Meet The Sweet Kings Of The Kitchen - 27 East

Arts & Living

Arts & Living / 1885647

Meet The Sweet Kings Of The Kitchen

icon 3 Photos
Documentary filmmakers D.A. Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus.

Documentary filmmakers D.A. Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus.

An image from “Kings of Pastry,” a 2010 documentary by Chris Hegedus and D.A. Pennebaker.

An image from “Kings of Pastry,” a 2010 documentary by Chris Hegedus and D.A. Pennebaker.

An image from “Kings of Pastry,” a 2010 documentary by Chris Hegedus and D.A. Pennebaker.

An image from “Kings of Pastry,” a 2010 documentary by Chris Hegedus and D.A. Pennebaker.

authorStaff Writer on Feb 14, 2022

On Sunday, February 20, at 3 p.m., Sag Harbor Cinema will host a screening of “Kings of Pastry” as the latest installment of its Hegedus and Pennebaker Retrospective, a yearlong series of events honoring the trailblazing documentary filmmakers (and longtime Sag Harbor residents) Chris Hegedus and D.A. Pennebaker.

“Kings of Pastry” follows Jacquy Pfeiffer, president and founder of The French Pastry School in Chicago, as he competes against 15 other French pastry chefs in hopes of being declared a “King of Pastry” by President Nicolas Sarkozy. Three days of grueling competition and edge-of-your-seat drama later, the chefs present six-foot tall statues of sugary confections at the Meilleurs Ouvriers de France (MOF). Hegedus and Pennebaker secured exclusive coverage of this never before filmed event, referred to by the Scottish Herald as, “the culinary ‘Hurt Locker’.”

Co-director, Chris Hegedus and Chef Jacquy Pfeiffer (via Zoom from Chicago) will be present for a Q&A following the screening of the film. The Q&A will be moderated by Sag Harbor Cinema’s artistic director, Giulia D’Agnolo Vallan.

The Sag Harbor Cinema “Kings of Pastry” afternoon will continue with a contest and tasting taking place on the third floor of the cinema immediately after the screening and Q&A. The contest will feature a selection of both sweet and savory pastries, prepared by a group of esteemed local chefs especially for this event. These creations will be evaluated by world-renowned pastry chef Francois Payard and Iron Palate consultant, Karine Bakhoum. Audience members will also be invited to judge and taste the competing pastries.

Attendees of the screening will have the option to purchase a ticket which will give them access to the pastry competition and tasting following the screening. All-inclusive tickets are limited and will be $25 each. Tickets for the screening and Q&A alone are $15 ($10 members). For tickets and information about the event, visit sagharborcinema.org. Sag Harbor Cinema is at 90 Main Street, Sag Harbor.

“Kings Of Pastry”

Dir. Chris Hegedus and D.A. Pennebaker

USA, 2010; 84 minutes, in English

“Kings of Pastry” brings to the screen a scene never before witnessed: 16 French pastry chefs gathered for three intense days of mixing, piping and sculpting everything from delicate chocolates to six-foot sugar sculptures. This is the MOF (Meilleur Ouvrier de France) competition, the ultimate recognition for every pastry chef; it is a dream and an obsession. The film follows Jacquy Pfeiffer, founder of The French Pastry School in Chicago, as he returns to France to compete in this competition of extraordinary skill, nerves of steel, and luck, in hopes of being declared, by President Sarkozy, one of the Kings of Pastry.

Chef Pfeiffer’s career began with an apprenticeship in Alsace at the famous Jean Clauss Pâtisserie. Following his apprenticeship in Strasbourg, Pfeiffer went on to establish himself as a leading figure in the art of pastry working with some world-renowned families and establishments. Some of these include the Royal Family in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; the Sultan of Brunei; the Hyatt Regency, Hong Kong; a prestigious pastry shop in Palo Alto, California; and both the Fairmont and Sheraton hotels in Chicago, Illinois. These experiences led Chef Pfeiffer to teach and consult in numerous of the most prominent properties and companies worldwide, such as the Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, the Atlantis Hotel in the Bahamas, and the Adolphus Hotel in Dallas, Texas. In 1995, Pfeiffer along with Sébastien Canonne, founded The French Pastry School where their team is devoted to imparting excellence. Today, The French Pastry School is considered one of the leading pastry institutions in the world. Located in downtown Chicago, The French Pastry School is the only major culinary school in North America dedicated to all things sweet and baked. The French Pastry School provides hands-on education taught entirely in state-of-the-art kitchens by world-renowned chefs.

You May Also Like:

Springs Artist Fitzhugh Karol Debuts Outdoor Sculpture Show at Duck Creek

The Arts Center at Duck Creek will present “Fitzhugh Karol: On the Grounds,” a site-specific ... 8 Jul 2025 by Staff Writer

La Goulue Sur Mer Arrives in Southampton, With a Dash of Chaos and a Side of Style

“Is it true?” said the anxious DM on my Instagram account. “Is La Goulue really ... by Steven Stolman

Art on a Line: Guild Hall’s Clothesline Sale Hangs Tough for 2025

Guild Hall’s beloved Clothesline Art Sale returns on Saturday, July 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The annual event, a Hamptons tradition since 1946, transforms the museum’s lawn into a sea of original artwork — hung on clotheslines — and offers visitors the chance to purchase local art at accessible prices. Jackson Pollock once sold a painting at the sale for $250, and past participants have included Lee Krasner, Alfonso Ossorio, Elaine and Willem de Kooning and other art-world icons. The event continues to offer a rare opportunity for the public to view and purchase work by East End ... by Staff Writer

The Climate-Friendly Fitness Routine

“Live simply so that others might simply live” — Mahatma Gandhi The first time I ... by Jenny Noble

Joy Behar Gets the Last Laugh in ‘My First Ex-Husband' at Bay Street Theater, July 14-19

Emmy Award-winning comedian and co-host of “The View,” Joy Behar stars in “My First Ex-Husband,” a bold, funny and heartfelt new play based on true stories from her life. The limited engagement runs July 14 through 19, at Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor. With razor-sharp wit and no filters, “My First Ex-Husband” explores the messy, hilarious truths of love, sex and relationships. Adapted from Behar’s personal experiences, the show is both deeply personal and widely relatable. Behar will appear on stage on July 14, 18 and 19. Also appearing nightly, July 14 through 19, are Veanne Cox, a Tony-nominated ... by Staff Writer

Experience the Rhythms of Brazil With Nilson Matta’s Voyage Quartet

Grammy-nominated bassist Nilson Matta will lead his Brazilian Voyage Quartet at The Church on Friday, July 25, at 6 p.m. The concert is part of Hamptons JazzFest. The group features acclaimed guitarist Chico Pinheiro and offers a rich exploration of samba, bossa nova and modern Brazilian jazz. Matta, a founding member of the renowned Trio da Paz and longtime collaborator with Yo-Yo Ma on the Grammy-winning “Obrigado Brazil” project, is known for blending traditional Brazilian rhythms with contemporary jazz. His lyrical bass playing and deep rhythmic connection have earned him international acclaim. Guitarist Chico Pinheiro, recognized as a leading voice ... by Staff Writer

At the Galleries for July 10, 2025

Montauk The Depot Art Gallery, at the Montauk railroad station at the corner of Flamingo ... by Staff Writer

Round and About for July 10, 2025

Fireworks Shelter Island Fireworks The Shelter Island fireworks will be held on Saturday, July 12, ... by Staff Writer

Curtis Institute of Music Alumni and Faculty To Perform in East Hampton on July 22

Talented alumni and faculty from the world-renowned Curtis Institute of Music will tour the East Coast this summer, with a concert scheduled for Tuesday, July 22, at 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of East Hampton. The event is presented by Music for Montauk. The program features beloved melodies ranging from Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess” to works by Brahms and de Falla. Performers include mezzo-soprano Katie Trigg, violinist Elissa Lee Koljonen, pianist Hanchien Lee, and Curtis Institute President and violist Roberto Díaz. The concert program includes: Manuel de Falla’s “Suite Populaire Espagnole,” performed by Díaz (viola) and Lee (piano); ... by Staff Writer

'Bonnie & Clyde' Cast and Crew Announced for Bay Street Musical

Bay Street Theater has unveiled the complete cast and creative teams for its pulse-pounding musical ... 7 Jul 2025 by Staff Writer