Alizé at the Top of Palms Casino Resort has a new master of the kitchen: Executive Chef Chris Bulen. He brings 11 years of experience to his new position. He has extensive experience with the Michelin Star award-winning restaurants of Chef André Rochat where he has fine-tuned the blending of traditional French techniques with contemporary twists. However, this is not Bulen’s first time in Alizé’s kitchen; shortly after moving to Las Vegas, Bulen was hired by Rochat and worked his way through kitchen positions, learning the techniques he now applies as executive chef of that very restaurant.
“Returning to Alizé to take over as the executive chef has been a great honor. It’s where my career with this company began and where I really started to learn and develop as a chef,” says Bulen.
Before joining Alizé, Bulen was executive chef at Andre’s Restaurant & Lounge at Monte Carlo.
As Alizé’s new executive chef, Bulen leads the kitchen and directs all culinary efforts including purchasing, menu and quality. As Andre’s and Alizé both adhere to Rochat’s culinary style and technique, Bulen’s transition has been seamless. He is honored to take on the challenge of directing a larger kitchen operation and believes the most important part of his job is cultivating the same guest relationships he fostered at Andre’s, where guests knew they could depend on enjoying cuisine prepared to Rochat’s own exacting standards. He also looks forward to applying his own techniques and developing flourishing relationships with his team—both in the kitchen and the dining room.
“The concept of Alizé is more modern than that of Andre’s Restaurant & Lounge. Flavors and dishes will be reminiscent of what I have served in the past but the development of plating and presentation will be elevated,” says Bulen.
Alizé’s culinary efforts were previously led by Mark Purdy, who has now transitioned to the role of managing partner for Stacked Hospitality, the restaurant and nightlife company that owns and operates Alizé, as well as the new Andre’s Bistro & Bar opening this month.
