by Rachel Montoya
It had been several years since the last time I dined at The Cliffhouse in LaQuinta. And after the fabulous dining experience that I recently had there, I wondered why I had waited so long. From the time we arrived my date and I were treated like royalty. Our glasses of water and warm bread arrived as we were seated along with our menus. Our fabulous server Rebecca told us about the daily special and the 3-course Summer Prix Fixe Menu for $36. Friendly manager Gavin came by the table and suggested the bacon wrapped scallop fritters for our appetizer and I’m glad he did. I normally don’t do scallops but he insisted that we wouldn’t regret it and he was right. The four scallops were served with a tasty mustard remoulade.
We decided to pass up the Prixe Fixe special and order from the menu. We both started off with a crisp, chilled iceberg wedge. For the main course I chose the Pan Roasted Sea Bass with ginger scallion butter which was accompanied by baby bok choy and the most delightful jasmine rice I’ve ever tasted. My companion chose the steak and lobster which came with mashed potatoes and asparagus. He was kind enough to share a couple bites of both with me. The steak was perfectly prepared medium rare and was delicious but the star of the night was the huge lobster tail. I have to say it was the best lobster I have had in the desert. Amazing! My date raved about what a great cut of meat the filet was and I must agree. At some restaurants just because it’s a filet doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a nice cut. This filet was perfect. As full as we were we decided on desert and an after dinner drink. Even though the Bourbon glazed peach cake with pecans and a scoop of vanilla ice cream wasn’t on the regular menu- Rebecca was most accommodating and let me order it anyway. My date ordered the crème brulee with strawberries and blueberries. Both were very tasty and our sweet tooth was satisfied. When we arrived for our 5:00 reservation there were only two other tables occupied. By the time we left every table was full. I highly recommend The Cliffhouse for their outstanding food and impeccable service.
Tha Cliffhouse is located at: 78250 Highway 111, LaQuinta, CA. For reservations call: 760-360-5991.
