Las Vegas: Jean Philippe Patisserie

World-renown pastry Chef Jean Philippe Maury indulged our eyes with his French patisserie at the Bellagio's Spa Tower. Earlier this month he opened yet another opulent outpost at the new Aria Hotel and Casino at CityCenter.

If you haven't guessed, building CityCenter is a step forward toward a new age of luxury and entertainment. Chef Maury's new outpost is much larger than the original and has a refined, yet higher level of opulence at every corner.

The first thing you'll notice is the beautiful cakes in various sizes on display throughout the patisserie.

The layout is different from the original but similar to Payard's Patisserie at Caesar's Palace. This time around, there isn't a large chocolate fountain but instead ample seating where guests can enjoy their desserts right away as well as a chocolate display of Chef Maury's signature chocolates. Guests can now hand select their favorite chocolates and create a custom box of delectable treats.

Where do you start? It seems overwhelming, but we're here to guide you through this maze of sweet madness.

On the far left next to the chocolate display, you will find gelato/sorbets and freshly made crepes.

As you move closer to the desserts, you'll find a selection of gourmet salads, sandwiches, paninis and fresh fruit.

But before you indulge your sweet tooth with exquisite pastries, be sure to check out the many breakfast pastries on display. The cheese danishes tend to sell out quickly.

Ah, the pastry cakes. Aren't they lovely? Why buy a whole cake when you can come here and select many exquisite cakes. Sort of like a pastry tasting. My birthday is coming up in a few months so guess where I'm getting mine :)

Afterthoughts: I like the new outpost and I hope to see the traffic between both outposts to even out. The Bellagio Patisserie is always crowded and I can't seem to get what I want there. The pastries may not look as delicate as Payard's but the selection is much larger. So what would I choose?

Here are my selections:

• Opera: Chocolate Ganache, Coffee Cream Butter, Expresso Syrup - $6.50
• Exotic: Candied Pineapple, Lime Dacquoise, Crispy Coconut - $6.50
• Strawberry Tart: Mousseline Cream, Almond Macaroon, Almond Buscuit - $6.50
• Imperial: Cream Brulee, Crispy Nuts, Dark Chocolate Mousse - $6.50
• Key Lime: Key Lime Emulsion, Almond Dough, Whipped Cream - $6.00
• Rose Macaroon: Raspberry Macaroon, Rose Infused Cream, Fresh Raspberry - $6.00

Things to know:

• The patisserie is located at the Aria Hotel & Casino near the Buffet.
• Business hours: 6am to 11pm.
• You can not order at the register. First go to the pastry counter and have the staff take down your order. The staff will hand you your order sheet to take to the register. Pay for your items and depending on how much you order, they will box it up and hand it to you.
• You have the option take your goodies to go or enjoy them in the seating area.
• Desserts: $6.00 to $6.50, Average spend $15.00

Jean Philippe Patiesserie

3730 Las Vegas Blvd

Las Vegas, 89109

877.230.2742

Website: http://www.jpchocolates.com