The event planning for the Chapitre hosted by the Bailliage of Carelia began in summer 2022. To make it a very special occasion we chose World Chaîne Day 2023 for its launch. Chapitres were held in Imatra 30 and 49 years ago. Definitely time therefore to organise another one!

The magnificent castle hall of the State Hotel was the location for the Induction Ceremony. Bailli Délégué Johanna Hornborg-Ojala and Chancelier Juha Ojamo, who is a Member of the Conseil Magistral, inducted 18 members with 11 inducted into the OMGD (Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs).

Helping with the ceremonials were Chargée de Presse Niki Malmros, Tuomo Puhakainen (Bailli of Carelia) and Heikki Koskinen (Bailli Honoraire of Carelia).

The city of Imatra's greetings were presented by Ilkka Nokelainen, Chair of Imatra’s City Council. These were followed by a champagne toast courtesy of the Council.

Celebrations continued at Ravintola Buttenhoff with a Gala Dinner designed and prepared by the team led by Maître Restaurateur Kiril Georgiev. An aperitif of Prosecco Rosé Extra Dry welcomed us.

Following dinner, Bailli Délégué Johanna Hornborg-Ojala thanked both kitchen and service brigades. The food and wines were evaluated respectively by Bailliage officers Vice-Chargée de Missions Hanna Arminen and Vice-Échanson Susanna Kurvinen.

Very well arranged; excellently organised to be flexible and festive, the event - part of the Bailliage of Finland’s 60th anniversary celebrations - received lots of praise.

Based on a detailed article submitted by Bailli Tuomo Puhakainen