A Jewel of a Dessert Arrives on the Fine-Dining Scene in Paris, France

PARIS, FRANCE--(Marketwired - Jan 30, 2014) - If entrees can be called masterpieces, then surely desserts can be labeled as gems. For while the style and sizzle of an excellent main course inspire the kind of awe ordinarily reserved for artwork, the meticulous craftsmanship of an exquisite dessert feels a lot like a diamond necklace. It's beautiful, it's rare -- and it inspires a little envy in onlookers. With this in mind, Le Pinxo, located in the Renaissance Paris Vendome Hotel, is set to unveil a seductive new dessert whose origins are no less illustrious than the classic L'oeuvre Noire ring by Mauboussin.

Drawing its name and its inspiration from L'oeuvre Noire, the dessert is composed of three primary ingredients: chocolate (for indulgence), blackcurrant (for the color of the ring's stone) and praline (for structure and crunch). These flavors unite via chocolate mousse, blackcurrant compote and sorbet, shortcrust pastry and a praline accent for a dessert that promises to steal the spotlight among Paris, France's fine dining establishments.

Chef Mathieu Robillard and Pastry Chef Bryan Esposito honored the pedigree of Mauboussin, the legendary French jeweler whose lineage stretches all the way back to 1827, with this carefully constructed confection. Mauboussin's iconic pieces have come to define eras, and L'oeuvre Noire is no exception. Crafted from white gold, enamel, pavé diamonds and a one-carat black diamond, the ring feels both powerful and feminine. And the chefs at this five-star hotel in Paris took note, embellishing their dessert with a fresh rose petal, blackcurrant-flavored pink sugar, pearls, a dark-chocolate disc imprinted with the Mauboussin star and, in a final flourish, a sugar diamond.

L'oeuvre Noire is the latest in a long line of impressive dishes served at Le Pinxo. Helmed by culinary legend Alain Dutournier (who has two Michelin stars to his credit), the restaurant celebrates the gastronomic heritage of Dutournier's homeland in southwest France. Guests can enter the chic restaurant of this Paris five-star hotel to share, sample and nibble tapas like never before. By transforming tapas into a culinary adventure, Dutournier's Le Pinxo has become a fine-dining restaurant unlike any other in Paris today.

Le Pinxo may have a reputation for excellence, but it is also inviting and accessible. So while the L'oeuvre Noire ring may have to remain on most visitors' wish lists for some time, the dessert is a must-try indulgence available for EUR 15 between February 15 and April 15, 2014.

About the Renaissance Paris Vendome Hotel
With a location just steps away from the Place Vendôme and Place de la Concorde, the Renaissance Paris Vendome Hotel offers travelers the best of both The City of Light and the boutique-hotel experience. Guest rooms at this five-star property are outfitted with flat-screen LCD televisions, marble bathrooms, sumptuous bedding and 24-hour in-room dining, the last of which is enough to whet visitors' appetites for more. After all, with Le Pinxo on property, the French restaurant helmed by Michelin-starred chef Alain Dutournier, guests are just as likely to book a table at the sleek restaurant as dine in their private rooms. A full-service spa, fitness center and sauna let guests create their own balance between relaxation and recreation, something that comes especially in handy for corporate travelers arriving for business or an intimate conference within the hotel's 258-square-foot meeting room. Whether sightseeing in downtown Paris or traveling for work, visitors experience a different, more culturally vibrant side of Paris when they stay at this luxury property.

About Renaissance
Renaissance Hotels represents a diverse collection of more than 155 hotels in 35 countries worldwide. Each property is unique, offering passionate travelers a one-of-kind experience and memories they will be sure to take with them long after they depart. Within every hotel, guests are greeted by an exceptional array of amenities and an inspiring world of local discoveries. For travelers looking to experience something new, innovative and locally driven programs including the industry leading entertainment platform RLife LIVE as well as R Navigator, ensure that every trip is transformed into an eye-opening, unforgettable journey. Renaissance Hotels. Live Life To Discover. To discover more visit www.renhotels.com.

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