Chef John Kraus will lead team U.S.A. in the world pastry competition next year in Lyon, France as team captain. The Coup Du Monde De La Patisserie brings competitors from around the globe, in a multi-day intense competition.
For those familiar with Chef Kraus’s shop, Patisserie 46, you know the bakery case approaches perfection. But, I wonder how many know his skills put him on a national, even international level. Maybe that’s why meeting him is so disarming. Whatever your image is of a person who makes gallery quality pastries, it probably doesn’t include a friendly smile, easy manner, greying, mid-scraggle beard, and laidback humility.
Nibbling on a chocolate truffle cookie at his bakery this weekend, I asked him what he thought the impact would likely be on his shop once the word gets out about the competition, he dodged a bit and said that he’s not sure anybody (outside the pastry world) really cares.
Is that true Minnesota? Do we not care? Do we not care that of the best pastry chefs in the country, chosen to take on the best pastry chefs in the world, not only do we have a local chef in the game, but he’s been chosen as the team captain? I think not. I think we do care. I think we care a lot! Now get out there and eat some croissant!
