Picture for City College Brighton and Hove Apprenticeships
Picture for City College Brighton and Hove A Levels
Picture for City College Brighton and Hove Full time Courses

News

Picture for City College Brighton and Hove Business Open Event
Picture for Adult Funded Courses 2012

Brighton Chef Wins Top Prize

4 April 2007

Armand Sablon (26), a young Brighton chef who studied at City College Brighton and Hove, recently competed with five other finalists to carry off the title Roux Scholar 2007. The Roux Scholarship, which attracts applications from right across the British catering industry, is widely respected as the most prestigious competition in the UK for young chefs aged 22-30. Armand's interpretation of the classic dishes, Escoffier Tournedos Rachel and Roux Bordelaise Sauce, together with a Macaroni Soufflé, clinched the award. His success was announced by Michel Roux at an awards ceremony in the presence of 300 of the culinary 'glitterati' at London's Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park.

The esteemed judging panel - Gary Rhodes, Brian Turner, Heston Blumenthal, David Nicholls and Andrew Fairlie - is headed by competition founders, Michel and Albert Roux, joined by their respective sons Alain and Michel Junior. As two of the other finalists had also competed with Armand in the 2006 finals, competition this year was particularly intense.

Armand Sablon - Roux Scholar 2007

Armand Sablon - Roux Scholar 2007

In the 'cook-off', under the watchful gaze of the judges, the six finalists chopped, diced, sliced, stirred and tasted. Tensions ran high, but tempers remained calm, as competitors were faced with the difficult challenge of achieving flavoursome, well-cooked and aesthetically pleasing dishes within the two hour time constraint. Recipes were only given to competitors 45 minutes before the start of the cook-off. They were also cooking in front of a host of photographers and film crews.

Armand says:

'This is the most fantastic point in my career. I am just so thrilled and I look forward to every aspect of the year ahead.'

Of his time at City College, he adds:

'City College gave me an excellent grounding as a chef. My tutors spotted my potential and pushed me to my limits which I'm now very grateful for.'

Michael Buckman, the Programme Area Leader of City College's Catering and Hospitality department says:

"Armand was an outstanding student here and maintains strong links with the College. We're delighted to see him win such a prestigious honour. This is great news for City College and it also shows that Brighton is producing some world-class chefs."

Michel Roux, chairman of the judges, says:

'All too often chefs focus on presentation to the detriment of flavour. Today flavour triumphed, especially in Armand's dishes. His flavours were superb - from the sauce, through to the soufflé, the beef and including the garnish. And we were lucky to have some of the finest beef fillet that anyone will have tasted.'

Armand works for Andre Garrett, the 2002 Roux Scholar and this is the second time in the history of the competition that a previous Roux Scholar has nurtured one of his young chefs to reach the same high standard. As well as winning the all-important scholarship, Armand has won £3,000 cash, plus up to three months training at a three Michelin-starred establishment in Europe, and trips to New York, Champagne and Milan, as well as a host of other prizes for him and his employer.

For City College media enquiries, please call Brian Bell, Marketing Communications Officer, on 01273 667788 Ext. 488 or email bb1@ccb.ac.uk

Notes to Editors: The Roux Scholarship enjoys the continued support of British Airways Inflight Service and Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, Castello Monte Vibiano, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Direct Seafoods, Fruisana Fruit Sugar and Yes Chef! magazine.

About City College Brighton and Hove: Founded over 100 years ago, City College Brighton and Hove has become an international centre of excellence. Every year over 2,000 full-time and 13,000 part time students as well as many international and European students choose City College as their education provider. The College provides training to over 2,000 businesses and has a 'City Business Skills' department which focuses on employers' needs. Offering over 650 courses from basic level to pre-University level, City College is working with its partners to develop the workforce of the future.