In receiving the award, Mr. Bodian earned 4,000 euros and the title of “Mr. President’s Baker” — every year, the winner of the annual contest earns the privilege of baking bread for the president of France; starting this month Mr. Bodian’s bread will be served at Nicolas Sarkozy’s residence, the Élysée Palace.
Mr. Bodian arrived in France at the age of six. After finishing his high-school studies at the age of 18, he decided to follow in his father’s steps and become a baker. The secret to his award-winning bread? Nothing too complicated: “A good baguette needs to look good, have a crispy crust and a good smell and taste,” he said.
At a time when issues of national identity and immigration dominate the front pages of French newspapers, the news of a Senegalese baker winning the prize has been very well received by the city.
Following the news of the award, the line of people waiting outside the bakery (38 Rue des Abbesses; 33-1-46-06-41-81), quickly doubled in length. During a recent visit, a French woman, a regular at the bakery, said, “I discovered Le Grenier à Pain while living in the area. After moving out to another neighborhood I still come to this bakery to buy bread.”
suu tam
Lily Kwang
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