Restaurant: Private Chef Justin Snyder
Location: Palm Desert
Date: September 24, 2024
Cuisine: American
Chef: Justin Snyder
Rating: Really creative
For a Corporate Retreat dinner we brought on private chef Justin Snyder.
Snyder’s cooking leans toward what he calls “desert terroir cuisine”—a style that marries classical French rigor with the bold, sun-struck flavors of the Southwest. Cholla-blossom honey, smoke-kissed Medjool dates, and citrus from century-old groves anchor menus that change nightly, each dish plated on ceramic pieces thrown by local artists. Influences range from Thomas Keller’s disciplined layering of texture to Diana Kennedy’s respect for Mexican regionality, and the results have earned him a feature in Palm Springs Life and a semifinalist nod for the StarChefs Rising Star Award. Yet accolades play second fiddle to a guiding philosophy Snyder sums up as “context is seasoning”: every plate should make sense not just on the palate but in its place and moment. From sourcing olives pressed within twenty miles to limiting seating to twelve so he can finish sauces tableside, every choice is meant to remind guests that great food is inseparable from the land—and from the fleeting company with whom it’s shared.
Meal was very good. Interesting flavors and highly complex ingredient-focused dishes. A tiny bit “heavy.” Maybe needed a bit more acidity for my taste.
From the esteemed House of Taittinger, this 2012 Champagne hails from the renowned Champagne region of France. With a blend primarily of Chardonnay, this vintage offers vibrant notes of citrus and stone fruits, complemented by a delicate minerality and a fine mousse. Ideal as an aperitif, it pairs beautifully with oysters or a fresh seafood platter, elevating any celebratory occasion.
Bread.
Butter.
Washugyu Tartare – Spiced aioli, Saporro mustard, radish, berbere spice, micro green. This exquisite tartare presents a harmonious blend of rich, buttery beef with a delicate kick from the spiced aioli and the piquant touch of Saporro mustard. The vibrant colors of the micro greens and radish add a refreshing crunch, while the berbere spice introduces a warm, aromatic note that lingers on the palate, inviting you to savor each bite.
Hearts of palm, gochujang, radish, berbere spice, micro greens. This vibrant dish presents a delightful interplay of textures and flavors, where the tender hearts of palm contrast beautifully with the crispness of radish. The subtle heat from the gochujang is expertly balanced by the aromatic warmth of berbere spice, while the microgreens add a fresh, herbaceous note that elevates the entire experience.
The Prager Klaus Riesling from the Wachau region of Austria, vintage 2019, is a stunning example of this varietal. With its vibrant acidity and notes of stone fruit and citrus, it showcases the terroir beautifully. This off-dry style pairs wonderfully with spicy Asian dishes and fresh seafood, enhancing their flavors while providing a refreshing contrast.
Charred Avocado, pickled avocado mousse, fresh horseradish, liquid amino ponzu, yuzu. The interplay of smoky char and creamy mousse creates a luscious mouthfeel, while the sharpness of the horseradish and the citrusy brightness of yuzu elevate the dish to a refreshing crescendo. Each bite is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that tantalize the palate, enveloping the senses in an aromatic embrace.
Canadian Duck Breast – Blood orange, local mushroom tare, puffed rice, lacto-fermented pluot. The duck breast is beautifully seared, showcasing a sumptuous, rich flavor that melds harmoniously with the vibrant acidity of the blood orange. The earthy notes of the local mushroom tare provide depth, while the puffed rice adds a delightful crunch, enhancing the dish’s texture. Meanwhile, the lacto-fermented pluot introduces a unique tanginess, elevating the overall experience with its complex layers and inviting aroma.
Imported Dry Aged Hamachi – 8 month gochujang, smoked shoyu, chino farms grapefruit, wakame, California togarashi. The delicate, buttery texture of the hamachi dances harmoniously with the umami depth of the smoked shoyu and the vibrant acidity of the grapefruit, creating a symphony of flavors that is both refreshing and savory. The dish is beautifully presented, with a striking contrast of colors that invites you to savor each bite, while the subtle heat from the togarashi lingers pleasantly on the palate.
The Moreau Naudet Chablis Premier Cru 2009 is a stunning expression of the Chablis region, showcasing the purity of Chardonnay with a crisp minerality and vibrant acidity. This vintage offers notes of green apple, citrus zest, and a whisper of flint, making it a delightful pairing for fresh seafood, particularly oysters or grilled white fish.
Japanese Eggplant Au Pouve, 10 year aged Japanese whisky, garlic confit, capers, shallot, smoked eggplant demi glace, miso. The dish presents a stunning interplay of glossy purple and deep umber hues, with the silky texture of the eggplant lending a luxurious mouthfeel. Aromas of umami-rich miso and the earthy notes from the smoked demi-glace create an enticing bouquet that invites the palate to explore the harmonious balance between the sweetness of the garlic confit and the briny brightness of the capers.
Seared Masami Ranch Teres Major – Black garlic Robuchon potato, 20-hour Pinot bordelaise, koji carrots, Espellete, smoked Maldon. This dish is a harmonious symphony of flavors, where the rich, buttery notes of the black garlic Robuchon potato complement the tender, succulent teres major, while the 20-hour Pinot bordelaise adds a velvety depth. The koji carrots provide a subtle umami sweetness, and the smoked Maldon lends a delicate crunch, elevating the experience with each bite as the vibrant colors and aromas coalesce on the plate.
Pistachio/Turmeric/Saffron – Pate Sable, Hawaiian Vanilla Bean, Olive Oil, Orange Zest. Gelato by Sweet Milk Gelato (made by me). The vibrant hues of green and gold create a visually stunning presentation, while the delicate crumb of the pate sable offers a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Each bite reveals a harmonious blend of nutty pistachio, aromatic saffron, and the warm undertone of turmeric, perfectly balanced by the bright citrus notes of orange zest and the luxurious sweetness of Hawaiian vanilla bean, resulting in a truly enchanting culinary experience.
Citrus Sorbetto, vegan crumble, fresh berries, lemon zest, olive oil, fleur de sel. Sorbetto by Sweet Milk Gelato. The bright, tangy notes of the sorbet dance on the palate, while the vegan crumble adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the succulent berries. A drizzle of olive oil introduces a subtle richness, and the fleur de sel enhances the symphony of flavors, creating a refreshing and harmonious dessert experience.
