As he explained his creation process, pointing to puffy croissants,and assorted bon-bons in the display case, I admit to only half-listening, because I had my eyes on those delectable truffles and chocolate creations extraordinaire.
I gained two pounds just listening to him while eye-balling the chocolate cowboy hats.
A more casual French option at Wynn is the simple and elegant Daniel Bouloud Brasserie. Our “lake”-side evening table was enhanced by a very French, off-beat techno/video/audio water display. Everything was delicious, including the Paris-perfect breads. Hey, in Paris, inferior bread is a deal-breaker! Just keep room for the inevitable cheese course.
Once your appetite has been sated, and you want to inhale some second-hand smoke or enjoy your own nicotine, simply walk into any casino or store.
Perhaps the best way to describe this odd city of dreamers is to compare it to Epcot. Just smokier and with not one Mickey around. Wynn is also home to more traditional French entertainment with Le Reve, featuring girls! Girls! Girls!
One smart hotel, just off the Strip, is the Westin Casuarian. Why smart? Because it’s the only smoke-free hotel/casino around! And its spa, with French products, offers one of the most professional and soothing pedicures I have ever experienced. And that’s how they do it in Paris. Perfectement.
Another favorite is the Venetian’s Canyon Ranch Spa Club. With its dedication to good health and fitness (very French) there’s no question why this hotel tops many best-of lists. With its climbing wall and nurturing medi and signature services, come here to work off calories from your endless French feasting.
Want to get away from the Strip? A mere 20 minute drive finds you in Henderson, home to the beautiful sanctuary of Ritz-Carlton. Take a breather, have a facial like none other—with Prada products to take home—and dine fabulously at the Medici Café and Terrace. You can even see the Strip in the distance. It was hard to return. But the blow was softened at the Four Seasons, which also has numerous Parisian influences, from French-inspired culinary opportunities to its classic décor, attentive staff and noticable lack of a casino! What it does have is a sly little door to the Mandalay Bay, back to the hoi polloi of Vegas where you can gamble your night away. Then slip back into the gem of the Four Seasons for a great night’s sleep.
For entertainment, (other than headliners) try a veteran Vegas magic show with Lance Burton at the Monte Carlo. He’s soft-spoken, has a slick repartee and even devotes one schtick to a French burlesque act!
And the best, most reasonably priced and friendliest way to fly into Vegas, is with my favorite airline: Jetblue. I'm telling you, these folks know how to run an airline: attendants will actually SMILE (!) when you board, give you extra snacks and be kind during your flight! When's the last time that happened on, uh, other Bigger Named planes? Go Blue!
If you are left with any euros after visiting, consider yourself tres lucky.
Naomi Serviss is a freelance entertainment writer living in Sea Cliff, NY.
