If the idea of French food has always intimidated you, then be intimidated no more. Thomas Keller’s Bouchon at The Venetian can introduce you to many of the dishes France is famous for, yet in an incredibly comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. Bouchon, in the Venezia tower and easily accessible both from the casino floor and parking garage, captures the feel of a bustling bistro. There’s a long bar down one side of the restaurant with plenty of booths and tables, dark wood pillars and panels, and large arched windows that overlook a charming courtyard. Adding to the welcoming atmosphere is the kraft paper atop each table and the chalkboard announcing daily specials.
Have a cocktail, if you like, or order a glass of wine—the sommelier is always at the ready to help you choose the perfect glass. A tasty bread is a beautiful start, and the crust is just crunchy enough. Small bites include tasty, marinated olives and deviled eggs. Appetizers here range from seafood platters to the fromage du jour, a variety of artisanal cheeses including cow, sheep and goat, with dried fruit, honeycomb and toasted walnuts. There is a selection of intriguing salads to consider, from the simple house version with a vinaigrette, garden herbs and Bibb lettuce, to the salade Lyonnaise, with escarole, frisée, and a poached egg with bacon vinaigrette. You can also find beef tartare; escargots de Bourgogne with parsley-garlic butter; and a crispy duck leg confit with mustard sauce.
For entrées, steak frites are a classic French dish, a pan-seared flat iron steak simply served with caramelized shallots and butter, with an enormous mound of fries alongside. Other highlights include juicy roast chicken, leg of lamb, sautéed rainbow trout, Maine bouchot mussels, steamed with saffron, Dijon mustard and white wine, and grilled steak Bouchon with bearnaise sauce. Of course, the croque madame is another classic entrée that you may not want to miss—the grilled ham and cheese on brioche is served with a fried egg and fragrant truffle Mornay sauce—and french fries for days!
If you are vegan, consider the piperade Basquaise et artichoke, where a chickpea “panisse” provides a crunchy base for braised sweet peppers and grilled cocktail artichokes. And ask about the vegan chop if you would like a more meaty option for your meal.
Bouchon also offers brunch on the weekend, and it’s a popular time to dine. You can get many of the same dishes as at dinner, including the croque madame, the mussels and the grilled steak Bouchon, but you can also enjoy a juicy burger and fries or the crab Benedict, served with wilted spinach and hollandaise sauce.
The Venetian, 702.414.6200
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