I wouldn’t dream of going to the desert without dining at Le Vallauris at least once. It’s right in the heart of Palm Springs and puts me in mind of a time when Palm Springs was the definition of upscale in the low desert.
The place is just flat out elegant, with Flemish tapestries and Louis XV furniture. The menu changes daily and is presented hand written on a board stood on a table-side easel.
But all that is just window dressing for some absolutely excellent cooking. Russian River caviar, smoked salmon, escargot, lump crab, scallops … any of these and more may appear on the daily board for starters. And the entrees can run the gamut of Maine lobster ravioli, Lake Superior white fish, sweet breads with asparagus and potatoes, and a multitude of beef, duck, pork and fish offerings. It’s all quality food, prepared and presented with style. Don’t be surprised to find a dozen or more items listed under appetizers and an equal number or more under entrees. Then browse the eight or ten items on the dessert board.