Local chef in the finals of top UK contest

Local chef in the finals of top UK contest

Michael Cruickshank (27), who works at Bohemia, is one of six chefs to get through to the Roux Scholarship finals, which are to be held in London next month.

The chef, who went head-to-head against 17 of the best chefs in the country in the semi-finals at the University of West London on Wednesday, said that he is thrilled to reach the finals.

Mr Cruickshank, who last week competed in the semi-finals for the fourth time and has reached the finals for a second time, said that he is determined to walk away with the top prize.

‘It is an incredible feeling to have reached the finals again and I am determined to win, but if I don’t I will just keep competing every year until they tell me I can’t enter anymore.

‘Some chefs don’t enjoy the competition element of these contests, but I love it.

‘At this stage of the competition the finalists are expected to show their technical skill,’ he continued. ‘Usually you’re asked to cook a classical French gastronomic dish.

Winners of the final competition become members of the renowned ‘scholars club’ and are rewarded with a special three-month ‘stage’ visit to work in a three Michelin-star restaurant of their choice anywhere in the world.

‘I feel calmer this year than in previous years as I know the process and what is expected much better now. If I were to win I would be interested in working in either California or Scandinavia, as there are a couple of restaurants in both that are doing some really interesting things with food which speak to their region.’

The competition is to be held at Westminster Kingsway College in London on Monday 1 April. The winner will be announced at an award ceremony later that evening.

– Advertisement –
– Advertisement –