Lucknam Park's Roux Scholarship Winner
Our sous chef Hrishikesh Desai, has been named 2009 Roux Scholar. Hrishikesh , who works with the Michelin-starred chef Hywel Jones, won the title following a fierce cook-off in the kitchens of the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in early April.
The announcement was made by Albert Roux at a Champagne reception after to cook-off. Hrishikesh commented: "The Roux Scholarship is THE competition as far as I'm concerned and I've entered before but failed to reach the finals. I am so relieved to have managed to win after just one attempt at the final."
Hrishikesh , who credited Hywel Jones as being the "driving force" behind his recent career, and his fellow competitors were judged by Albert, Michel, Michel Junior and Alain Roux, Heston Blumenthal, Andrew Fairlie (the first winner of the Roux Scholarship title), David Nicholls, Gary Rhodes, Brian Turner and guest judge, Bloomberg food critic Richard Vines.
Competitors were asked to cook brill cherubin, from Larousse Gastronomique, along with spinach croquettes in two hours. Michel Roux said: "This was a dish that demanded very precise organisation, technique and preparation. Hrishikesh is someone who totally understands cooking, he has a natural gift, balancing superb organisation with flavour. His dish was beautifully cooked - he is a very clear winner, from six high quality finalists."
He added: "Hrishikesh presented one of the best dishes we have seen, he was one of the most organised and steady chefs we have judged, with a perfect attitude and great skill. It is the first time I have spoken of a competitor this well."
Among the prizes Hrishikesh will receive is a three month stage at three-Michelin-starred restaurant, £5,000 courtesy of the Savoy Educational Trust to be used to enhance his education, a week's paid work experience in New York, courtesy of Restaurant Associates, an expenses-paid trip to Champagne Gosset in Ay and a trip to visit the Caffe Musetti roasting factory in Milan.
The other five finalists received £1,000 to further their education from the Savoy Educational Trust and a day's butchery course from Fairfax Meadows, among other things.
About Lucknam Park Hotel
Lucknam Park is unspoilt, country house living at its very best. One of the finest luxury hotels that England has to offer - with Gourmet Restaurant, Luxury Spa, and Equestrian Centre - Lucknam Park is the ideal place to relax away from the stresses and strains of everyday life. Located in the heart of the English countryside - and just minutes from Bath - Lucknam Park is a proud member of Relais & Châteaux and fully supports their 5 Cs quality charter: Courtesy, Charm, Character, Calm, Cuisine.
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