Las Vegas - Wynn, Robuchon top Michelin 2009 Vegas guide

Hoping this isn't old news:

"The 2009 Michelin guidebook for Las Vegas has given its top hotel rating to the Wynn Las Vegas and its top restaurant rating to Joel Robuchon at the MGM Grand hotel."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap_travel/20081022/ap_tr_ge/travel_brief_michelin_guide_las_vegas;_ylt=AmjXbKF .ZX4GMIH6ovNaJW.s0NUE

I'm hoping to eat at the Atelier at Robuchon next time I'm in Vegas, since that is a little more in my price range.

Michelin has come out with 2008 listing of starred restaurants in Las Vegas. Only one 3-star restaurant, Joel Robuchon. Below is listing (with hotel/location):

3-Stars:
Joel Robuchon (MGM)

2-Stars:
Alex (Wynn)
Guy Savoy (Caesars)
Picasso (Bellagio)

1-Star:
Alize (Palms)
Andres (downtown)
Aureole (Mandalay Bay)
Bradley Ogden (Caesars)
Daniel Boulud Brasserie (Wynn)
L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon (MGM)
Le Cirque (Bellagio)
Mesa Grill (Caesars)
Michael Mina (Bellagio)
miX (Mandalay Bay)
Nobu (Hard Rock)
Wing Lei (Wynn)

Source: http://www.michelinguide.com/lv_stars08.html

A couple of changes from last year's list (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=761988) above - gone is Mesa Grill (Caesars) and new to the list is Restaurant Charlie (Palazzo).

2009 Michelin List:
3-Stars:
Joel Robuchon (MGM)

2-Stars:
Alex (Wynn)
Guy Savoy (Caesars)
Picasso (Bellagio)

1-Star:
Alize (Palms)
Andres (downtown)
Aureole (Mandalay Bay)
Bradley Ogden (Caesars)
Daniel Boulud Brasserie (Wynn)
DJT (Trump)
L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon (MGM)
Le Cirque (Bellagio)
Michael Mina (Bellagio)
miX (Mandalay Bay)
Nobu (Hard Rock)
Restaurant Charlie (Palazzo) New
Wing Lei (Wynn)

Hoping this isn't old news:

"The 2009 Michelin guidebook for Las Vegas has given its top hotel rating to the Wynn Las Vegas and its top restaurant rating to Joel Robuchon at the MGM Grand hotel."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap_travel/20081022/ap_tr_ge/travel_brief_michelin_guide_las_vegas;_ylt=AmjXbKF .ZX4GMIH6ovNaJW.s0NUE

I'm hoping to eat at the Atelier at Robuchon next time I'm in Vegas, since that is a little more in my price range.

A few months ago I ate at the Atelier. The food was excellent but they should supply a magnifying glass and tweezers :p since the portions are very small. There are few tables, so most people end up sitting at the bar. I think that all the food for both Robuchon restaurants is prepared at the Atelier. About a year ago I ate at Le Cirque in Bellagio and thought their food was better than the Atelier's.

MIX got a star??! Well there goes all credibility for this guide then...

A few months ago I ate at the Atelier. The food was excellent but they should supply a magnifying glass and tweezers :p since the portions are very small. There are few tables, so most people end up sitting at the bar. I think that all the food for both Robuchon restaurants is prepared at the Atelier. About a year ago I ate at Le Cirque in Bellagio and thought their food was better than the Atelier's.

And the seating/tables/bar for Atelier are VERY uncomfortable.
I agree 100% with the above assesment.I will also add that even with the "reduced"prices I felt sorry for my hostess.

They seem really biased toward French restaurants. Aureole and Mix are really nothing special.

Daniel Bouloud, on the other hand is a hidden gem and not as as expensive as some. That may change now...

QL

They seem really biased toward French restaurants.
QL

A common complaint about Michelin, and definitely something to take into account with their ratings. Although I don't know if Zagat or Yelp are any more reliable.

Then again, I think the best I've eaten according to Michelin is a 1-star, so I am above my paygrade in this discussion. ;)

MIX got a star??! Well there goes all credibility for this guide then...

Alain Ducasse is affiliated with MIX, and he is one of Michelin's favorite sons...

After some years of following Michelin's antics in Spain, France, and now the US, their way of assigning stars is starting to make some sense, but is still quite unpredictable.

Guy Savoy and Alex are exquisite, "better" by most objective measures than any of the * restaurants. Elaborate, unique preparations of unusual and expensive ingredients are the rule of the day at ** and *** places. If you are looking for simple food, well prepared, any Michelin ** or *** is not your place. Some * places will fit into that category. Other * restaurants are more ambitious and "on the way up" while others are old dinosaurs on the way down from past *** glory.

Frankly I am surprised Picasso is still (or ever was) **, it seems more like a "high *" to me.

I have never been to Joel Robuchon...after one mediocre and one disappointing experience at L'atelier, I am just not willing to take the risk at that price point when there are so many outstanding choices in the neighborhood.

I believe Daniel Boulud was * in last year's guide, and it does seem to represent good value compared to other starred restaurants. The cuisine is a bit more rustic than most places considered for a star, but there again is the bias toward French celebrity chefs...I think Bouchon is similar and as good as Boulud, but the LV branch is not starred (Yountville is *)

Another question: Would Daniel Boulud Las Vegas be a * if it were located in Paris? I seriously doubt it. As I glance down the list, I ask myself "Would any of these * places be starred in France?" I think only L'Atelier, Le Cirque, and Restaurant Charlie would be one star. (Alex and Guy Savoy are frankly BETTER than most ** restaurants I have been to in Europe and could presumably retain that ranking even in Paris.)

Michelin claims to only evaluate the food when assigning stars, but any restaurant with 2 or 3 stars is extremely formal in terms of decor and service as well. So, come to think of it, Le Cirque LV has the "infrastructure" to be ** and if their food preparations were a bit more cutting edge, they probably would be.

BTW, I have heard and read that DJT is no longer a fine dining restaurant but due to lack of demand has been converted to a much more casual cafe menu...can anyone confirm?

A few months ago I ate at the Atelier. The food was excellent but they should supply a magnifying glass and tweezers :p since the portions are very small.

I had a similar experience at L'Atelier in Paris. The food was very good but the portions were barely larger than the size of an amuse bouche :o




Another question: Would Daniel Boulud Las Vegas be a * if it were located in Paris? I seriously doubt it. As I glance down the list, I ask myself "Would any of these * places be starred in France?"



You bring up a very good point. I honestly think that Michelin lowered their standards when they sent their inspectors to the U.S.

In New York, I really love Jean Georges. But I don't think it would be a three star in Europe. Two probably. Same with Le Bernardin.
http://www.michelinguide.com/us/stars_nyc_09.html


In San Francisco, Auberge du Soleil deserves its one star. I like Bouchon and Range but they would not receive one star in Europe.
http://www.michelinguide.com/us/09_sf_stars.html



Related article:
http://www.slate.com/id/2129306/

re joel robuchon, they have a la carte now >
http://www.mgmgrand.com/dining/joel-robuchon-french-restaurant-a-la-carte-menu.aspx

IIRC

alex starts at $145 for 3 course
guy savoy starts at $190
joel robuchon starts at $250 for 6 course

only guy savoy and joel robuchon have required dress codes (jacket and formal respectively)

So what did Bobby Flay do to rankle the Michelin poobahs into yanking his star?

So what did Bobby Flay do to rankle the Michelin poobahs into yanking his star?

Maybe his new Food Network show "Bobby Flay: More footage of me just being an a******" didn't make a good impression. ;)

(note: I don't mind him on Iron Chef America, but "Throwdown" and his other shows? no thanks)

Caught an interesting interview with the director of Michellin N. America on KNPR State of Nevada radio program last week. Not sure if there is a link to it available online.

Not sure if there is a link to it available online.http://www.knpr.org/son/archive/detail.cfm?ProgramID=1447

Do you think that the AAA Diamond awards (which come out soon, I think) are a better guide?

Do you think that the AAA Diamond awards (which come out soon, I think) are a better guide?

No. I think Michelin is the best guide for fine dining, but the way they rate restaurants in various countries differs widely. There are one star restaurants in Spain which should be two, and one stars in the US which should be zero, given France as the benchmark.

The AAA guide does not focus on fine dining and gives four diamonds out to establishments which would not appear in Michelin at all.

So what did Bobby Flay do to rankle the Michelin poobahs into yanking his star?

I never found the food at Mesa Grill any good (much less spectacular) and the service on both times I visited was a disgrace. I'm incredulous that it got a * at all in the first place.


Frankly I am surprised Picasso is still (or ever was) **, it seems more like a "high *" to me.

Agreed, I've never been particularly impressed with the menu. The service, while good, was not outstanding on my visits either. Perhaps Michelin overscored the decor and ambiance as they are sometimes known to do?


I have never been to Joel Robuchon...after one mediocre and one disappointing experience at L'atelier, I am just not willing to take the risk at that price point when there are so many outstanding choices in the neighborhood.

I think Robuchon is worth a visit at least once in every foodie's lifetime (and if you go, go all the way... do the 16-course). I was suitably impressed with my visit. However, you are right that there are much better options value-wise, especially as far as tasting menus are concerned... Alex, Le Cirque, Michael Mina are just the first three that come to mind as far as much better deals. Possibly Charlie Trotter's too, if it's anything like the one in Chicago (I've never been to the LV one).

In the past week I have dined at Aureole and Daniel Boulud and felt they both earned their star. Service at Aureole was over the top great, and the three course menu was well priced at $75. The room is massive and beautiful, but on a quiet night (about eight tables occupied), it comes off a bit depressing.

Boulud is certainly a more casual bistro style restaurant. Service was not as attentive as Aureole, but maybe that fits more with their intended image. My entree was outstanding (Coq au Vin), but the special starter for the day was unexciting. Scallops Ceviche in pomegranate sauce sounded interesting, but came off bland.

In comparison to these two restaurants which I believe earn their star, I also ate at Bouchon. My expectations were high upon visiting, despite no Michelin rating. Heck, its Thomas Keller.

Bouchon comes off visually as a large (yet feels cramped when seated) noisy bistro, that looks like it was designed to fool LV visitors into thinking that is what a Paris bistro looks like. Service was above average, but the food was ho-hum. It has a very large menu, and maybe on a return trip my wife and I might hit some menu items that stand out. Michelin not granting them a star, is appropriate IMO.

re joel robuchon, they have a la carte now >
http://www.mgmgrand.com/dining/joel-robuchon-french-restaurant-a-la-carte-menu.aspx

IIRC

alex starts at $145 for 3 course
guy savoy starts at $190
joel robuchon starts at $250 for 6 course

only guy savoy and joel robuchon have required dress codes (jacket and formal respectively)

I never knew that Robuchon never offered a la carte before. I take it all the top restaurants now offer this in Vegas? Do you feel that tasting menus get a little old after you been to the restaurant one or two times (having the menu before)?

How do you guys compare the cuisine and quality of these three restaurants?

guy savoy has a la carte now too
http://www.caesarspalace.com/casinos/caesars-palace/restaurants-dining/restaurant-guy-savoy-detail.html

anyone been to the bubble bar?

alex is only one left with price fixe only, at $150+ (not sure what price is now)

although guy savoy and joel robuchon remain only 2 with actual dress code

Guy Savoy always had a la carte. Alex has a three-course price and a higher priced tasting menu, but they will give you whatever you want.

QL

although guy savoy and joel robuchon remain only 2 with actual dress code

Vegas is known to waive dress codes. ;) And, as long as one looks "sharp" there is really no need for a "code" IMHO.

Alex has a three-course price and a higher priced tasting menu, but they will give you whatever you want.

^^

re alex is that because of the economy or has it always been that way?

odd guy savoy never mentioned it online before. they fairly recently added all the menus that now appear.

baccarat_king, what have you heard of people "getting away with" at joel robuchon and guy savoy? :D

I have been to all of the following:

Robuchon and Savoy both are three stars in my opinion. I give a slight nod to Joel. If you can not afford the most expensive menu it is still worth it to try the entry level meals. You still get the same service and all the little extras.

I would put L'Atelier and Alex both at two stars if you get the tasting menu at Alex. L'Atelier has a much better price point than Robuchon next door but you still can sample his food at a lower price point. If you are a single diner it is easy to eat at the bar.

I like Picasso but do not think it is a two star. However I think it would be the best one star out there and the best overall value in the top restaurant catagory. Plus you get the fountains view and the masters paintings, Michael Mina is my other one star favorite.

Skip Bouchon for dinner but I highly suggest it for breakfast

2009 Michelin List:
3-Stars:
Joel Robuchon (MGM)

2-Stars:
Alex (Wynn)
Guy Savoy (Caesars)
Picasso (Bellagio)

1-Star:
Alize (Palms)
Andres (downtown)
Aureole (Mandalay Bay)
Bradley Ogden (Caesars)
Daniel Boulud Brasserie (Wynn)
DJT (Trump)
L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon (MGM)
Le Cirque (Bellagio)
Michael Mina (Bellagio)
miX (Mandalay Bay)
Nobu (Hard Rock)
Restaurant Charlie (Palazzo) New
Wing Lei (Wynn)
__________________

Looking at the 2009 AAA 5-Diamond list: Alex, Le Cirque, Picasso, Savoy, and Joel got the honors.

29 restaurants (3 in Henderson, and the rest in Vegas) got the 4-Diamond award. You'll have to take away Andre's restaurant in Las Vegas since it closed. DJT and Restaurant Charlie weren't listed.

http://ww2.aaa.com/scripts/WebObjects.dll/AAAOnline.woa/203/wo/I4tzKoaQYTFL3qgI2Utlg0/0.9.13.8.3.0.1.2.2.15.1.0.1.1.0.0

guy savoy has a la carte now too
http://www.caesarspalace.com/casinos/caesars-palace/restaurants-dining/restaurant-guy-savoy-detail.html

anyone been to the bubble bar?

alex is only one left with price fixe only, at $150+ (not sure what price is now)

although guy savoy and joel robuchon remain only 2 with actual dress code

I have been to the bubble bar at Guy Savoy a number of times. It represents an outstanding value, with 4 small plates going for $40. Many of these are tiny versions of the dishes on their "real" menu. You can make an outstanding tasting menu for yourself out of 8 of these dishes, and that is a steal at $80 compared to similar food elsewhere (or even in the main dining room of Guy Savoy.)

dankyone, thanks for the info. how good is the champagne by the glass?

Looking at the 2009 AAA 5-Diamond list: Alex, Le Cirque, Picasso, Savoy, and Joel got the honors.

29 restaurants (3 in Henderson, and the rest in Vegas) got the 4-Diamond award. You'll have to take away Andre's restaurant in Las Vegas since it closed. DJT and Restaurant Charlie weren't listed.

The link provided didn't work for me, so here are direct links to five diamond / four diamond lists (.pdf):

2009 AAA/CAA Five Diamond Restaurants (.pdf) (http://aaa.biz/approved/Diamond_Awards/2009/2009_5D_Restaurants.pdf)
2009 AAA/CAA Four Diamond Restaurants (.pdf) (http://aaa.biz/approved/Diamond_Awards/2009/2009_4D_Restaurants.pdf)

Or, for your convenience, four diamond restaurants in LV copy+pasted:

Nevada

HENDERSON
Hank's Fine Steaks & Martinis, 3
Marssa, 2
Medici Cafe and Terrace, 6

LAS VEGAS
Alizé, 3
Andre's at The Monte Carlo, 5
Andre’s Las Vegas, 5
Aureole, 9
BARTOLOTTA, Ristorante di Mare, 3
Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill, 1
Bradley Ogden, 1
Craftsteak, 3
David Burke Las Vegas, 1
Eiffel Tower Restaurant, 9
Fiamma, 3
Fleur de Lys, 4
Jasmine, 3
L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon, 3
Michael Mina, 1
Mix, 2
Nobhill, 4
Okada, 3
Pearl, 4
Prime Steakhouse, 4
Seablue, 4
Sensi, 3
Shibuya, 4
Stripsteak, 2
SW Steakhouse, 3
Wing Lei, 3

baccarat_king, what have you heard of people "getting away with" at joel robuchon and guy savoy? :D

Can't comment on Guy Savoy, but despite the "formal" dress code, Joel doesn't seem any more a stickler about the dress code than similar restaurants and I have seen people there wearing jeans and/or polos. I have gone without a jacket and there wasn't a problem. However, like at Alex, most people are wearing suits or at least coat jackets.

Of course, I'm probably the wrong person to ask about pushing dress code limits. I hate dressing up to eat - not to mention that Vegas is way too hot for jackets in the summer - and because I frequently decide to go to these places on a whim (i.e., while I'm already at the casino), I often am wearing white sneakers. Of course, places that know me never have a problem with it, but I probably wouldn't risk wearing white sneakers to Alex or Joel. :)

I have been to the bubble bar at Guy Savoy a number of times. It represents an outstanding value, with 4 small plates going for $40.Could one go to the bubble bar attired in "dressy business casual" (no jacket)?

The link provided didn't work for me, so here are direct links to five diamond / four diamond lists (.pdf):

2009 AAA/CAA Five Diamond Restaurants (.pdf) (http://aaa.biz/approved/Diamond_Awards/2009/2009_5D_Restaurants.pdf)
2009 AAA/CAA Four Diamond Restaurants (.pdf) (http://aaa.biz/approved/Diamond_Awards/2009/2009_4D_Restaurants.pdf)

Or, for your convenience, four diamond restaurants in LV copy+pasted:

Nevada

HENDERSON
Hank's Fine Steaks & Martinis, 3
Marssa, 2
Medici Cafe and Terrace, 6

LAS VEGAS
Alizé, 3
Andre's at The Monte Carlo, 5
Andre’s Las Vegas, 5
Aureole, 9
BARTOLOTTA, Ristorante di Mare, 3
Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill, 1
Bradley Ogden, 1
Craftsteak, 3
David Burke Las Vegas, 1
Eiffel Tower Restaurant, 9
Fiamma, 3
Fleur de Lys, 4
Jasmine, 3
L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon, 3
Michael Mina, 1
Mix, 2
Nobhill, 4
Okada, 3
Pearl, 4
Prime Steakhouse, 4
Seablue, 4
Sensi, 3
Shibuya, 4
Stripsteak, 2
SW Steakhouse, 3
Wing Lei, 3



Can't comment on Guy Savoy, but despite the "formal" dress code, Joel doesn't seem any more a stickler about the dress code than similar restaurants and I have seen people there wearing jeans and/or polos. I have gone without a jacket and there wasn't a problem. However, like at Alex, most people are wearing suits or at least coat jackets.

Of course, I'm probably the wrong person to ask about pushing dress code limits. I hate dressing up to eat - not to mention that Vegas is way too hot for jackets in the summer - and because I frequently decide to go to these places on a whim (i.e., while I'm already at the casino), I often am wearing white sneakers. Of course, places that know me never have a problem with it, but I probably wouldn't risk wearing white sneakers to Alex or Joel. :)

Thanks for the list. Sorry about the link. Do you think that list is a good rating list (in general)?

As for dressing up, I like the dress code (at least jackets and slacks) at the best places (Alex, Joel, Guy, ect.). Of course, this would to apply to any restaurant of that caliber around.

dankyone, thanks for the info. how good is the champagne by the glass?

It is excellent, but pricey.

Their house champagne "R&L Legras, Guy Savoy Blanc de Blancs" is $29/glass.

Other selections:

Billecart-Salmon Rose @ $45/glass
Bollinger Grand Annee 1999 @ $59/glass
and last but not least: Krug Grand Cuvee @$75/glass

You can, of course order from their full wine list. They have a decent selection of half bottles and pricing on the bottles is not as aggressive as it is on the champagnes by the glass.

thanks for the details. ^

:td: to ridiculous prices :D

I have spoken to people at the restaurant and the serve Champagne by the glass at their wholesale cost per bottle...this often works out to the staff's benefit when 1 or 2 glasses are ordered :p

Price aside, I prefer dining at Alex over Robuchon.

BK: we should talk about dining at Alex.

I have spoken to people at the restaurant and the serve Champagne by the glass at their wholesale cost per bottle...this often works out to the staff's benefit when 1 or 2 glasses are ordered :p

I am talking about Guy Savoy...

In my experience I've found the Michelin star ratings to be close to my own judgment, but as long as a restaurant has a star, I can trust them to have at least a pleasurable experience.

Yelp can be a bit iffy--most reviewers are much too generous with their ratings. I don't like the idea of having to pay for reviews so I don't pay much attention to Zagat.

I ate at Alex my last vegas trip with a fashionable collared shirt and jeans without anyone batting an eye. I personally do not like eating with a jacket on--I'll tolerate that only during business dinners.

BK: we should talk about dining at Alex.

Alex, by far, was my best meal of 2008 in The Vegas. Though, the company was fabulous, which made it even better! ^^ It was an utter food porn evening, and I LOVED every moment of it; especially the Volnay-Champans 1985 Montille.

I have yet to dine @ Robuchon or Guy Savoy. Though while dining @ Aujourd'hui (http://www.fourseasons.com/boston/dining/aujourd_hui.html) @ the Boston FS Tuesday evening, my friend was discussing how he feels that Guy Savoy outshines Robuchon in Vegas.

Having tried L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon in Vegas, I am hoping to try Guy Savoy and/or Alex in my next 2 trips to vegas.

I will also be trying L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon in HongKong later this year to see how they differ.

It is a great restaurant in London and next door to the Ivy and Ivy Club

Just made a reservation for Guy Savoy and was curious to know if I could order additional items off the small bites even if I was in the main dining area instead of the bubble bar? Will decide between Prestige or the $200 menu.

Just made a reservation for Guy Savoy and was curious to know if I could order additional items off the small bites even if I was in the main dining area instead of the bubble bar? Will decide between Prestige or the $200 menu.

My understanding is that it is not possible to order off the bubble bar menu in the dining room. If you ask for a dish or two to be added to your Menu Prestige, however, I am relatively certain they would do it.