Search for Roux Scholar 2022 launched
The Roux family has launched its search for a 2022 scholar, offering a prize of up to £12,000 to support career development as well as an invitation to cook and train in a three-Michelin-star restaurant anywhere in the world for up to three months.
To compensate for the disruption brought about by the pandemic, which saw the search for the 2020/21 scholar extended over two years, the age limit for entrants will be extended to 31. Applicants will also not be required to be working full-time, but their principal employment must be as a chef.
Alain and Michel Roux Jr have set hopefuls the challenge of submitting a recipe showcasing Dover sole alongside brown shrimps and two garnishes or accompaniments, one of which must include pasta to be made on the day of the competition, and a sauce.
Joint chairman Alain said: "The beauty of these superb ingredients is their simplicity: Dover sole is at its best in spring when the dishes will be prepared. It will be fascinating to see how our chefs deal with offering tasty, interesting dishes while not over-complicating the delicate fresh flavours. In particular, I am excited to see what shape of pasta the chefs will choose. I'm really looking forward to some inspired cooking."
Fellow chairman Michel added: "No sooner the competition is over and the next one begins. Dover sole, shrimps and pasta: so much scope for flair and imagination, I can't wait to see what our chefs come up with. I know what I would do but what will the 2022 scholar create?"
Applicants have until midnight on 31 January 2022 to submit their recipe, with those qualifying invited to compete in regional heats, where they will prepare their dish as well as a dessert made from a mystery box of ingredients presented on the day.
For a second year the Mentorship Award will see the winner's prize money increased to £12,000, if they remain with their current employer for 15 months after the competition. If they take up a new role in this time the additional £6,000 will be awarded to their employer.
The judging panel will include Alain Roux, Michel Roux Jr, Brian Turner, Sat Bains, André Garrett, Simon Hulstone, James Martin, Clare Smyth, Rachel Humphrey and Angela Hartnett.
Oli Williamson was named Roux Scholar 2021 two weeks ago.
