Wally's Desert Turtle
Most Highly Awarded

Owner Michael Botello (third from left) with his family and staff,
standing: Arthur Chardon, Ramon Godinez, and Executive Chef Pascal Lallemand, seated: Yvonne Scott, Malia, Nicole, and Madalyn Botello.

To savor unforgettable continental cuisine in the most exquisite restaurant in the desert, Wally’s Desert Turtle is a must. The most highly awarded restaurant in the desert is the proud recipient of the prestigious Mobil Travel Four Star Award, AAA Four Diamond Award, and the DiRoNA Award, to name a few.

This magnificent restaurant was built by Wally Botello, the founder of the famed Velvet Turtle chain, and is now owned and operated by his son Michael. Entering over twinkling lights, you will be swept away by the spectacular design by Steven Chase. The beveled mirrored ceilings, Peruvian artifacts, and hand-painted murals create a warm and elegant ambiance in which to savor the culinary creations of Executive Chef Pascal Lallemand, including Seared Foie Gras with Petite Lettuce and Pear Salad, or a California Limestone Lettuce Salad with Bay Shrimp and Grapefruit with a Tarragon Vinaigrette Dressing, an entrée of Roasted Colorado Lamb Rack, Fresh Rosemary and Thyme Sauce, Herb Potato Pancake, Garlic Confit and Ratatouille, followed by Wally’s famous Chocolate or Grand Marnier Soufflé for dessert.

Wally’s serves dinner nightly with piano entertainment. Holidays are very special at Wally’s. Traditional fare is served on Thanksgiving and the regular menu is offered on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The New Year’s Eve Gala Celebration with entertainment and dancing is one you will never forget.

For private functions or special occasions, two semiprivate rooms offer intimacy while enjoying the fabulous Wally’s experience. If you wish total seclusion, there is the elegant Sable Room and beautiful, newly remodeled Mirage Room. For the ultimate party, the entire restaurant is available for your dining and dancing pleasure or Wally’s catered events will take this beautiful dining experience into your home or venue of your choice.

A visit to the desert will not be complete without the experience of Wally’s Desert Turtle, the area’s finest restaurant since 1978. Serving dinner nightly beginning at 6:30 p.m.

SHOWN ABOVE: A few of the masterpieces of Executive Chef Pascal Lallemand that have made Wally’s famous, clockwise from the bottom — Sautéed Filet of Beef with roasted shallots, château potatoes, melted gorgonzola, and natural herb jus; Wedge of California Baby Iceberg with heirloom tomato and Parmesan twist, served with bleu cheese dressing; a spectacular dessert, Floating Island, baked meringue on top of crème anglaise with caramel and an almond cookie; and Brioche Crusted Chilean Sea Bass with sautéed fennel and artichokes, and a tomato and basil compote. The suggested wine is Château Lynch & Bages Grand Cru Classé Pauillac, 2000.

“Celebrating our 31st season. Exquisite continental cuisine, elegant surroundings, and a devoted team of people whose legendary attention to detail has given Wally’s a recognized trademark of service.”

MENU HIGHLIGHTS

APPETIZERS
Escargots Forestiére Garlic Butter and Bordelaise
Dungeness and Blue Crab Cakes
Seared Bluefin Tuna and Tobiko Caviar Thai Chili Dressing and Wasabi
Ahi Tuna and Shrimp Ceviche Martini, Avocado and Tomato Salsa
Seared Foie Gras on Brioche French Toast
Petite Lettuce and Pear Salad
Caesar Salad, Herbed Croutons
Heirloom Tomato and Petite Mozzarella
Wild Mushroom Soup
Traditional French Onion Soup

ENTRÉES
Sautéed Imported Dover Sole Amandine or Meunière
Roasted Colorado Lamb Rack Garlic Confit and Ratatouille
Provimi Veal Scaloppini
Seared Filet of Loch Duart Salmon Balsamic Reduction and Fried Shallots
All-Natural “Brandt” New York Steak Wild Mushroom Medley
Lake Superior Whitefish Leek and Fennel Ragout

DESSERTS
Six Flavors of Soufflé
Warm Chocolate Lava Cake
Crème Brûlée, Caramelized
Key Lime Pie, Citron Sauce
Baked Alaska
Macadamia Nut Bread Pudding

BEST OF THE CELLAR

RED WINES
Château Montelena
Jordan
Duckhorn
Heitz Cellars
Caymus
Château Margaux
Château Lafite Rothschild

WHITE WINES
Grgich Hills
Far Niente
Kistler
Chalk Hill
Batard Montrachet Grand Cru
Clos des Mouches

WALLY'S DESERT TURTLE
71-775 HIGHWAY 111
RANCHO MIRAGE, CALIFORNIA 92270
(760) 568-9321

More Information - Websites, Maps and Directions

BY MARSHA COCKINS
FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY: JON EDWARDS
ROOM PHOTOGRAPHY: JEAN-JACQUES MONTEGNIES
FOOD STYLIST: DONNA CURRAN