Vegas Dining News: Payard Chocolate Clock; Golden Gate Shrimp Cocktail; Silverton Happy Hours

Visit the Payard Chocolate Clock

Francois Payard Patisserie at Caesars Palace is already known for it’s great pastries and chocolate confections that will make your mouth drool.

But there is one confection new to the store that isn’t available for sale.

Dubbed the Payard Chocolate Clock, this truffle-inspired 13-foot tall timepiece displays nine different time zones and randomly dispenses free truffles to guests.

Rich cocoa colored beams frame windows that provide a peek into the clock’s mechanical chamber. The clock mechanisms create the six-step process in making chocolates and truffles. Bowls containing what appears to be melted chocolate rotate by the windows as three large and six smaller clocks tick above. The whole thing is supported by sleek metallic strips resembling ribbons of melted chocolate.

It may not be edible, but it may make your mouth water.

Both the shop and the dining room are open from 6:30am until 11pm daily.

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Golden Gate Raises Shrimp Cocktail Price

It debuted in 1959 for only 50 cents, but in 1991, the infamous Golden Gate shrimp cocktail price was raised to 99 cents, where it has been for the last 17 years.

But this month, the Golden Gate doubled the price of one of the best dining bargains in Vegas to $1.99. Now, while the mound of tasty shrimp and sauce is still a good deal at that price, it seems those in the know can avoid the price increase.

Simply show your Club 1906 players club card when you order and you can still get the shrimp cocktail for only 99 cents.

Don’t have a card? Then visit the hotel’s Club 1906 players club card booth (located next to the corner sports book area) and sign up for the card before you dine. And when you sign up, ask if they have any of the 2-4-1 hamburger coupons for new players to save another $6.50 when eating in the diner on weekdays.

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Silverton Alters Happy Hour Specials

Fans of the Silverton Casino’s restaurant and lounge happy hour specials will be sad to learn the hotel has scaled back drastically on the offerings.

Now, don’t get me wrong, the deals are still pretty good, just not as expansive as they once were. Here’s a quick rundown on the new deals the Silverton is offering:

• Shady Grove Lounge Happy Hour. Specials include $4 flights of craft beers 4pm-7pm Mondays through Fridays and $5 pizzas from 4pm until midnight daily.

• Mi Casa Grill Cantina Happy Hour. Runs Mondays through Fridays from 4pm until 7pm with $1 tequila shots, $1 Miller Chill bottles and free chips and salsa.

• Mermaid Restaurant & Lounge Happy Hour. Enjoy $4 plates of calamari daily from 11am until close.

Sundance Grill also offers $5 pizzas 24 hours a day. While technically not a happy hour special, it’s a good deal worth mentioning. And all casino bars are currently offering $1 bottles of MGD all day, every day.

I’m kinda disappointed as I often enjoyed the revolving daily happy hour menu. What do you think? Are the deals still worth the drive out to the Silverton for you?