Jimmy Schmidt, Executive Chef,
Morgan’s in the desert, La Quinta

Celebrated chef and restaurateur Jimmy Schmidt draws inspiration from the bounty of the Coachella Valley to create the contemporary American menu at Morgan’s in the desert, the signature dining venue at the legendary La Quinta Resort & Club. A native Midwesterner, Schmidt garnered national acclaim when he created the Rattlesnake Club in Detroit, which celebrates more than 20 years as an award-winning dining destination. He has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his 30-year career, including the prestigious James Beard Award for “Best Chef Midwest,” Wine Spectator’s “Award of Excellence,” and Gourmet Magazine’s “America’s Top Tables” and “America’s Best Restaurants.” He is the founder of Chefs Collaborative and was a founding board member of Share Our Strength®. In addition, Schmidt has authored and co-authored several cookbooks, including Cooking for All Seasons, Jimmy Schmidt’s Cooking Class and Heart Healthy Cooking for All Seasons, which he wrote with Alice Waters and Larry Forgione. He also wrote a weekly cooking column for Detroit News/Gannett Wire Services that appeared in 200 newspapers across the country.