Royally Flushed

The alluring pastry case at Payard Patisserie at Caesars Palace.

Making a visit to Payard’s exquisite bakery at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas takes on Holy Grail-like overtones because this place is NOT easy to find.  My advice — save yourself a lot of time and shoe leather and just ask any hotel employee to point you in the right direction.  (It’s at the back of the resort near the Café Lago buffet.  Look for the caramel-toned lighting and chocolate-colored curlicues facing the walkway.)

Once you do find it, you’ll be presented with two options for dining - either the casual counter-service-only café or the adjacent tiny jewel box of a restaurant.  The timing may decide for you since the café is open from 6:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. while the bakery counter serves from 6:30 a.m. until 11 p.m.  Either way, you can rest assured that the fabulous pastries and desserts are on both menus.

And fabulous is not an overstatement when it comes to Monsieur Payard’s artistic pastries and sweets.  Winner of numerous “Best Pastry Chef” awards, Francois Payard proves his culinary mettle in every buttery croissant, velvety mousse and perfectly-constructed tart and gâteau on the menu.   Our favorites include the lush Maple Cheesecake with Blueberry Compote, the classic multi-layered Raspberry Napoleon and the sophisticated Vienne with its masterful blending of dark chocolate, orange and caramel. 

Dessert flavors extend to the decor at Payard with its caramel-toned lighting.

Since man cannot live by dessert alone (well, you could but probably shouldn’t) Payard Patisserie offers breakfast fare including omelets and quiches plus a lunch/light dinner menu of sandwiches and salads including a Tuna Nicoise salad that will remind you why this is one of France’s most beloved dishes.  For a heartier appetite, the Roast Beef Panini on authentic ciabatta with caramelized onions is robustly flavored while the accompanying house-made spicy potato chips are addictive. 

In addition to the café and bakery, there is a retail store stocked with boxes of luxurious handmade truffles and candies as well as Payard’s signature gift baskets to take home.

Where:  Caesars Palace

Hours:  Breakfast: 6:30am to 11:30am
              Lunch: 11:30am to 3pm
Pastry Counter: 6:30am to 11:00pm
Retail Store: Tue-Fri 6:30am to 11:00pm
Retail Store: Sat-Mon 6:00am to 11:00pm

Reservations: Tel.  877-346-4642

Exquisite pastries at Jean Philippe at The Bellagio.

One of the best things about going on vacation is being “allowed” to suspend your diet for a few glorious days.  I can’t think of a better reason to do this than Jean Philippe Patisserie at The Bellagio.

If you’re like me - a desserts lover, sweets fanatic, pastry aficionado - then a visit to this shop will be an “OMG” moment for you.  Peer into the cases and try to choose just one dessert!  Should it be the fruit tarts sporting an array of seasonal gems or the nearby raspberry tarts with their pyramids of precariously perched ripe red specimens?  Even carrot cake - that most democratic of flavors - is redesigned in sexy orange fondant. 

Need more temptation?  There are chocolates and myriad other candies, cookies and croissants, Danish and brioche, gelato, made-to-order crepes, and several variations on chocolate-covered strawberries. (They also offer salads and sandwiches for those who think chocolate isn’t one of the four main food groups.)  And be sure to check out the intricate Willie Wonka-style fountain featuring an “only-in-Vegas” display of creamy milk, dark and white chocolate cascading over a variety of crystal shelves.

Jean Philippe's mesmerizing chocolate fountain.

The shop is small so grab your goodies from the counter, exit the shop and take a right toward the back of the corridor.  There you can snag a table near the windows that look out over The Bellagio’s lush pool area.  It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy a little people-watching while snacking on some truly outstanding sweets.

Location:  The Bellagio.  Go through the main reception/registration area of the hotel and take the hallway on the left, past the Conservatory & Botanical Gardens.  Jean Philippe will be on your right just across from the hotel’s gift shop.

Hours:  Monday to Thursday - 7 AM until 11 PM   Friday to Sunday - 7 AM until Midnight

The luscious Chocoban features chocolate, caramelized banana and hazelnut - perfect paired with a cappuccino.