Champagne Taittinger Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Prix Culinaire International Competition

Champagne Taittinger is celebrating the 50^th anniversary of their renowned Taittinger Prix Culinaire International this year.  Michel Roux Jr will again be the Presidential Judge for the UK and will head up a panel of twelve top chefs from leading Michelin Star Restaurants and 5 star luxury hotels such as John Williams of the Ritz, the Rosewood’s Amandine Chaignot and Andre Garret from Clivedon – all previous finalists of this highly regarded, prestigious culinary prize.

The competition which is the longest running in Europe and often referred to as the ‘Everest of Gastronomy’ is now open to chefs between the ages of 24 and 39, with over five years of experience.  Seven countries will host national finals; the one in the UK will take place at Roux at Parliament Square on 10^th September 2016. Competitors will be invited to submit a recipe of classic cuisine on a set theme chosen by the organising committee – this year, it will be based on a whole fillet of beef. Ingredients are chosen from a supplied list and dishes prepared on the day.  They will also prepare a second dish based on a theme provided on the day by Michel Roux Jr.

The winner of the UK competition will be chosen by the panel of judges and announced by Michel Roux Jr and Champagne Taittinger’s Marketing Director Vitalie Taittinger at a reception following the cook off.  All UK finalists will receive a Jeroboam of Champagne Taittinger and the UK winner will received £2,000, a trophy and a place in the International Final which will be held in Paris on 16^th November 2016.  The winner of the International Final will receive €10,000; the runner up €4,800 and the 3^rd place contestant, €2,500.  All will win a trophy to acknowledge their success.  Last year’s UK winner was Rajkumar Holuss, 1^st Sous Chef at The Waterside Inn, Bray.

Lynn Murray, UK Marketing Director, Hatch Mansfield – UK sole agents for Champagne Taittinger comments, ‘Champagne Taittinger has always been committed to the promotion of young, upcoming chefs.  We are absolutely thrilled to have Michel Roux Jr as UK Presidential judge again this year, himself  one of the finest chefs in the UK. And with this year marking the Golden Jubilee of the competition it we are sure it will attract the best talent from around the world.’

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