Chef George's

Chef George’s

Bermuda Dunes, CA 92203

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Reviews Found on the Web

Palm Desert
(Bermuda Dunes) George’s Camelot Reborn

Our friends took us to a new restaurant that they wanted to try. It turned out that George Ristich the former owner of George’s Camelot in Newport Beach had just opened the Velvet Turtle (no relation to the other Velvet Turtle) on Washington St. in Bermuda Dunes. He explained that he lost the other original Georges to “crooked lawyers”.

The new place is run by him and his wife and our party of 6 enjoyed our meal. Three of us had the stuffed cabbage which was served on a huge plate with perfectly cooked brocolli and carrots. Another of our party had Hungarian Goulash which she thought was delicious. We ordered one Lugini Pescatore which would have easily have fed two and was done perfectly.

The place is small(around 10 or 12 tables) and it would be great if George succeeded, but a few places have previously failed at that location and the summer is a hard time for restaurants in the desert.

The menu has several pastas, fish dishes, chicken and the aforementioned Eastern European dishes. The owners are from Yugoslavia and hence the Italian and Eastern European flavor. Prices are very moderate from about $9.00 for pasta to a high of around $15 for the Lugini Pescatore. They do not have a liquor license but they said they will allow wine to be brought in and I doubt they will charge corkage. Business was slow Saturday night and the waiter appearted to be just learning, but George’s wife did the majority of serving and she is very gracious and willing. The meals come with as much bread as you like and it is a delicious warm garlic infused french bread.

It is located at 40100 Washington St. #125 at the S.E. corner of Washington St. and Country club in a strip mall right behind a Carl’s Jr. and next to Carmens Mexican restaurant. The sign outside still reads Tutti Pasta from the last tenant. They also serve breakast on Saturday and Sunday and we will be going back to try the breakfast chicken liver with apples.

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Chef Georges – Not only the best Hungarian food in the Valley, this distinctive, always crowded hot spot features some of the best family style Italian dishes as well, served up by an extraordinarily personable wait staff. A unique desert institution.

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By DesertBest

Chef Georges

Goulash, Greek Salad, Strudel!

This hidden gem of a restaurant, located in a strip mall within a stone’s throw from the Washington St. entrance to Interstate 10, run by a chef who used to cook in such legendary LA haunts as the Bel Air Country Club and Scandia, has no discernable sign and gets most of its publicity through word of mouth. That’s how we heard about it. We were told it was a neighborhood secret, a restaurant with the most delicious food, generous portions and incredible value. All that was true, but it’s much more than that.

Chef George’s, AKA The Velvet Turtle (there’s a story here, but we’ll let them explain all that), serves among a long list of delectable entrees, what must be the best Hungarian food in the desert, including their signature authentic Hungarian goulash with perfect cuts of beef, stuffed cabbage and a flavorful chicken picatta. All entrees come with broccoli in a light butter sauce and yummy red beets. Wash it all down with reasonably priced wine, beer, or a jumbo iced tea or soda. Add a “small” Greek salad, it actually serves four as an appetizer (no kidding), and finish the meal with a truly unbelievable homemade apple strudel and vanilla ice cream.

For others looking for simpler fare, you can pick from their excellent broiled fish, or indulge in all the spaghetti Bolognese you can eat. No joke, they keep bringing you the spag until you say no.

Add in joyful energy, a lively atmosphere, happy customers, and an anxious to please, very gracious staff, and you’ll understand why reservations are an absolute must, the line is literally out the door.

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Andrea T.
San Jose, CA
5 star rating
6/15/2009

This restaurant is also known as “Chef Georges”.

This restaurant is a must if you’re in the Palm Springs area.  Don’t be afraid because it’s hiding in a mini-mall.  Great Eastern European/Hungarian food.I highly recommend the Hungarian Goulash or the Chicken Paprikas.

And I’m obsessed with Greek salad, but if there’s only two or three of you….be sure to do the 1/2 order of the salad…otherwise, you’ll have no room for the main course.  Both the salads and main courses are very big, generous portions.

Finish your meal with a truly, unbelievable homemade Apple Strudel with vanilla ice cream.

Great energy, a lively atmosphere, with a very anxious to please, very gracious staff.  Reservations are an absolute must, the line is literally out the door.

By A Yahoo! Contributor, 04/25/08
I never been in restaurant bur i like to come and see owner, gracious Lana. I heard all the best about her. She is my very good friend long time ago. Hope to hear soon.

By A Yahoo! Contributor, 03/31/08
Delicious food, gracious service and enormous portions! The Hungarian food is fabulous – share the entree! Even with no sign in sight, this place is packed with food lovers. Enjoy!