pamplemousse,las vegas most romantic french restaurant/chef owner georges laforge's biography

One only has to spend a moment with Chef Owner Georges LaForge
to understand the source of such daring creativity

A man of ultimate contrasts himself, Georges began studies at a vocational school for artistic wrought iron work, cabinet-making, architectural and interior design in Nice, France at age 14. During his four years of schooling, in which he specialized in cabinet-making, he also worked nights in a restaurant. He began as a dishwasher and then, as a reward for his obvious interest in cooking, was trained as apprentice cook, commis-saucier and on up through the ranks. His achievements as a cabinet-maker culminated in an offer to work in one of the most exclusive interior design houses on the French Riviera, and his finely honed skills created furniture for such notables as the Rothschild's and Ali Kahn. From Nice, he traveled to Paris, where once again , the duality of his creative energies led him to further studies in a culinary school and, at the same time, art school courses pursuing his natural affinity for sculpting. Two years later, Georges bundled up his multiple talents and crossed the seas to the U.S., with Las Vegas as his destination and a desire to combine his diverse talents into one multi-dimensional creative effort as his dreams.

Las Vegas: The Beginning

With a limited knowledge of English acting as somewhat of an anchor, Georges began as a busboy in 1963 at the Riviera Hotel.

Once again, however, Georges' natural talent and keen level of interest shone through and caught the eye of a French Maitre d'. Within five weeks, he was promoted to waiter. From the Riviera, he went to the Dunes Dome of the Sea as a captain, then to the Sultan's Table at the Tropicana and then to Caesars Palace, where he helped open the Bacchanal. From Caesars he went to the Desert Inn as Maitre D' in the Monte-Carlo Room where he was voted as Best Maitre D in town ...There he created teams including the captain in order to give a better service to his Guests. He stood up against Union rules to include the Captain as a team member in charge, sharing the tips with the waiter. Georges finally won his case with the Union and the practice became common in every hotel on the Strip. Georges then worked with the Union to create a test for the Captains that would include extensive knowledge in food preparation, culinary terms, sauces and extensive wine and liquor knowledge and service.

He then went on to open MGM's (now Bally's) exclusive Metro Club, where he hosted the room's high rollers . When the Metro Club closed there was no other high class restaurant to offer in the MGM; In order to keep Georges, Kirk Kerkorian created a new position for him as "Casino Host". This position was a first in town and despite limited gambling knowledge Georges ascended through the ranks as Casino Host at the Baccara table. The important thing was to entertain the high rollers and keep them returning. But Georges true desire was to be in the restaurant business... All the while, thoughts of beginning his own private venture were stirring in the back of his mind.

Bobby Darin's Dream

in 1976, Georges' boundless talents came together in the Pamplemousse Restaurant (French for “ grapefruit),” the name Pamplemousse was the idea of longtime acquaintance and intended partner Bobby Darin. Bobby thought Pamplemousse was the most beautiful word in the French language (it reminded him of chocolate mousse and Champagne).

Though Darin's untimely death in 1973 precluded the partnership, Georges kept the name in tribute
and memory of his friend. Standing before the modest little tract home that was to be the site of a "dream come true” Georges' visionary creativity began to swirl. From beneath his talented hands and natural flair for design, like a phoenix rising from the ash, emerged the intimate rendez-vous spot for friend and lovers alike.

Pamplemousse cajoles the senses with gentle lighting, soft-hued decor and small, private dining nooks that add a tone of intimacy to a superb dining experience. in 2009, After 33 years Pamplemousse is still considered one of the best restaurants in Las Vegas,.

OpenTables reservation services report a general vote from their guests as Pamplemousse being number one for Best Ambiance- Best Food- Best Overall- Best Service- Fit for Foodies-Neighborhood Gem- Romantic- Special Occasion- The Strip & Nearby! 33 Years of success cannot lie!

Try it, you will be enchanted !!!

On June 23, 2007 a 200 guests banquet was organized in town by the Food & Beverage Administration and Georges was honored for his achievement as well as his own input in the Las Vegas Culinary industry for the last 40 years+. Mayor Oscar B. Goodman declared this day to be officially George LaForge's Day