By Denise Ortuno Neil

It was a glorious Memorial Day weekend out here in the CV. It wasn't too hot, and the mood was relaxing as we all gave thanks to those who have served our country providing us with the freedoms that we enjoy everyday. I decided to take a jaunt over to The Ace Hotel for their Ha Ha Very Funny comedy night inside The Amigo Room that they have every last Sunday of the month. The show is hosted by Adrian De La Torre and Timothy Buechner, who not only act as hosts, but provide their own stand up routines as well. The Ace was packed with bikini clad tourists (and some locals too) looking for some sun, fun and lots of booze. And by observing the nights progression, it looked as if most of them had achieved all of their goals. The comedians were fantastic, and included besides the hosts, Justin Brusca, Jake Davis, Matt Anderson and Joe Welker. The routines are a bit risque, but it is appropriate as The Ace Hotel is an adult playground. I was especially pleased to see Adrian, Tim and Justin perform, as they all were in my comedy contest that I coordinated last year benefiting the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission. All three comedians have really grown in their craft, and I applaud them all for continuing to do what they love..... they just keep getting better at it. So if you're looking for some laughs on the last Sunday of the month, definitely checkout the free Ha Ha Very Funny comedy night at The Ace Hotel....bikini optional.

The Ace Hotel & Swim Club

701 East Palm Canyon Drive

Palm Springs, Ca

760-325-9900

www.acehotel.com

By Denise Ortuno Neil

There are so many ways and occasions to enjoy a great glass of wine. You can indulge in the grape with friends and family, outside on your patio under the stars, or even while bathing in soothing sudsy water in the bath. But how to choose a well crafted bottle is sometimes not as easy as finding the occasion to consume it. Perhaps you're like me and pick up a bottle at the grocery store while shopping for necessities, it's easy and convenient, but the prices are usually bloated and the selection can be overwhelming. I usually stick to wines that I'm familiar with, and end up paying too much in the process. But recently, while visiting over at my friends house, her husband brought out a rather surprising little Merlot that was full bodied, smooth and get this, was only $5.99 a bottle (thanks Nick!). This wine could seriously give higher priced wines an exhausting run for the money. It turns out that this fine priced fine wine, was purchased at Dan's Wine Shop in Palm Desert. This little shop is off of Hwy 111 on the frontage road by McGowan's Irish restaurant, and if you blink, you could miss it, and all the great deals that they have inside as well. The staff at Dan's have been there since the shop started many years ago, and are very helpful and lack the pretence that some wine shops can have. Needless to say, I am now a patron of this little wine gem, and have purchased quite a bit of this demur Merlot...ok, I'll tell what it is, it's called Laurier Merlot from Alexander Valley, and it is my new fave! So if you're in the mood for some smooth wine, stop in Dan's and check out his selection, they will guide you to a delightful bottle or two....just don't buy up too much of my Merlot. Cheers!

Dan's Wine Shop is located at 73-360 Hwy 111, Suite 1 in Palm Desert, 760-674-0305 Opened Tues-Sat 10am-6pm