On Tap

The latest taste of Las Vegas.

TOUT SWEET

Caesars Palace Las Vegas, a celebration of ancient Greece and Rome, has integrated the tastes of another European classic — Paris' Left Bank— with Payard Patisserie & Bistro. The opening in November marked the 10th anniversary of world-renowned pastry chef François Payard's original New York patisserie. Payard, however, says Las Vegas is "completely different."

Though the two locations share the same design team (the New York-based Rockwell Group), Payard said his New York spot is more conservative and less spacious. Payard Las Vegas is organized into three sections: a specialty goods station for on-the-go patrons (where "people can buy [gifts] quickly, like a cosmetic shop," said Payard); a coffee-counter bar for quick sit-down service, and a more traditional restaurant, serving breakfast and lunch daily, and in lieu of dinner, offering an unconventional dessert tasting menu. Payard's dessert menu is grouped into four categories — Le Fromage; the Orchard; Coffee, Caramel and Nuts, and Tout Chocolat — and patrons can select any three desserts ($45) for sampling. Look for fruit dishes to change seasonally, with some of Payard's favorites including the Apple Tatin, with aged cheddar, frisée salad and toasted walnuts, and the Palet d'Or Hazelnut Succes, with marquise chocolate and a crispy wafer.

Payard Patisserie & Bistro at Caesars Palace, 3570 Las Vegas Boulevard South; 702-731-7292. Open daily, for brunch, 6:30-11:30 a.m.; for lunch, 12-4 p.m., and for dessert, 6-11 p.m.

— Rachel Rees

THE 'QUIET' KOI

Anonymity at Los Angeles hot spot Koi is nearly impossible: paparazzi have a permanent spot on the sidewalk in their efforts to get shots of the celebrities who frequent the restaurant. But with its new Las Vegas outpost at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, diners may be able to escape Los Angeles shutterbugs and enjoy their Japanese-inspired dishes in relative — it is Vegas, after all — peace.