You’re in Las Vegas having the time of your life, but are craving deliciously authentic French food and the atmosphere of a real French Bistro. There probably aren’t very many places to go that will transport you back to the streets of France, both with a classically beautiful atmosphere and an exquisitely prepared French meal all at once, but Bouchon Las Vegas – located in the Venetian Hotel/Resort/Casino does just that.
Acclaimed chef and owner, Thomas Keller (named “America’s Best Chef” by Time Magazine in 2001) knows the ingredients to making his restaurant a success. If you’ve avoided French restaurants in the past for fear of receiving too much pretense and not enough substance, Bouchon just might change your mind.
Inspired by original bouchons – a French word describing a centuries-old café style in the heart of France – this Vegas establishment strikes the perfect balance between delectable food and a social experience with an authentic ambiance that you’’ll be sure to remember. Always aspiring to establish restaurants that are relaxing and fun, Keller admits, “Our food is serious, but we also want people to have a good time with it.”
If you’d like to try what is considered one of the cities finest entrees, the Grand Plateau (a seafood platter) is the way to go. The menu does offer a range of options, however, from classic French dinner entrees to more traditional soups and sandwiches or even to yogurt, fruit and fine, French pastries if you happen to come by for breakfast. With a nice selection of coffees, teas as well as a full bar, you’ll never have trouble finding the right drink to compliment your meal.
Executive chef Jeffrey Cerciello and Chef de Cuisine Mark Hopper mix classic French techniques with their own modern approach, offering an exquisite menu with seasonal changes throughout the course of the year. Cerciello, who spent time working in acclaimed restaurants in Europe and worked under chef Francisco Torreblanca, one of Europe’s top pastry chefs, bases his menu on the classic bistro cuisine from Paris and Provence.
Having started working with Keller in 1995, he was appointed the executive chef of the first Bouchon restaurant in Yountville, California, which opened in 1998 and has been gaining international attention ever since.
With the astonishing success of Bouchon in California under Cerciello’s leadership – including being named one of “America’s Top Tables” by Gourmet Magazine – he was given the go-ahead to open the Vegas establishment 6 years later.
Just a year after opening in Las Vegas in 2004, Bouchon became the first restaurant to sweep the four major categories in the annual Las Vegas Life Epicurean Awards, voted on by readers of the magazine. Taking the awards for “Best French,” “Best New Restaurant on the Strip,” “Best Restaurant on the Strip” and “Best Restaurant,” Bouchon proved it’s popularity among Las Vegas locals and visitors alike. In addition, Travel and Leisure Magazine featured Bouchon Las Vegas in a 2006 issue, in their “Go-List: A List of Where Foodies Go.” The restaurant has also received national press and accolades from the culinary community with their breakfast consistently recognized as one of best in Las Vegas.
Bouchon is open daily from 7am-10:30am for breakfast, 3pm-11pm for midday at the Oyster Bar and from 5pm to 11pm for dinner. In addition, lunch is available on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30pm-2:30pm. You can make reservations online at www.OpenTable.com or by calling (702) 414-6200 .
Bouchon is located in the Venetial Hotel-Resort-Casino at 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. For more information, visit www.bouchonbistro.com.
