A Sweet Trip to Vegas

The weather was gorgeous, people were stunning, and the food was sumptuous.

This wasn't my first trip to Vegas. My first trip was a treat for my college graduation. There aren't enough words in the dictionary to explain what Vegas is like...so if you haven't been there, I'd highly recommend checking it out (at least once in your lifetime).

I'm not sure what it is about bright lights and flashy crowds that intrigue me so...but the sight was definitely captivating. I was excited to finally check out the infamous Fremont Street.

One of my favorite things to do when traveling is renting a car (I know...it doesn't take much to make me happy). :o) It always feels like opening a birthday gift when you're handed the keys to a car that you DON'T know what you're going to get. So what did we get this time?

THE SMURF MOBILE *chuckles*

My first impression: I didn't think I had sunglasses dark enough to block out the bright shining blue...but I came to love it because it was also a convertible!

We definitely revelled in joy riding around town in our Cruiser.

Because I had been to Vegas before, my intentions for this trip was not for gambling, partying, and glam. This time I wanted to check out the sweeter side of Vegas!...Man oh Man was I in store for a treat!!!! :o)



We began our trip by checking out the Ethel M Chocolate Factory Tour.

Ethel M is owned by Mars Incorporated and was named after the mother of Forrest Mars.

In 2007 the company made the transition from Ethel M Chocolates into Ethels Chocolate. The new branding boasts a whole new line of 48 different handmade-gourmet chocolates designed by master chocolatier Jin Caldwell.

Unfortunately, when we got there, they were no longer making anymore goodies. *boo hoo*

"That's okay", I thought to myself because the trip had just begun. :o)

We continued our sacchariferous trip into the famous hotels of The Strip.

First stop, Bouchon Bakery of the Venetial Hotel-Resort-Casino.

I was excited to check out this bakery because it's owned by Thomas Keller. The only reason I know that name was because in our bread class, Chef Tim would speak highly of this man.

I was excited to see the carrot cake cookie because we had just made carrot cake in class on Thursday.


Golly gee!!! I definitely wanted to get my hands on one of EVERYTHING...but I settled for the vanilla macaroon! GOOD CHOICE SAVITRE!!! :o) *pats myself on the back*

Next stop...Payard & Patisserie Ceasars Palace of Francois Payard. As we walked in, before us stood a ginormous Chocolate Clock.

The nine time zone represents the international flavors and taste profiles which have been inspired by Francois and the recipes he has created over time. A time honored recipe for truffles was used to create the treats which are dispensed at regular intervals throughout the day for enjoyment of visitors to Payard & Patisserie Ceasars Palace.

Our feet were tired, we had a long day of travel, but nothing was going to stop us from getting to the Bellagio.

Here, we struck gold...er CHOCOLATE rather!!!! :o)

At the entry way encased in glass was a floor to ceiling chocolate fountain! My jaw dropped, mouth watered, and eyes wide as that of a kid in a candy store...I thought I died and went to heaven! *eyes gazing*

As much as you wanted to take your eyes off of it and browse the bakery, you just couldn't. When I finally got pushed around by the crowd and all the other excited visitors I was knocked back to conscious and continued to browse at all the delectables this place...this pastry paradise had to offer.

We had made it to Jean-Philippe Patisserie. There were cake displays all around, counters full of fresh pastries, and walls filled with purchasable confectionery treats, and a long line of happy customers waiting to place an order for fresh crepes.

We took home a box of Almond Dragee and Chocolate Coconut Tuile

(the Tuile was a must because that too was something I had just recently learned in school)

Sweets from my Sweetie!

Finally, our last day ended with the highlight of our trip! Mandalay Bay!

Home of Executive Pastry Chef...none other than Chef Vincent Pilon! *blissful grin*
Words cannot describe this experience...but I'll give it a try (but know that nothing I say will do justice for the actual experience)!

I was excited just to get a chance to see Chef Vincent again. I thought it would be a meet and greet and let him go his merry way back to his busy life...but NO, that was definitely NOT the case.

Oh my goodness, instead, he was gracious enough to take time out of his busy schedule and take us down to his bake shop and show us his kitchen, meet some of his staff, and see where all the works of art are created.

We also spent some time in his office checking out photos of some of his greatest creations. If you know me, I am easily star struck and loss for words. However, when chatting with Chef Vincent, there was definitely a feeling of ease. I wanted to just pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee, and go through each and every one of his photos in detail while listening to his life stories.

I was excited to see some of his chocolate showpieces...especially his latest work for The Lion King opening (seen on the right).

When I thought that I had seen it all, I had soon realized that THIS was just the beginning. He continued by showing us the "secret" passage ways of Mandalay Bay and areas I could never afford but only dreamed of seeing. (sorry, don't have any pics because I felt like it was top secret info that should only be captured in the memories of my mind).

Before I knew it, we ended up in the kitchen of the Grill on the beach and then soon walking amongst the hotel guests of the beach. The feeling was surreal. I couldn't believe what was actually happening...I, ME, lil Savitre, was walking around with Chef Vincent Pilon. It seemed only like yesterday I was watching the Food Network Challenges and seeing him win every competition he competed in...but NOW, I was there with him!!!! *still in awe*

Two hours later, we were on the casino floor, taking in recommendations of restaurants, and even going into one that was not open yet (Aureole). More joy and excitement came upon me when I saw the 42-foot-tall glass-enclosed "wine tower".

As soon as I saw it, I recognized it from when Lisa Garza (The Next Food Network Star) had to do a challenge in it!

I had never had a backstage pass to a concert before, but THIS definitely felt like VIP access. There was something about walking around with Chef Vincent that made you feel important, inspired, and definitely blessed with such an opportunity.

After we parted with him, Kobfa and I were paralized by the whole experience. We went to eat at The Noodle Shop (recommended by Chef Vincent). As we sat there, we were both basically loss for words. All we did was basically replay over and over in our heads everything that had just happened. I am forever grateful to Notter School of Pastry Arts for giving me the opportunity to have taken a class by him...AND I am forever grateful to Chef Vincent for making time for us and sharing with us. A visit with him was just the cup of tea I needed to rejuvenate my spirit for school.

The trip did not end here!!!....No trip to Vegas (for me at least) is complete without a visit to the land of my favorite chocolate candy~the four story M&Ms World.

If this isn't the SWEETEST trip to Vegas...I don't know what is!

Now, as Christina would say..."I need to sugar detox". :o)