Midori fans have now frequented the cheerful, authentic Japanese restaurant for five years at its Rancho Mirage location in the Pavilions shopping center at Bob Hope and Gerald Ford drives. For nearly two decades in Palm Desert, Midori’s owner Ako Hiroto had welcomed friends to her bustling, fragrant restaurant. Ako and her loyal kitchen and dining staff invite you to her fresh, contemporary Midori restaurant with split-level granite-topped sushi and martini bar. As Midori means a “green place” in Japanese, the restaurant is painted a cool apple green with smart charcoal accents. Midori has always been an oasis of Japanese culture and cuisine in the desert. Polished teak tables are spot lit with blue lotus lamps. Wrought-iron tables under umbrellas in the patio lend even more dining choices. Comfortable teak bar stools are drawn up to the duo bars where diners can sip a variety of martini drinks and sample sushi while waiting for a table, or opt to stay at the sushi bar for the complete experience. Enjoy such martinis as the Samurai with orange juice and peach schnapps, the Geisha with pineapple juice, and the Midori with Absolut Citron and a splash of Grand Marnier. Midori’s well-trained sushi chefs know how to entice first-time sushi eaters, as well as when to take experienced sushi lovers on new adventures. Among favorites are the Rainbow Roll with seven kinds of fish, the Midori Roll with fried calamari and green beans topped with fresh avocado and freshwater eel. Midori’s full menu of authentic Japanese cuisine includes a variety of noodle specialties, steamed dishes, tempuras, kazus or cutlets, and entrées don style, served over rice. Special combination and boat dinners provide samplers of favorites that serve two or more people. Lunch specials include choice of two entrées such as beef or chicken teriyaki, tempura, or sushi served with salad, soup, and rice. Midori is open for lunch daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and for dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. | 
