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François Payard is readying a Las Vegas outpost of his eponymous patisserie, eta summer 07. Good thing Caesars has state-of-the-art air con.

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Full press release after the jump.

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LEGENDS UNITE AS WORLD’S FOREMOST CHOCOLATIER FRANÇOIS PAYARD PARTNERS WITH CAESARS PALACE

A sweet look ahead – Payard Patisserie scheduled to open this summer at Caesars Palace

Las Vegas, Nev. (January 22, 2007) – Gary Selesner, the president of Caesars Palace, along with John Unwin, the general manager of Caesars Palace are proud to announce a partnership with acclaimed Chef and chocolatier François Payard. Located adjacent to the recently opened Rao’s restaurant, Payard Patisserie at Caesars Palace will take an effervescent and whimsical, yet upscale, approach to the classic neighborhood pastry shop found throughout Paris’ Left Bank. This new space, like his first in New York, will be designed by The Rockwell Group.

”Partnering with Caesars Palace is an honor for me as they are truly one of the most legendary and luxurious hotel casinos in the world. It is also an honor to be joining great chefs like Guy Savoy, Bradley Ogden, Jean-Marie Josselin and Bobby Flay,” said Payard. “My restaurant at Caesars Palace will recreate the atmosphere, elegance and cuisine that I currently have in my New York patisserie, but there will be a few surprises that make this place truly one-of-a-kind.”

Rich and vibrant colors will dominate the space as hand-crafted woodwork, crystal, blown glass and leather banquettes complete the restaurant’s elegant feel. Within the Patisserie will be three unique areas for guests to experience. To the right of the guest entrance will be the specialty goods station where freshly prepared chocolates, candies, pastries and breads will be arranged in glass display cases. The middle area will serve as a counter-service coffee/liquor/panini bar serving breakfast, lunch, dinner; and late-night offerings to guests on the go. To the left guests will have the ability to enjoy more traditional table service in the restaurant’s dining room that is centered by an open-air kitchen complete with a service counter . An oversize crystal chandelier completes the dramatic space which will be accented by splashes of color and contemporary artwork. In the morning guests will be able to get the day started with signature coffee drinks, fresh pastries and made-to-order omelets and panini.

“François Payard is widely recognized among the world’s great culinary talents and is arguably the best-known pastry chef in the world” said Caesars Palace president, Gary Selesner.

“Adding François to the Caesars Palace roster of world renowned culinary superstars strengthens our position as the premiere fine dining destination in the world. The quality of his chocolates alone will establish the new patisserie as a culinary destination in Las Vegas. Our guests are absolutely going to love our newest addition to the Las Vegas dining scene.”

Payard Patisserie at Caesars Palace will add to the growing list of renowned dining establishments at Caesars Palace, including Bradley Ogden (recipient of the James Beard 2004 illy Best New Restaurant award), Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill, Restaurant Guy Savoy and Rao’s. Payard Patisserie is scheduled to open in the summer of 2007.

About François Payard
François Payard is a third generation French pastry chef who cultivated his passion for the art of pastry as a child in his grandfather’s acclaimed shop Au Nid des Friandises on the Riviera. In 1988 François moved to Paris where he held his first position as pastry chef in Paris at La Tour d’Argent, followed by a stint at Lucas Carton, both Michelin three-star restaurants. In 1990 François moved to New York and was pastry chef at the legendary Le Bernadin for three years. His next stop was at Restaurant Daniel where in 1995 he was awarded “Pastry Chef of the Year” by the James Beard Foundation. Two years later François fulfilled his life-long dream when he opened Payard Patisserie & Bistro and was named “Pastry Chef of the Year” in 1998 by Bon Appetit’s Food & Entertainment Awards. In 2004 François was awarded with the prestigious Ordre du Mérite Agricole Medal of Honor by the French Government, in 2005 he was given Wine Spectator magazine’s  Award of Excellence and in 2006 was selected by Relais Desserts as one of the top 85 pastry chefs in the world.

About Caesars`Palace

Caesars Palace is the world’s best known resort-casino, celebrating the glory that was Greece and the grandeur that was Rome, in an 85-acre destination location that sets the standard for entertainment, dining and luxury. Reigning at the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, Caesars Palace ranks among the world’s top luxury resorts known for their originality and beauty and features 3,348 hotel guest rooms and suites, 24 unique restaurants and cafes, 4.5-acre Garden of the Gods pools and gardens, 50,000 square foot Qua Baths & Spa and 240,000 square feet of premium meeting and convention space. The 4,100-seat Colosseum spotlights renowned headliner entertainers such as Celine Dion, Elton John and Jerry Seinfeld, and sits just steps away from celebrity chef restaurants and the acclaimed Forum Shops at Caesars. For more information, visit caesarspalace.com. Journalists can download information and photos at media.harrahs.com.

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