On Monday, October 21st, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, La Maison Française de Washington, D.C. will bring together the best bakers in the area to battle it out for the title of Best Baguette in a gastronomic competition. Tickets are already available for purchase here.
A jury of professionals will decide on the Grand Prix for Best Baguette, but participants will also have the chance to taste the finalists’ creations, including baguettes and other specialities, and vote for the Fan Prize, which will go to the most popular bakery.
A charcuterie and cheese buffet will be offered, with a complimentary glass of wine for each guest. This event is a unique opportunity for lovers of bread and French gastronomy to discover the greatest talents of the region.
Here are the 8 bakeries that received the most reader votes, and have confirmed their presence at the competition (in alphabetical order):
Bread Alley
Nestled on Morse Street NE, Bread Alley began as a project in the kitchen of Le Diplomate, part of the Starr Restaurants group, before becoming a full-fledged bakery. Every morning, six bakers create crisp baguettes, multigrain sourdough balls, and cranberry-walnut breads. The store also offers artisanal treats, such as local jams, honey, and salts. Site.
Dog Tag Bakery
Founded in 2014, this artisan bakery is also a training center for veterans and their families in transition. Created by Constance Milstein and Priest Rick Curry, the Georgetown institution offers a work experience where selected candidates can study business management. With over 300 alumni and 60 new students each year, Dog Tag Bakery fosters vocational training, and inspires an engaged community beyond its walls. Site.
Ellē
Located in a space dating back to the 1920s, owners Lizzy Evelyn and Nick Pimentel have evolved this bakery over the years. Under the direction of chef Brad Deboy, Ellē began as a café perfect for a family breakfast, before evolving into an upscale restaurant. It’s a place to discover and rediscover, attracting newcomers and Mount Pleasant regulars alike. Site.
Fresh Baguette
With the opening of his 7th bakery in the Washington area, Frenchman Florent de Felcourt is taking over many neighborhoods with his artisan baguettes, croissants, and Cro’Gel. Founded in 2013, Fresh Baguette has quickly earned a reputation for excellence thanks to its respect for traditional baking techniques and use of quality ingredients. Site.
Gustave Boulangerie
Located in Alexandria, Karim Mashmour and Ibtissam Lhadi’s address – which opened in 2023 – has everything you could ask for from a traditional French bakery: croissants, pains au chocolat, and crusty baguettes. Their attention to detail and the authenticity of their products have earned them a loyal clientele in the D.C. area. Site
Manifest Bread
This Maryland bakery, located in Riverdale, focuses on artisan bread and organic ingredients. Owners Rick and Tyes Cook became known for their breads prepared with slow fermentation techniques, developed at home during the pandemic. Manifest Bread is appreciated for its sustainable approach, focusing on seasonal ingredients and environmentally friendly methods. Site.
Seylou
Located in Shaw, Seylou stands out for its commitment to sustainable practices, and its exclusive use of whole grains milled on site. Founded by Jonathan Bethony and Jessica Azeez, Seylou favors local ingredients and offers a range of sourdough breads, viennoiseries, and pastries, which all celebrate the richness of ancient grains. Site.
Sunday Morning Bakehouse
Caroline Yi opened her first bakery in North Betheda, and will now open her second store in McLean, Virginia. She offers breads and viennoiseries inspired by French and American traditions. Her specialty? Brioches and slightly sweet breads, perfect for a Sunday brunch. Site.
Reserve your tickets for the grande finale!
The 2024 Best Baguette D.C. competition is sponsored by the French product importer Paris Gourmet, and the butter brand Beurremont.
This article was originally published in French on French Morning. It has been translated by Catherine Rickman.
