The latest addition to Dubai’s iconic architecture may not seem to have much connection with French winemaking. Yet the Museum of the Future made an amazing, illuminated backdrop to our informal Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs (OMGD) get-together at Crowne Plaza which is directly across Sheikh Zayed Road. Somehow the combination of modern Dubai with traditional France was just right.

We enjoyed a small but excellent selection of premium French wines:

- Moët et Chandon Brut Imperial NV
- Pouilly-Fuissé 'Les Pierres Blanches', La Cave de Lugny
- Meursault, Domaine Olivier Leflaive
- Saint Émilion Grand Cru, Châteaux Vieille Tour La Rose, Bordeaux

and finally… a shot of Calvados to finish!

We also managed to get through 20 litres of our favourite Gaffel Kolsch provided by kind courtesy of Grand Officier Willi Diener, whose generous contribution has become something of a tradition at our UAE events!

To accompany our drinks, Crowne Plaza’s Executive Head Chef Christophe Prud’Homme had put together a special ‘Menu de musée’. This was comprised of a superb selection of his miniature creations, followed by a selection of Normandy cheeses, homemade butter and fresh French bread.

There were oysters and shrimps croustillant to go with the champagne, lobster Thermidor and queen scallops. Duck cabbage confits, foie gras and duck samosas and osso bucco tortellini followed. These were partnered by Pouilly-Fuissé and Meursault. We then went on to beef maki tataki and effeuille of ribs to accompany the Saint Émilion.

It truly was a feast of finger foods leading finally to excellent Camembert, Pont L’Évéque, and other cheeses. Many of us felt that Chef Christophe’s special menu stole the show in what was an excellent “farewell to summer” event for 35 members and guests who attended.

In closing, Professionnel du Vin Leon Hart gave an enthusiastic speech of thanks, echoing everyone’s feelings of appreciation for what was indeed a splendid evening.

Special thanks are due to Chef Christophe and his team, as well as the excellent service brigade.

Most of all we recognized the hard work of Officier Maître Hôtelier Massimo Bernadi, Crowne Plaza’s Executive Assistant Food and Beverage Manager, who made the evening possible for us with his proficient management not to mention his selection and presentation of the wines. We wish him all the very best as he departs from us shortly for a new posting in Thailand.

Vive La Chaîne!

Richard Irving Corlett
Chargé de Missions