Champagne Taittinger launches 52nd Taittinger Prix Culinaire International

Champagne Taittinger has launched its 52^nd Taittinger Prix Culinaire International competition, with Michel Roux Jr returning as UK Presidential Judge for the fourth year running.

The theme of this year's competition, open to chefs aged between 24 and 39 with more than five years' experience, is a tribute to the "father of gastronomy" Paul Bocuse.

The main dish will be a whole Bresse chicken, with self-serve home-style stuffing and poulette sauce with a side of mushroom ravioli and self-serve chicken's liver in a consommé. Ingredients are chosen from a supplied list and dishes prepared on the day.

Participants will also prepare a second dish based on a theme provided by Roux Jr one week before the competition.

Roux Jr will head a panel of 12 chefs including Brian Turner, John Williams and Pascal Aussignac.

The UK final will take place at Roux at Parliament Square on 15 September, with all finalists awarded a jeroboam of Champagne Taittinger. The winner, chosen by the judging panel and Champagne Taittinger's marketing director Vitalie Taittinger (pictured with 2017 UK Winner Tom Scade, Michel Roux Jr, Quentin Plateaux and James Sleep), will also receive €2,400, a trophy and the chance to compete against seven other national finalists in the international final, which will be held in Paris on 19 November.

The winner of the international final will receive €10,000, the runner-up €4,800 and the third place contestant, €2,500. All will be awarded a trophy.

Vitalie Taittinger, marketing director at Champagne Taittinger said: "Champagne Taittinger has always been fully committed to promoting and encouraging young, upcoming chefs. They are the future of highly skilled culinary talent and this competition is for them. Now in its 52nd year, it is the oldest culinary competition of its kind. It is tough but showcases the best. I am so happy that Michel Roux Jr will continue as UK Presidential judge again this year."

Entry forms for the competition are available through Champagne Taittinger's sole UK agent Hatch Mansfield, tel. 01344 871 800 or email info@hatch.co.uk.

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