Jennifer's Kitchen
Fine Foods Marketplace, Café and Catering

Seated in a cozy corner are Mary Ann La Fleur, mother of sisters Owner and Executive Chef Jennifer Johnson, and Director of Operations Amy Swanson with daughter Anna Swanson.

Just stepping into Jennifer’s Kitchen at the corner of Highway 111 at Peterson reminds you of California’s wine country and the bounty of good food for which our state is known. Jennifer Johnson, a native of Southern California, brings a wealth of talent, knowledge and passion to her Rancho Mirage café-marketplace. She was first known around the desert for her sumptuous catering talents before opening the café and marketplace in 2006.

Johnson seems to know instinctively what we want to eat. Her shelves, tables, deli case, freezer, and refrigerator cases are brimming with delightful, delectable morsels. Find an assortment of oils, vinegars, salts, glazes, dips, spreads, dried pastas, and gourmet sauces, chocolates, syrups, jellies, and jams all tantalizingly displayed about the store.

Order specialty sandwiches and salads in the café where the deli case is chock full of cheeses, salamis, olives, Greek garden, chicken and pasta salads, dolmas, and other surprises that change daily. Jennifer’s specializes in gourmet take out with such tempting frozen entrées as osso buco, jambalaya, chicken cacciatore, her famous turkey lasagna bolognese, seafood pot pie, baked penne casseroles, and Catalan braised lamb shank stew over cous cous. Hostess and gift baskets are custom designed for any occasion.

Racks of wines from all over the world line the floor and stack the center of the marketplace with a dizzying array of choices. A mural depicting a California-Tuscan wine country landscape by Orange County artist Connie King is a focal point upon entering the store. Graciously appointed with stacked stone walls, marble topped counters, large wood display tables, wood and metal racks, comfortable café seating and delicate lace curtains make Jennifer’s Kitchen warm and welcoming.

The café and marketplace is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays until 5 p.m. Take-out hors d’oeuvres trays are available with a 48-hour notice, and full catering and party planning services are a specialty.

SHOWN ABOVE: A tasty selection of the treasures you will find at Jennifer’s Kitchen, counter-clockwise from the bottom — Assorted fruit and cheese platter, Citrus Chicken Wrap and grilled veggies with a balsamic drizzle, Key Lime Cheesecake with a balsamic drizzle, Cimayo Chopped Chicken Salad, nestled amid raw pasta and a display of some of their prime vintages. The suggested wine is Four Graces, Williamette Valley, Oregon, Pinot Blanc, 2004. A mural by Connie King is in the background.

“Life is a banquet and Jennifer’s Kitchen celebrates every tasty moment.”

MENU HIGHLIGHTS

HORS D’OEUVRES
Belgium Endive Spears with Gorgonzola Mousse, Spiced Pecan and Dried Cranberry.
Fig and Walnut Tapenade with Chevre on Crostini.
Mini Grilled Turkey Reuben Sandwiches.

APPETIZERS
Mini Mediterranean Crab Cakes.
Spicy Artichoke Parmesan Dip.
Seasonal Gourmet Soups.

SANDWICHES
Hot
Fresh Mozzarella, Vine Ripened Tomatoes, Pesto Aioli on Kalamata Bread.
Black Forest Ham, Swiss and Brie with Grilled Apples on Country French.
Cold
Mediterranean Tuna Salad, Artichoke Hearts, Olives, Capers and Tomatoes

SALADS
Tuna and White Bean Niçoise.
Mediterranean Mezze, with Cous Cous Pilaf, Hummus, Stuffed Grape Leaf and Country Greek salad.
Grilled Salmon Fillet over mixed greens with lemon-caper aioli and tomato basil relish.

DESSERTS
Home-Style Chocolate Chunk Cookies.
Assortment of Gourmet Chocolates.

BEST OF THE CELLAR

RED WINES
Broll Mountain Vineyards, California, Syrah.
El Felino, Argentina, Malbec.
Cain 5 and Cain Cuvée, Napa.

WHITE WINES
Kris, Italy, Pinot Grigio
Saint Claire, New Zealand, Vicar’s Choice Sauvignon Blanc
Vinum Cellars, California, CNW (Chard-no-way) Chenin Blanc

JENNIFER'S KITCHEN
70-225 HIGHWAY 111
RANCHO MIRAGE, CALIFORNIA 92270
CATERING: (760) 202-9171; KITCHEN: (760) 324-3904

More Information - Websites, Maps and Directions

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