The aroma of freshly baked croissants will fill the air in Cambridge on Sunday, June 8, 2025, during Le Grand Prix Elmendorf du Pain, a street fair that embraces the spirit of French culture.
This annual event, now in its third year, is hosted by Elmendorf Baking Supplies & Cafe, co-owned by Teddy and Alyssa Applebaum. While past festivals focused on a robust baguette competition for professional bakers, this year’s festivities will spotlight the croissant.
“We wanted to change things up and shift the focus to croissants, which have been having a moment lately,” Teddy Applebaum explained.
He highlighted the often-overlooked plain croissant, steering away from the trendy, Instagram-driven variations that have proliferated online. “A perfect croissant is a significant accomplishment for bakers,” he said, emphasizing the skill and artistry required in making this classic pastry.
Croissants may appear simple, but they present a significant challenge even to seasoned bakers. Applebaum remarked on the complexities involved in perfecting the pastry. “There are countless factors at play, from temperature control to the consistency of the dough and butter. Getting that ideal honeycomb structure inside a croissant – that flakiness without being dry – is incredibly difficult,” he stated. He further noted that achieving this at home without professional equipment can be nearly impossible.
While the competition might evoke some nostalgia, especially considering its inspiration from the large baguette competition in Paris initiated by former French President Jacques Chirac in 1997, Applebaum insists that switching to croissants is not sacrilege. “The original competition aimed to rejuvenate traditional bread-making in France, which was in decline,” he explained.
Applebaum believes that the Cambridge festival will still honor French traditions while allowing bakers to showcase their skills with croissants. The festival’s submission guidelines even humorously depict a crescent alongside a sad-looking cube to ensure participants focus solely on traditional croissant forms.
The allure of the croissant cannot be understated, as it seems to resonate deeply with many. Applebaum offered his perspective on why croissants capture people’s hearts: “They’re so versatile as a vehicle for butter. They’re crunchy, soft, slightly sweet, and just perfect with coffee.”
Despite the shift in competition focus, traditional baguettes won’t be entirely absent from the festival. According to Applebaum, there will still be an amateur division featuring demi baguettes, or half-sized versions of the classic bread. He acknowledges the difficulty of baking even these smaller baguettes at home but stands firm in his decision. “We’ve received some backlash, but we’re confident in our choice,” he said.
The expansion of this year’s event promises to bring an array of local flavors and small businesses into the spotlight. The croissant competition has attracted a broader range of bakeries, effectively doubling the size of the festival compared to its inaugural year. As a result, attendees can look forward to exploring around five blocks filled with vendors and activities.
One exciting addition to the festival is a stand from one of the last remaining hand-painted sign makers in the area, highlighting local artistry and craftsmanship. The Mushroom Shop, known for foraging goods, will also participate, complementing the French market ambiance.
Overall, this year’s festival features an impressive lineup of approximately 40 vendors, with around 20 participating in the croissant competition.
To enhance the celebratory atmosphere, two musical acts will perform classic French jazz in the Django Reinhardt style, adding to the festive ambiance.
For festival-goers, Applebaum has some recommendations for making the most of their experience. “I suggest sampling a little of this and that—cheese, crepes, and maybe creating a picnic experience. Don’t forget to grab a glass of wine—there’s nothing more French than sipping wine on the street!”
Le Grand Prix Elmendorf du Pain celebrates its community and the artistry behind baking while promoting vibrant local businesses. Join in the fun on June 8, 2025, from 12 to 4 PM at Cambridge Street & 8th, co-hosted by the East Cambridge Business Association. This promises to be an event filled with culinary delights, cultural experiences, and joyful celebration.
image source from：https://www.wbur.org/news/2025/06/06/croissant-competition-cambridge-street-fair
