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| - This Review reflects the $75.00 tasting Menu
As a novice when it comes to French, I was feeling a mix of intimidation and eagerness as I approached L'Atelier for my 5:00 reservation. All patrons present dressed pretty casual, no shorts of course, but no one in a sport coat or fancy cocktail dress. That relieved me as I'm certainly not big on dressing up, especially in Vegas. I had heard about the opportunity to try a Robuchon establishment at a bargain price and had to jump. So the adventure began.
Seating is counter-style. You face an open immaculate kitchen, where just two feet away your meals are prepared . The care, attention to detail, and skill are on full display here. It was awesome to watch!
As soon as we were seated we were presented with, as others have yelped "the most amazing french baguettes ever". They were delicious! I wanted to steal a few as every time we finished these mini treats off they were replenished. I ordered a drink and read the menu. It was a no-brainer as I opted for the $75.00 tasting menu and went with the Pork Belly, although I was tempted by the other two choices: Salmon and Rotisserie Chicken (which was being roasted and basted before my eyes).
Now it was time to chose a wine, which was a bit of a bummer... The selection is fantastic, but the prices were HIGH. A decent half bottle of wine was north of $100.00. But, really, if you're going to come to L'Atelier it would be a shame to go cheap on the vino. I went with what my waiter recommended: a 2005 Merlot which was about $125 for a half bottle.
The Amuse Bouche was a shot glass of foamed port wine, with foie gras topped with a delicate Parmesan foam, it was delicious and stimulating.
Next up was a selection of grilled vegetables served chilled with a room temperature buffalo mozzarella, it was delicious. The vegetables were perfectly seasoned and when served chilled the smokiness of the grilling contrasted with the sweet refreshment of the produce. The mozzarella was pure balance, a little salty but creamy and mild in the mouth.
Now was one of the superstars-- Buchon's famed langostine lobster, dressed in fashion-model thin pastry. It was a specimen of a langostine-- about four inches long and shaped like a small football, The shellfish inside was seasoned with a touch of herbs and lemon olive oil, melted butter, white pepper and a dash of something I'm guessing was white wine or champagne vinegar. Heaven on every small bite. The delicately sauced superstar glides smoothly around the mouth. Fork dropping for our party, with many "oohs" and "wow's" to spare. At this point I'm starting to believe the Robuchon hype. I'm having a moment here. This is one of the most delicious plates I have ever experienced. I don't want it to end, so I take my time and when it's gone I cringe. I want more.
With such a moment before, I'm worried that the entree might not live up to the spectacular moment I had with the the lobster. My pork belly arrives, a petite piece, in a small sauce covered with a compote, it's it's a whiff of intensely sweet and smokey onion to my nose. I was a little disappointed with the size of the entree, it looked like I could swallow it in three bites. The mashed potato side was about two tablespoons. At Robuchon the nose and eyes might tell a story, but the tongue is a documentary. Each small bite of the pork was sensational. Like a Jimmi Hendrix solo, the flavor explodes in beautiful, yet overwhelming directions. My senses were rocked! The potato, mashed scientifically through a mill, was simple and delicate, with a touch of cream and carefully incorporated mass amounts of butter. BUT BACK TO THE PORK BELLY--- It was so rich that after finishing I reflected on how GENEROUS it truly was. It was outrageously good. Amazing, delicious and simple. I was in heaven. Out of this world!
The cheese course was mild, and a great respite from the rich entree. I have a feeling the cheese were paired with our wine selection, a perfect way to finish the bottle!
With dessert you are asked if you would like the ice cream or the tart, if you're a party of two or more mix it up the selection. I'm not going to throw down any spoilers here, but dessert is just as special as the other courses.
Invincible!
Highly Recommended.
Parking/Tram: Very accessible, short walk from either.
Price: for the $75.00 menu, our party of four ended up with a $400 check, after wine, water, and coffee plus tip so HEADS up! We're not drinkers, but if you order a few cocktail and premium wines, the check will expand.
Service: Impeccable. Friendly and professional, highly personable and friendly, and spot on with timing. Standard setting.
The tasting menu lasted about 75 minutes. I will remember it forever!
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