Riviera Palm Springs Welcomes John Roberts As Executive Chef

The Riviera Palm Springs has named John Roberts as executive chef. Chef Roberts, who brings over 20 years of experience to the role, will oversee culinary operations of the resort's dining outlets, including the popular Circa 59 restaurant. Chef Roberts is also developing new menus for Riviera Palm Spring's Sidebar Lounge, Starlite Lounge, Bikini Bar, Chiki Bar, and in-room private dining.

A native of Liverpool, England, Roberts has worked at award-wining restaurants and hotels such The Edgewater and its restaurant Six Seven, as well as Cascadia Restaurant and The Rainier Club in Seattle. Additionally, he has cooked for United States Presidents Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush, and has worked alongside top chefs including Daniel Boulud and Simon Hopkinson.

At the resort's signature restaurant, Circa 59, dining is redefined with quality seafood, premium cuts of meat, locally-grown Coachella Valley produce, and shareable items. Pictures of the rich and famous vacationing at the resort adorn the walls while large comfy red leather booths and chairs under huge unique chandeliers offer diners a relaxing retro chic atmosphere. Outside, meals can be enjoyed al fresco by the fire pit.  New menu items include truffle and mushroom flatbread, lobster mac and cheese, duck carnitas, lobster sliders, soy glazed tuna, and grilled beef tenderloin with crispy short rib ravioli. The restaurant also offers a special prix fixe menu for $38 featuring farm-to-table dishes with local seasonal ingredients.

Originally opened in 1958, Riviera Palm Springs is an iconic playground of the past, once the hangout for superstars such as Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and Dean Martin. Characterized today by its Old Hollywood glamour with a contemporary twist, the resort underwent a $70 million modernization in 2008. Situated at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains in the heart of old Palm Springs, the sprawling resort offers 398 guestrooms, including 120 suites, all decorated in mid-century modern style. It is also home to the full-service spa and salon, SpaTerre, featuring 18 treatment rooms and a state-of-the-art fitness center, two large outdoor heated pools with year-round outdoor poolside bar service, private cabanas, chaise lounges, and fire pits, all which provide a calm, relaxing atmosphere for guests.