Young Chef Secures Job With Roux Family

gemma-almond

A budding young chef at Leeds City College has secured a job with the world renowned Roux family, with only six months experience in a professional kitchen.

Gemma Almond was working as waitress in a fish & chip restaurant before starting on a Level 2 Diploma in Professional Cookery course at Thomas Danby Campus in September last year. Alongside her studies, she also works part-time at the General Tarleton in Ferrensby, North Yorkshire.

Gemma, 22, was one of only six finalists who made it through to the Roux Scholarship competition, which took place at Westminster College on Monday, March 29th. She entered the competition earlier this year with a written entry and was successful in reaching the semi final in London, where she gained her position in the final six.

The competition is regarded in the catering industry as the pinnacle for any young chef and Gemma was the only female finalist and the youngest taking part, with all the other competitors aged 28-30 years.

The finalists were given the task of cooking Fillet of beef en croûte à la Bisontine, a classic dish from the Escoffier era, as well as traditional accompaniments which included pommes duchesse and sauce béarnaise.

They had just two hours to complete the task in front of judges from the Roux family ‐ Michel, Albert, Alain and Michel Roux jnr. They were joined by Gary Rhodes, Brian Turner, Andrew Fairlie, David Nicholls and guest judge James Martin.

And though Gemma did not win, she was delighted to be offered a job during the competition. She was approached during the semi final by the Roux family to apply for a job in their new London city centre restaurant – the New Roux on Parliament Square opposite the Houses of Parliament, which opens its doors in May. And after attending an interview, she was delighted to be offered a full time position as a commis chef which she starts shortly.

Pictures show:
Gemma and chefs: Gemma with judges including some of the Roux family and Gary Rhodes.

Gemma Almond award shows: Gemma celebrates with Tutor Stephanie Moon and Curriculum Manager David Sowden

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