Order the pork chops, my dad insisted before I could even open the menu. It’s the signature entrée at Castelli’s Ristorante, the traditional Tuscan-style restaurant that’s beginning its 33rd year in Palm Desert. His suggestion was tempting, considering the chops marinate all day in fresh herbs and seasonings before being charbroiled and served with a sherry wine glaze and caramelized apples.

But the seafood lover in me opted for the Linguine di Mare — a deep and decadent dish filled with tender baby calamari, lobster, shrimp, scallops, fennel, and diced green onions in marinara sauce over imported pasta.