The Yule log at the Westin Paris-Vendôme 2024 by Valentin Sevilla

It's a moment that gourmets look forward to. Like every year-end, Yule logs are about to take pride of place on the table, whether they're classic, exotic or even atypical. This year, the team atThe Westin Paris-Vendôme, and in particular their new Pastry Chef, Valentin Sevilla, are paying tribute to the hotel's architecture.

The Westin Paris-Vendôme celebrates the festive season with a creation that combines elegance and indulgence. Valentin Sevilla, presents his first Christmas creation: the "Invitation au Voyage" log. A tribute to the hotel's history and the Neapolitan cake, this unique dessert reflects the savoir-faire of a chef with a passion for revisited classics.

Once dubbed the "Palais du Voyage", the Westin Paris-Vendôme inspired Valentin Sevilla to create a log in keeping with the heritage of 19thᵉ century travel cakes. Reinterpreting the Napolitain, a popular entremets with three layers of sponge cake and ganache, he offers a modern version in a nod to the Italian and American origins of this iconic dessert.

Its shape evokes the hotel's majestic portal, with curves and floral ornamentation that recall the Second Empire style so dear to the Westin. The elegant aesthetic is accompanied by a palette of flavors designed to provide a tasting experience full of surprises:

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• Intense cocoa cookie, a rich, flavorful chocolate base.
• Madagascar vanilla ganache, with a smooth texture and subtle notes.
• Creamyhazelnut ganache, for a touch of praline.
• Madagascar vanilla cookie, soft and airy.
• Light, meltingvanilla ganache for a smooth finish.

With this festive creation, Valentin Sevilla sublimates the heritage of the Westin Paris-Vendôme and invites us on a delightful journey of the taste buds. If you like logs with texture and more than just mousse, this is a creation to remember. It's ideal for families, and is sure to please children. Melting without being too heavy, with a good taste of chocolate and hazelnuts, we approve.

The limited-edition " Invitation au Voyage " log is available for pre-order, with a 48-hour lead time, from Sunday December 1 at €58 for 6 to 8 people. Pick-ups will be possible between December 23 and 25, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Restaurant Le First, 3 rue de Castiglione, 75001 Paris, every day of the week.

Please note that it's been over 4 years since our last visit, so the place and experience may have changed.