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)
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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.”



Culinary Arts Commission Organizes Food Culture Festival across Saudi Arabia

Culinary Arts Commission Organizes Food Culture Festival across Saudi Arabia
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Culinary Arts Commission Organizes Food Culture Festival across Saudi Arabia

Culinary Arts Commission Organizes Food Culture Festival across Saudi Arabia

The Culinary Arts Commission is organizing the Food Culture Festival in collaboration with the Quality of Life Program across three locations in Saudi Arabia: Al-Khobar, Riyadh, and Jeddah, offering a fusion of local and international culinary delights.
The festival will be held in Al-Khobar from January 29 to February 2, in Riyadh from February 5 to 9, and in Jeddah from February 12 to 16, according to SPA.
This event aims to deliver a vibrant and diverse cultural experience through a plethora of engaging activities divided into four distinct zones. The Exhibitors Area will feature 30 booths showcasing global cuisines and products, inviting visitors to indulge in a world of flavors and explore unique items.
The Workshops Area will include sections for bakery, live cooking, and handicrafts. The Theater Area will feature performing arts and world music, while the Kids Area will offer fun and educational activities like cooking workshops and competitions.
Through the Food Culture Festival, the commission aims to heighten cultural appreciation for diverse culinary traditions and foster cultural exchange. By curating an immersive and enriching experience, the festival serves as an ideal destination for individuals and families to discover new flavors inspired by local and international cuisines.
This festival is part of an initiative to diversify entertainment options and cater to the populace's diverse needs. It stands as one of the Quality of Life Program initiatives, a key component of Saudi Vision 2030 that aims to promote Saudi contributions to arts and culture.