Cleveland bakery heads to the "bread Olympics"
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Team USA! On the Rise head baker Brian Evans, left, and commis Val Kertesz. Photos: Courtesy of BurkleHagen
On The Rise Artisan Breads in Cleveland Heights will represent the United States at the Mondial du Pain, an international artisan bread competition often called the "Olympics of bread baking."
Why it matters: It's a major recognition for head baker and owner Brian Evans, a self-taught baker who learned his craft from On the Rise founder Adam Gidlow.
- And it's a nod to the world-class bread-baking talent in Northeast Ohio.
Zoom in: Evans will lead Team USA alongside junior baker Val Kertesz. They'll be guided by coach Louis Volle, a James Beard semifinalist who previously medaled at the event.
- They'll compete against 20 other countries Oct. 19-22 in Nantes, France.
Between the loaves: This is the first time since 2017 the U.S. has entered the competition, a showcase of skill and creativity in breads, Viennoiserie (croissants, brioche, and other yeast-leavened pastries) and artistic showpieces.
🌾 Dig in: Evans and his team are using Ohio-grown and milled grains, and developing an aromatic bread rooted in Cleveland, per Cleveland.com.
- Inspired by a caramelized onion sourdough they make for a Woodmere restaurant, Evans added smoked wheat and nigella seed for the competition loaf.
What they're saying: The Bread Bakers Guild of America selected On the Rise to represent Team USA both for the bakery's technical expertise and its purpose-driven approach to food and community, per a press release.
- "We're trying to craft an attainable luxury for people," Evans said. "It's humble bread, but it can be way more than that."
Zoom out: Founded in 2001, On The Rise is known for its European-style breads, pastries and sandwiches. The bakery has become a community anchor with locations in Cleveland Heights and Shaker Heights.
What's next: After the competition, many of the breads and pastries developed for the competition will land back on shelves in Cleveland.