The Bailliage of Shenzhen looked forward to this year’s World Chaîne Day with great expectation as members gathered in more than 80 countries around the world, over a 1000 Bailliages celebrating together, each one with the joys of delectable food, beautiful wines and genuine friendship.

The event, themed “Lightening up the night sky”, was held in the President Suite on the 24th Floor of the Westin Shenzhen.

On arrival attendees were given a handful of casino chips. Game dealers were ready at the tables for bets to be placed and fun to be had.

Champagne bubbling in crystal glasses was enjoyed with canapes. Two favourites small in size with gigantic flavours were mini Wagyu steak burgers and Korean-style deep fried chicken. As a surprise, Bailliage members Alex and Helen Choi brought organic tomatoes giving bright, sweet colour to the welcome table.

At 7.30 pm Bailli Estella Pan followed tradition by tapping her glass with a fork to remind everyone to take their seats and announce the gourmet feast was about to begin.

Estella and Bailliage officer Lily Lou gave a welcome speech to thank everyone for coming together on this celebratory day. The Bailliage had chosen The Westin Shenzhen because of the Eiffel Tower replica located in the Window of the World theme park. This landmark architectural feature of Shenzhen has, for more than 20 years, paid tribute to the Chaîne with its origins in France. The wines selected, all French, fitted the theme.

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Gillardeau oyster, sea urchin
sturgeon caviar, lemon compote
Chablis
Domaine Seguinot-Bordet, Burgundy, France

Abalone
sweet corn puree, avocado
honey, sesame gel
Sancerre Chavignol
Domaine Vincent Delaporte, Loire Valley, France

Rougie foie gras
torched fig, apple puree
orange jus, balsamic reduction
Fronton ‘on l’appelle Negrette’
Vignobles Arbeau, Haute Garonne, France

Sous-vide egg
truffle jus, Spanish jamon Iberico
white asparagus velouté
‘Le Menut des Jacobins’
2nd wine of Couvent des Jacobins
Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux, France

Charcoal-grilled Australian Wagyu M9 tomahawk
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Château de la Font du Loup, Rhône Valley, France

Chocolate fondant
chocolate cake, ice cream, caramel sauce and cherries
Helen Choi organic tomatoes

In between the third and fourth courses we gathered in the balcony area by the pool waiting for a surprise, namely fireworks bursting out of the Eiffel Tower structure thus lightening the dark night.

At the end of the meal, Estella Pan, together with Bailliage officers, awarded a Certificate of Appreciation to the hotel’s Food and Beverage Team. Also, a gift box of lovely organic tomatoes was presented to Chaîne member Bo Zhou who won the most chips at the welcoming games in the Royal Casino.

Food and wine blushed on everyone's cheeks as the night fell. Everyone kept talking, hugging and taking photos with each other as if they had lost track of time to enjoy this precious gathering.

Vive la Chaîne!

Jason Zhang
Vice-Chargé de Presse