French chef tempts with burgers, shakes
Classically trained French chef Laurent Tourondel, who did a stint at a three-star restaurant in New York and at Caesars Palace, gives the traditional American sandwich gourmet treatment at the BLT Burger in The Mirage, 3400 Las Vegas Blvd. South.
Those expecting to find bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwiches playing a prominent role on the menu will be disappointed, although there is a BLT burger. The "B" stands for bistro and the "LT" for Tourondel's initials.
In addition to gourmet burgers, the chef is proud of his milkshakes. A milkshake bar sits prominently on the south wall of the bistro, and features 14 flavors, if you count the five spiked milkshakes.
A blend of classic French bistro, diner and upscale restaurant, BLT Burger has the energy of a sports bar, with flat-screen televisions, loud music and an upbeat atmosphere that makes it difficult to hear for those who want to linger over their fries.
Tourondel hopes to attract a range of diners from the lunching tourist to late-night clubbers. The restaurant seats 198. Reservations are not required. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and 11 a.m. to 4 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays through Saturdays.
Starters: Fried dill pickles with ranch dipping sauce, $5; barbecue nachos with chopped brisket, Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream and chipotle, $9; chicken wings, $7.50 for eight, $14 for 15.
Salads: Five spice Chinese chicken salad, $12; Caesar salad, $11.
Entrees: Eleven burgers are on the menu, such as the BLT, $13; veggie falafel, $10; salmon, $12; lamb tandoori, $13; turkey, $11; American Kobe, $17; Tex-Mex, $13; Buffalo chicken, $11.
Toppings, such as grilled red pepper, avocado and fried eggs, can be added for $1.50.
Extras: Milkshakes, such as the Nut Job, $7; Lunch Box, $7; Fuzzy the Bear with Peach Schnapps, $11.
Desserts: S'mores, $6; Krispy Kreme doughnut bread pudding, $6.
Information: call 792-7888.
