Jillian's
The Romance Continues

The Trubees: Jay, daughter Jillian, 16, Mackenzie, 13, and June.

Romantic. Inviting. Original. Uncompromising quality. Superb cuisine graciously served in an extraordinary atmosphere, is the unique inspiration of proprietors Jay and June Trubee. The Trubees’ winning combination has earned Jillian’s many accolades including a feature in Gourmet Magazine and the Wine Spectator “Award of Excellence” since 1994. They attribute much of their success to their loyal staff, with most having been with them since 1986.

Jay’s Culinary Institute of America training and travels in Europe and the United States has inspired his imaginative, eclectic cuisine. All pastas, breads, and desserts are made fresh in-house daily. During the fishing season in Nantucket, chef Trubee prepares Nantucket scallops flown in overnight. He is also responsible for their extensive wine list. His love of the art of cooking paired with fine wine and the desire to continually strive for perfection distinguishes Jillian’s.

Delving into the history of their charming circa 1948 hacienda has deepened the Trubees’ appreciation of their building and its historical value within the community. Preserving its original charm, it is with impeccable taste and style that June has created a warm and inviting atmosphere. The four intimate dining rooms are exquisitely decorated with fine antiques, fresh flowers, and a superb art collection. Each room connects into a charming courtyard, magically lit in the evening for romantic outdoor dining.

Upon arriving, guests enter through magnificent wrought-iron gates into an enchanting garden filled with vibrantly colored flowers. This is the perfect place to relax listening to live music while enjoying a drink under a star-lit sky. Each summer the Trubees, with daughters Jillian and Mackenzie, travel to Nantucket, always in search of new ideas to keep their restaurant fresh and interesting for their loyal following of local and celebrity clientele.

Serving dinner with live entertainment Monday through Saturday from 6 p.m. Reservations are highly recommended. Seating up to 200, Jillian’s is available for private parties, weddings, and corporate events.

SHOWN ABOVE: A few of the creations by Chef/Owner Jay Trubee, who draws on his world travels and exquisite taste to present an eclectic menu, clockwise from the bottom — Maine Lobster Salad, sweet, tender poached Maine lobster atop a bed of butter lettuce with champagne vinaigrette, baby tomatoes, fresh mango, and avocado; Grilled milk-fed Veal Chop with a Cabernet demi-glaze and slivered fried onions, served with seasonal vegetables; Decadent Date, a steamed pudding, made from Sous Chef Jorge Barajas’ locally grown Medjool dates, warmed with a whiskey-laced butterscotch sauce and served with vanilla bean ice cream; and Spaghetti Al Pesto, homemade spaghetti tossed with a lush blend of fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and Reggiano, garnished with sweet baby tomatoes.

“Jay Trubee’s imaginative eclectic cuisine paired with June’s Scottish charm make Jillian’s a most unique experience.”

MENU HIGHLIGHTS

APPETIZERS
Spicy Corn Chowder
Stuffed Anaheim Chilies with Tomato-Lime Salsa
Tower of Crab
Spaghetti al Amatriciana
All Homemade Pastas

ENTRÉES
Roasted Colorado Rack of Lamb
Lake Superior Whitefish Dijonaise
Sautéed Nantucket Bay Scallops with champagne and lemon buerre blanc
Double-Cut Pork Chop with Apples, Sausage, and Jorge's Dates
Baked Organic Scottish Salmon in Parchment

DESSERTS
Fresh Blueberry Cheesecake
Decadent Date Pudding
Baked Apple Dumpling
Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble

BEST OF THE CELLAR

RED WINES
Bryant Family Cabernet Sauvignon
Rochioli, Pinot Noir
Cakebread, Reserve Wines
Merry Edwards, Pinot
Rudd, Cabernet
Peter Michael Wines

WHITE WINES
Kistler
Peter Michael
Mer Soleil

HOUSE WINES
Red:
Ferrari-Carano Merlot
Grigich Hills, Cabernet

White:
“J” by Jordan, Sparkling
Le Crema, Chardonnay
Campagnola, Pinot Grigio

JILLIAN’S
74-155 EL PASEO
PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA 92260
(760) 776-8242 FAX: (760) 776-8247

More Information - Websites, Maps and Directions

BY PAMELA BIERI
PHOTOGRAPHY: ARTHUR COLEMAN/ASSISTANT: TIM CARTER
FOOD STYLIST: ROLAND BIERI