Inside: Backstreet Bistro

(Credit: Wade Byars, special to Metromix)

Recently, a friend of mine decided to take a spur of the moment trip to Italy and asked if I wanted to come along. After some careful thought, I passed.

However, it isn't necessary to pack your bags and make the big trip across the ocean to savor great Italian food and enjoy beautiful scenery. Just head to Backstreet Bistro.

This wonderful little gem, tucked away at the far end of El Paseo just past Monterey Avenue in Palm Desert, serves some of the best Italian cuisine around.

Owner Lavane Hause, an Orange County transplant, had a desire to open a quaint little Italian bistro "where friends meet friends."

Entering its fourth season, this dream has been achieved. Whether you dine on the lovely patio and gaze at the beautiful scenery or choose indoors, you will definitely feel like you have been whisked to Italy.

Order a bottle of wine and start your meal with the outstanding bruschetta ($6.25). Lightly toasted bread absorbs all the wonderful flavors of the extra virgin olive oil and finely chopped tomatoes.

Another great way to begin is with a bowl of fragrant pasta e fagiola ($4.95). This hearty bean and pasta soup goes perfectly with the basket of piping hot sourdough bread.

After looking at the menu and trying to narrow down my choice, I soon realized why Backstreet Bistro recommends that you bring your friends. There is no way you can settle on just one item. This is definitely one of those great places where you will want to sample various dishes.

However, I must confess that I did not want to share my Linguine Rustica ($15.95) with anyone. Made with mushrooms, sausage and chicken sautéed in a champagne cream sauce, it can definitely be classified as Italian comfort food.

Our table also had plenty of aahh's for the Pollo Empoli ($18.95), a generous breast of chicken topped with artichokes and lemon in an outstanding Vernacia wine sauce served with a wonderful medley of Julienne vegetables and mashed potatoes.

Be sure to leave room for Backstreet Bistro's signature Tiramisu ($5.95).

This silky, homemade delicacy is best enjoyed with one of the special coffees made with your choice of liqueur.

Chocolate lovers shouldn't even think of leaving before enjoying the dark cappuccino ice cream. It is one of the richest, most decadent chocolate treats you will ever enjoy.

Backstreet Bistro offers an outstanding value from 4 to 5:30 p.m. daily. Enjoy a prix fixe, three-course menu for $17. Choose either soup or salad, entrée and dessert. Coffee is also included, making this an amazing deal.

Great Italian food and music go together like spaghetti and meatballs. For you jazz fans, be sure to stop by on at 8 p.m. Tuesday and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday to enjoy great live entertainment.

So forget a trip to the airport and share amazing food with great friends.

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