Joel Robuchon

So, finally I get to blah about the best meal in my life thus far. My only regret is not getting to it earlier....

When I called to make a reservation, the maitre d' asked which hotel we're staying. Turns out we get a complimentary limo ride to the VIP part of MGM Grand. Which was awesome, because I wanted to save on the cab, but in the end, Deron tipped the driver 20 bucks per way, so it worked out to be the same. -_-

I hate taking pics in the car. But was excited about my meal!

The limo dropped us in this courtyard of the VIP area, and we had a loooong walk to the restaurant. It was breathtaking tho, cuz everything was out of a fairytale. I would paste more pics of the walk, but I really want to talk about the food. Ha.

Walked into this very private restaurant adorned with fresh purple orchids, chandeliers, and crystals everywhere. It was a dream. We got the corner couch, which was spacious and awesome. I think they reserve it for the bday peeps, cuz 3 of the four bday girls got the corner couches. And there were people from all over the world. I overheard French, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean. It was awesome. And all the other bday girls were so beautiful and elegant too!

Our table setting.


Me looking more excited than ever!

Part of the menu. Of course, they print the menus everyday on sparkly paper. ..... ahhh.

I couldn't resist getting the 6 course meal, which was priced at 200 bucks as a base, and I added on another 40 bucks for shaved black truffles. Heehee! Poor Deron got the three courses, and split the bill with me anyways. I told him not to pay for me this time cuz I would really feel uber bad about him paying this much. He put up a good fight, but finally conceded. Hee!

All I have to say is "wow".

They started the meal with the bread cart. There were a gazillion of breads, all baked that day in their pastry kitchen. And they were sooooo yummy! I got the saffron ball, basil ball and two brioche. Man, never had bread so delicate and yummy. Not too starchy, not too sweet, all the flavors were in harmony.

The next course was the "surprise" dish, which was black caviar on top of fresh dungeness crab. There was a certain acidity to the crab, which combined with the black caviar to give a rich seafood taste...without being too rich. I forgot to bring the booklet of our menu home, so you guys have to rely on my memory of the description of the dishes. But yes, this dish was outstanding. It was rich, yet refreshing at the same time.

Then this was followed by a cheese tart topped with shaved black truffles. The black truffles were a little sweet, and not too overpowering. Definitely not like the conventional truffle oils you get at the normal restaurants. So delicate and fragrant. And the cheese tart just melts in yr mouth. Not surprising, since the french is known for their pastries.

The second appetizer I had was the veloute of chestnut cream with foie gras and seasonal vegetables. Hands down, the best soup I've ever had. The soup, like the other dishes, was brinking on the edge of being too rich, but stopping right there at the brink. It was awesome. It was sweet, not too creamy, and the foie gras was flavorful and melts in yr mouth. Even the seasonal vegetables had different flavors of their own, so you know they were each seasoned differently.

The first entree I had was the lobster langoustine, which is the spiny lobster with daikon and cod roe. It was heavenly. The cream was just the right degree of sweetness and punch, and the lobster was lightly fried in a tempura batter. The texture of the lobster combined with the meaty taste of the daikon to give a truly intriguing play on texture. It was like nothing I've tasted in my life.

The foie gras and duck sous vide was my second entree, and it was just a solid dish. It wasn't as exciting as the first few courses, but the execution of the duck and foie gras was right on spot. It was a joy to eat.

Even the mashed potatoes was light and rich, all at the same time.

Then along came the cheese cart. All kinds of exotic cheeses from all over the world. I chose three of those, and they were delightful. The brie was stink, yet not too stinky, and extremely creamy. It was awesome.

And our dessert, which was orange jus infused with coffee, with cebayon, and ceylon tea. Served with a lemon sorbet. It had surprise little bits of meringue for a little punch, and it was great. Very light, very flavorful. Just a great ending to a heavy meal.




Finally the server came with a birthday ice cream cake! It was layers of mango mousse, and meringue (their meringue was OUTSTANDING), and ice cream. It was awesome.

Last but not least, the eclairs cart. I was too full at this point to put anything else in my mouth, but Deron got some nougat and macaroons. It was great, according to him. Heh.

And they left us packing with a box of orange/strawberry squares. Ahhhh, I was in heaven.

When I'm crazy rich next time, Imma dine here everyday. I swear. Ciao, Robuchon. Not for long though......