ELV’s love of all things croque is well documented. Whether it’s monsieur, madame, gagnet or novégien, this ultimate ham and cheese sandwich is our preferred way to start the day…although we draw the line at croque bolognese or a Croque McDo.

The name is based on the French verb croquer (“to crunch”) and means there should always be a certain crackle (and not too much béchamel)  in your ham and cheese creation. The “madame” portion of the name is said to come from the fried egg resembling a certain kind of flattened ladies’ hat in France.

Payard Bistro and Patisserie’s version remains the gold standard for this sandwich in our humble burg — made with beautiful brioche, lightly-cured ham and good, nutty Gruyère. One bite takes you straight back to the Rive Gauche…which is what we think Francois Payard had in mind when he put it on the menu.

Best of all, it only costs $17, and one good-sized sandwich will easily feed two.

Just thought you’d like to know.

PAYARD BISTRO AND PATISSERIE

In Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino

3570 Las Vegas Blvd. South

Las Vegas, NV 89109-8924

702.731.7849

http://www.caesarspalace.com/casinos/caesars-palace/restaurants-dining/payard-patisserie-detail.html