Photography Courtesy Willie’s Modern Fare

The latest collaboration by restaurateurs Willie Rhine and Chad Gardner combines the elegance of fine dining with the warmth and conviviality for which this duo is known. Their Rancho Mirage concept emphasizes classic cuisine with a modern twist alongside creative cocktails and a thoughtfully selected wine list.

“We wanted to make Willie’s a place to celebrate life’s special moments with family and friends,” Gardner says, noting that guests can sip and snack in the bustling lounge and enjoy their meal indoors or on the expansive patio.

The kitchen presents classics such as red wine–braised wagyu beef short rib, chicken cordon bleu, prime rib, and shrimp cocktail — as well as caviar service and more inventive options, like a trio of vegan soups served in espresso cups and pan-seared salmon garnished with onion soubise and orange gel. The lounge menu skews more casual with a wagyu burger, fish and chips, and buttermilk fried chicken. For dessert, the Fabbri Amarena cherry gelato, black pepper sponge cake, and torched French meringue are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.