Chef Michael Hung launches Navigator Palm Springs Surf Club, at Palm Springs, blending modern American cuisine with global surf-inspired flavors.
There’s a new culinary current sweeping through the desert. Navigator, the flagship restaurant of the Palm Springs Surf Club, officially opens its doors Friday, November 15, 2024, offering a sophisticated dining voyage led by acclaimed Executive Chef Michael Hung.
With a backdrop of San Jacinto Mountain views and the rhythmic pulse of the Surf Club’s wave pool, Navigator redefines desert dining—where the art of hospitality meets the adventurous spirit of the sea.
“We are thrilled to welcome Michael Hung to the Palm Springs Surf Club family,”
Colin O’Byrne
Managing Partner.
“His creativity and expertise are an ideal match for Navigator and our overall vision… to offer guests an elevated dining experience and amenities alongside the world’s premier surf pool.”
A Culinary Vision Anchored in Global Inspiration
Chef Michael Hung has long been celebrated for bridging fine dining and comfort cuisine with precision and flair. His culinary roots trace from Daniel and Aquavit in New York to San Francisco’s Jardiniere, La Folie, and Faith & Flower in Los Angeles—earning accolades from Esquire, Travel + Leisure, and Los Angeles Magazine.
In Palm Springs, Hung’s craft deepened as Executive Chef for Steve Hermann Hotels, where his reimagined menus at The Colony Club and SO.PA earned Michelin Guide recognition.
Now at Navigator, Hung channels his expertise into a globally inspired modern American menu—a celebration of culinary destinations from Portugal, Morocco, Mexico, Indonesia, and Hawaii.
“Navigator is about exploration—through flavor, culture, and storytelling,”
Hung says.
“Each dish reflects the idea of travel, connection, and craftsmanship.”
The Menu: Global Flavor with California Soul
Every dish at Navigator Palm Springs tells a story. From handcrafted Olive & Herb Dinner Rolls with Tomato Jam to Crispy Wagyu Beef Cigars and Hawaiian-Style Garlic Shrimp, the menu is an invitation to indulge and discover.
Signature entrées include:
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Pan-Roasted Whole Rainbow Trout – rustic yet refined, served with bright herbs and citrus accents.
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20-oz Ribeye with Bone Marrow Gremolata – an indulgent centerpiece for steak lovers.
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Vegan Options – thoughtfully crafted with seasonal produce and global flair.
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Desserts – from the velvety Crème Catalan Parfait to the Valrhona Dark Chocolate Mousse, each creation feels like a destination in itself.
To complement the menu, Beverage Director Anthony Dougherty curates an impressive wine list spotlighting California labels, paired with craft cocktails and a robust tap beer program showcasing local brewers.
Ambiance: Nautical Elegance Meets Desert Warmth
Navigator’s interiors pay homage to the oceanic navigators of the South Pacific—surfers and explorers who read stars, currents, and tides to find their way.
Expect teakwood tables, woven ceiling textiles, and an exquisite hand-carved outrigger canoe centerpiece that anchors the dining room. The atmosphere is both nautical and natural, combining Palm Springs luxury with a sense of adventure and discovery.
“Navigator feels like an escape,” Cameron Hirigoyen
the restaurant’s seasoned General Manager and former owner of San Francisco’s beloved Basque restaurant Piperade.
“It’s elegant, intimate, and alive with energy.”
Hours, Location & Details
Navigator at Palm Springs Surf Club
1500 S. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92264
760.205.3634 | www.NavigatorPS.com
Hours:
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Dinner: Monday–Sunday, 5:00 PM–9:00 PM
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Lunch: Monday–Friday, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM
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Weekend Brunch: Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
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Happy Hour: Monday–Friday, 3:00 PM–6:00 PM; Saturday–Sunday, 4:00 PM–6:00 PM
About the Palm Springs Surf Club
The Palm Springs Surf Club is a 13-acre playground of relaxation and recreation, offering state-of-the-art wave technology, a lazy river, private cabanas, and multiple bars and restaurants.
Navigator stands as the resort’s flagship dining experience, balancing sophistication with California ease. Guests can enjoy sweeping views, surfside cocktails, and the perfect pairing of culinary artistry and desert modernism.
Mini FAQ: Navigator Palm Springs
Q1: Who is behind Navigator Palm Springs?
Navigator is led by Executive Chef Michael Hung, former chef at Faith & Flower and The Colony Club, with Cameron Hirigoyen overseeing service and hospitality.
Q2: What type of cuisine does Navigator serve?
Navigator features modern American cuisine infused with global surf-inspired flavors from destinations like Morocco, Mexico, and Hawaii.
Q3: Can guests visit without surfing?
Absolutely. Navigator is open to the public—no Surf Club membership required.
A Destination for Taste and Discovery
With Chef Michael Hung at the helm, Navigator Palm Springs isn’t just another restaurant opening—it’s a voyage. A culinary compass pointing toward innovation, craftsmanship, and the joyful intersection of travel, taste, and texture.
Whether you’re brunching after a swim, sipping cocktails at sunset, or celebrating under the desert stars, Navigator promises a dining experience as captivating as the journey that inspired it.
Chef Michael Hung launches Navigator Palm Springs Surf Club
