Who makes the best baguette in New York City? The answer has never been closer: on January 21st at the Sofitel, a jury of chefs and food writers will crown a winner, and you can help.
This fall, French Morning launched the Baguette Battle, with thousands of readers nominating their favorite bakeries for the city’s best baguette. Now, as we approach the dead of winter, the competition heats up: twelve finalists will face off in the long-awaited final of the Baguette Battle. Who is confirmed to bring the pain?
— Eric Kayser, Maison Kayser
– Jean-Claude Perennou, Cannelle Patisserie
– François Brunet, Epicerie Boulud
— Hervé Poussot, Almondine
— François Danielo, La Boulangerie
— Clemence Danko, Choc O Pain
— Gus Reckel, L’Imprimerie
—Jeremy Jan, Breads Bakery
— Keith Cohen, Orwasher’s Bakery
— Amy Scherber, Amy’s Bakery
— Zachary Golper, Bien Cuit
—Peter Endriss (Runner and stone)
The good news: the event (and the bread) is open to the public. And since we’re not animals, there will be an over-abundance of cheeses and charcuterie (thanks to our sponsor, D’Artagnan), as well as (and of course) wine.
While the attendees sample the selections, the jury will deliberate over a blind taste test of baguettes and other finalist breads. And our jury, they know taste:
— Ariane Daguin, the “Queen of Foie Gras,” founder of D’Artagnan, Bon Appetit‘s 2005 Lifetime Achievement Award-winner.
— André Soltner, Dean of Classic Studies at the French Culinary Institute, James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award-winner, former chef-owner of the legendary Lutèce.
— Didier Elena, culinary director of the Chef’s Club by Food & Wine, awardee of two Michelin stars, chef at Essex House by Alain Ducasse.
— Sylvain Harribey, executive chef of Sofitel New York, AAA Four-Diamond Award-winner, French native.
— Marc Levy, novelist and lover of great cuisine
— Sara Moulton, television chef, Food Network alumni, and cookbook author.
— Charlie van Over, bread expert, bakery consultant, and author of The Best Bread Ever.
—Sylvie Bigar, writer, co-author of Daniel: My French Cuisine.
This jury of experts will award the competition’s Grand Prix; the public—that’s you—will also decide who wins the Readers’ Prize, which will remain secret until the announcement on January 21st!
Register now: the first 50 people to sign up will receive a 50% discount on tickets!
