Roux Scholarship 2019 Winner Spencer Metzger Set to do Three-month Stage at Restaurant Frantzén, Stockholm

Winner of the Roux Scholarship 2019 Spencer Metzger will conduct his three-month stage at the three-star Michelin restaurant Frantzén in Stockholm from January 2020. He will be the first scholar to do his stage in Scandinavia, a region that continues to impress international food critics with its culinary prowess.

After winning the Roux Scholarship in April this year, Spencer spent a few weeks carefully considering his options and even travelled to Stockholm in May to eat in Frantzén and see the Swedish capital as part of his research. He said: “It was the best dining experience I have ever had; every single detail was thought out from the moment you walked in ‘til you left. The team worked seamlessly together and had a genuine love for their profession and the restaurant. The food is focused on the finest ingredients elevating them into complex, delicious and clever dishes, which I found really inspiring. I am really excited to be immersed in the team and be part of the work which goes into creating this amazing experience.”

Frantzén is widely regarded to be one of the best restaurants in Europe, having gained its third Michelin star in 2018 – the first Swedish restaurant to be awarded the accolade. The restaurant started as a small dining room, but in 2016 it transferred to larger premises; a three-storey 19^th-century townhouse in the Norrmalm district. Spencer will be working closely with Head Chef Charlie Benitez, who said:

“We are looking forward to welcome Spencer to Stockholm and introduce him to the gastronomy of Frantzén but also introduce him to the way we work.”

On confirmation of Spencer’s stage, the star prize of the competition, chairman Michel Roux Jr said: “Frantzén is truly exceptional; I was blown away by my last visit and am envious. Bjorn Frantzén’s style is respectful of nature, full of panache and bold flavours built on classic technique. While in Stockholm, Spencer will have a chance to immerse himself in the world-renowned Scandi food culture, an experience every chef dreams of.”

Meanwhile, Spencer’s choice gives fellow chairman Alain Roux the excuse to dine at Frantzén: “The only country I have visited in Scandinavia so far is Denmark and I have not yet had the pleasure of visiting Sweden or having met Chef Frantzén. I know the experience will be brilliant for Spencer. I can’t wait to share his feedback and vision of the dining scene there.”