Jean Philippe Patisserie

My husband and I were really terrible about taking a kid free vacation until two years ago. My best friend planned a couples vacation for us at Aria Resort & Casino. Since then we have made sure we get to Aria at least twice a year along with my BFF and her husband. Every trip involves multiple stops at Jean Philippe Patisserie, which is conveniently located in the casino of Aria.

Jean Philippe offers  gelato, crepes, macarons, fine chocolates, coffee, tea & espresso drinks, pastries, paninis and many other decadent treats. It didn’t occur to me until I started working on this post that we order anything and everything Nutella at Jean Philippe. Just wait, you’ll see.

Most mornings on our Vegas vacation we will start our day by sharing a Nutella crepe topped with strawberries and raspberries. They do not hold back on the Nutella and I don’t hate them for that. We prefer getting the fruit on top, but typically they make the crepes with the fruit inside. Jean Philippe isn’t all about chocolate and sweets, they also have a wide array of savory crepes.

Nutella Crepe

Nutella Crepe

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Brunch at Bankers Hill Bar and Restaurant

My friend and I had tickets for the Sunday matinee showing of Annie presented by Broadway San Diego, along with her daughter.  We love brunch and a girls day out!  Bankers Hill Bar and Restaurant had been on my must-try list and since it was close to the Civic theatre, it seemed like the perfect spot to stop in for brunch.

I made a reservation in advance through Yelp, which was helpful since we had an engagement after brunch.  I was smitten as soon as I walked up to the big rustic doors. Above the hostess station is a chandelier made out of wine glasses in all shapes and sizes.  Inside there are a lot of wood details, windows and marquee signs.  We opted to sit outside in the enclosed patio.  It sold me with the dark tiles, glass sliding doors, rustic wood tables and chairs, and succulent wall.

Our server was really nice and helpful.  He suggested we start with a house made cinnamon roll (which I had planned on doing because dessert first) and listed all of the fresh juice they have to offer.  In addition to the cinnamon roll, we began our brunch with grapefruit mimosas while we looked over the menu.

Grapefruit Mimosa, brunch from Bankers Hill

Grapefruit Mimosa, brunch at Bankers Hill

A warm house made cinnamon roll arrived after our mimosas, it had cream cheese frosting and a blackberry compote.  I would definitely order again as a starter or as dessert after our entrees.  I’ve never had a fruit compote on a cinnamon roll, but wow did it work. Continue reading