L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon (Las Vegas, NV)

L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon
MGM Grand Hotel
3799 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Dining date: 4/26/17

On my most recent trip to Las Vegas, I chose to return to this restaurant for the first meal in town. This is Joel Robuchon’s more ‘casual’ concept next door to his eponymous fine dining establishment, which primarily features bar seating around the open kitchen. This was my second time dining here, although I have also dined at the Paris, London, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Taipei locations.

A few menu options are available, including 5-course and 6-course prix fixe menu options. A ‘seasonal discovery’ tasting menu is also available, 9 courses for $195. That’s the menu we opted for this evening.

A trio of breads and butter were the first bites of the evening.

foie gras parfait with port wine reduction and parmesan emulsion

langoustine tartare, guacamole, tomato coulis

white asparagus topped with french ham and a creamy butter sauce

braised sea scallop in a seaweed butter and lime zest

hot spinach veloute on a delicate nutmeg royale with morels

lightly seared kampachi with malabar pepper, lemon confit and crispy caper

duo of duck foie gras and free range chicken with caramelized belgian endives

rum gelee with mint sorbet and lime foam

delicate orange-cinnamon carrot cake with coconut sorbet

We had a good meal here, although no singular dish ‘wowed.’ The foie parfait was an excellent starter, rich with the fatty liver’s flavor, cut by the sweet port wine reduction. The kampachi was another highlight with its perfectly seared, moist flesh with lemon and salty capers. Chicken and foie gras terrine was another good one, with its interplay of contrasting textures and rich flavors. Lastly, the mojito pre-dessert was delicious and refreshing while the carrot dessert was beautifully presented. I was glad to return, although it will probably be a long time before my next visit. There are just too many other options in Las Vegas (and other locations of this restaurant around the world).