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The Roux Family is delighted to announce that Chef Thomas Keller will lead the judging panel as Honorary President of Judges for the National Final 2024, as they celebrate the 40th anniversary of the prestigious culinary competition. The Roux Scholarship has enabled a new generation of young chefs from Britain to train in the greatest restaurants in the world. In his role as Honorary President of Judges, Chef Keller will lead the judging panel at the National Final on 8th April, 2024 at The Alain Roux Culinary School, at The Waterside Inn, where the six national finalists will be asked to create a recipe of their own based on a theme announced on the day. Chef Keller will be accompanied by Chairmen Alain Roux, Michel Roux Jr, Vice-Chairman Brian Turner, as well as Clare Smyth MBE, Angela Hartnett OBE, Rachel Humphrey, James Martin, Emily Roux, and Roux Scholars Sat Bains, André Garrett MCA and Simon Hulstone. “I’m grateful to be honoured in this way. The Roux Scholarship has impacted generations of chefs including Hrishikesh Desai, Jonathan Ferguson, Ian Scaramuzza, among many others. I’m looking forward to this year’s competition and the scholarship winner,” shares Chef Keller.  Chef Keller, one of America’s most inventive and celebrated chefs, is renowned for his refined yet simple classic French cuisine and commitment to excellence that has inspired chefs throughout the world.  He is the first and only American-born chef to hold multiple three-star ratings from the prestigious Michelin Guide, at his landmark restaurants The French Laundry and Per Se. Among his many accolades, Chef Keller was the first American male chef to be awarded a Chevalier of The French Legion of Honour; he has won The Culinary Institute of America’s Chef of the Year Award, the James Beard Foundation’s Outstanding Chef and Outstanding Restaurateur Awards. Chef Keller led a team from the U.S. to its first-ever gold medal in the Bocuse d’Or. He is the author of six cookbooks, including the recently released, The French Laundry, Per Se. There are more than 1.5 million copies of his cookbooks in print.  Chairman Alain Roux says, “As a longstanding friend of The Scholarship and Roux family, it’s a great privilege to welcome Chef Keller as our Honorary President of the Judges. Some of The Roux Scholarship’s most extraordinary highlights in recent years are courtesy of Chef Keller. Not least the hosting of stages for our scholars, including Jonnie Ferguson in 2023 and Hrishikesh Desai in 2009, at The French Laundry. During our educational visits to New York in 2014 and California in 2016, we experienced first-hand Chef Keller’s incredible hospitality, cuisine and learned about his unique philosophy at his restaurants. To have Chef Keller share our final, in our 40th anniversary year, is the ultimate joyful, educational opportunity for us all.” “I am delighted that our dear friend, Chef Thomas Keller. is joining us as Honorary President of Judges of the Roux Scholarship. He is without doubt a legend of our industry and has been a beacon in gastronomy for as long as I can remember. A mentor and inspiration for so many young chefs, it’s an absolute honour to have him on board,” shares Chairman Michel Roux Jr.   Recipe challenge 2024Entries are now open for the 2024 competition, and will close on 22nd January, 2024. The Roux Scholarship 2024 competition invites chefs to create a recipe for four people using the following ingredients and criteria: One short loin of free-range gilt pork from the shoulder end, weighing anywhere between 1.6kg and 1.8kg maximum, untrimmed with four bones in. In addition, use two fresh pork kidneys, together plated with crackling and two simple or composed garnishes/accompaniments. One of them must include sweet potatoes and the other can be a garnish/accompaniment of the contestant’s choice. One of these can be served separately, if preferred. A sauce must accompany the dish. Entrants have until midnight on Monday 22nd January 2024 to submit their recipes via the online application system. For additional rules and stipulations, see rouxscholarship.co.uk/how-to-enter/rules/ About the Roux Scholarship:In 1984, the late Michel Roux OBE and his late brother Albert held the first ever Roux Scholarship competition. It was designed to enable a new generation of chefs from Britain to train in the greatest restaurants in the world. Not only has it become the industry’s most acclaimed chef contest in the UK with many scholars having gone on to win Michelin stars themselves, it ranks among the most prestigious competitions for chefs in the world. Since it was established, it has helped British chefs gain the international recognition they deserve. With many young chefs entering the competition each year, it is true to say thousands have been inspired, and lives changed, by the experience of competing. Please visit www.rouxscholarship.co.uk for more information about the Roux Scholarship competition and details of the long list of prizes, courtesy of our sponsors and preferred partners.  Sponsors:The Roux Scholarship is sponsored by a number of companies, whose support is vital: Aubrey Allen Ltd, Bragard UK, Bridor (UK) Ltd, Champagne Laurent-Perrier, Elle & Vire Professionnel, Flying Fish Seafoods, Global Knives, L’Unico Caffe Musetti, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Showerings Cider, St Ewe Free Range Eggs, The Macallan, TRUEfoods Ltd, Udale Speciality Foods Ltd, and Wellocks. Their details can be found here: https://www.rouxscholarship.co.uk/sponsors/

Roux Scholarship 2024: A Culinary Celebration Unveiled Entries for the prestigious Roux Scholarship 2024 are now open, and the Roux Family is thrilled to announce exciting developments as they celebrate the competition’s 40th anniversary. UK-resident chefs, aged 22-29, are invited to showcase their culinary prowess by crafting a recipe using a delectable range of ingredients. New Faces, New Venue, New Challenge Adding a fresh perspective to the competition, Chef Emily Roux, chef-patron of Caractère Restaurant in Notting Hill, joins the esteemed judging panel and the Board of Directors. With a background in some of France’s top restaurants, she brings a unique blend of French and Italian culinary expertise. Emily expresses her excitement, stating, ” I am super excited to be joining the panel of judges. Being alongside some incredible chefs and previous winners is a real honour. The Roux Scholarship is a real trampoline for any young chef’s career.” In a significant move, the national final for 2024 will take place at the Alain Roux Culinary School at The Waterside Inn. Set in Michel Roux OBE’s former home, the Culinary School serves as a center for culinary education and training. The six finalists will have the honour of preparing their dishes in the state-of-the-art kitchens and presenting them in the Michel Roux library, surrounded by Alain’s father’s extraordinary collection of books. Alain Roux shares his enthusiasm, stating, “The 2024 final will feel like a homecoming! We are literally bringing The Roux Scholarship home… to my father’s home, and I could not be happier. There can be no better tribute, as we look to celebrate 40 years since the founding of The Scholarship by my father and uncle.” Michel Roux Jr said: “In life, there are ‘pinch me’ moments and to be able to hold the 40th anniversary Roux Scholarship final in what was my uncle’s house is definitely one of them. Both brothers would be so proud to see the school and that we are holding the final there.” The Challenge: Short Loin of Free-Range Gilt Pork The Roux Scholarship 2024 competition invites chefs to create a recipe for four people using the following ingredients and criteria: One short loin of free-range gilt pork from the shoulder end, weighing anywhere between 1.6kg and 1.8kg maximum, untrimmed with four bones in. In addition, use two fresh pork kidneys, together plated with crackling and two simple or composed garnishes/accompaniments. One of them must include sweet potatoes and the other can be a garnish/accompaniment of the contestant’s choice. One of these can be served separately, if preferred. A sauce must accompany the dish. Entrants have until midnight on Monday 22nd January 2024 to submit their recipes via the online application system. For additional rules and stipulations, see rouxscholarship.co.uk/how-to-enter/rules/ Chairman Alain Roux said: “The short loin of gilt pork is one of my favourite cuts and, like the kidneys, offers great value and inspiration to create a fantastic dish. The loin is super versatile with the juiciest, most succulent meat and exceptional subtle flavours. The Roux family loves offal and we will be looking for careful preparation and technique to best preserve texture and flavour. There’s so much scope here to use different styles, flavour combinations and techniques, it should prove a fascinating challenge for our would-be scholars.” Chairman Michel Roux said: “Short loin of pork, especially from the shoulder end, is a tremendous cut; lots of marbling, skin and the kidneys to regale the palate. This recipe challenge has so much potential for creativity and different styles of cuisine.” Innovations for 2024 The Roux Scholarship proudly welcomes two new sponsors, The Macallan, renowned for its extraordinary single malt whiskies, and Showerings Cider, a family-owned business with a legacy of 180 years in crafting award-winning cider. This will be the second year that the winner will choose from two star prizes: the two-month stage at a three-star Michelin restaurant anywhere in the world, or a bespoke training plan tailored to the chef’s skills and knowledge gaps. As the first step of the application, chefs must register their entry via the website. If they meet the application criteria (eg. age, UK resident, correct qualifications), they will be sent the invitation to complete online the recipe application form. For the two years after the pandemic, the age limit was increased to 31. However, the upper age limit for the 2024 competition will be exactly 30 years old. Therefore, if a chef turns 30 on or before 1st February 2024 they qualify for entry. The Roux Scholarship continues to be dedicated to encouraging chefs of all genders and ethnicities to enter the competition, with diversity and ethnicity monitoring included in the application form. To read the White Paper produced in 2022 following the Round Table discussion, visit the website at: rouxscholarship.co.uk/diversity-and-the-roux-scholarship/ The 2024 competition will be the fourth time the Mentorship Award is offered as a prize. As well as the £6,000 awarded to the winner for their career development, an additional £6,000 is awarded to them on completion of 15 months’ service with their current employer after they win. Should they take up a new role in that time, the funds will be awarded to the original employer to help in the development of the remaining brigade. The Honorary President of Judges will be announced in due course.  Judges and Important Dates In addition to Emily Roux The judging panel will remain the same for the 2024 competition and is as follows: Alain Roux, Michel Roux Jr, Brian Turner CBE, Sat Bains (Scholar 1999), André Garrett (Scholar 2002), Simon Hulstone (Scholar 2003), James Martin, Clare Smyth MBE, Rachel Humphrey and Angela Hartnett OBE. Important dates: 22nd January 2024: Deadline for applications. 7th March 2024: Regional finalists compete, each cooking their written recipe plus a mystery basket dessert recipe challenge.  Regional finals take place at University College Birmingham and University of West London. Six national finalists shortlisted. 8th April 2023: National Final at The Waterside Inn Culinary School. Award ceremony venue TBC. Prizes and Sponsors In addition to the star prize options, the winner receives up to £12,000 and a collection of fabulous prizes from ourselves and other sponsors, including Aubrey Allen Ltd, Bragard UK, Champagne Laurent-Perrier, Elle & Vire Professionnel, The Macallan, and many more. For more information about the Roux Scholarship 2024 and the list of prizes, visit www.rouxscholarship.co.uk. Photos: A selection of ingredients and images from previous finals, credited to photographer Jodi Hinds.

The Roux Family is delighted to announce that acclaimed French chefs Michel Troisgros and his son César will lead the panel of judges for the Roux Scholarship final 2023 as joint Honorary Presidents of Judges. The Troisgros family is one of the most renowned culinary dynasties in the world, having held three Michelin stars at their restaurant, La Maison Troisgros, longer than any other restaurant in France. The Troisgros restaurant is set in the stunning Roannais area of France, west of Lyon and is now in the village of Ouches, having relocated in 2017 from its original site (now their bistro Le Central) in Roanne. La Maison Troisgros was first established there in 1930 by Jean-Baptiste and Marie Troisgros, whose sons Pierre and Jean Troisgros continued and built on its success and were awarded three Michelin stars in 1968. Now, Pierre’s son Michel, alongside his sons César and Léo, continue the restaurant’s success with the support of the wider family. Michel Troisgros Michel Troisgros said: “Albert and Michel Roux were born in Saône-et-Loire, a stone’s throw from Roanne where Jean and Pierre – known as the Troisgros Brothers – were based. All four were from the same generation, who grew up in the post-war period and became iconic chefs in the 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s. They had many things in common: their countries of origin, sharing the work between brothers, the wave of new cuisine, and the heirs who would continue their work. Between our two families there has always been a bond of friendship and today we extend the friendship we inherited from our fathers.”   César Troisgros Alain Roux said: “The Troisgros family is synonymous with fine dining in France. Their unpretentious approach, respect for tradition and boundless creativity has always inspired me. How they have adapted and changed with the times, as their business has passed down through the generations, is an exceptional feat. To have Michel and his son César with us as Honorary Judges this year is a great privilege and a treat for both judges and competitors. Like the Roux family, they know the importance of preserving and handing on their knowledge. To share and to learn from them is a dream come true for all of us.” Michel Roux Jr said: “I am over the moon to have the Troisgros dynasty with us for the finals of the Roux Scholarship, not just Michel but also his son César. The first time I had dinner at their restaurant in Roanne was with my father in 1981, I remember being blown away as a young chef by their creativity, lightness of touch and clever use of acidity throughout the menu. They are true legends in the culinary world who love nothing more than to pass on their knowledge. Our finalists will no doubt be inspired by their humble and genuine warmth.” Michel and César Troisgros know the importance of preserving and handing on their knowledge Michel and César Troisgros will lead the panel of judges, alongside Michel Roux Jr and Alain Roux, Brian Turner CBE, Sat Bains (Scholar 1999), André Garrett (Scholar 2002), Simon Hulstone (Scholar 2003), Rachel Humphrey and Angela Hartnett OBE. The final will take place at Westminster Kingsway College and will take a new format this year. Rather than create a classic French recipe, as finalists have done in the past, the six finalists will be asked to prepare a recipe in their own vision with a selection of ingredients. They will be judged on creativity, technical skill and their own individual flair. The six finalists are: Ben Champkin, The Newt, Somerset; Christopher Clarke, Core by Clare Smyth, London; Oliver Dovey, Baxterstorey, London; Sam Lomas, Glebe House, Devon; April Lily Partridge, The Ledbury, London; Alex Rothnie, L’Enclume, Cumbria. Prizes The winner receives the choice between two star prizes: an invitation to cook and train under the supervision of a leading chef at a prestigious three-star Michelin restaurant anywhere in the world for two months; or a bespoke training programme tailored to the winner’s skills gaps, ambitions and interests. In addition, up to £12,000, to further support their career development and a host of fabulous prizes from our sponsors. Our sponsors The Roux Scholarship is sponsored by Aubrey Allen, Bragard, Bridor, L’Unico Caffe Musetti, Champagne Laurent-Perrier, Elle & Vire Professionnel, Flying Fish Seafoods, Global Knives, Oritain, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, Regent Seven Sea Cruises, Sources Alma, St Ewe Eggs, TRUEfoods, and Udale Speciality Foods Ltd, Urbani Truffles and Wellocks. For more details about our sponsors visit www.rouxscholarship.co.uk Go to www.rouxscholarship.co.uk for more information about the Roux Scholarship competition and details of the long list of prizes, courtesy of our sponsors and preferred partners.