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Champage Taittinger pays tribute to culinary great, Paul Bocuse, in this year’s Prix Culinaire International Competition

Champagne Taittinger is celebrating the 52nd year of their renowned Taittinger Prix Culinaire International. For the fourth year running Michel Roux Jr will be the UK Presidential Judge heading up the panel of twelve top chefs from leading Michelin Star Restaurants.  Judges include Brian Turner, John Williams and Pascal Aussignac.

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’ experience.  Competitors will be invited to submit a recipe of classic cuisine and this year’s theme is “A Tribute to Paul Bocuse”.  The main dish will be a whole Bresse chicken, with self-serve home-style stuffing and poulette sauce with a side of mushroom ravioli and self-serve chicken’s liver in a consommé. Ingredients are chosen from a supplied list and dishes prepared on the day.  Participants will also prepare a second dish based on a theme provided by Michel Roux Jr one week before the competition.

The UK final will take place at Roux at Parliament Square on 15th September 2018, and seven other countries will host their own national finals.

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 be given a Jeroboam of Champagne Taittinger and the UK winner will receive €2,400, a trophy and a place in the International Final which will be held in Paris on 19th November 2018. The winner of the International Final will receive €10,000; the runner up €4,800 and the 3rd place contestant, €2,500. All will win a trophy to acknowledge their success. 

Vitalie Taittinger, Marketing Director at Champagne Taittinger comments, “Champagne Taittinger has always been fully committed to promoting and encouraging young, upcoming chefs. They are the future of highly skilled culinary talent and this competition is for them. Now in its 52nd year it is the oldest culinary competition of its kind. It is tough, but showcases the best.  I am so happy that Michel Roux Jr will continue as UK Presidential judge again this year.”

Entry forms for the competition are available through Champagne Taittinger’s sole UK agent Hatch Mansfield, tel. 01344 871 800 or info@hatch.co.uk.

or Click below for entry pack.