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Sin City is home to a lot of restaurants and bars, but there are tons of hidden gems that the majority of Las Vegans aren't unearthing. To help guide us to these potential discoveries, we've enlisted some of our city's food players to share their recommendations for a weekly feature dubbed Dining Confidential. Know a chef who wants to share some top dining spots? The tipline is open.
Yes, Southern Wine & Spirits has its own chef. Benoit Cornet has been cooking up dinners, launch parties and more for small groups and parties of 400 since 2010. Originally from La Rochelle, France, with a degree from the Lycée Hôtelier de La Rochelle, Cornet began his career in Alleyras, France, at the one Michelin star restaurant at the Hôtel du Haut-Allier. He moved on to the two Michelin star restaurant Hélène Darroze in Paris before moving to Las Vegas to work in the three Michelin star Joel Robuchon at the MGM Grand. Here he shares three of the places in Las Vegas where he feels most comfortable dining.
Which restaurants do you turn to when you’re not working?
L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, Monta Ramen and Hearthstone Kitchen & Cellar.
What dishes are most memorable?
The Iberico de Bellota ham with tomato toast at L’Atelier, the tonkotsu-shoyu ramen with egg and extra chashu pork at Monta Ramen and FG&J foie gras mousse with Virginia peanuts and strawberry jam at Heathstone Kitchen & Cellar.
Why do you enjoy going there?
At L’Atelier, I enjoy the fine dining yet comfortable atmosphere; the food is exquisite but you feel relaxed enough to really enjoy your meal. Monta’s ramen is food for the soul even when it is 110 degrees outside. My family and I love the lounge area where my son (1.5 years old) can enjoy dinner without feeling stifled.