Sofitel Dubai Downtown Exhibits ‘Haute Croissanterie’ Revealing Six Signature Croissants by Chef Jay Williams

Dubai, 05 March 2024

Celebrating its 60th anniversary, as the Sofitel brand by Accor introduced the Haute Croissanterie concept, Sofitel Dubai Downtown revealed a delicious collection of six signature croissants with a modern twist. The Haute Croissanterie concept invites Chefs around the world to reinvent the delicious French breakfast icon inspired by Haute Couture. In an interactive masterclass, Chef Jay Williams, Director of Culinary at Sofitel Dubai Downtown, unveiled his creations with six signature croissants along the iconic Pur Beurre. 

Where Chefs Become Ambassadors:

Sofitel invited worldwide chefs to reinvent the delicious French breakfast icon with their own design and signature recipe reflective of the city and the culture they are based in.

This exciting new concept will stay until the end of this year when guests can enjoy croissants for breakfast or via retail purchase at La Patisserie. Seasonally, the chef ambassadors will reveal new croissant recipes. And, thanks to monthly breakfast events, the Haute Croissanterie is sure to leave a lasting – and delicious – impression.

Where croissants became Haute Couture:

An iconic French pastry treat, the butter croissant continues to delight anyone and everyone with a sweet or savory tooth – everywhere in the world. On January 30th, World Croissant Day, Sofitel unveiled its brand-new concept: the Haute Croissanterie. Initially, this unprecedented experience was launched by ambassadors from three hotels of the brand: Sofitel Dubai, The Obelisk in the United Arab Emirates, Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel in South Korea, and Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo in Panama. Together, they perfected the recipe of their Pur Beurre croissant, promising the best croissants in town. The ambassadors have collectively trained other pastry chefs in their region to spread their excellence and savoir-faire during a dedicated week in Dubai. Thanks to these 3 ambassadors, 30 Sofitel properties launched Haute Croissanterie. These emblematic destinations introduced their local creations named “cultural link” croissants to represent Sofitel, defined by its logo that is a symbol of the bond that connects cultures around the world.

Sofitel’s consultant chef, Anne-Cécile Degenne, who has trained all over the planet, came up with this original concept. A devotee of upscale establishments, she searches out high-quality products and enhances them with her unique savoir-faire. In recent months, she worked closely with the kitchen staff of three hotels selected to showcase the Haute Croissanterie. Together, these culinary teams developed new sweet and savory recipes that will be available in the pastry shops from the end of January.

Expressing his excitement Chef Jay Williams said “Haute Croissanterie is a perfect opportunity for chefs to explore their creativity and present something classic with a unique twist to it. We at Sofitel Dubai Downtown have ensured that our creations reflect the ideal influential balance of classic elements, Sofitel’s quintessence, and the regional essence.”

Below is the complete list of unveiled iconic French breakfast recipes infused with cultural links and property signatures:

 Sweet:

‘Dame de la Nuit ‘-  Pain au Chocolat

Rich pastry, wrapped around deep, dark chocolate (72% Valrhona). Savour each crisp layer of pastry, beautifully blending in with heady notes of the luscious cocoa.

‘Nutty but Nice’ – Almond Croissant

A sumptuous almond cream filling, generously garnished with roasted almond flakes – experience sensory overload with this one!

‘When 2 Become 1’ – The Sofitel Link

A perfect marriage of flavours – delve into the rich notes of hazelnut praline, offset by the fragrant, crumbly deliciousness of halva in this 2-in-1 treat.

‘French Zest’ – Lemon Meringue Croissant

Delight in a burst of textures and flavours with the zesty hit of lemon curd encased in between layers of rich pastry, topped with a lightly torched fluffy Italian meringue.

Savoury

‘Green Goddess’ – Olive and Labneh Croissant

Savour a unique blend of fragrant spices from the traditional Za’atar blend, offset with the cool flavours of Labneh.

Croque monsieur Croissant

Warm, comforting flavours of cheese and ham, come together with the perfect ‘crunch’ in this all-time French favourite!

Additionally, the list also includes a classic delicacy to complete the concept

‘Classique’ – Pur Buerre

A decadently rich butter laminated croissant. Best enjoyed dipped in a cup of steaming hot cappuccino.