We meet up with acclaimed actor William Devane at the historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside, California.
It’s always a pleasure to spend time with actor and horse trainer William Devane, and meeting him for a lunch at the historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa in Riverside, California, is no exception.
The Spanish mission-style property was first built as a quaint adobe boarding house in 1876, expanding into a full-service hotel in the early 1900s. Today the National Historic Landmark occupies a city block and makes a memorable setting for a convivial conversation and meal.
Devane arrives for lunch after working with a young horse for an hour and a half at Deer Creek, his horse farm in Thermal, and hopping on the 60 Freeway to join me for a two-hour catch-up. He lights up as he divulges that 80 horses and 20 riders, along with 20-plus grooms, were on the Deer Creek polo field that morning.
Now down to the grub. Always watching his weight, Devane practices the “No White” diet and orders the Asian chicken salad — garnished with fresh cilantro, mini rice wontons, and sesame dressing — with unsweetened iced tea. Not so disciplined, I have the pasta primavera covered in a cheesy white sauce. Yum.
Great company, good food, and wonderful setting.
Here’s the recipe for the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa’s Asian chicken salad.
Asian Chicken Salad
(Chef’s note: The ingredients don't have set amounts. This allows home cooks to adjust the serving size to their preference. Pair with an Irvine & Roberts Vineyards chardonnay or your favorite white wine.)
Romaine lettuce, chopped
Red cabbage, chopped
Tangerines, peeled and sectioned
Chicken, cooked and cut into chunks
Asian salad dressing (your favorite will do)
Rice wontons, for garnish
Chopped green onion, for garnish
Sesame seeds, for garnish
1 cilantro sprig, for garnish
Add dressing and toss. Garnish with rice wontons, green onion, sesame seeds, and sprig of cilantro.
Read William Devane’s Palm Springs in the February/March 2019 issue.
Photography: Courtesy Mission Inn Hotel & Spa