Today there are many great French chefs in Las Vegas, Nevada, but back in the early 1970’s there were hardly any and certainly not of the same talent and skills as Chef Patron André Rochat who has made Las Vegas to his arena for haute cuisine. He has had a few restaurants over the years, but his flagship is Alizé on floor 56 at the Palms Casino Resort, Las Vegas.

Chef Rochat became famous in Las Vegas long before the many celebrity chefs who have presence in the city today. André was born and raised in the village of La Rochette in the French Alps. His parents owned a charcuterie so he was almost immediately in contact with high quality produce and the art of cooking. He moved from his parents and started his culinary career when he was only 14 years old as an apprentice at the renowned Leon de Lyon. In 1965 he moved to Boston in the United States and he stayed on the East Coast and worked as a chef for several years before he eventually opened up his own venue in 1973 called Savoy French Bakery, which became a success. It was in 1980 Chef Rochat opened his French cuisine restaurant Andre’s which became one of the most acclaimed and renowned restaurants in Las Vegas. The restaurant became a huge success despite the fact that it was located in downtown Las Vegas instead of at The Strip. In 1997 Rochat opened his second restaurant which is called Andre´s Restaurant and Lounge at Monte Carlo and in 2001 he opened his signature restaurant on top of the Palms Casino Resort.

Alizé is not located at The Strip which is great since you have amazing views of the famous street from the huge panorama windows on floor 56. It will not take long after you have been welcomed at the top floor to notice the warmth and lovely treatment of the staff. Hospitality really is number one at Alizé. Most of the staff stay with Chef André for many years which is unusual in Las Vegas, but Rochat has the ability to keep his

employees and to encourage them. You as a guest feel the confidence of the waiters and all the staff taking care of you. Key team members like the skilled Pastry Chef Tammy Alana and the multi-talented Chef de Cuisine Mark Purdy have stayed with Chef Rochat for many years.

You have some of the most impressive wine collections in the United States at Alizé and in addition also an amazing collection of cognacs. Chef Rochat has collected wines and cognacs for many years and built up a flawless collection for you to enjoy which are offered at very reasonable prices. You can find several treasures on the wine menu which are usually sold at higher prices at other restaurants.

The haute cuisine of Alizé is executed in a great fashion by Mark Purdy, and the team of Alizé stands for sheer quality and hospitality, so make sure to include a reservation at this classic French restaurant on your next stay in Vegas.

Image of Chef Patron André Rochat: Courtesy Alizé

Written by Andy