La Renaissance Patisserie and Café in Sydney has become the first patisserie in the southern hemisphere to be inducted into the Relais Desserts – the world’s most exclusive French patisserie association.

Co-owner and executive patissier Jean Michel Raynaud traveled to France to be admitted into the industry’s inner circle, saying he looks forward to sharing Australian native ingredients with members.

“I hope this will cement our food on the international patisserie map,” he said.

Formed more than 30 years ago, the Relais Desserts is considered to be the patisserie equivalent of receiving a Michelin Star. Invitation only, pastry chefs are required to be sponsored by two Relais members and then assessed by their peers.

Currently, there are only 80 members worldwide in the association including Pierre Hermé, Sadaharu Aoki, Paco Torreblanca and Frédéric Cassel – the majority of whom are French or French-trained.

Read more about La Renaissance Patisserie on page 32 of this issue.