Chocolate-lovers beware! Zombies are on the prowl in Bellagio and Aria, all thanks to the Jean Philippe PĂątisseries Gory and gruesome body parts, fancy whimsical cakes and pastries, the displays cater to all ages and all taste palettes.
Executive Pastry Chef Claude Escamilla and his supremely talented team worked for eight months to create almost 50 festive showpieces that place the undead at center stage.Â
âI was very much inspired by my favorite TV program, âThe Walking Dead,â said Escamilla. âWhen I was watching the show, I kept thinking about how I could take the characters and turn them into life-size creations for the holiday.â
ARIAâs main showpiece is a 200-pound, six-foot-tall male zombie made out of chocolate and rolling fondant. Due to his bold, statuesque position near the shop, guests are encouraged to take goosebump-worthy selfies with him if they dare. Another sight to behold is the life-size skeleton perched in a chocolate electric chair. This design took the team more than 70 hours to complete, using approximately 130 pounds of white and dark chocolate.
Combining the glitz and glamour of Sin City with a decrepit scene, a zombie showgirl is the main focal point at Bellagio. Standing alongside a rundown âWelcome to Las Vegas Signâ and in a mountain of rubble made from cookie and sugar pieces, she was created using nearly160 pounds of chocolate and 75 pounds of rolling fondant. Scary zombie heads, wicked jack-oâ-lanterns and other intricate, holiday-inspired delights decorate every nook and corner in both European pastry shops, each creating complete Halloween scenes.
Guests also can take home delicious Halloween treats, such as spider cupcakes and chocolate ghosts, available for purchase in-store at both Bellagio and ARIA locations and online at www.jpchocolates.com. Jean Philippe PĂątisserie also offers an assortment of French favorites including crĂȘpes, pastries, chocolates and gelatos in addition to a wide variety of retail selections and custom cakes.