Inside: Morton's Steakhouse

(Credit: Luis Ochoa )

Morton's in Palm Desert is a dining experience.

From the moment you walk in the door, Mitch Steinman, maitre d'/general manager, and his outstanding staff treat you with unparalleled service. Morton's was founded in 1978 by Arnie Morton and Klaus Fritsch on State Street in Chicago.

For 30 years, Morton's has made its mission to serve only the finest-quality foods including USDA prime aged beef, the freshest fish and seafood, award-winning wines and spectacular desserts.

Rich mahogany walls surround you as you enjoy dining with beautiful, crisp linens and Riedel stemware from Austria. It is no wonder that Morton's is a recipient of the highly coveted Wine Spectator's "Award of Excellence."

Start your meal by selecting from several incredible appetizers, including Broiled Sea Scallops Wrapped in Bacon with an Apricot Chutney, or the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake accompanied by a mild Mustard Mayonnaise Sauce.

If you're fortunate enough to be dining with a group, splurge and enjoy one of the Prime Ocean Platters. The "Chilled" version lets you savor delectable Maine Lobster, a Colossal Shrimp Cocktail, Jumbo Lump Crabmeat, Oysters on the Half Shell and Alaskan King Crab Legs.

Before you choose your mouth watering entrée, the outstanding staff will show you samples of the cuts available, plus seafood and vegetable selections.

Good luck selecting between New York Strip, Ribeye, Filet Mignon, Porterhouse and more.

Also available are a Broiled Salmon Fillet, Sesame Encrusted Yellowfin Tuna, Alaskan King Crab Legs and a Whole Baked Maine Lobster.

However, if you think that Morton's is only for those "special" occasions, I have exciting news: Mondays through Friday (5-6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. to closing) stop in at the bar and enjoy Bar Bites.

For around $5, enjoy Mini Prime Beef Cheeseburgers, Mini Crab cakes and Mini Filet Mignon Sandwiches. This is one of the best deals you will find anywhere.

In addition, on Sundays until the end of November, experience Morton's Prime Sirloin Burger (with French fries) for $19.78.

This is the signature dish that started it all. When Fritsch and Morton first started working together, Fritsch created this burger, and Morton proclaimed it as the best he had ever tasted. This is the burger that lead to the creation of 80 Morton's restaurants worldwide.

To make it an even sweeter deal, $5 from each sale of this famous dish will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Be sure to check the Morton's Web site (www.mortons.com) for a Steak and Seafood Offer for two for $99 (expires Nov. 28).

You won't find this on the menu. Once you complete your request on the Web site, a certificate will be sent to your e-mail account.

Great food combined with dear friends makes Morton's an experience to remember. The restaurant offers classic elegance at its finest.