to visit is Old Towne La Quinta. http://oldtownlaquinta.com/  A main street loaded with boutiques, cafes, shops and a spa and...

THE WINE BAR at Old Town.

Not only do they have a great selection of California Wines I can't find in NY at prices too low to advertise, they also do regular Saturday tastings from 2 - 6pm and this week distributor Southern Wine & Spirits is on hand with some great values.

1) Brassfield "Serenity" 2010 white blend $9.99 - skipped it because I was driving.

2) Paraiso Reisling 2008 $16.99 - very refreshing after a day in the sun and not too sweet for my taste.

3) Darcie Kent Sauvignon Blanc 2009 - $8.00

4) Darcie Kent Chardonnay 2009 - $8.00 Don't the price fool you, I would have never know that this was the price point. Very nice balance and big finish.

5) Darcie Kent Pinot Noir 2008 - $8.00 Another one that I wouldn't have believed this price. Nice fruit up from with a smokey earthy finish.

6) Belle Glos - Pinot Noir 2010 "Clark & Telephone" $39.99 I really liked the Darcie Pinot above until I tasted this...everything you want from a Pinot and its only going to get better. Big Flavor up front and a finish that goes on for days. Very nice wine!

7) Hillary Goldschmidt Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 $25.00. I was not familar with this wine, but really like it and feels like a steal at this price.

8) Luna Sangiovese 2008 $19.99. I visited this winery a lot off Silverado Trail in Napa and feel like its always been a great value for a very interesting wine.

Now the other good news about THE WINE BAR if you purchase a bottle there, you can order food and drink it at the bar or table with no corkage fee. And you'll get to meet a lot of the locals too.

Across the street is Grill on Main Street where I love their Fish & Chips.
Above that is Hog's Breath Inn - nice restaurant started by Clint Eastwood.
Also next door is Stuft Pizza another local hangout with a great happy hour and amazing Pizza.
And moving into the new location in Old Towne is Solano - where there's normally a wait every night at their old location.
And just down a street is El Ranchito - a little hole in the wall Mexican Restaurant that has the best food.

Over at the La Quinta Resort - check out Morgans and 26 two great place for dinner. http://www.laquintaresort.com/

Well my friend Johnson Wagner mustache and all gave it a run on Sunday but finished 2nd behind Mark Wilson.

The desert is amazing place and I always feel at peace with the world there, something so calming about it.

And although its no longer called the Bob Hope Classic his memory will never be forgotten in the desert.

Thanks Bob for all the memories.

-Brian