Dropped by for a quick visit with Chef Gary FX LaMorte at Andre’s Monte Carlo this evening, and the chef waylaid me with an unexpected menu tasting! I would complain, but every dish was remarkably creative and well-executed. While Andre Rochat, one of Las Vegas’ longest-established haute cuisine chefs, is very classically-minded, LaMorte has taken his namesake restaurant in exciting new directions (ask about the foie gras martini!) for which he’s relatively under-appreciated. This food is quite seriously up there with the finest in the city–and served formally in a gorgeous, cheerfully romantic, intimate dining room. Incidently, LaMorte told me it was the first time he’d actually sat down in his own dining room to experience the service, but I bet he tells all his dates that

savory smooth amuse bouche of sweetbread "salad" with pistachio and lotus root

sweet corn puree, warm truffle gelee and lobster butter over which was poured classic rich lobster bisque

Braised beef tongue, smoked lentil, herb crepe and whole grain jus

Smoked Berkshire pork loin, tarbaise bean custard, frisee with confit truffle vinaigrette and lightly truffled pork jus... before a little fresh perigord was grated on top

Chocolate concord with blood orange and mint

LaMorte, LaMouth