Best Bagel is arguably the most coveted BagelFest award. It is a blind taste test of an unsliced, plain bagel. Meet the discerning palettes of our “Breadhead” judges for BagelFest West: 🥯 Sherry Yard (chefsherryyard) - James Beard Award-winning pastry chef and restaurateur known for her work with Wolfgang Puck and influence on modern American baking 🥯 Rose Wilde (trosewilde) - Chef and author of Bread and Roses, specializing in whole grains, fermentation, and natural baking techniques 🥯 Oren Salomon (eyeofthebagel) - Owner of starshipbagel and multi-time BagelFest champion, including Best Bagel wins in 2023 and 2025. 🥯 Craig Hutchinson (craig.hutchinson) - Co-owner of olmobagels and New Haven-style pioneer, with multiple BagelFest awards including Best of the Fest. 🥯 Matias Barang - Founder of hasibread, artisan baker and fermentation specialist known for his technical approach to dough and craft baking No schmear. No sandwich. Pure bagel. #bagelfest #bagelfestwest #expertjudge