22nd Apr 2008 - 00:00
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Daniel Cox, a 26 year-old chef who works for the fine dining division of Compass Group at UBS in London, was awarded the 2008 Roux Scholar title last night at the capital's Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park.
The winning chef picked up a cheque for £5,000, three months training under a three Michelin-starred chef, as well as other top prizes including a week's paid work-experience in New York, courtesy of Restaurant Associates.
He and five others at the final cook off prepared Rouen Duckling with Burgundy Pinot & Brandy, a classic Escoffier dish garnished with Potato Gnocchi and fresh peas.
This was Daniel's third attempt at the competition. He was a regional finalist twice and having reached the finals this year, he was determined to win the title.
Daniel previously trained at Westminster Kingsway College and worked at The Greenhouse restaurant in Mayfair. He then moved into contract catering, which led to his current position with Compass Group's fine dining division, where he has been head chef for the last two years.
This year's judging panel included Michel and Albert Roux, who are now accompanied by their sons Alain and Michel Junior, along with Brian Turner Gar Rhodes, Heston Blumenthal and David Nicholls.
Weblink:
www.rouxscholarship.co.uk