By Daniel Paris
Joyce’s Sushi in the Gelson’s Plaza serves some of the best Japanese cuisine in the Coachella Valley. The key to their enduring success is a commitment to source the freshest fish daily from Japanese fish markets throughout the world. Also, the same highly trained staff with little to no turnover. Owner and sushi chef, Michael Bliss, devotes himself to the proven techniques of master sushi chef while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for guests. Patrons are greeted by servers and sushi chefs on arrival. The large sushi bar gives the customer a close look at the precise, humble crafts of knife skills and artistic presentation. Japanese cuisine requires the appropriate vessels for each individual dish and are like props in a culinary theater. It is a synthesis of colorful cuisine and floral arrangement.
The extensive menu includes a variety of tempura, ramen, Japanese salads, soups, fish and chicken teriyaki, udon, teppanyaki, and tonkatsu. Their lunch and dinner specials include two or three entrees served with Miso soup, salad, and rice.
I have ordered these combo specials several times over the years and the consistent high quality is remarkable. The food is always the proper temperature and thoughtfully garnished.
The servers are very well-informed about what they offer and provide recommendations based on their customers’ preferences.
I have enjoyed Chef Bliss’s weekly presentation of breaking down a whole Ahi fish into the melt-in-your-mouth tuna cuts that end up on your plate. I appreciate the skill and devotion of the true craftsmen on display.
36-101 Bob Hope Drive
Suite E1
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
(760) 202-8186
Monday: 4 pm – 10 pm
Tuesday-Friday: 11 am – 10 pm
Saturday: 2 pm – 10 pm
Sunday: closed
