A Grand Place for Sweets: Bellagio Patisserie

By: Bob Gurley

​One of the must-sees in Las Vegas is the conservatory at the Bellagio Hotel. The season-changing scenes full of fragrant flowers do wonders to just about anyone who visits. 

But there is another spot just down the hall that also puts smiles on everyone, the Bellagio Patisserie.
  
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Not only will you find a wealth of goodies, but the world’s largest chocolate fountain resides there too. As you enter the place, your eyes will immediately go to the site of liquid cocoa flowing into little ponds. Tan and white colors rule the day and if the attraction wasn’t behind glass, you would be tempted to put your finger in it and lick the liquid off.
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The line to order features an oval viewing area where you can see your creation being made. One of the highlights is their collection of crepes, both meat and fruit.
 
I recently ordered a strawberry crème version and it was perfectly constructed with a stuffing of mascarpone-like pudding sitting inside of the squared crepe. On top were a batch of fresh strawberries and whipped cream; not out of a can but freshly-made.
   
I appreciate those who can make perfect crepes. It isn’t easy as I found out once when touring a creperie in Southern California. The owner asked if I wanted to try to make one. I thought it would be easy but by the time I started smoothing out the batter I had made several holes in it.
 
The finished product was a not-so good mound of over-cooked stuff that I don’t think anybody would eat. Hats off to those who make these.
    
Those staying at the hotel like this place for breakfast. Not only is there a large selection but the prices are much lower than expected. Café Bellagio used to be the least expensive restaurant but it is closed and another eatery is scheduled to open in December.
    
You will find a large selection of croissants, pastries and breakfast sandwiches as well as freshly-made yogurt with fruit and oatmeal. They also serve early day items until they run out.
    
Rows of chocolates fill the shelves. A French chocolatier used to furnish all of the candy but I noticed a change the last time I visited. The goodies are now made at the Aria Hotel and brought over.
    
Gelato is a big part of their business. I have sampled it several times, usually on my way to view the huge water show that has been named one of the top tourist attractions in Las Vegas. There is a creaminess to the gelato that is hard to beat.
 
It reminds me of the fine product served at Metro Pizza shops throughout the valley. Even though it is more expensive than the stuff served at Metro, it is well worth it.
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Of course you will find hot drinks like espresso, lattes and the upscale type of delights we have all become used to in the morning.
   
There are a lot of reasons to visit the patisserie anytime of the day. The next time you are viewing the flowers at the conservatory, stop in and give it a try.
   
Bellagio Patisserie, Bellagio Hotel, 3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas. (702) 693-7111. www.bellagio.com.