For years now I have gone to Vegas to celebrate my birthday. Much to the chagrin of my friends and family, it’s always my escape, my time to go and do my own thing. To explore the inevitable changes in design, the new games in the casinos, the new restaurants and bars, and all of the other things that make Las Vegas unlike any other place on the planet.

This year was no different. However unlike past years, this year was stealth. No birthday was announced at restaurants, or at tables, or anywhere else. I celebrated with a close friend, and a fantastic dinner. But the end is what really makes Vegas special.

Having just finished a satisfying meal, we were talking about what would make a perfect night more perfect. “Sticky toffee pudding!” she said. Of course it would make any night better, but then it dawned on us. We were minutes away from some of the best on the planet.

So without missing a beat we rushed to Paris Las Vegas and were able to immediately saddle up to the bar. The bartender, as has always been the case, acted like we were old friends. Dinner? No. Drinks? Absolutely. Dessert? Yes. Without missing a beat the next three words were exactly what we were there for from her mouth.

And out came the perfect birthday cake. I won’t review it, because this isn’t about the dessert itself, but rather about the wonder of Vegas. The fact that you can have anything you want (mostly legally) when you want it. In this case, my want was a piece of heaven on a plate, and it was less than 30 minutes from idea to fruition. Where else in the world can that happen?

‘What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas’ has been the go to quote for years, but more accurate to the debauchery are at times the magical moments the city offers. And once again this year it did not disappoint.