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| - Being dubbed "the most expensive restaurant in the world" by some, high prices coupled with 3 Michelin stars and a plethora of awards, the flagship restaurant of the "Chef of the Century" better deliver on every single front. Unfortunately, JR disappointed on a few points.
First off, they offer complimentary limo service, but don't advertise it freely nor did they even mention a word of it when confirming reservations days in advance. When we did come in for our reso, there was nobody at the hostess stand, so we waited for a bit before someone came. Once they did come, they didn't even greet us--just asked if we had a reservation and under what name. This is unlike other Michelin restaurants I've come to where they anticipate you coming from 50 feet away and open the door with a warm smile. Maybe I'm being fastidious in this regard, but I had high expectations from beginning to end when it comes to this place.
I must say, the decor is dripping in elegance and luxury. It is quiet, secluded and roomy enough to have privacy between parties and their conversations. The faint piano music goes perfectly with the romantic, high-class atmosphere. A complete contrast to the obnoxiously loud vibrancy of the MGM Grand.
Upon being seated, we quickly decided to get the full experience with the 17-course degustation menu. Being somewhat lightweights, we decided to forego the optional accompanying 3-tiered selections of wine pairings and, feeling rushed, opted for a few glasses that I chose myself to pair with the food. The sommelier brought our glasses with pursed lips and barely any explanation of the wines whatsoever--another contrast with what I've experienced elsewhere in the Michelin world. Surprisingly, they do allow BYOB, but with a major corkage fee, something close to $100.
The 17 courses didn't come out in 17 separate plates. They were combined together to form multiple small bites in several platings that helped keep our time there to under 3 hours. From what I understand, the menu changes slightly here and there every so often, including the price.
The magnificent bread cart entices the senses and helps engage the consumer with anticipation on what's to come. Their velvety butter is flown in from France and makes quite the treat when smothered on especially the bacon bread and Gruyere brioche. The first course started off with Robuchon's signature dish--caviar atop king crab in a fishy jello. Cold. Our particular meal included only one course of foie gras. Also cold. I dislike cold foie gras, so we were disappointed that for the caliber of this place, they didn't offer a hot version of foie gras in their large course menu. The truffled langoustine ravioli was soft, velvety and rich. The sea scallop was too salty and rubbery for my taste. The spinach-wrapped lobster was excellent. The caramelized black cod (which I was gleefully looking forward too) was unmemorable. My husband thoroughly enjoyed the Kobe beef, so much that he ate half of mine! JR's signature whipped potatoes were an excellent accompaniment. The dessert platings were exceptional--beautifully crafted and tasted heavenly. The mignardises trolley (dessert cart) had an alluring assortment of sweet treats to entice even the fullest of bellies. However, the macarons, which are a French specialty and therefore should be the best of the best, were stale, hard and chewy. Honestly, the worst I've ever had, sad to say.
I was also bummed that we didn't get to meet chef Joël Robuchon himself. Apparently he is only there a few times a year--understandably so since he owns several restaurants around the world. But at every other 3 Michelin restaurant I've encountered, we've met the chef, so I was a little let down.
JR wants 5 stars. I hate being the one to deny them of this small luxury. I guess high expectations lead me to be somewhat deflated about the whole experience, and feel like putting my money on Jimmy Walker winning the PGA Championship that weekend would've been a more gratifying return on a high-stakes wager.
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