France’s Best Baguette Award winner selvarajah shares knowledge with Table by Taru

Lake Lodge, in Colombo, welcomed the winner of ‘Grand Prix de la Baguette de Traditional Francaise de la Ville De Paris, 2023’ Tharshan Selverajah of Le Pain de Tharshan to its kitchen to share his knowledge with its chefs on how to make the perfect loaf of bread and cakes. 

Tharshan assessed the bread made at Table by Taru and was impressed with the eagerness of the team to learn the art of baking with the many ‘tips’ he shared to improve their skills for the perfect balance of crust and softness for their renowned ‘dinner rolls’.

Le Pain de Tharshan’s Au Levain des Pyrénées bakery was the winner among 175 candidates who submitted their baguettes for the 30th annual Grand Prix de la Baguette de Traditional Française de la Ville De Paris, a prestigious yearly competition in Paris for the makers of the iconic bread. Having immigrated to France in his early twenties, Tharshan did not have any culinary or baking experience until he started working in the bakery. In 2009 he started working at Au Levain des Pyrénées bakery that he currently owns. His persistence and positive attitude are what secured him the win in 2023. Previously in 2018, his bakery won third place in the competition. 

Le Pain de Tharshan’s award-winning baguette captivated the taste buds of esteemed chefs and critics alike and he has a one-year contract to supply baguettes to the Élysée Palace, the residence of the French President. 

Lake Lodge is a city boutique hotel boasting 10 well-appointed rooms with its restaurant, Table by Taru, nestled in the heart of Colombo, with easy access to cultural, religious and historical attractions, in the city. It is close to the business district and entertainment/restaurants. Step into a tranquil space away from the hustle and bustle of the rapidly developing city and discover a space that celebrates food, privacy, personalised service and fabulous art on the walls. A place with perfect Sri Lankan hospitality at its best in true Taru style.