Now that we have seen the success of World Chaîne Day I would like to personally congratulate Ari-Pekka Parviainen and his team on the amazing skill of bringing together the events from around the world.

In particular, the redesigned Social Media Wall proved the perfect medium for members to share virtually their “stay at home” celebrations!

Members tried in so many different and in innovative ways to support their Professionals and reach out to each other. It never ceases to amaze me of the camaraderie that we are experiencing during these difficult times.

From informal sharing on social media together with the more formal reports we have seen published on the international Chaîne News On-line website, as well as in nationally and locally-produced Bailliage media, it is self-evident that, despite being in lockdown, the focus of the Confrérie is without doubt one of friendship and a shared passion for the culinary arts.

I also realise that we in the Chaîne have many other values that we do not mention because they are implied. These values are so fundamental and so deeply ingrained in our way of thinking that we do not even identify them as such.

Limiting people's contact with others has been a significant method adopted by many countries of fighting the spread of coronavirus. Happily, since April 25th we are now seeing some signs of a relaxation in the measures that have been implemented by governments to protect us. Small steps in some countries, a more advanced slackening of the lockdown in others.

It has become very clear to me during these challenging times is that what we enjoy most and what is most precious to us is the friendship that we build with our fellow members within the Chaîne. The more we think about it, the more we realise that our society is unique. And this is why we love it … and are missing it so much.

The good times will return. Once more we will be able to “break bread” through enjoying together the culinary art of the table, all the while creating more wonderful memories to share with each other in the wider Chaîne “family”. 

Vive la Chaîne!

Yam Atallah
President