Florida Chef Creates Sugar-Coated Showpiece & Named National Pastry Champion

Laurent Branlard, executive pastry chef at The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, led his team to first place as the 2007 National Pastry Team Champions, at the National Pastry Championship held in Nashville, Tennessee last month. Branlard served as captain of the winning team, and this year's theme centered on country western music titles. Team Branlard's musical showpiece featured a chocolate guitar emblazoned with the likeness of Tim McGraw surrounded by painted chocolate sunflowers.

In addition to being awarded a gold medal and a monetary prize, Branlard's team received the highly coveted title of 2007 National Pastry Team Champions, and the honor of representing the United States in the 2008 World Pastry Team Championship. Branlard has actively participated in both the National and World Pastry Championships, most recently as coach of the bronze medal-winning Team USA in 2006. He also served as a judge for the competition in 2004, and he and his team were named World Pastry Champions in 2002. Brandlard was noted as one of the top pastry chefs in America by Pastry Arts and Design Magazine.

Trained in France and certified as a Pastry Chef, Chocolate-Maker, Ice-Cream Maker and Confectioner, he holds a CAP degree from a French Culinary Institute in Vincennes. Branlard is most noted for his sugar masterpieces, resulting in intricate designs, all accomplished by pulling sugar.

According to Peter Kacheris, general manager, 'Laurent is an extremely talented individual whose drive and creativity have led him to the National Pastry Championship. We are very proud of him and look forward to supporting him as he represents the U.S.A. in the World Pastry Championship competition next year.'

Branlard's team members included pastry chefs, Frederic Monti of The Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia and Stéphane Tréand of the St. Regis Resort in California.




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