Palm Springs Maitre d': Secrets and Stories from Behind the Podium Hardcover – December 9, 2025

Fifty years. Countless stars. One legendary maître d’.Hollywood royalty, music legends and political powerhouses all knew his name—because Brian Ellis knew theirs.From a modest upbringing in a Los Angeles suburb to the premier maître d’ of Palm Springs, Brian Ellis has spent decades just to the right of the spotlight providing classic service to A-listers. At the iconic Melvyn’s Restaurant at the Ingleside Inn, Ellis perfected the art of hospitality as the right-hand man to iconic restaurateur Mel Haber.Over the years, his guest list has read like a Hollywood Hall of Fame: Tony Bennett, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lily Tomlin, Jack Lemmon, Donna Summer, Goldie Hawn, Nas, Miley Cyrus, Paris Hilton—and many more. His service has earned him multiple awards, a Star on the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars and a feature in the acclaimed documentary Sinatra in Palm Springs.Now, in this captivating memoir, Ellis pulls back the curtain on celebrities, scandals and the timeless glamour of Palm Springs nightlife.Step inside the world of the maître d’ to the stars—and experience stories you’ll never forget.This book is for you if you:• Love behind-the-scenes celebrity stories.• Are fascinated by Palm Springs’ golden-era glamour.• Enjoy memoirs about dedication, hard work and passion as it relates to the elegant restaurant scene• Want a front-row seat to decades of Hollywood history. Read more