By David Wayne
When the Publisher of CV Weekly asked me to be the alternate pampered palate, I was excited,
and wanted to pick a special place for my first experience. I chose Capri Restaurant at Miracle Springs
Hotel in Desert Hot Springs. Coming across the valley into Desert Hot Springs has never been more
worthwhile. The more than traditional Italian restaurant, nestled next to the palm covered pool area at
Miracle Springs Hotel and Spa, is a treat you don’t want to miss. Make a day of the whole experience
by getting a spa treatment, hang out at the pool and in the hot spring spas, then end it with an amazing
dinner at Capri.
Executive Chef Tyrone Love has taken the great menu of the original Capri restaurant, which
moved into the Miracle Springs Hotel about fifteen months ago, and turned it into culinary excitement.
Trained at Lake Arrowhead Yacht Club by Chef Wayne Allin from Cordon Bleu culinary college, Chef Love
has worked at the Vintage Country Club and won awards at the Palomino and Citrone restaurants. In
2003, Chef Love won a Chili and Salsa contest and has appeared on television with Jackie O. He has been
with miracle Springs for twelve years, and also runs Miracle Catering, where he has delighted palates for
the Annenberg Christmas party, Cabots museum fundraiser and a catered event for Patty Newman (Paul
Newman’s sister-in-law). With all of this on his resume, and help from Sous Chef Steve Tolleson and Chef
Adrian, you can understand why I was so excited to dine at Capri.
I chose my wife as my dinner companion as any smart man would. While she was deciding on
which wine to order, I was lost in the very descriptive food menu. We started with two appetizers. They
arrived together, and I could not decide which to dive into first. I chose the unique deep fried Ravioli
with marinara sauce, as my wife began tasting the Mediterranean Dips; hummus, olive tapenade, and
tomato bruschetta, with grilled flatbread and crostini. I particularly enjoyed the hummus, with its garlic
and olive oil taste. My wife was not able to stop eating the bruschetta, served in balsamic vinaigrette,
which she described as having a “nice, sweet, fresh taste”. We then overindulged in sharing our favorite
part of the meal, a grilled Asian Duck salad. Marinated duck breast, broiled and served atop a bed
of mixed greens, slivered almonds, sesame seeds, snow peas, mandarin orange slices, and julienne
peppers, served with a creamy orange teriyaki vinaigrette dressing. This has to be the best salad at any
restaurant in the valley.
My wife was enjoying her glass of Pinot Grigio from Stellina di Notte, Italy, with our appetizers,
as our main courses arrived in perfect timing. Our waiter Max, who has been with Capri for nineteen
years, knew just when our order was ready, as he had a pager that vibrated when the kitchen alerted
him. (I thought this was a nice touch). He brought my wife Osso Bucco, made in the traditional style on
a bed of fettuccine, while I had a Filet Mignon, black angus aged beef tenderloin grilled to perfection
served on a sizzling platter. The filet was mildly sweetened by a marinade that was a “secret recipe”. As
full as I was getting, I had to taste my wife’s Osso Bucco, which was so tender it kept falling off my fork. I
did finally succeed in getting a delicious bite that melted in my mouth.
Our meal seemed complete, but Max offered us the dessert menu, and well…we ordered two.
We had a piece of Tiramisu, and a cannoli. Both were delicious and topped off what was an amazing
dining experience. We both had a cappuccino with dessert, a choice we made among a list of after
dinner drinks which included; latte, mocha, and espresso.
With three banquet rooms, the Miracle Springs Hotel and its sister hotel the Spa Hotel, can hold
a variety of special events including weddings, Mother’s Day brunch, and this year’s Cinco de Mayo at
the Spa featuring Irie Lions and D.J. Mike Trash. Irie Lions, is a Reggae band, which includes Chef Love’s
sons Johnny and Chris.
Capri restaurant is located at the Miracle Springs Hotel at 10625 Palm Drive in Desert Hot
Springs, and open Sunday through Thursday, 4-9. Friday and Saturday 4-10. Reservations are suggested
by calling (760) 329- 6833. And call (760) 333 7700 for Miracle Catering.
