We sat down with Executive Chef Nyitre Rogers of The Edge Steakhouse at The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage in Rancho Mirage, California. Dine in an elegant setting with panoramic views of Coachella Valley at this Palm Springs restaurant. The menu features seasonal dishes crafted from local ingredients and paired with regional wines.

The Edge Steakhouse at The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage: Meet the Chef — The Edge Steakhouse at The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage

Tell us about what your morning routine looks like, and how you like to end your day?

My mornings are all about setting the right tone for a full, fast-paced day in the kitchen. I like to start early with a workout because it helps me clear my head and get my energy flowing. Staying hydrated is a must, especially when you spend long hours around heat and movement. When the day winds down, I love to pour myself a glass of Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon and unwind with something lighthearted on TV. Before bed, I jot down a quick checklist for the next day. It helps me feel centered and ready to take on whatever’s ahead.

Do you have any awards or achievements you’d like to mention?

I’m proud to have graduated cum laude from Johnson & Wales University, which gave me a strong foundation in both the art and science of cooking. Later, I was honored to be selected for the Marriott Emerging Leader Program, an incredible experience that helped me sharpen my leadership skills and connect with other creative professionals across the industry. Those milestones really shaped the chef and mentor I am today.

Do you have a favorite chef that you look up to and what advice would you give to aspiring chefs?

I have so much admiration for Mashama Bailey and Kristen Kish. They each bring a distinct voice to the culinary world, blending artistry, culture, and confidence in such inspiring ways.

For anyone just starting out, I’d say get as much hands-on experience as you can and don’t be afraid to travel. Immersing yourself in new environments, flavors, and cultures will transform the way you cook and think about food.

What do you typically cook at home?

Lately, I’ve been in what I call my “ramen-meets-pho phase.” I love exploring the layers of flavor in Asian-inspired cuisine—Thai, Japanese, Lao—all of it. My home kitchen has become a bit of a playground for broth experiments and spice profiles. It’s a delicious way to keep my creativity flowing outside of work.

What’s a food trend that you’re loving right now and why?

I’m really drawn to globally inspired flavors—dishes that pull from multiple culinary traditions to create something exciting and unexpected. Ingredients like capers, fresh herbs, oregano, cilantro, and spices from West Africa and the Middle East are finding their way onto plates in such interesting ways. I’m actually working on a Mediterranean salsa verde that will be joining The Edge menu soon.

I’m also loving the balance of sweet and spice in savory dishes. There’s something magical about pairing heat with a touch of sweetness to create depth and harmony.

What’s the strangest food combination you’ve ever tried? And, did you like it?

Watermelon and crab. It sounds unexpected, but when you compress the watermelon and pair it with delicate crabmeat, the sweetness and brininess play beautifully together. It’s one of those surprising combinations that just works.

What drink do you enjoy most?

If I’m keeping it light, I love a soothing cup of hot tea. But if I’m treating myself, a well-crafted Mezcal cocktail is my go-to. It’s smoky, complex, and a little mysterious, kind of like a great dish!

Have you ever cooked for a celebrity? Do you have a story to tell?

Yes, I’ve had the pleasure of cooking for several high-profile guests and celebrities throughout my career! While I hold their privacy in the highest regard, each experience has reinforced my belief that great food creates a genuine connection — no matter who’s at the table.

What’s your Instagram so readers can follow you?

You can follow me on Instagram at @Nyinyi04.

Why should readers visit The Edge Steakhouse at The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage, in Rancho Mirage, California?

The Edge is unlike any other steakhouse in the desert. It’s bold, modern, and soulful. We dry-age our steaks in-house, craft our pastas by hand, and design our menus around what’s fresh, local, and seasonal. And then there are the views which are truly unmatched in the entire Coachella Valley. Dining here feels both luxurious and grounded in a sense of place, where fine dining meets the natural beauty of the desert.

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