Las Vegas: Vosges at the Forum Shops

A hop skip and a jump away and across Las Vegas Blvd is the entrance to the Forum Shops and just inside this entrance is Vosges Haut Chocolates.   This Vegas branch of the Chicago chocolatier offers all the treats that Chicago and NY offer including some of the newest delights. I really enjoy their Bars.  Vosges is now into Baked mixes: Pancakes and Cookies in particular.  This is chocolate for the discerning palate: The Carmel Marshmallows are terrific and Red Fire Chili Tortillas were good, sweet and hot.   Love this concept… try it whenever you pass it… NYC, Chicago, LV, etc… Packaged mixes can be found in some specialty grocers near you.  In Texas, Central Market is carrying the pancake mix.

(http://www.vosgeschocolate.com/)

 


This trip I bought Caramel  Marshmallows- a huge favorite. 





The Red Fire Chocolate Tortilla Chips-
Sweet with a wicked kick!





Honey Truffles will make there seasonal debut soon…..heard the bee farmer in Hawaii may give it up which may force this truffle off the market… Vosges, Say it isn’t so!!!

Las Vegas: Ghirardelli Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor

Down an alley, between Harrah’s and The Imperial Palace is the Ghirardelli Chocolate shop.   When I was there a very good 70’s rock cover band was playing Billy Joel and Elton John on the outside stage next door. 

This is an old fashion ice cream parlor.  You can belly up to the counter and they will make you a hot fudge sundae, Ghirardelli Vegas style, or shop around the store from the entire line of Ghirardelli products.

I still like the "squares" sold everywhere now, but seemingly more authentic when purchased from the store itself.

Making a new friend

Squares: Dark Chocolate with Mint and Milk Chocolate with Caramel are terrific and now part of a 15 flavor family of squares.

This may not be Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco but if you find this place at the end of the alley,  it is a great throwback.

Have fun (like I did).


 

Las Vegas: Venetian Hotel and Grand Canal Shops- Godiva and GG Santi-Venezia

You have to love Las Vegas! The Grand Canal Shops are a "grand" example of the evolution of Las Vegas into a monumental show town. Walking into this shopping center or The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace makes you feel as if you have been transported to Venice or Rome.



In the Canal Shops there is a Godiva store. The new holiday 2010 truffles are in and quite good: Pumpkin + the Bakery Dessert line up!





A very small kiosk in the hotel that sells some imported European chocolates and some baked goods from a local bakery. The mini cupcakes were nice. Definitely a good spot if you need a quick fix and are at the Venetian Hotel.

Las Vegas: Ethel M Chocolates - Shop and Factory Tour

Took a quick taxi ride over to the Ethel M factory. Been threatening to do it for several years and didn't realize how close it was to the strip or I would have done it sooner. Only about 8 minute ride from Hard Rock Hotel. A beautiful cactus garden is the first thing you see- very serene place to wander, especially if you are waiting for a taxi to retrieve you after the tour.


This location has a small M&M store and a separate Ethel M shop connected to the factory. The Tour is self-guided and takes only a few minute. The tour comes to an end with a free sample of one of the chocolates made that day. No chance to sneak out- the tour path dumps you right in the store so you can buy from their large variety of freshly made chocolates.

Chocolate Pecan Brittle is terrific.

My new favorites are the Dark Chocolate Honey Truffles which have definitely made my top 10 list!