NEW ORLEANS – Baguette Battle New Orleans 2017 will pit local bakers against each other in a contest to win the coveted title of baker of the “Best Baguette” on Thursday, June 1, at the Southern Food & Beverage Museum (SoFAB), 1504 Oretha C. Haley Blvd., from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
After huge successes in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago and Washington, the Baguette Battle, organized by French Morning and Frenchly magazines, invited everyone in the New Orleans area to vote for their favorite baker here.
Voting closed on May 19, and finalists include Mayhew Bakery, Gracious Bakery, La Boulangerie, Breads on Oak, Leo’s Bread and Bellegard Bakery.
The Best Baguette will be selected by judges Grègor Trumel, Consul Général de France à la Nouvelle-Orléans; Dickie Brennan, owner/ chef, Dickie Brennan & Company, Palace Cafè, Bourbon House, Dickie Brennan Steakhouse, Tableau; Liz Williams, founder/president, The National Food & Beverage Foundation, SoFAB; and Ron Guillory, district manager, Sodexo.
French Master Chef Rène Bajeux of the Black Duck at the Palace Cafè will be the Baguette Battle Master of Ceremonies.
Four awards will be given: Grand Prix, Fan Prix, Readers’ Award and Best Specialty Bread.
French wines from Château d'Esclans, charcuterie from Trois Petits Cochons and an array of cheeses will also be served at the event.
Early bird tickets cost $10, tickets cost $20 after May 25.
VIP tickets are $40 and include a premium buffet and open bar.
