The presentation is the most theatrical for a spinach salad I've seen to date. There are so few restaurants in this new age of fusion confusion that serve tableside, and although this is a nod to the pre nouvelle cuisine era, it's nice to know it's respected at Melvyn's. The Gruyere cheese is crusty and the croutons toasted. It was a large portion balanced with a tantalizing sauce. This is precisely why those who seek fine dining recognize the consistent quality, returning to Melvyn's like the swallows to Capistrano.
Desserts are more than an afterthought.
Right now Gran Marnier is the only variety served and it must be ordered in advance. A desert original, Melvyn's bows to the past with well-rehearsed service, candlelight and class. The menu doesn't present anything outrageous, so if you like experimental combinations, you'll have to seek this out elsewhere. Table for Two is an anonymous review. The reviewer is a Coachella Valley resident who has published columns and books on food and entertainment topics and is a member of the California Restaurant Writers Association.