The National Bailliage invited members and their guests to a Chapitre in Pfäffikon/Schwyz on Lake Zurich on May 14th. The local Bailliage of Suisse Intérieure, headed by Bailli Dr Stephan Landolt and Vice-Chancelier/Argentier Miriam Landolt-Kistler, was responsible for the organization and implementation.

The evening before the Baillis and then national officers gathered for the traditional meeting followed by a reception. The presence of nearly all our current Baillis clearly demonstrated the positive mood and optimistic outlook in Switzerland.

The following were newly elected to the National Council at the General Assembly: Franz Fäh as Conseiller Culinaire, Miriam Landolt-Kistler as Argentier, Hans-Peter Bütschi as Chargé de Missions, Nadim Arfan as Échanson.

Daniel Jäggi, Member of the Conseil Magistral from Liechtenstein, inducted these National Officers, together with three Baillis: Jean-Pierre Barth (Lucerne), Alain Brunier, (Geneva) and Rolf Untersander (Saint-Gall).

In addition to these inductions, the list for the Induction Ceremony was particularly geared towards Professional members. Furthermore, as it was held before lunchtime meant that Professionals were able to participate more readily than usual. They were able to leave the home business for this festive ceremony and then return to the kitchen for the evening service.

The extremely pleasing number of 30 Professional members - many in chef's uniform - could be inducted, among them also Maître Rôtisseur Matthias Wüst. He won the Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs Competition in Switzerland in 2008 and now runs a restaurant.

Beat Wicki, CEO of IMI in Kastanienbaum/Lucerne, was admitted to the Chaîne as a Maître Hôtelier. We are enthusiastic about the opportunity to familiarize prospective specialists in the hotel trade with the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs during their training and we look forward to a good working relationship. For instance, Maître Restaurateur Tania Langhabel continues the long tradition of collaboration with the École Hôtelière de Genève.

After the Induction Ceremony long-serving members were presented with their respective ‘Commandeur’ badge, a well-deserved honour for their loyalty to the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.

Many contacts were made among Professionals who otherwise hardly see each other. Unfortunately, they are far too rarely able to take part in events, let alone visit other Bailliages. They especially appreciated this Chapitre very much!

Together with their respective brigades, Maître Rôtisseur Stephan Kastl and Officier Maître Hôtelier Heinz Brassel were responsible for the subsequent Gala Lunch. The wonderful menu, competently served, spoiled the more than 140 guests.

The format of this one-day National Chapitre with its focus on Professional members - a new departure for the Bailliage of Switzerland - proved to be very successful and was an important event after the COVID-19 period.

A spirit of optimism could be discerned: excellent advertising for the Chaine des Rôtisseurs and the Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs!

Thomas Kuhn
Bailli Délégué
Member of the Conseil Magistral