André Rochat
André Rochat | |
|---|---|
| Born | French Alps, France |
| Occupation(s) | Chef, Restaurateur |
| Known for | Michelin-starred restaurants in Las Vegas (Andre’s, Alizé) |
André Rochat is a French chef and restaurateur who has retired, celebrated for his Michelin-starred dining establishments in Las Vegas, namely Andre’s and Alizé.
Early years
Originating from the French Alps, Rochat's initial exposure to the culinary world came through his family's meat processing enterprise in La Rochette, Savoy, France. In 1965, he relocated to Boston, where he gained experience at distinguished East Coast hotels such as Boston's Charter House and the Mayflower Hotel in Washington D.C. Additionally, he worked as an onboard chef for United Airlines.
Rochat established Savoy French Bakery in Las Vegas in 1973, situated at the intersection of Flamingo and Maryland Parkway.
Andre’s
In 1980, Rochat inaugurated Andre’s, a French dining venue located in Downtown Las Vegas characterized by its rustic atmosphere. The restaurant received one Michelin star in both 2008 and 2009—the only years during which Las Vegas eateries were evaluated by Michelin—and was awarded AAA four-diamond recognition. The downtown site ceased operations in 2009, with Rochat commenting that although it was a “Real nice place…Wrong location.”
The year 1997 saw the opening of Andre’s Restaurant & Cigar Lounge at the Monte Carlo on the Las Vegas Strip. This establishment featured a cigar lounge, bar area, and Rochat's comprehensive culinary library. It also boasted an extensive wine cellar alongside one of North America's largest assortments of cognacs, armagnacs, and after-dinner liquors. The Monte Carlo venue sustained AAA four-diamond ratings for several years prior to its closure in October 2016.
Alizé
In 2001, Rochat launched Alizé atop the Palms Casino Resort on the Las Vegas Strip. This upscale French restaurant earned Michelin one-star distinctions in 2008 and 2009—the sole years Michelin rated restaurants in Las Vegas—and shuttered its doors in 2017.
Andre’s Bistro & Bar
Andre’s Bistro & Bar debuted in Summerlin in 2016 but was closed by 2018. After its shutdown, Rochat requested that his name be removed from the establishment, which had been conceived as a tribute following the closure of Andre's at the Monte Carlo.
Awards and accolades
- 2008: Semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation Award in the “Outstanding Restaurateur” category
- 2014: Received Lifetime Achievement Award from the Nevada Restaurant Association