I thought I worked hard the entire year, perhaps I should treat myself and have some fun? So, I hit the road to FUN City – where else, but Las Vegas. But it was not meant to be. I got very sick; in fact so sick, I could hardly walk, talk, or breathe. So, I was “stuck” in the city of lights in a room, sleeping in a bed with the curtain drawn 24/7. Are you feeling sorry for me already?
Well, this is life. We are planning but somebody up there has the last word. I was planning to visit the chocolate shops and write a report about them, so that when you’ll decide to follow my example you’ll know where to spend your money (instead on chips). I am sorry that it did not happen. The last day of my stay, I managed to steal some photographs and I have uploaded them here.
The pastries are from the famous, awarded winning pastry chef, Jean Philippe Maury. (Don’t you feel like to bite into one of these little cakes?) He has a great pastry shop in the Bellagio and the Aria Hotels. Unfortunately, I could not interview him, because he was on vacation. Please do not despair, I will go back and complete my mission soon.
Until then, enjoy the scenery. They also make personalized fresh crepes; although I did not try them (I could not eat anything), but from the look of it, I was not impressed. Although the crepes the girls were working on appeared to be thin, but the side that they used for the filling was underdone. Moreover the filling appears to be quite skimpy, particularly for the price. For instance, one crepe was “stuffed” with bananas (one banana sliced) and the server drizzled on it, what appeared to be a chocolate sauce. Then folded the crepe over the bananas and decorated it with powdered sugar – and $14.00 is gone.
The small chocolate cake I ate was quite good, (the picture with the pink macaroon on top) but it did not live up to its reputation. I believe the cream was not made with real butter which is a shame for a place that calls itself the “the place with five-star desserts”
The best thing I liked are the rock candies that I am still sucking on. It reminded me a “sweet” stage in my childhood, when my father used to come home from work with a tray of “goodies”. He was always amazed, how come that the rock candies disappeared faster than the expensive little cakes and cookies.
Do you feel like making some? Please subscribe to my newsletter; it is FREE and always has useful information that is not published on the blog, like the recipe for making these candies.
Next post I will be reviewing chocolate manufacturers. So, please come back soon.
Isn’t this great? It also produces a roaring sound that awakens the entire street.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AND YOURS!
What a shame you were sick!! That is just awful. I went to LV in August and had a blast. I loved it there. Just felt so alive! The pastry photos are lovely. I hope you do get to go back and accomplish your mission.
Hi Ann,
I agree! what a horrible thing to happen in Las Vegas of all places. Beside entertainment I was hoping to visit some chocolate and pastry shops to report my findings here. So I felt doubly bad. Looking out from the window was not in my “to do” list.
I am glad at least you enjoyed your visit. You could tolerate the heat? I was in L.V about 10 years ago in August; it is quite hot, but dry, so I think that is why it is more tolerable.
Jean Philippe’s pastries look great, but I think the taste could you use some improvement (anyway the one that I tried was not up to par and it was a chocolate creation!). I prefer Francois Payard’s little cakes over these.
I definitely need to plan a repeat visit.
Ann, thank you so much for visiting and for your comment. Happy New Year and Best Wishes to You and Yours. Please come back often.
Happy New Year to you! I also fell sick on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s day.. well instead of mopping around, I took a rest so I could get well soon to enjoy 2012.. life still goes on
Yup, those pastries look so delectable, too pretty to take a bite..
Hi Shannon,
Thanks for visiting and thanks a million for your message. I just wrote up a long message for you and guess what? I deleted it by error. I am very tired now but I will rewrite another message in the morning.