On a recent weekend trip to Palm Springs, I was doing some research on where to eat. It looked like slim pickings. A lot of people indicated that the area catered more to a “resort crowd”…except, one place kept being named as THE place to go for great food. That place is Le Vallauris.
The place apparently has a beautiful patio which we did not experience because it was raining on the day we ate there. Nevertheless, I can confirm that this place is outstanding.
Upon walking in to the restaurant, I heard people speaking French. First good sign. Then, I spotted the sommelier with a silver cup around his neck, indicating he was a member of the Chevaliers du Tastevin, a Burgundy wine fraternity. Second positive sign. Upon sitting down, we were presented with the whiteboard. Third positive sign (they also offer prix fixe and tasting menus but we decided to order al la carte) .
I wanted to try EVERYTHING on the menu. While it is not innovative or “haute cuisine”, it is classic French inspired cooking done very very very well, and its simply delicious.
We started with Russian Ossetra caviar which was very good.
This was followed by Escargot which was also good. However, the next time I go back, I would not order these two items as I want to try the kitchen’s more complex cooking as opposed to caviar and escargot.
For my main dish, I had the Lobster ravioli with Maine basil bisque. This dish was outstanding which is why I then regretted ordering caviar and escargot, instead of something more unique so that I could taste the kitchen’s other creations (something like the duck liver, truffle “creme brulee” would of probably been outstanding) .
The pasta was cooked perfectly al dente. The lobster was incredibly sweet. The bisque was very flavorful, and perfectly balanced and seasoned (it reminded me of an amazing sauce I had at a place called Mariette in Paris). Every bite was just incredible. They extracted maximum flavor from the lobster to make that bisque (which is a dish that involves many steps to make well, so I always appreciate a good bisque).
We also had cocktails, Chablis and a dessert which was good too. Service was excellent. I would definitely return and would recommend this as a must go to someone who is going to be in the area. 9.5/10