Finland’s 2022 Grand Chapitre was arranged in Helsinki this year and called “Citykapituli” because all activities took place in the heart of the city.

The main venue was organised at the recently renovated Scandic Grand Central Helsinki. Formerly the building was headquarters of the national railway company. It was an excellent place for our Grand Chapitre.

Participating in the programme of events were 330 delegates. They were welcomed on Friday 19th by 10 Chaîne des Rôtisseurs flags waving from poles in the nearby market square.

The opening “Friends” evening was arranged at an old Students Hall, ideally suited for such a big group. The dinner was served in street food style. Fantastic tastes in different styles. Tables were set up to enable delegates to meet friends and have fun. We also had a street dance show adding to the joy in the evening.

On Saturday lunches were served in eight different restaurants downtown. All served a three-course lunch. Our recommendation to have seasonal mushrooms in the starter, white fish as main course and a variety of blue berries in the dessert was followed. Very seldom one hears so many positive comments from the delegates after all lunches!

The Induction Ceremony was presided over by our own Tomi Lantto in his capacity as a Member of the Conseil Magistral. It was held in Oodi, the new Helsinki Library which is a beautiful new style Finnish architectural building. Over 50 members were awarded their first or new ribbons, including two Grand Officiers. The ceremony was followed by a champagne reception which made the convivial atmosphere become even more so.

Served at the Scandic Grand Central Helsinki Hotel the six-course Gala Dinner was excellent. A great success with local and Finnish food prepared according to best traditions. Champagne was served from magnums. Wines were well selected, excellently matched to the food.

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Amuse bouche

Sea buckthorn encrusted whitefish
pickled carrot and kohlrabi
Cramant Grand Cru Blanc de blancs
Champagne Guy Larmandier

Black trumpet mushroom cappuccino
Pinot Blanc ‘Les Jardines’ 2019
Domaine Ostertag, Alsace

Dry-aged heifer sirloin
Madeira sauce, roasted Jerusalem artichoke, pink beans
Côte-Rôtie ‘Château de Montlys’ 2019
Domaine Christophe Sernaska, Rhône Valley

Hakaniemi and Jätkäsaari cheese
redcurrant, sourdough crispbread
Premier Cru Rosé Brut
Champagne Guy Larmandier

Crème brûlée
apple and Applejack
Castelnau de Suduiraut 2006
Château Sudiraut, Sauternes, Bordeaux

Coffee
Petits fours

Everybody, who has organized this size of event, knows how much time and energy it needs. However, if all goes well as on this occasion, the reward is great.

We have had lots of positive comments from the delegates regarding the arrangements, food and drinks. Especially the atmosphere, which stayed on a high even if the weekend in Helsinki was one of hottest in this summer!

Vesa Loponen
Bailli, Bailliage of Helsinki