Palm Springs, CA
The Palm Springs Surf Club has opened its newest restaurant Navigator. The restaurant boasts “California cuisine inspired by renowned surf beaches throughout the world.”
This new dining venue is designed to integrate the laid-back vibes of desert living with the adventurous spirit of surfing. Offering panoramic views of the San Jacinto Mountains, the 13-acre resort features a range of upscale amenities, including a cutting-edge wave pool that recreates the experience of surfing in a state-of-the-art environment.
At the helm of Navigator is Executive Chef Michael Hung, an acclaimed culinary talent known for his work in high-end kitchens across the U.S. Chef Hung’s resume includes prestigious roles at New York’s Daniel and Aquavit, as well as in San Francisco at Jardinière (under Chef Traci Des Jardins) and La Folie (with Chef Roland Passot), both of which received Michelin recognition. In Los Angeles, Chef Hung earned accolades for his work at Faith & Flower and Viviane at the Avalon Hotel. He later brought his expertise to Palm Springs, serving as Executive Chef for Steve Hermann Hotels, where he revitalized menus at The Colony Club and SO.PA, both of which earned Michelin Guide recognition.
Inside of Navigator, Thursday Night, November 14th
At Navigator, Chef Hung brings his global culinary perspective to an elevated dining experience, blending modern American cuisine with influences from iconic surf destinations such as Portugal, Morocco, Mexico, Indonesia, and Hawaii. The menu will feature locally sourced ingredients combined with vibrant global flavors and a California sensibility. Signature dishes include Olive & Herb Dinner Rolls with Tomato Jam, Crispy Wagyu Beef Cigars, Hawaiian-style Garlic Shrimp, and large-format plates like Pan Roasted Whole Rainbow Trout and a 20-oz Ribeye with Bone Marrow Gremolata. Vegetarian and vegan options, along with inventive desserts like Crème Catalan Parfait and Valrhona Dark Chocolate Mousse, round out the menu, ensuring diverse options for all tastes.
Navigator’s beverage program, curated by Beverage Director Anthony Dougherty, will focus on California wines, with an emphasis on local labels. The bar menu will offer a range of handcrafted cocktails and a robust selection of tap beers, highlighting regional craft brewers.
The restaurant’s service will be led by Cameron Hirigoyen, a celebrated restaurateur with three decades of experience. She previously owned and operated Piperade, a classic Basque restaurant in San Francisco, and brings her expertise in hospitality and fine dining to Navigator.
The design of Navigator is inspired by the oceanic traditions of South Pacific navigators, who used the stars, currents, and wildlife to guide their way across vast seas. The restaurant’s décor reflects this maritime influence, with custom teakwood furniture, woven textile ceiling treatments, and a hand-carved outrigger canoe as a focal point in the dining room. The space combines nautical aesthetics with natural warmth, creating an intimate yet upscale setting for guests to enjoy their meals.
“We’re excited to have Michael Hung join the Palm Springs Surf Club team,” said Colin O’Byrne, managing partner of the Palm Springs Surf Club. “His culinary vision aligns perfectly with the club’s mission to offer guests an exceptional dining experience, complemented by world-class surf amenities.”
Navigator will be open for dinner seven days a week from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Lunch will be served Monday to Friday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, with Weekend Brunch available on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. A Happy Hour menu will be offered Monday through Friday from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, and on weekends from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
For more information or to make a reservation, visit NavigatorPS.com or call 760-205-3634.
