Two Stunning Sugar Castles On Display At The Westin St. Francis

On Wednesday, November 22 at 11 a.m. The Westin St. Francis will unveil two handcrafted sugar castles created by Executive Pastry Chef Jean-François Houdré and his team. The public is encouraged to attend and enjoy complimentary coffee and tray-passed cookies. Both castles will be on display through January 2, 2018.

A celebrated holiday tradition, the spectacular 12-feet tall Medieval Sugar Castle is a life-like replica of a French Chateau that was inspired by Chef Houdré’s travels. Originally created in 2005, this magical castle grows more intricate each year and features grand sugar towers, individual rooms, and colorful illuminated windows. Set in a French village, the castle is surrounded by intricately constructed homes, a church, stores, and even a bakery, all with illuminated windows.

Adding a touch of modern fun, The St. Francis Enchanted Castle is decorated with a winter wonderland of elaborate gift boxes, gingerbread trees, and brightly colored candies. Holiday elves can even be spotted climbing all the way up to a towering castle.

“The Westin St. Francis combines the best of tradition and modernity, so we wanted to showcase that in the holiday display with the original Medieval Sugar Castle alongside The St. Francis Enchanted Castle,” said Executive Pastry Chef Jean-François Houdré. “Our guests have the best of both worlds.”

Both castles are intricately handcrafted using the practiced techniques of sugar art, in which each item is meticulously pulled, blown, shaped, and molded, each taking years to perfect. Countless hours and hundreds of pounds of sugar have been used to create these works of art, comprised of sugar, royal icing, fondant, and pastillage.

Chef Houdré learned the refined art of pastry while working in his family’s bakery where everything was made from scratch. Born in the Southwest region of France into the family business of boulanger-pâtissier, he was inspired to become a pâtissier by his father who taught him not only the technique, but also a true love for the craft.

In the spirit of giving back, the St. Francis Enchanted Castle will be surrounded by gift boxes where guests and visitors can share their holiday spirit by donating to four local charities: American Red Cross, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Tenderloin Neighborhood Development and Muttville Senior Dog Rescue. Bright green donation boxes situated around the Sugar Castle in the Landmark Lobby will be on display from November 22-January 2.

“These hardworking organizations are truly gifts to our community, and there is no better joy than helping them,” says General Manager Randy Zupanski. “We invite the San Francisco community to visit us while donating what they can at this special time of year.” The charities will receive 100% of the proceeds.

About The Westin St. Francis
Opened more than a century ago on March 21, 1904, The Westin St. Francis still today maintains its preeminence as San Francisco's center of social, theatrical and business life. Renowned for luxury accommodations and excellent service, The Westin St. Francis continues to preserve its rich history and elegance while enhancing the guest experience with fresh, innovative concepts. The only hotel located on San Francisco’s famous Union Square, The Westin St. Francis is just steps from world class shopping, dining, theatres and art galleries. For reservations and more information, call (415) 397-7000, toll free (800) 917-7458 or visit www.westinstfrancis.com.