Las Vegas Weekly

October 20, 2008 · 3:03 PM

Joel Robuchon earns another 3 stars from Michelin guide, others get 1 or 2 stars

By Robin Leach

Joel Robuchon.

Photo: TVT

The prestigious Michelin Guide is widely regarded around the world as the ultimate arbiter of fine-dining -- and it's hallowed star system of rankings is revered and respected by travelers across the globe.

The 2009 Vegas awards will be announced officially on Wednesday at the Wynn hotel's Sunset Terrace but Luxe Life has confirmed early this afternoon that MGM chef Joel Robuchon has been awarded the top, three stars, for a second consecutive year as the only Vegas restaurant to earn the highest honor. Our favorite chefs Alex Stratta from Alex at the Wynn, Guy Savoy at his self-named restaurant in Caesars Palace and Julian Serrano of Picasso at the Bellagio were each awarded two stars apiece.

Charlie Trotter won with his stunning new Restaurant Charlie eatery at the Palazzo for the first time. Andre Rochat who runs the Alize restaurant atop the Palms and his downtown Andre's garnered one star for each of his restaurants. Other one-star awards were given to Charlie Palmer at Aureole in Mandalay Bay, Bradley Ogden at Caesars Palace, Daniel Boulud at Wynn, Le Cirque at Bellagio, Michael Mina at Bellagio, Alain Ducasse's MIX atop the Mandalay Bay, Wing Lei at the Wynn, Nobu at the Hard Rock and Joel Robuchon again for his other MGM restaurant, L'Atelier.

Michelin Guide’s Las Vegas edition is a European nod to Las Vegas’ evolution into one of the world’s top dining destinations. Seven of the restaurants honored by Michelin are within MGM Mirage properties. “We are so proud to have been recognized by Michelin for having many of the world's top chefs and restaurants within our resorts,” said Jim Murren, MGM-Mirage president .

Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand was the “Chef of the Century’s” first fine dining restaurant in the United States and represents “exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey” according to Michelin’s three-star criteria. A three-star Michelin restaurant also is defined by the following. “One always eats extremely well here, often superbly. Distinctive dishes are precisely executed, using superlative ingredients.” Chef Robuchon said, “I couldn’t be more proud of this restaurant and these talented chefs. I am honored to receive this award for a second consecutive year and to have the only three-star restaurant in Las Vegas. His restaurant joins the ranks of only 69 other restaurants worldwide, including Jean-George and Le Bernardin in New York, to hold Michelin’s highest star rating.

Gamal Aziz, MGM Grand president, commented: “Chef Joël Robuchon is one of those rare individuals with such drive, passion and pursuit of perfection, he was destined to achieve accolades such as the Michelin three stars. MGM Grand’s culinary scene has been raised to new heights with the addition of Joël Robuchon.” Chef Robuchon has a longstanding relationship with the Michelin Guide. He was the youngest chef of record to receive three stars for his restaurant Jamin in Paris in 1984 and is currently the most starred chef in the world.

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