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The former site of the acclaimed Augusta Restaurant in Palm Desert will come alive in a few weeks with the advent of a truly new and innovative lunch and dinner casual fine dining concept - Mitch's on El Paseo * Prime Seafood.
Slated to open to the public at 11:30 am for lunch on Friday, February 1st, Mitch's on El Paseo will feature signature prime steaks, sushi, and seafood concepts all with that personal flair from a familiar face on the local dining scene, Mitch Epstein. With 31 years in the restaurant business, Epstein has been inspired to start a restaurant unlike any other in the Valley.
"I wanted to create a place where people could get incredible sushi, but have the option of enjoying phenomenal steak as well," said Epstein, Owner and General Manager of Mitch's. "Since our head Chef is a sushi master, this will be a specialty, but the menu also offers an eclectic mix for those who seek fresh fish selections, soups and salads, great appetizers and an amazing wine, sake and cocktail menu as well."
Mitch's on El Paseo * Prime Seafood is open seven days a week from 11:30 am to 11 pm, serving Lunch and Dinner. There are Happy Hour specials daily that include a range of menu items such as sashimi, sliders, featured wines & Sake, martinis and other cocktails. Additional intriguingly themed nights will be added in the coming months as well.
Mitch Epstein began his restaurant career in San Diego, starting out as a bartender and working his way up to assistant manager of the Aspen Mine Company at just 22 years of age. He continued his restaurant management education with family-owned restaurants like Mr. A's, as well as franchises such as Carlos Murphy's. He moved to Las Vegas and became the VP of Food and Beverage Services at Walter's Golf in Las Vegas, and subsequently opened the restaurant, Cili, before coming to the desert in 2002.
After relocating to the Coachella Valley, in addition to being the Managing Partner at a local restaurant, Epstein serves on several Boards including the Ranch Recovery Centers, CBS Channel 2, and has been instrumental in working tirelessly with area charities and organizations to raise much needed funds and support. He plans to continue these efforts with Mitch's on El Paseo, and has pledges to host events and participate whenever possible.
Joining Epstein in the leadership of the restaurant is Chef James Holder - one of only a few sushi masters in California. Holder was raised in Japan as the son of an American serviceman and a Japanese mother, and remembers learning to 'cut fish' (as he calls it) when he was 13, in his village of Hiyama. "I do miss some parts of Japanese life. My family used to buy fish from salesmen who traveled through the town on bicycles," said Holder, who is also a chef-owner of several restaurants in San Diego. "I liked the way the salesmen remembered when it was my birthday, and dropped off an extra special piece of fish for my mother to cook, so now I get to follow my passion and share my love of personally designed fresh specialties with our patrons." Holder has developed many signature offerings and is proud to be a part of creating a new category of dining with Mitch's on El Paseo.
The location of Mitch's, the former Augusta Restaurant at the corner of Portola and El Paseo on the East end of the famed avenue, has undergone an extensive remodel to prepare for the opening, including impressive new front entry doors and a wall of wine display; smoked glass accents, flat screen TVs and eye-catching wall art; a revamp of the hostess station; a surprising new gold ceiling with sublime finishing touches; intimate and cozy new fire pits; and a variety of indoor and outdoor seating options. The restaurant will accommodate 275 people on both levels, with two distinctive bars.
"There are so many unusual and interesting facets in the original structure - a multitude of windows showcasing the spectacular mountain views and the expansive lawn and lush landscaping in the back of the restaurant" added Epstein. "We're just giving it a hip new vibe, and a welcoming, personal touch. Everyone knows I enjoy greeting my customers as they come in, remembering their seating preference, and being able to offer them a variety of different dining experiences all under one roof."
Mitch's on El Paseo * Prime Seafood offers the best of everything in a restaurant experience, including open architecture with an artistic flair, fabulous sushi and a variety of menu items to suit all tastes, and Mitch's signature approach to a more personal dining experience. The restaurant is located at 73951 El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA 92260.
For more information, call 760.779.9200, visit www.MitchsOnElPaseo.com or become a fan on Facebook.
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