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.
