Tasting at Les Artistes Paris Las Vegas

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I was recently invited to experience a special five course wine pairing menu at Les Artistes Steakhouse at Paris Las Vegas as a part of CRUSH: A Celebration of French Wines. And though I didn’t take the beautiful photo above of the Paris skyline or the Les Artistes Steakhouse interior below (credit: Paris Las Vegas), following are my actual photos of each tasty course.

CRUSH celebrates the month of harvest with unique wine pairing menus offering tremendous value at select restaurants, like Les Artistes. From the chateau-like ambiance with dual spiraling staircases and collection of impressionistic replicas adorning the walls, to the funky French fixtures in the restrooms, Les Artistes Steakhouse is elegant yet quaint. And the portions are generous!

The wine pairings are fun, palette expanding, and make for great conversation. The service at Les Artistes was excellent; our server, Dennis, was attentive and knowledgeable about each course and pairing. CRUSH and the special tasting menus are offered during the month of October only — a perfect excuse for a “holiday” before the holiday season!

FIRST COURSE

The first course was Duck Leg Confit Garlic Braised Chard, Autumn Royal Grapes Agri-Doux paired with Grand Vin Du Chateau Bernadotte Haut-Medoc 2004. I don’t eat duck often, so this was already interesting. I enjoyed the contrast of sweetness from the grapes with the bitter chard. The wine on its own was very bold in flavor and aroma. The tones and textures of this course were different but complimentary.

SECOND COURSE

The second course was Potage et Salade Frisee and Lobster Salad with Applewood Bacon and Egg alongside Lemon Thyme Blue Crab Bisque. There was a drizzle of basil oil on the salad which really made the eggs and lobster pop! A piece of bacon on the side almost seemed like an afterthought, but hey, it’s bacon. Who’s complaining? The crab bisque was right up my alley. Big, succulent chunks of crab meat suspended in creamy comfort. This course was paired with Bouchard Pere & Fils Premier Cru Beaune Clos de La Mousse, served chilled.

THIRD COURSE

The third course of Seared U10 Day Boat Scallops Confit of Delicata Squash, Brussel Sprouts and Honey Crisp Apple Salad was paired with Bouchard Pere & Fils Premier Cru Beaune Clos Saint-Landry. This was the most fragrant and enticing of the dishes we had been presented so far. The scallops were beyond tender and piping hot. Again, sweet and bitter flavors provided contrast. The mildly oakey, chilled Chardonnay was a welcome change at the halfway point.

FOURTH COURSE

The fourth course was Dry Aged Choice Beef Strip Loin Pommes Puree, Red Wine Braised Cipollini Onions, Blue Lake Green Beans and if I might add, some really awesome mashed potatoes. The Blue Lake Green Beans were perfectly snappy and well seasoned. The wine pairing was Chateau Greysac Medoc 2006. But I must confess, I only had a few bites of this course because I was already fully satiated (and saving room for dessert). I joked with our server about needing a wheelchair, and he assured me one would be provided with the final course, if needed.

FIFTH COURSE

The fifth and final dessert course was a Taste of Las Vegas Frozen Vanilla Brownie, Wild Berry Macaroon and Chocolate Pear Alliance paired with Saracco Moscato d’Asti 2009. A perfectly brewed Cappuccino on the side completed the decadence. The star of the show was the Frozen Vanilla Brownie. The Saracco Moscato d’Asti was fruity, sweet and slightly effervescent.

RED ROOM AT PARIS

The dining experience at Les Artistes Steakhouse was memorable, and after eating like a queen I could have called it a night in my swanky Red Room at Paris. Ooh la la! Spacious, comfortable, clean and shockingly quiet. But c’mon, there’s no sleeping in Vegas! There’s too much to see and do.

The vibe at Paris is a relaxed and open Parisian street scene. The casino, shops and eateries are bustling. And it’s no wonder — Paris is in a prime location on the ever-evolving Las Vegas Strip. There’s plenty to experience at Paris, but if you want to get out to see the sights you’re right in the heart of the action. I hope to get back to Paris Las Vegas soon and experience more of the great restaurants, nightlife and of course, the Eiffel Tower ride!