Tuesday, April 19, 2016

In Search of Andre's...

Lobster thermidor...



A waft of the gorgeous kitchen smells led us from the hidden driveway into what appeared to be a party in home. From the outside, people passed by barely noticing the neon sign on the steeple. For 35 years, the maitre'd turned it on at 4pm, sharp, inviting those who knew where to look to come inside.






The mismatched French furniture and cream curtains invited you to take your time and enjoy every moment presented to you. 

And we always did.











Bakers made the most delectable bread, the butter melting on the warm insides. The lobster and scallops made you slow down and enjoy every single bite. The brandy warmed and the wine cellar below invited. The finale - well worth any calories - the chocolate souffle made you want to move in and live under the tables.

Waiters hovered and David, the maitre'd, became a first-named friend.

However, after 35 years in business, this location closed, while the others in the casinos remained open. 





In Las Vegas, there is no lack of high-end restaurants. However, as we searched for a replacement (and even its own namesake in the Monte Carlo became only an also-ran because the decor was modern French and upscale, less inviting,) we found no restaurant that met everything we had found - ambiance, service, appetizers, entrees, and desserts - that were so evenly and spectacularly delivered and handled.

...and so began our search.

Because, from that moment on, we've compared every restaurant to Andre's, searching for some place, somewhere to replace what was spectacular.

These are travels and experiences as we go in search, experiencing every restaurant in our way, hoping to find our new Andre's - a place where from start to finish, everything is impeccable.

We're sharing our stories and reviews as we go. If you have recommendations, please let us know.

In the meantime....


Enjoy!

Bon appetit!







https://blog.vegas.com/las-vegas-dining/pioneering-chef-andre-rochat-celebrates-35-years-in-las-vegas-55554/