PARIS (AP) — 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.”
North Dakota state rep found guilty of misdemeanor charge tied to budget votes and building
UK urged to refrain from meddling in HK affairs
Wang Yi: China, Russia forging new major country relations
FM calls for consensus on advancing human rights
Babar hoping paceman Rauf will regain full fitness and make an impact for Pakistan at T20 World Cup
Wang Yi: China, Russia forging new major country relations
Members of the national political advisory board arrive in Beijing for national session
Turkey formally opens another former Byzantine
Wang: China addresses hotspot issues through the Chinese way