Story by Lisa Robyn Lawrence
Photos by Allen Lawrence

To see Sunday Brunch Photos by Allen Lawrence, click here.

Where, in the Coachella Valley, can you go for some of the most “get up, clap your hands n’ strut” Gospel music with a sumptuous array of all you can eat New Orleans Brunch Cuisine for only $19.00 per person?  Well the answer is right in our own backyard in Rancho Mirage at The Commissary.

Story by Lisa Robyn Lawrence
Photos by Allen Lawrence

To see Sunday Brunch Photos by Allen Lawrence, click here.

Where, in the Coachella Valley, can you go for some of the most “get up, clap your hands n’ strut” Gospel music with a sumptuous array of all you can eat New Orleans Brunch Cuisine for only $19.00 per person?  Well the answer is right in our own backyard in Rancho Mirage at The Commissary.

Chef, par excellence, Russ Olden, of Olden Days Catering, has cooked up a brilliant Sunday event that fills you, body, mind and spirit. Terry Williams on vocals and guitar and his kickin’ band, bass player Dale Schrivner, on Drums is Ray Heard, Russ Olden singing and playing harmonica and lead singer Keesha Dee. What a fantastic blend of musical flavors as they all sing and play from deep in their souls, and reach out and touch your’s too. Pair that with delectable, all you can eat, food and you can not help but smile from the inside out. This brunch is true Soul Food in so many ways.

Keesha Dee belted song after song and even treated us to some duets with her very talented daughter, Faith. Wow!,was all I could say. We heard songs like, “When the Saints Come Marching In,” “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” a Curtis Mayfield song, “People Get Ready,” and so many other touching Gospel songs. Chef Olden treated us to his singing and harmonica playing in the Blood Sweat and Tears song “And When I Die.” Chef Olden, Keesha and Terry Williams and his band filled with talented musicians, all kept the music going on for a very uplifting hour. We were all singing and clapping, then “Roger Gould, the “celery stalker” (one who uses a celery stalk like a marching baton) and a pair of “parasolers” (marching ladies with parasols) got up and marched all around the tables to the music. 

First timers to the Gospel Brunch, and 22 year valley residents, Mike and Carol Brill of Cruise One were enjoying the brunch and Bloody Marys. The Brills had lived in New Orleans for 17 years and when they saw that there was a New Orleans gospel brunch, they had to come and were glad they did. Mike said “you can’t beat the value for the food and entertainment.”

To lift your spirits even higher, the friendly bartender, Leslie Vaughn has concocted eight delicious variations of Bloody Marys, plus a weekly special, so there is sure to be one that will please and have you asking for another. Draft beer is just $2.00.  Leslie tends bar with a warm smile and quite a creative mind.

If this sounds like lots of fun and great food, don’t miss the Thursday Night Buffet and Karaoke from 6:00PM to 12:00 midnight. The buffet/karaoke is just $9.00 per person and is inclusive of dessert too. Bar drinks are extra.

Chef Russ Olden was out milling around with the audience and stopped to greet, Brigid Joyce and Marlene Kreedman who were having a wonderful time. Chef Olden’s mother, none other than world famous, and our local celebrity, Chef Jackie Olden, was there helping out, milling around and greeting patrons and making then feel welcome, as well.  

After Chef Olden’s fresh fruit cobbler and bread pudding deserts with some coffee, Sunday couldn’t have been better.

The best way to sum up the Sunday Gospel Brunch is to repeat what Mike and Carol Brill said to me, “Laissez La Bon Temps Roullez, Mon Cher!”  The New Orleans greeting in French for “Let the Good Times Roll, My Friend!”

The Commissary is open for the Summer Sunday Gospel Brunch from 10:30AM to about 1:30PM.  The Gospel show is about one hour. $19.00, is all inclusive of show and food for all you can eat. Bar drinks are extra. 

Every Thursday evening from 6:00PM to Midnight is Karaoke and Buffett for a mere $9.00 all inclusive of dessert as well. Bar drinks are extra.

The Commissary is located at: 69620 Hwy 111, Rancho Mirage,  Phone: 760- 202 - 0524.

Chef Russ Olden has created a most unique and inviting setting in our valley that can bring people together and build a stronger sense of community, feed your body, mind and soul, and promote world peace too!

Thank you Chef Russ Olden, the singin’ and groovin’ chef, and your staff for providing THE most unique brunch in the Coachella Valley.  More about Chef Russ Olden and Olden Days Catering, click here.

Thank you Terry Williams of Williams Entertainment for treating us to the multiple talents and kickin’ sounds of your fantastic band.

A special thank you also goes to Keesha Dee, a woman with a voice from the angels and a beautiful heart and soul that shines through her singing.

To see Sunday Brunch Photos by Allen Lawrence, click here.