Paris Crowns a New King of the Crusty Baguette in Its Annual Bread-Baking Prize

Baker Xavier Netry poses at his bakery named "Utopie" in Paris on April 26, 2024, after being awarded best baguette 2024 of the city of Paris (Grand Prix de la Baguette de Tradition Francaise de la Ville De Paris). (AFP)
Baker Xavier Netry poses at his bakery named "Utopie" in Paris on April 26, 2024, after being awarded best baguette 2024 of the city of Paris (Grand Prix de la Baguette de Tradition Francaise de la Ville De Paris). (AFP)
TT
20

Paris Crowns a New King of the Crusty Baguette in Its Annual Bread-Baking Prize

Baker Xavier Netry poses at his bakery named "Utopie" in Paris on April 26, 2024, after being awarded best baguette 2024 of the city of Paris (Grand Prix de la Baguette de Tradition Francaise de la Ville De Paris). (AFP)
Baker Xavier Netry poses at his bakery named "Utopie" in Paris on April 26, 2024, after being awarded best baguette 2024 of the city of Paris (Grand Prix de la Baguette de Tradition Francaise de la Ville De Paris). (AFP)

Paris has a new king of the crusty baguette.

Baker Xavier Netry was chosen this week as the 31st winner of Paris' annual “Grand Prix de la baguette” prize.

His long loaf beat 172 others.

Competing baguettes were evaluated for taste, look, texture, airiness and the quality of the baking. The jury included a deputy mayor, industry representatives, journalists and six Parisians that City Hall said were drawn at random.

The Utopie bakery in Paris' 11th district that Netry works for wins 4,000 euros ($4,290) and becomes one of the suppliers of the presidential Elysee Palace for a year.

City Hall said uneaten baguettes from the competition were donated to a charity that feeds people who are homeless.

Netry, a baker for 25 years, said the secrets of his success are a good sourdough starter and “a good long fermentation,” careful cooking and "some love and some passion, of course.”



Riyadh Named Guest of Honor at Buenos Aires International Book Fair

Riyadh Named Guest of Honor at Buenos Aires International Book Fair
TT
20

Riyadh Named Guest of Honor at Buenos Aires International Book Fair

Riyadh Named Guest of Honor at Buenos Aires International Book Fair

The Saudi Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission is set to spearhead Riyadh's designation as the guest of honor at the Buenos Aires International Book Fair 2025.

The event will take place from April 22 to May 12 in Buenos Aires.

This remarkable cultural participation underscores the Kingdom's growing influence on the global cultural landscape. The commission is leading this initiative in collaboration with various national and cultural institutions.

Riyadh's selection as the fair's guest of honor highlights its significant role in the global cultural landscape. It reflects the city's commitment to fostering civilizational dialogue and embracing diverse cultures, utilizing culture as a platform for human interaction and knowledge exchange.

The Riyadh pavilion will feature a comprehensive cultural program comprising seminars, dialogue sessions, poetry evenings, performances, an engaging children's corner, and an exhibition of manuscripts and books. It will also include a dedicated section for Saudi publications translated into Spanish, all aimed at showcasing authentic Saudi culture globally and strengthening its presence in Latin America.