Today we’d like to introduce you to Madalyn Botello.
Hi Madalyn, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Madalyn Botello–Owner and Operator of Wally’s Desert Turtle–is the third-generation proprietor of the legendary establishment. Her grandfather, Wally Botello, opened his last fine dining restaurant in 1978 after selling the Velvet Turtle, his popular chain of steakhouses. Since then, Wally’s has become one of the most prominent restaurants in the greater Palm Springs area and Desert Cities. Under Madalyn’s careful management, Wally’s continues to grow and thrive! Having worked at the restaurant since childhood, Madalyn not only has a detailed understanding of every part of the business but has built lasting connections with staff, vendors, and long-term regulars. Madalyn graduated from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration in 2017 and was subsequently accepted into the manager in a training program at the Four Seasons in Washington, D.C., where she completed three rotations in housekeeping, front office, and reservations before becoming an assistant manager. She takes a very hands-on approach to management and isn’t afraid to roll up her sleeves and do whatever is necessary to keep things running smoothly!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Managing people and navigating leadership can indeed be challenging endeavors. Through the process of leading others, one often embarks on a journey of self-discovery. It’s a profound learning experience that reveals insights not only about those we lead but also about ourselves.
In the realm of management, there are no shortcuts or easy answers. Each day presents its own set of hurdles, and it’s our resilience and adaptability that define our ability to overcome them. It’s about embracing the struggles as they arise and actively seeking solutions to surmount them.
Living life day by day, we encounter numerous challenges, both professionally and personally. It’s during these moments that we must prioritize what truly matters to us and what we need to thrive. By continually reassessing our priorities and aligning them with our goals, we pave the way for success.
Ultimately, managing people and navigating the complexities of leadership demand a commitment to growth and self-improvement. It’s a journey marked by both triumphs and setbacks, but it’s through these experiences that we evolve as leaders and individuals.
We’ve been impressed with Wally’s Desert Turtle, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
When Wally Botello, founder of the famed fine-dining chain “The Velvet Turtle,” moved to the Coachella Valley, he aspired to open a sophisticated new restaurant. He envisioned his final overture would pay homage to his previous establishment and carry his namesake—creating the iconic Wally’s Desert Turtle. During the planning stages, he sought the assistance of renowned designer Steven Chase, who frequently appeared in publications such as Architectural Digest, to render an elegant dining room with a timeless design. Chase’s masterful innovation blended contemporary and antique furnishings with accents of artwork collected worldwide. It is our privilege to have much of the decor still present today.
Wally’s Desert Turtle’s destiny was to become a quintessential five-star dining experience. With servers anticipating every guest’s needs while they relax and enjoy an evening of indulgence. Our classically trained original French Chef, Jean-Louis Jalouneix, tantalized their taste buds by creating a delectable menu. The Dover Sole, mushroom soup, and signature soufflés soon became known as Wally’s Classics and can still be enjoyed today.
After the passing of Wally in 1985, his son Michael Botello continued his father’s legacy and helped the establishment become a valley institution. Many celebrities, world dignitaries, and dear guests have honored us with their presence at our restaurant over the past forty-four years. We are delighted that the torch has passed to the third generation, with Michael’s daughter, Madalyn Botello, now taking reign of the family dynasty, serving our treasured friends, and introducing a new generation of guests to our beloved restaurant.
Most of our staff has worked with us over 20+ years
We are known for live music. Iconic dishes have Dover sole and rack of lamb but also new inspired dishes such as Scottish Salmon with quinoa and edamame and a lemon basil sauce.
We are proud of our legacy and our generational customers who have dined with us for years, and now their kids dine with us, and grandchildren and even great-grandchildren dine with us. We are also proud of our longevity for our employees who have been with us some from the very beginning.
What were you like growing up?
I always yearned for something beyond the confines of my upbringing in the Coachella Valley. Despite its growth over the years, it often felt like a bubble to me. From a young age, I harbored a deep desire to explore the world and push beyond my comfort zone. Traveling became my passion, and I embarked on immersion trips to immerse myself in different cultures. Whether it was attending a camp in Switzerland, exploring India during high school, or interning in Italy before starting college, I sought out every opportunity to broaden my horizons.
Even amidst my travels, my penchant for hard work and leadership remained steadfast. I thrived on being busy and taking charge. From as early as I can remember, I was involved in my family’s restaurant, contributing in every capacity imaginable since I was able to walk., I relished every moment of it. Being hands-on and having a sense of responsibility fueled my ambition to excel and ultimately paved the way for my journey beyond the boundaries of familiarity.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.wallysdesertturtle.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wallysdesertturtle/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wallysturtle
Image Credits
Brandon Harman
Jennifer Yount Payne
