2022 Roux Scholar Jonathan Ferguson to undertake stage at Thomas Keller's French Laundry

Jonathan Ferguson, winner of the 2022 Roux Scholarship, has revealed he will undertake the three-month stage included as part of his prize at Thomas Keller’s three-Michelin-star French Laundry in California.

Ferguson, who won the competition while junior sous chef at the Michelin-starred Glenturret Lalique restaurant in Crieff, said: “I came to the decision of The French Laundry quite quickly – it’s one of the first restaurants outside the UK I discovered when I was younger, and the restaurant’s cookbook was one of the first big name books I remember buying. Flicking through that really turned me towards the world of high-end restaurants. It’s very easy to get excited about such an iconic restaurant.”

Chef Keller added: "The Roux Scholarship is an incredible mentorship opportunity for aspiring culinary professionals, and we're deeply honored to continue our decades-long relationship with the admirable competition. We look forward to welcoming Jonathan Ferguson to begin his stage at The French Laundry in January.”

Ferguson will be the second Roux Scholar to undertake his stage at The French Laundry, following Hrishikesh Desai who became the first scholar to do his stage outside Europe in 2009.

Co-chairman Michel Roux Jr said: “Thomas Keller’s restaurant, The French Laundry, is one of the world’s most celebrated restaurants and his interpretation of French classics is second to none. Elegance and lightness of touch in the kitchen coupled with chef Keller’s mentoring will definitely mean Jonnie will have the time of his career.”

Co-chairman Alain Roux added: “This is a transformative opportunity for Jonnie to learn from one of the great chefs and restaurateurs of our generation, chef Thomas Keller, at his flagship restaurant, The French Laundry. More than a restaurant, it is a smallholding, so there’s no better place to learn about growing and cooking the best, freshest ingredients. Chef Keller’s innovative, exquisite interpretation of French classic cuisine is exceptional. Coupled with the chance to live short-term in California, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for chef Jonnie.”