Spencer Metzger of The Ritz wins the 2019 Roux Scholarship
The 26-year-old beat five other chefs to the title in a final held at London’s Westminster Kingsway College yesterday (1 April).
Competitors had three hours to prepare and serve monkfish blanquette and langoustines with saffron basmati rice, garnished with seasonal vegetables and asparagus.
Also competing was fellow Ritz chef Ryan Baker, alongside Olivia Catherine Burt from Claridge’s, Lewis Linley from Vacherin, Adam Harper from The Cavendish Hotel Baslow in Derbyshire, and Michael Cruickshank from Bohemia in Jersey.
The six chefs, all under 30 years old, presented their dishes to a panel led by honorary president of judges Peter Gilmore, and joint chairmen Alain Roux and Michel Roux Jr. They were joined by Brian Turner, James Martin, Sat Bains (1999 scholar), Andre Garrett (2002 scholar), and Clare Smyth.
“It’s been a fantastic event as usual, but this year is more poignant with the passing of the first Roux Scholar, Andrew Fairlie,” says Michel.
“The feeling among the judges and the Roux family too is that this year had to be very special and we do have a very special Roux Scholar this year. The winning dish was exceptional, the monkfish was beautiful, the sauce was indulgent but not rich, creamy but not heavy. In fact, we were fighting over the last of it once we’d all had a tasting!”
Metzger was also congratulated by The Ritz's executive chef John Williams.
Congratulations @Metzger1993 for winning @RouxScholarship I am so proud of you!! It’s important for young chefs to understand the hard work that gets you to these pinnacles in life well done lad you deserve it!!!
— John Williams (@jwilliamschef) April 1, 2019
His prize includes £6,000, and the chance to cook and train at a three-Michelin-starred restaurant anywhere in the world for up to three months.
See Metzger in our Behind the Brigade series at The Ritz here.
