Jonathan Ferguson set to do three-month stage at The French Laundry in Napa Valley, California

Winner of the Roux Scholarship 2022, Jonathan Ferguson will conduct his three-month stage in the kitchen of the world famous, three-star Michelin restaurant, The French Laundry, in Yountville, based in California’s Napa Valley wine country.

Jonathan said about his choice: “I came to the decision of The French Laundry quite quickly – it’s one of the first restaurants outside the UK I discovered when I was younger, and the restaurant’s cookbook was one of the first big name books I remember buying. Flicking through that really turned me towards the world of high-end restaurants. It’s very easy to get excited about such an iconic restaurant.”

Chef Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry is widely regarded to be one of the best restaurants in the world, having held three Michelin stars since 2007, while Chef Keller is the only American-born chef to have two three-starred Michelin restaurants (the other being per se in New York City).

"The Roux Scholarship is an incredible mentorship opportunity for aspiring culinary professionals, and we're deeply honored to continue our decades-long relationship with the admirable competition. We look forward to welcoming Jonathan Ferguson to begin his stage at The French Laundry in January” shares Chef Keller.

Jonathan will be the second Roux Scholar to undertake his stage at The French Laundry. In 2009, Hrishikesh Desai became the first scholar to do his stage outside Europe.

Co-chairman Michel Roux Jr said: “Thomas Keller’s restaurant, The French Laundry, is one of the world’s most celebrated restaurants and his interpretation of French classics is second to none. Elegance and lightness of touch in the kitchen coupled with Chef Keller’s mentoring will definitely mean Jonnie will have the time of his career.”

Co-chairman Alain Roux said: “This is a transformative opportunity for Jonnie to learn from one of the great chefs and restaurateurs of our generation, Chef Thomas Keller, at his flagship restaurant, The French Laundry. More than a restaurant, it is a smallholding, so there’s no better place to learn about growing and cooking the best, freshest ingredients. Chef Keller’s innovative, exquisite interpretation of French classic cuisine is exceptional. Coupled with the chance to live short-term in California, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Chef Jonnie.”

Meanwhile, the stage for 2020/21 winner Oli Williamson is also being organised, with news to follow later in the year.

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