The Best Vegas Restaurants On The Las Vegas Strip take A French Spin on Fine Dining

Of course nothing compares to a real international excursion to dine in Paris, but the critics of TravelwithCarnet.com agree that these Las Vegas restaurants deliver the essence of French culinary perfection. Indulge in the best of French cuisine prepared by star chefs Alain Ducasse, Joel Robuchon, Pierre Gagnaire, and Guy Savoy.

Located on the 23rd floor of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel,Pierre Gagnaire is known for his eclectic and successful experimentation with a range of textures and tastes. Try his beef sirloin with escargot sauce and an unusual side of broccoli ice cream or tomato fig tart.

L’Atellier de Joel Robuchon at the MGM Grand boasts an open kitchen where you can watch genius unfold while the elegant dining room at Joel Robuchon (winner of 26 Michelin awards) is appropriately equipped with full staff for a true fine dining experience.

Make a reservation at Guy Savoy’s Restaurant in Caesar’s Palace and experience the world-renowned genius for yourself. Whether you choose to submit yourself to his seasonal 10-course meal or prefer a-la-carte options, Savoy prepares every ingredient with perfection and expertise.

Alain Ducasse's Mix is also known for its magnificent cuts of steak and selection of 1,200 fine wines fit for French royalty. This is surprisingly one of the best steakhouses in Las Vegas.

TravelwithCarnet.com is a digital, eco-friendly customizable travel guide; with more helpful travel tips.

Las Vegas: Cirque du Soleil Shows and Restaurant Pairings – Criss Angel “Believe” at the Luxor & E Restaurant by Jose Andre at the Cosmopolitan

“Both the show and the dining experience guarantee you an unforgettable night in Vegas. Criss Angel hosts Cirque Du Soleil’s famed circus in “Believe” (at the Luxor) and blends his magician’s expertise with Cirque’s trademark of visual beauty. His mind-bending illusions are jaw-dropping, against the extravagant backdrop of the acrobats and amazing costumes.

Accent the forty or so illusions of “Believe” with the Spanish influenced molecular cuisine and Dali-esque atmosphere of the exclusive E Restaurant by Jose Andre at the Cosmopolitan. “Exquisite” does not begin to describe the menu at E. Seating no more than 15-20 patrons, this is the best kept secret in Vegas but reservations are not easy to attain – if you are lucky, you’ll have a “gold ticket” for your entry. E serves decadent dishes along the lines of salt-crusted foie gras and caviar atop a perfectly fried egg.”

More vegas “show and dining pairings": here

A History of Easter Chocolate, From Emperors to Kings & Queens – Bet You Didn’t Know it was so Royal!

In a few days the great Easter Egg Search will start under the supervision of the Head Rabbit (soon to be headless) at the ring of the bell (not sure about the sound of a chocolate bell)—Chocolatiers of the world get ready.

We all know that cacao beans come from Mexico and we all assume that it was Hernando Cortez, the first Spanish chocoholic, who sent the first beans to America. But did you know that when Columbus landed in Guanaja, the indigenes gave him cacao beans that he threw overboard from the Santa Maria as he thought they were goat dung.

The Emperor Charles did not become immediately a cacao addict as he found the beverage too bitter. But a man of God, he gave to all the religious congregation of Spain the task of finding the best recipe for making of hot chocolate. History does not say which congregation recipe was chosen, but soon the Emperor and his court were drinking a delicious mixture of cacao, honey, and spices. Soon all of Spain was craving chocolate. The new chocolate fashion spread to Flanders, then Italy. When Anne of Austria, infant of Spain, was betrothed to Louis XIII, King of France in 1615, she brought along a dowry of 500,000 crowns and splendid jewels … and her personal chocolate supply. She was only eleven years old.

Here’s the rest of this interesting story.