Eat Boutique

Hell, most of Las Vegas really isn’t EAT Boutique, but the Bellagio Hotel definitely isn’t even a little bit EAT Boutique. The above photo represents only a small portion of the ceiling of the Bellagio lobby. Imagine glass flowers, several feet in diameter, floating overhead. It’s over-the-top.

Still, in awe of the extravagance of this place, I felt compelled to blog on not just the Bellagio but primarily the Jean-Philippe Patisserie that is located near the front of the hotel.  Jean Philippe grew up in the south of France, is a World Pastry Champion and opened the first high-end bakery in the Las Vegas area in 2005. I happened upon this little nook of the hotel, and marveled at how barely 1,000 square feet of pastry, crepes, chocolate and more chocolate could keep me so entertained for nearly an hour.

A beautiful glass sculpture hangs in the center of the patisserie, floating over gigantic wedding cakes, their specialty in the land of the quickie wedding. Again, quite over-the-top.

The rows of pastry are quite sweet, while also awe-inspiring when your faced with what feels like hundreds of them placed before you in a modern glass case. I was particularly fond of the look of the bright green key lime cake. So fancy, and over-the-top. Are you sensing a theme?

The other focal point of the shop is what they allegedly call the world’s tallest chocolate fountain, with three types flowing from ceiling to floor. Tourists were video-taping the rapid flow of sweetness. Kids were pointing, almost trying to push their fingers through the glass to get a quick taste.

I have several friends who would love this little ornament tree loaded with ball-shaped rice krispie treats. Little dots of pink, cream and chocolate hanging with bows, as if it was Christmas time. One of these is heading home with me for the husband.

Here are a few other photos from outside the patisserie. The Bellagio is quite impressive. Try to keep your mouth shut as you stare in awe - at the pastries, flowers, people and general extravagance that could only be Las Vegas.

This photo, taken in London, reminded me that Spring really is just around the corner. Dreaming of fairer weather, I ventured to the flower show last week. Between 50 degree weather in London and a dose of flowery times at the convention center, I’m so ready for Spring cooking and flower arranging.

This gorgeous display of geraniums reminded me of colorful salad greens that share multiple shades of greens. Freshly dressed with lemon juice and olive oil, there’s nothing better.

This dark geranium had an under-planting of a mossy-green fern. It reminded me of my days at Winston’s, when we always finished off plants with an under-coating of something (pea stones, lava rock, moss).

This fountain needs to be in my back yard this year. It would be quite the focal point for barbecues, smoke parties (meat smoking!) and all sorts of al fresco dining.

If only this citrus tree could be in my yard as well. I may buy a little lime tree for my back deck, to nurture our bad margarita habit.

I have so many old stone pots that I plan to fill up with dozens of succulents this season. They always fancy up a barbecue, adding a touch of elegance to plates of smoked meats.

Gigantic pink tree peonies always remind me of gigantic dinner plates. I have some peach dinner plates purchased for a buck a pop at the local dollar store. I always prefer to use actual plates rather than paper or plastic. Sure, it’s better for the environment. But ultimately, real plates make burgers so much better.

Ahh, I look forward to those early Summer peony blooms that will pop up just outside my kitchen door. Start planning your garden now, there are so many possibilities!