Dining Out: Birba

Of all the meals we had during our Palm Springs vacation, our dinner at Birba was my favorite. The restaurant had been recommended by several family members and friends, but what really sold us was the gluten-free menu (our birthday girl is GF). It's rare for a restaurant to have extensive gluten-free options, especially an Italian restaurant. 

Birba is located directed next door to Cheeky's, where we had the yummiest brunch (I am still dreaming about those sticky taters).

The restaurant's entrance is marked with a "B." 

Birba Palm SpringsBirba Palm Springs

You walk up a ramp, along a lush green wall, to greet the hostess. 

Birba Palm Springs

On the other side of the plant wall is the most charming outdoor patio. I think as New England girls, especially girls who just experienced a brutally cold winter, there is something truly thrilling about dining al fresco. 

Birba Palm Springs

The patio is designed for comfort, they even put pillows all along the bench seating. 

Birba Palm Springs

We had a spacious corner table and we couldn't wait to take a look at the menu (even though we'd stalked it online). As we were perusing, we met our waitress for the evening, Bernie. She was friendly, bubbly and super sweet. 

Birba Palm Springs

Naturally, we started with cocktails. There were many delicious sounding libations, each with a fun name. 

Birba Palm Springs

Between the five of us we wound up with two glasses of wine (Montepulciano and Sauvignon Blanc), a Basil Spritz and a Hello Nancy (that fifth glass is soda water with a splash of cran). 

Birba Palm Springs

The Basil Spritz is vodka, basil, lemon, prosecco and soda, which the birthday girl described as, "Very refreshing with a strong basil taste." The Hello Nancy, which was vodka, lemon, grapefruit, elder flower and soda, also got a "refreshing" comment. The Basil Spritz earned a round two. 

As we looked over the food menu, we wanted all the appetizers. Eventually we settled on just two - the roasted cauliflower and the burrata. As a general life rule, if there's burrata, I get it. 

The first dish to arrive was the cauliflower. It was roasted and topped with shaved parmesan cheese, capers and chili flakes. 

Birba Palm Springs

We all agreed the cauliflower was prepared to the perfect temperature and texture. The parmesan on top was delicious and the chili flakes added a nice heat. We made this disappear pretty quickly. 

Next up was the burrata cheese with yellow tomatoes, peaches and triangles of pizza dough. 

Birba Palm SpringsBirba Palm Springs

A friend piped up, "Is burrata usually this liquid-y?" It was true, the burrata had been sliced in a way where it had thinned out a bit, which was a bummer. Several of us wished the pizza dough had been grilled or charred, because it was really flavorless on its own. All that being said, the cheese paired wonderfully with both the tomatoes and the peaches. 

After the appetizers, we sampled two of the signature pasta dishes - the lobster ravioli and the zucchini spaghetti. The lobster ravioli was plated beautifully, garnished with corn, tomato and lemon.

Birba Palm Springs

Two raviolis in, a friend shared, "This dish is bright and full of flavor. There is a ton of lobster in each pasta pouch. You can tell the pasta is homemade and with each bite you really get that fresh seafood taste."

The birthday girl and I shared the zucchini spaghetti with broccoli and spinach, made with zucchini spirals for noodles.

Birba Palm Springs

We each twirled a healthy portion onto our forks and were surprised to discover the dish was served hot. We were both expecting it to be cold. While the zucchini was tasty, it was overshadowed by the freshly grated parmesan, which dramatically enhanced each bite. 

Post-pasta we readied ourselves for the pizza course. Before I share the pies were ordered, Birba runs a very cool special each night where the proceeds from a specific pizza are donated to charity in the local community. Bernie clued us in to the organization and the pizza flavor, but I forgot to write it down. Shoot!  

Birba Palm Springs

We ordered three pies and the first to arrive was the Birba, topped with prosciutto, honey and chili oil.

Birba Palm Springs

I asked the girls for their thoughts and I heard, "Fantastic! Perfect!" One friend went on to say, "There is such a nice balance of sweet and heat from the honey and the chili oil. The prosciutto is very good and the pizza base is classic - exactly what you want from this style of 'za."

Pizza number two was the homemade classic, which featured mushrooms, onions and Italian sausage. 

Birba Palm Springs

After a couple slices, a friend chimed in, "This a really solid slice of pizza. I was worried there might be too many toppings to even lift the slice, but it's exactly the right ratio." 

I shared the braised greens pizza with the birthday girl, on gluten-free crust. It was topped with greens, serrano chilis, green olives and smoked mozzarella. 

Birba Palm Springs

Though I usually love spice, but the serrano chilis were so hot that I almost couldn't finish my slices without chugging water. That said, the gluten-free crust was really yummy and had an excellent crunch. They also offer cauliflower crust for any of their pizzas. 

Before we had even seen a dessert menu, Bernie surprised all of us (but especially the birthday girl) with a spontaneous delivery of a dessert with candles. 

Birba Palm Springs

Bernie remembered she was gluten-free and selected the salted butterscotch pudding, which she and the team treated us to, on the house. The pudding was unbelievably decadent, with a light sprinkling of salt on top. Pudding and mousse can be dense or overly rich, but this struck just the right balance. I wanted to lick the bowl. 

Since we were already in feasting mode, we also ordered two more desserts - the pistachio ice cream and something called the chocolate nemesis. 

The pistachio ice cream was green (I know people feel strongly about green vs. white) and had a really nice, nutty taste to it. It was ice cold, which was welcome in the desert. 

Birba Palm Springs

The chocolate nemesis is a gluten-free chocolate cake, topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries. The cake itself was so rich that between all five of us, we only finished half. 

Birba Palm Springs

As we were enjoying our dessert, we started to notice group of girls file in who seemed to be dressed . . . like elderly woman going to the casino? There were about 20 of them and finally we pulled one aside to ask what they were dressed up for and she replied, "It's a Golden Girls-themed bachelorette party!" The women had gone all out - wigs, hats, glasses, sequin dresses, fanny packs, panty hose - it was incredible. 

Though we weren't dolled up in Golden Girls garb, we did ask Bernie to snap a photo of all of us.

Birba Palm Springs

Our Birba dinner is one of my happiest memories from our Palm Springs getaway. If you're planning a trip, absolutely carve out time to have dinner here. They take reservations!

Comments

Stephanie Blackburn's picture

I don't normally crave pudding but that butterscotch pudding with sea salt was out of this world and I will happily down another pizza and basil spritz, anytime.

Molly's picture

I agree! That wouldn't have been my first dessert choice, but it blew me away. Can't wait to dine with you there again!!

Marisa Edelstein's picture

LOVE ALL OF THIS!!!!!!!!

Molly's picture

It was such a special night!

Jack Mozila's picture

Great survey, I'm sure you're getting a great response. 강남야구장

winkler glinesnw's picture

Surprise your client with a desk terrarium. Create a miniature, low-light friendly array of succulents delivered in a delicate glass bowl. Your clients will love the uniqueness and practicality of this piece, which will remind them of you every time they look at it CLIK HERE.

Jack Mozila's picture

Wonderful article. Fascinating to read. I love to read such an excellent article. Thanks! It has made my task more and extra easy. Keep rocking. coches segunda mano zaragoza

Jack Mozila's picture

I was surfing net and fortunately came across this site and found very interesting stuff here. Its really fun to read. I enjoyed a lot. Thanks for sharing this wonderful information. reformas pisos zaragoza

Jack Mozila's picture

Very good points you wrote here..Great stuff...I think you've made some truly interesting points.Keep up the good work. CBD Gummies

Jack Mozila's picture

You have performed a great job on this article. It’s very precise and highly qualitative. You have even managed to make it readable and easy to read. You have some real writing talent. Thank you so much. kalyan chart

Jack Mozila's picture

I'm glad I found this web site, I couldn't find any knowledge on this matter prior to.Also operate a site and if you are ever interested in doing some visitor writing for me if possible feel free to let me know, im always look for people to check out my web site. voyance

Jack Mozila's picture

We have sell some products of different custom boxes.it is very useful and very low price please visits this site thanks and please share this post with your friends. 토토사이트

Funny Videos's picture

This is truly a great read for me. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles. Keep up the good work!. free remote work app

Funny Videos's picture

Thank you for taking the time to publish this information very useful! pintores zaragoza

Funny Videos's picture

This particular papers fabulous, and My spouse and i enjoy each of the perform that you have placed into this. I’m sure that you will be making a really useful place. I has been additionally pleased. Good perform! remote team task list

Funny Videos's picture

Great post but I was wondering if you could write a little more on this subject? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further. Thanks in advance! keto diet plan for men

Muhammad Saeed's picture

Excellent article. Very interesting to read. I really love to read such a nice article. Thanks! keep rocking. Buy Tramadol Online

Funny Videos's picture

Nice post! This is a very nice blog that I will definitively come back to more times this year! Thanks for informative post. cat scratch

jack man10's picture

cheers for such a brilliant site. Where else could someone get that kind of info written in such a perfect way? I have a presentation that I am presently working on, and I have been on the watch out for such information. best scheduling software

Funny Videos's picture

Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with extra information? It is extremely helpful for me. ditroz

Funny Videos's picture

I was reading your article and wondered if you had considered creating an ebook on this subject. Your writing would sell it fast. You have a lot of writing talent. 토토사이트

Funny Videos's picture

Good website! I truly love how it is easy on my eyes it is. I am wondering how I might be notified whenever a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your RSS which may do the trick? Have a great day! chat with delhi girls

Muhammad Saeed's picture

Attractive, post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say that I have liked browsing your blog posts. After all, I will surely subscribe to your feed, and I hope you will write again soon! budapest real estate

Funny Videos's picture

Thanks For sharing this Superb article.I use this Article to show my assignment in college.it is useful For me Great Work. free asana competitor

Funny Videos's picture

I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well. Thanks... dating site

Muhammad Saeed's picture

I wanted to thank you for this excellent read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked your site to check out the new stuff you post. cbd gummies uk

Muhammad Saeed's picture

Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting?I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style. Thanks a million and please keep up the effective work. How to become virgin again

Muhammad Saeed's picture

howdy, your websites are really good. I appreciate your work. redporno.xxx/xxx-seks-video/11-porno-video.html

Funny Videos's picture

Thanks for sharing this information. I really like your blog post very much. You have really shared a informative and interesting blog post with people.. Alprazolam Powder

Funny Videos's picture

What a sensational blog! This blog is too much amazing in all aspects. Especially, it looks awesome and the content available on it is utmost qualitative. ดูหนังออนไลน์

Funny Videos's picture

Thanks so much for sharing this awesome info! I am looking forward to see more postsby you! how to open a company in Singapore

Muhammad Saeed's picture

This article was written by a real thinking writer. I agree many of the with the solid points made by the writer. I’ll be back. https://www.environmental-expert.com/companies/catalytic-products-international-cpi-1205

Muhammad Saeed's picture

I'm constantly searching on the internet for posts that will help me. Too much is clearly to learn about this. I believe you created good quality items in Functions also. Keep working, congrats! The Genie Script Works

Muhammad Saeed's picture

Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. After all I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon! the mud club woodstock ny

Muhammad Saeed's picture

This article was written by a real thinking writer. I agree many of the with the solid points made by the writer. I’ll be back. instagram followers panel

smith seo's picture

I?¦m now not sure where you are getting your information, however great topic. I needs to spend some time finding out more or understanding more. Thanks for great information I used to be looking for this info for my mission. Asia Gaming

Muhammad Saeed's picture

Yes i am totally agreed with this article and i just want say that this article is very nice and very informative article.I will make sure to be reading your blog more. You made a good point but I can't help but wonder, what about the other side? !!!!!!THANKS!!!!!! atchristianlouboutin.com

Muhammad Saeed's picture

This is very educational content and written well for a change. It's nice to see that some people still understand how to write a quality post.! bk8

Muhammad Saeed's picture

This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. เว็บแทงบอลUFA

Muhammad Saeed's picture

Leedon Green is a brand new freehold condominium in the coveted address of District 10 that is well-connected to most part of Singapore via Farrer Road MRT station. It is a short 10 minutes' drive to Orchard shopping belts as well as surrounded by many reputable schools. leedon green floorplan

Muhammad Saeed's picture

I have read your blog it is very helpful for me. I want to say thanks to you. I have bookmark your site for future updates. คาสิโน

Muhammad Saeed's picture

I can see that you are an expert at your field! I am launching a website soon, and your information will be very useful for me.. Thanks for all your help and wishing you all the success in your business. บาคาร่า

Muhammad Saeed's picture

i read a lot of stuff and i found that the way of writing to clearifing that exactly want to say was very good so i am impressed and ilike to come again in future.. สล็อต

Muhammad Saeed's picture

Very interesting blog. Alot of blogs I see these days don't really provide anything that I'm interested in, but I'm most definately interested in this one. Just thought that I would post and let you know. บาคาร่าออนไลน์ ได้เงินจริง

Muhammad Saeed's picture

A very awesome blog post. We are really grateful for your blog post. You will find a lot of approaches after visiting your post. คาสิโน

Muhammad Saeed's picture

I have read your article, it is very informative and helpful for me.I admire the valuable information you offer in your articles. Thanks for posting it.. w88

Muhammad Saeed's picture

Thanks for every other informative site. The place else may just I get that kind of information written in such an ideal means? I have a venture that I’m just now operating on, and I have been on the look out for such information. บาคาร่า

Muhammad Saeed's picture

Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting? I'm pleased I discovered it though, ill be checking back soon to find out what additional posts you include. Twitter smm panel

Muhammad Saeed's picture

Your content is nothing short of bright in many forms. I think this is friendly and eye-opening material. I have gotten so many ideas from your blog. Thank you so much. www.furrytailsvet.com.sg

Muhammad Saeed's picture

This is highly informatics, crisp and clear. I think that everything has been described in systematic manner so that reader could get maximum information and learn many things. 먹튀검증

 

Molly Galler

Welcome to Pop.Bop.Shop. My name is Molly. I’m a foodie, fashionista, pop culture addict and serious travel junkie. I’m a lifelong Bostonian obsessed with frozen confections, outdoor patios, Mindy Kaling, reality television, awards shows, tropical vacations, snail mail and my birthday.

More from Molly

Pop.Bop.Shop. In the News

Address:
Birba
622 N. Palm Canyon Drive
92262 Palm Springs , CA
United States
California US