The Divine Dish

Dinner at Joel Robuchon, MGM Grand, Las Vegas

Posted on Nov 01, 2011 under Archives | No Comment

Multiple award-winning chef Joel Robuchon offers classic French cuisine at his upscale Joel Robuchon restaurant in the MGM Grand.

Considered by many to be the greatest living chef, I was anxious to finally taste the cooking legend’s menu.  The cost had prohibited me from dining at the famous eatery since I began reporting on food in Las Vegas.  I finally got a press invite and jumped at the chance to enjoy some of the best food in the world.

The elegant restaurant has 17-foot ceilings, a black and purple color scheme, a huge Swarovski chandelier and seating for 42.  There is also a small more intimate charming adjacent garden dining area that seats 12.

Diners can choose from two prix fixe tasting menus (one large sixteen course menu and one smaller six course menu) as well as the option to order off of the a la carte menu.  My friend Jodi and I opted for the six course tasting menu as we had to leave for the Elvis Cirque show and had a two hour dinner limit.  If you want to indulge in the large sixteen course tasting menu, I recommend leaving at least four hours to be able to thoroughly enjoy the atmosphere and each course.

All of the courses were extremely refined.  The plating was exquisite.  We found ourselves staring at the artwork of our plates for long periods of time before diving in with utensils to taste each course.  The cuisine was subtle yet so deeply flavored that the taste of each course stayed with us long after we left.  Here is what we enjoyed at Robuchon:

We could spend the evening sampling all the goodies on the extensive bread cart, but limited our selections to two each.

After a taste of the fluffy rosemary rolls, I also had some olive and parmesan bread.

We were served a smoking amuse of an emulsion of blood orange on a wild berry gelee.

Jodi ordered a lobster salad with melon and artichoke.

I had the foie gras and violet artichoke salad with gold leaf.

Next came a mushroom and veal ravioli course cooked in broth with white truffles.

Our next course was homemade spaghetti topped with a soft poached egg and shaved white truffles.

Jodi ordered a halibut with braised vegetables.

I ordered the beef ribeye with wasabi spinach and a bell pepper medley.

The cheese cart showcased dozens of cheeses from all over the world.

We ordered a raspberry parfait with vanilla bean ice cream and a bavarois and cookie crunch inside a dark chocolate sphere for dessert.

We were also given an nice assortment of truffles and homemade marshmallows to take home.

Joel Robuchon is the perfect restaurant to celebrate a special occasion.  Located at 3799 South Las Vegas Boulevard inside the MGM Grand, reservations can be made by visiting www.smartervegas.com.