L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon

Legendary Chef Makes His First Mark in the United States and Redefines Casual Dining

              Las Vegas – On the heels of its wild success in Paris and Tokyo, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon opens at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand.  L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, the first outpost of this successful restaurant in the United States, presents the celebrated cuisine of this culinary master in an accessible, informal style.

Dissolving the boundaries between kitchen and dining room, L’Atelier, whose name refers to an artist’s studio, allows a dynamic interaction between Chef and diner, yielding direct access to the creative process.  Seats are arranged around a U-shaped bar that looks directly into the kitchen; what was once behind-the-scenes becomes center stage.  Diners observe the Chef commandeering his staff, overseeing meal preparation down to its absolute detail and follow a dish from the moment it hits the fire to when it is served practically ‘off the line.’

In a departure from the more elaborate cuisine of Joël Robuchon’s Michelin-starred era, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon dishes are simple and straightforward yet created according to Joël Robuchon’s highly refined method.  The focus is on the highest quality ingredients prepared with equal parts clockwork precision and abundant creativity.  The affordably priced menu is divided into two sections:  the first, a selection of small plates encouraging exploration and sharing and the second, a more traditional selection of entrées. 

“MGM Grand is about Maximum Vegas; providing our guests with the ultimate experience of this city on all levels,” said Gamal Aziz, president of MGM Grand. “L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon is precisely in step with that philosophy by exposing a broader dining audience to the unparalleled talents of one of this century’s greatest Chefs.”

“Las Vegas has become one of the culinary capitals of the world, and I look forward to playing a role in this continued evolution,” proudly stated Chef Joël Robuchon.  “Bringing L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon to MGM Grand makes complete sense as the hotel is known for offering an array of dining experiences for each guest.  L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon provides the opportunity to experience my food in a causal, easy dining environment.” 

Chef de Cuisine Steve Benjamin, masterfully trained by Joël Robuchon, oversees the kitchen at L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon where the menu reflects those found at each restaurant of the same name, with special attention paid to the availability and selection of ingredients.  Joël Robuchon’s creamy and much-beloved pommes purée truffee, or truffled-mashed potatoes, are featured along with his famed La Caille Farcie de Foie Gras et Caramélisée, free-range quail stuffed with foie gras. Also appearing on the menu L’Agneau en Carré Doré à la Fleur de Thym delicate roasted rack of lamb perfumed with thyme, and spicy Steak Tartare served with crispy hand-cut fries.  

Acclaimed pastry Chef Kamel Guechida, who has worked with Joël Robuchon for more than six years has moved from Switzerland to Las Vegas where he serves L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon specialties such as Chartreuse Soufflé with Pistachio Ice Cream, and Le Chocolat, a chocolate sensation of crémeux Araguani and Oreo cookie crumbs.  

Joël Robuchon’s long-time sommelier Antoine Hernandez, along with MGM Grand’s Director of Wine Jaime Smith, have assembled a global wine list which features an eye toward fun and affordability.  Notable selections from Australia, California, France, Italy and Spain are represented.

For Aziz, Joël Robuchon has always been “the absolute best at his craft.” Aziz emphasizes the importance of providing Joël Robuchon with complete access to the finest ingredients, along with full support for all of his creative needs, including a kitchen he deems “the proper stage from which to excel.”  Robuchon, who knew he had found a keen and supportive team in MGM Grand, signed on to open L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon and the more upscale Joël Robuchon.

L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon’s stylish décor by Pierre-Yves Rochon engages a minimalist aesthetic.  Vivid red accents,
from the bell pepper still lifes to the upholstered bar stools, stand out against a glossy black background.  In this disciplined color palette, the kitchen and wait staff wear black uniforms, providing a sleek canvas for the culinary activity within.  There is seating for 23 around the granite bar, with 16 additional seats at four tables.

At L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon perfection and pleasure, indulgence and minimalism, refinement and relaxation, seamlessly co-mingle in a restaurant bringing the highest quality to casual dining.