GREAT EATS: 3 Palm Desert, 14 Valley Chefs Named Among 'Best' in Nation

A total of 17 Coachella Valley chefs– three of them from Palm Desert– have been named among the 'best chefs in America' in a new peer review publication recently released.

The chefs were all named in the inaugural edition of the coffee table book Best Chefs America, according to a news release touting the honor.

"This is the first-ever peer review guide of U.S. chefs, who were chosen after extensive interviews between their fellow chefs and Best Chefs America analysts," an announcement stated.

The following local chefs were honored: 

• Herve Glin, of Cork Tree, Palm Desert
• Bernard Dervieux, of Cuistot, Palm Desert
• Pierre Pelech, of Chez Pierre, Palm Desert

• Johannes Bacher, of Johannes, Palm Springs
• Alen Badzak, of Europa, Palm Springs
• Dave Conn, of Tinto, Palm Springs
• Mario Curci, of Jake's Palm Springs, Palm Springs
• Brian Kiepler, of Ace Hotel & Swim Club, Palm Springs
• Jean-Paul Lair, of Le Vallauris, Palm Springs
• Jesse Souza, of Circa 59, Palm Springs

• Jin Heo, of Okura Robata, La Quinta
• Emmanuel Janin, of La Brasserie Bistro and Bar, La Quinta
• Jimmy Schmidt, of Morgan's in the Desert, La Quinta
• Francisco Solano, of Solano's Bistro, La Quinta
• Moe Tello, of LG's Prime Steakhouse, La Quinta

• Rudy Campuzano, of Indian Wells Country Club, Indian Wells

• Oscar Rojas, of Trilussa, Cathedral City

One of the chefs named, Chef Johannes Bacher, says the honor is something that he's "thrilled" to have received.

“I am thrilled to be nominated by my peers and included in Best Chefs America,” states Chef Bacher. “This recognition is truly an honor and gives me yet another reason to be appreciative of my fellow professionals and chosen profession.”

More than 5,000 chefs from across the nation participated in the survey, which is billed as the "ultimate chef's guide to chefs."  A total of 4,650 chefs are in the guide, which is sold here.

The people behind the book say they spent nearly 10 months conducting thousands of telephone interviews of chefs who were nominated by other chefs for the book.

Have YOU eaten at any of the listed restaurants?  What do you think about the food?  Tell us in the comments!