Pastels Bistro

A treasure in the middle of the desert !!! One would never guess that such a wonderful restaurant would exists in such a remote location. Chef John is a master at what he does and creates very pleasing dishes. This place isn't only about the food, the art and ambiance make it a place worth visiting. Check to make sure they'll be open hours seem to fluctuate. Be sure to bring cash as they don't accept credit cards !!!

I can't believe I had not written a review for Pastels before.  I suppose that secretly, I didn't want anyone else to know about it.

But that's not fair, because from Tokyo to Paris, this is some of the finest food I've ever had.  When you drive down Tecopa Hot Springs Road and pull up to Pastels, you may think this is all a joke.  It's not.

From L.A., take 127 north from Baker, then Old Spanish Trail Highway to THS Road.  From Vegas, take 160 toward Pahrump, then Tecopa Road to THS Road.  Google Maps has the pin for Pastels in the wrong place (not even correct side of road!).  Look for Tecopa Hot Springs Resort.  The hotel office is near the highway.  Pastels is tucked into the separate building behind that office.

Note:  Bring your own wine, as they have not been able to get through the red tape to a liquor license.  And while you're out there, see the China Ranch Date Farm, another amazing desert find.  Either place is well worth the two-hour detour from boring/crowded I-15.

Just go.  You'll be writing the next 5-star review.

Yes, it's been about 2 months since we dined here, but I must say, it was a gem find this place at the Tacopa Hot Springs Resort in Death Valley.  They serve up amazing farm-to-table dishes, utilizing organic ingredients and offering up healthier options of some traditional American comfort foods.  

It was also very helpful that they are open until 9pm on Saturdays.  However, with one wait person and one chef, you may need to be patient waiting for your food to be served to you, but it's worth the wait!   I had the grilled chicken with vegetables and brown rice.  Well seasoned and was a lovely light but hearty meal for a hot spring day (was 94 degrees on this day).  A few of my friends ordered the beef stewed and quickly devoured their meal.  They said it was "that" good!

They also offer a wonderful selection of herbal teas.