Las Vegas restaurant pioneer Chef Andre Rochat's Mistral has given new definition to dining at the Las Vegas Hilton, 3000 Paradise Road. Mistral is part of Rochat and partner Mary Jane Jarvis' critically acclaimed group of fine restaurants highly recognized for serving classic and contemporary French cuisine.

The dining room is stunning, with a central focal point featuring a soft-lit chandelier highlighting a large floral arrangement. Booths impeccably set with designer dinnerware are nestled between towering columns, offering vantage points of the circular dining room for viewing local artist Jodi McGregor's paintings of the Provence countryside.

We launched our evening with a pre-dinner glass of Andre's Private Label Champagne in the intimate lounge while gazing at the impressive collection of wine and cognac displayed behind glass enclosures. Although a la carte selections are available, we chose the superb multi-course tasting menu paired with wine. That's my preferred choice as it offers opportunities to experience a variety of the restaurant's outstanding cuisine and wine. The talent of Chef de Cuisine Mark Purdy, and extraordinary pairing of wine served by knowledgeable Sommelier Melanie Dagenais highlighted the evening. Steven Geddes, Master Sommelier presides over the award-winning wine program that reflects Rochat's passion for the finest collection.

We started our dinner with a tantalizing Amuse-Bouche - flavorful Smoked Salmon served on top of fresh frisée. The light and tart French endive provided a pleasant balance to the smoky flavor of the salmon and proved to be a perfect beginning by tantalizing our palate for the hors d'oeuvre - King Prawns served over fried green tomato and accent of sherry bacon vinaigrette. The tomato provided freshness to the smoky flavor of the prawns. Wine paired: Le Clos du Caillou, a smooth chardonnay.

With that we anticipated the next course, a tender and flavorful pan-seared Peking Duck, prepared medium, served with toasted orange rinds that proved interesting. Wine paired: Mas Grand Plaginol (rosé) a perfect accompaniment. We anxiously awaited our next course and thought, what would top this culinary pursuit? The New England Scallop, dusted with polenta and accompaniment of sweet onion and Sumac Confiture (a tart Mediterranean spice), was the answer. The crispiness of the polenta was a delicate contrast to the tender texture of this morsel of the sea. Wine paired: Christoffel Reisling, with a hint of sweetness to compliment the flavors.

After refreshing the palate with Tangerine Sorbet, we savored a perfectly grilled Filet Mignon served with a Parmesan crisp, and Cabernet Sauvignon demiglace. Wine paired: Chateu Grand Bert, and Renwood Zinfandel. The spicy zinfandel adds zip to the finish and is my favorite wine with steak. The French traditionally precede dessert with a Plateau de Fromage. The superb soft and creamy imported Camembert cheese, served with port-macerated cherries, and toasted hazelnuts, was a great prelude to our dessert. We spared no calories with a unique spiced Pumpkin Turnover served with Armagnac Ice Cream, sweet Chantilly (whipped cream), and cinnamon emulsion, in addition to a wonderful fluffy Grand Marnier Soufflé. Dessert wine: a beautiful 10-year old Fonscea Tawny Port.

Veteran Rochat General Manager Joseph Marsco and Dining Room Manager Stavros Georgiou completed our memorable dining experience with their attentive and professional wait staff. Visit Mistral and experience the extraordinary finesse in dining Andre's restaurants are known for. Dinner nightly from 5:30 p.m. Reservations are suggested. (702) 792-6373.