Las Vegas scored a coup by attracting two of the world's best chefs: Joel Robuchon and Gay Savoy. Even the New York Times noted the arrival of the two by sending out a reporter. The two French chefs are known as being among of the best chefs in the world. It will be the first time that either chef has opened a restaurant in the United States.

Robuchon was named "Cook of the Century" by the Guide Gault-Millau, a French restaurant guide. His Paris restaurant was a 3-star Michelin-rated restaurant, the top rating. The Michelin guide has been called the French bible to dining. Guy Savoy was named Chef of the Year in France and his restaurant also received the 3-star Michelin rating, acquiring the coveted ranking sooner than any other restaurant in the guide's history.

Joel Robuchon is opening two restaurants, both at the Mansion at the MGM. One is called Joel Robuchon at the Mansion and the second one, a bit more casual, will be called L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon. The first restaurant opened on October 24, 2005.

Guy Savoy's restaurant is yet to be named and will be located on the second floor of the new Augusta Tower at Caesar's Place. It has scheduled an opening in Spring 2006.

The New York Time's food reporter was part of the tryout opening of the L'Ateleir and wrote "...the restaurant served the best food in Las Vegas and some of the very best French food I've ever eaten on the continent." He went on to write..."This is full-scale, damn-the-torpedoes, three-stars-or-bust Robuchon, worldly, luxurious and costly." Two set menus are offered: A small 9-course meal plus coffee for $165, or 16 small courses plus coffee for $295.

Las Vegas now has several top Michelin chefs. Thomas Keller received three stars and was also named America's Best Chef by Time Magazine. He runs Bouchon at the Venetian in the Venezia tower. Alain Ducasse is a three star Michelin chef and runs the Mix restaurant on top of Mandalay Bay Hotel. These chefs are truly putting Las Vegas on the map as a top culinary destination.

John Laub is the Chairman of the CEO-CFO Group.

1. "Celebrity Chef Coup: Two French chefs to open only U.S. locations of their restaurants in Las Vegas. Heidi Knapp-Rinella. Las Vegas Review Journal. September 7, 2005.

2. "On High-Stakes Tables in Las Vegas: Fish, Not Chips. R.W. Apple Jr. The New York Times. October 26, 2005.

3. http://www.mgmgrand.com/pages_html/dining_themansion.asp

4. http://www.mgmgrand.com/pages_html/dining_latelier_menu.asp