Joel Robuchon 05-23-2013

Joel Robuchon
Las Vegas, NV
Thursday, 05/23/2013
http://www.mgmgrand.com/restaurants/joel-robuchon-french-restaurant.aspx

I ate at L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon a few years ago and thought it was awesome.  I told myself that one day, I'd be back to try the REAL DEAL, the adjacent 3-Michelin starred, Joel Robuchon.  I figured it would be a once in a lifetime dinner, so I splurged for the full tasting.  With a reservation to the restaurant, the MGM Grand can send a complimentary limo to your hotel and escort your party through a private entrance (through some fancy gardens apparently) to bypass the casino floor entrance.  I went ghetto style -- self-parking and a walk across casino grounds.  For a meal like this, you'll want to do as much walking as possible before and after engorging.  

 

 Butter and Olive Oil

Bread Cart

Bread: Bacon Baguette, Saffron Brioche, Comte Bread, Country Bread

Gruyere, Rosemary-Sea Salt Brioche, Olive Oil Bread

La Cerise - Cherry Gazpacho with Pistachios and Ricotta Ice Cream

The 'Right' Cocktail - Right gin, St. Germain Elderlower Liquer, Raspberries, Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice, Tonic, Lemon Zest [$19]

Reisling [no idea which one]

Le Tomato - Salad of Tomato with Basil Infused Olive Oil, Tomato Pelee Topped with Mozzarella

Le Caviar - Carrot Leaves with Yellowtail Carpaccio, Delicate Cream of Corn, Salmon Tartar with Shiso Sprouts

Bread - Classic Baguette, Bacon, Milk, Basil Brioche

Le Saint-Jacques - Pan Seared Sea Scallop in Green Curry and Fresh Coriander

Don't Remember What Cocktail This Was!

La Symphonie de Morilles - Ricotta and Herb Ravioli in a Pea Veloute, Delicate Morel Royale with Green Asparagus, Turnip and Arbois Vin Jaune Broth with Foie Gras

Le Homard - Grilled Lobster with Spinach Leaves, Roasted Black Pepper Sauce

L'Oursin - Uni Served Atop a Blend of Mashed Potatoes, Fennel and Anise

Le Black Cod - Black Cod on a Daikon Velvet Puree with Lime Zest

Le Boeuf - Grilled Beef Ribeye, Black Olive and Bone Marrow Condiment

Le Broccolini - Broccolini and Soybean Sprouts Served as a Risotto

Le Rubis - Raspberry Dome on Mascarpone with Red Fruit Coulis and Calpico Jelly

Coffee

Les Herbes - Green Chartreuse Sabayon Topped with Herb Sherbet and a Hazelnut Praline

Candy Cart

Candy Cart - Pineapple White Chocolate, Strawberry Cupcake, Strawberry Pistachio Tart, Rum Cannele, Raspberry Marshmallow, Dark Chocolate Orange Peel, Strawberry Cheesecake & White Chocolate, Chocolate Macaron, Coffee Eclair, Blood Orange Guave Gel

Candy Cart 2 - Creme Brulee, Panna Cotta with Strawberries, Baba Au Rhum

Departing Treat - Raspberry Marhmallows


Verdict

Pros:
- One of the most decadent meals I've ever had -- felt like a king!
- Most impressive bread array I've ever seen.
- Another best I've ever seen?  Why yes!  Best mignardises cart ever!
- The chilled cream of corn with caviar was so freakin money!

Cons:
- Edible gold flakes on multiple plates?  C'mon, a little much, don't you think?  Unless you want me going all 49ers on my poop, ditch the gold next time.
- The service was a bit stuffy, but I guess that's what high end 3-star Michelin dining can become?
- Please enforce the "jacket required" dress code.  I was pretty much the only one dressed as requested.
- The faux risotto soybean dish was a total fail IMHO.