Robuchon burger is a big, tasty hit

A foie gras mini-burger created in Las Vegas by star chef Joel Robuchon has become something of an international sensation.

The burger, a French version of the slider, is so popular that Robuchon, who has been acclaimed as the "Chef of the Century," has added it to menus throughout his gastronomic empire, from Paris to Asia.

Robuchon, during an interview at Joel Robuchon at The Mansion in the MGM Grand, said the burger was one of the few concessions he made to Americanize his Las Vegas menu and the acceptance has been "amazing," he said. Numbering two to an order, the item goes for $32 at L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, the sister restaurant next door to Robuchon's high-end eatery where a 16-course menu goes for $360, the six-course for $225.

The seared foie gras is served in a miniature bun topped with sesame seeds, slivers of sauted red, green and yellow bell pepper and a ginger gastric sauce. A side of French fries accompanies the burgers.

"It's one of our most popular items," said Emmanuel Cornet, general manager at L'Atelier. Robuchon's Atelier in Paris had difficulty in getting it on the menu at the start because of problems finding buns that small in Parisian bakeries. That's not a problem in Las Vegas because Robuchon has his own bakery on-site.

In another tidbit of news, Robuchon revealed he is opening his next restaurant in Israel, in a historic district in Tel Aviv. He has restaurants in eight cities, including New York, Monaco, Macao, Hong Kong and London.

Robuchon is in the kitchen at his MGM Grand restaurants through Sunday.

HANSON HEADS HOME

John Hanson, program director and co-host of Lotus Broadcasting's ESPN Radio 920, is leaving next month to join ABC affiliate KSTP-TV in Minneapolis.

Hanson, who is also program director at Fox Sports Radio 1460, announced the move to his staff Monday night.

A native of Burnsville, Minn., Hanson said he was returning to his home state after eight years in Las Vegas because of some family considerations.

He will be hosting a new show that airs next year, he said.

Hanson has been co-hosting a noon sports talk show with Dave Cokin for six years. His last day at the station will be Oct. 19.

His first job in Las Vegas was as Bob Fisher's administrative assistant with the Nevada Broadcasters Association.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

That 230-carat diamond purchased by Steve Wynn, and revealed during ABC's "Nightline" show on Wednesday, will be showcased at the Wynn property in Macau. The diamond is five times larger than the 45.52-carat Hope Diamond, long considered the world's largest. ...

Lamar Marchese, founding president and general manager of Nevada Public Radio, will be honored at a retirement party Saturday at Green Valley Ranch. Peter Sagal from NPR's "Wait Wait" hosts and Jeffrey Osborne will be serenading with "On the Wings of Love."

SIGHTINGS

"Sopranos" star Steve Schirripa and UFC champion Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, socializing Tuesday at the Hard Rock's Center Bar after filming an episode of Spike TV show, "Casino Cinema." Later, Jackson and music producer Scott Storch were hanging out at Pure nightclub (Caesars Palace). ... Sugar Ray frontman Mark McGrath, gambling Tuesday at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Earlier, McGrath performed for a private party inside of The Joint at the Hard Rock. ... Andrew Dice Clay, meeting with local producer David Saxe over lunch Tuesday at the coffee shop at Bellagio.

THE PUNCH LINE

"Mahmoud Ahmadinejad -- according to this guy, there are no homosexuals in Iran. I guess that explains the pathetic state of their musical theater." -- David Letterman

Norm Clarke can be reached at 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.