Bellagio's Jean-philippe Patisserie To Open: A Showcase Of Edible Gems

THE JEWEL BOX OF PATISSERIES

Bellagio's New Jean-Philippe Pbtisserie Will Offer Edible Gems

LAS VEGAS - With the opulence and reverent air of a lavish jewelry salon, award-winning pastry chef Jean-Philippe Maury will introduce the first, truly European-style pastry shop to Las Vegas. Opening this December within Bellagio's luxurious new Spa Tower, the Pbtisserie will whet the imagination as much as the appetite, with an incredible selection of sweet and savory items including chocolates, cookies, cakes, crepes, salads, sandwiches and much more.

Jean-Philippe Patisserie has been a dream of Executive Pastry Chef Jean-Philippe Maury for years, and now he and designer Norwood Oliver will present a multitude of gourmet delicacies in an equally delicious design setting. "Our approach was not to think that we were selling pastries," said Chef Maury of the design plan. "Rather, we approached the space as if we were selling exquisite jewelry. Pleasure in food is stimulated as much by visual appreciation as by our taste buds. It is imperative, however, that the quality of my creations live up to the expectations invited by the visual allure of the packaging. It must be superb!"

At Jean-Philippe Patisserie each chocolate, petit fours and cookie will be dressed and displayed as lovingly as any bejeweled engagement ring. Four rotating shelf-towers will brim over with every imaginable cake and chocolate, silver-foil wrappers and non-pareils catching the light to sparkle like diamonds.

"Jean-Philippe's balance of refined aesthetic taste and whimsical curiosities on such a truly grand scale will be like nothing our guests have seen before. Chef Maury's vision and ability are unsurpassed," said Randy Morton, vice president of Hotel Operations.

While most pastry chefs specialize in a single area, Jean-Philippe has mastered all aspects. He boasts a career filled with honors and accolades, including the prestigious Gold Medal from the 2002 World Pastry Team Championship, the ultimate of pastry competitions. Jean-Philippe possesses an appetite for innovation that will be witnessed in every element of his dream Patisserie.

His pastry shop will feature seven interactive food sections presenting an array of tempting delights where patrons may indulge their cravings. The Crepe Station will provide a gourmet version of the classic French street-stall snack. Chefs will cook them to order, savory or sweet. At the Sandwich Station customers will select from an array of cold sandwiches, salads and warm paninis, such as Supreme Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Caramelized Onions and Provolone. A low-fat Spa Menu will help waist-minded guests maintain their resolve, as will a variety of sugar-free sweets including a Three Layer Chocolate Napoleon.

The desserts are sure to amaze. A slice of Coconut Cream Cake with Crhme Br{lie, Candied Pineapples and Coconut Crisp at the individual Pastry Station, or, at the store's Grand Opening, a freshly baked cookie-ornament off the sparkling silver Christmas tree will have patrons yearning for more.

Full-size cakes from the Cake Station will be boxed to go and lavishly coifed at the Gift Wrap Station, while the Sorbet and Gelato Station will provide cooling splashes of color with a variety of 16 flavors.

Jean-Philippe Patisserie will be the ideal way to begin the morning. With a Nutella Brioche filled with Caramelized Hazelnuts at the Danish Station and a piping hot mug of Jean-Philippe's exclusive house coffee blend, cappuccino or espresso, the day kicks off to a sweet and pleasurable start.

Retail shelving along the perimeter of the store completes this full-service Wonderland: Biscotti, truffles, macaroons and chocolates, colorful jellies and jams, exotic coffees and teas, all from Jean-Philippe's or Bellagio's private labels. An interactive