Taste

[Chef Talk]

Kitchen legend Andre Rochat picks his favorite local dining rooms

Image
Chef Andre Rochat at his Alize restaurant at the Palms.
Photo: Beverly Poppe

Chef Andre Rochat is a legitimate Las Vegas legend, helming two restaurants in two separate properties: namesake Andre’s at the Monte Carlo and Alizé at the Palms. When he finds time to escape his own kitchens, here’s where he likes to eat.

Italian: Valentino Las Vegas (Venetian, 414-3000) “Chef [Luciano] Pellegrini is a fantastic chef, and every meal I’ve had there has been absolutely fantastic. I don’t have a particular favorite, because he always does all kinds of different stuff. In one sense, it’s not fair, because whenever I go somewhere someone will recognize me, normally because they’ve worked for me at one time or another. So I’ll get that little extra touch—that little extra food or that little extra attention.”

More Italian: Scarpetta (Cosmopolitan, 698-7960) “Scarpetta has a small menu, which is a little different, but it’s very well-executed. The presentation and flavors are spot-on, and it’s very good. It’s got a great bar and atmosphere—not too noisy. Cosmopolitan came up with something different again, and it’s a great destination for visitors.”

Steakhouse: N9NE Steakhouse (Palms, 933-9900) “I think chef Barry [Dakake] is doing a fantastic job. The portions are what a portion should be at a steakhouse, and they’re always very well done. The place might be a little noisy—especially on the weekends—but that’s what the place is about. Great drinks and great steaks, what more could you want?”

Tags: Dining
Share

Previous Discussion:

Top of Story