Roux family starts search for Roux Scholar 2017

The competition is open to chefs in full-time employment aged between 22 and 30 on 1 February 2017. To enter they must submit a recipe serving four people using a whole rainbow trout, live mussels and two garnishes, one of which must include jasmine rice. A sauce must also accompany the dish. 

Once entries submitted, judges, who include Brian Turner, Sat Bains, James Martin, Andrew Fairlie and Simon Hulstone, will select 18 entries showing the best recipes and invite the selected chefs to cook their dish and a mystery box dessert challenge at regional finals in Birmingham and London on 23 March 2017. 

The competition's final will be held in London on 10 April with the winner announced at an awards ceremony at the Langham, London, that same evening.

Alain Roux said: “I have chosen rainbow trout since it is a lovely, popular freshwater fish but often underrated and rarely seen on restaurant menus, particularly during the six months of the year when it is in season. It should be promoted more and its slightly nutty, sweet flavours and oil rich skin enjoyed more widely.”

Michel Roux Jr added: “I want to see two British and sustainable ingredients that will need a delicate touch, precision and flair. I am also excited to see what the chefs are going to do with the fragrant rice."

The winning chef will receive £6,000 and an all expenses paid, three month stage at a three star Michelin restaurant anywhere in the world, as well as other food-related prizes and lifetime support from the Roux family. 

Previous title winners include Andrew Fairlie, Simon Hulstone and Andre Garrett. 

Entrants have until midnight on Tuesday 31 January 2017 to submit their recipes. To enter visit the website www.rouxscholarship.co.uk​