Michel and César Troisgros named honorary presidents of judges for 2023 Roux Scholarship

French chef Michel Troisgros and his son César have been appointed honorary presidents of judges for the 2023 Roux Scholarship.

The Troisgros family are one of the most renowned culinary dynasties in France and their restaurant, La Maison Troisgros in the Roannais region, has held three Michelin stars since 1968.

The restaurant was founded in 1930 by Jean-Baptiste and Marie Troisgros, and their sons Pierre and Jean later took over the business and won three stars.

Pierre’s son Michel now runs La Maison Troisgros alongside his sons César and Léo with the support of their wider family.

Michel Roux Jr said he was “over the moon” to have the Troisgros dynasty take part in judging the finals of the scholarship.

He said: “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.”

Michel and César Troisgros will lead the panel of judges, alongside Michel 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 on 3 April and will take a new format this year. Rather than create a classic French recipe, 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.

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.”

The six national finalists for the 2023 Roux Scholarship were revealed earlier this month.