Acclaimed Australian playwright David Williamson referred to Sydney in his award-winning play of the same name as The Emerald City. Our Chapitre, for this city synonymous for the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, aimed to showcase that title.

The event was held at the prestigious Royal Automobile Club of Australia and commenced with the National AGM conducted by Bailli Délégué Norm Harrison and members of the National Committee. It was well attended by members from all Bailliages across the country. A lively discussion was held around innovative strategies for increasing membership across all demographics.

We reconvened at 5pm for the Induction Ceremony in The Imperial Services Club Room. Bailli Délégué Norm Harrison, in his capacity as a Member of the Conseil Magistral, was the Inducting Officer. Chancelier Sam Giddings was Master of Ceremonies and Chargée de Missions Serena Harrison-North oversaw the Livre d’Or. There were circa 30 new members inducted and existing members promoted. The Ceremony included those joining the OMGD (Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs). A nice balance was struck between formality and conviviality aspects. Tradition was respected and upheld, whilst also making the new inductees comfortable during the ceremony.

Members had a brief opportunity to freshen up before pre-dinner drinks commenced in the majestic Macquarie Room. Many friendships and acquaintances were renewed over Australia’s most awarded sparkling from House of Arras in Tasmania. At 7pm, members and guests were asked to be seated so that Bailli Dane Richards could officially welcome everyone before handing over to Bailli Délégué Norm Harrison.

Dinner then commenced. To start: a very well received cream of celeriac soup with roasted hazelnuts garnished with Australian truffles created by Head Chef Dimitry Rode.

Vice-Conseiller Gastronomique Jeremy Ryland gave a very playful, tongue in cheek talk on the inherent risks of eating which drew warm applause and many a laugh during its delivery.

The tasty duck terrine that followed was particularly close to our hearts, as the award-winning pasture raised produce was from Burrawong Gain which is run by New South Wales North Coast member Beth McMillan. Rather fittingly, given the earlier speech and the much-covered media and court coverage, Beef Wellington was served as the main course. I can happily report that no such ill fate from any suspect mushrooms met any of our members and guests!

The guest speaker for the night was the esteemed and legendary restaurateur Damien Pignolet, who was part of the group that founded the Chaîne in Australia in 1977. He gave a detailed and heartfelt recollection of his acclaimed career, including all the highs and lows. Given his recent health issues this was most appreciated.

The evening concluded with a classic chocolate tart. Particularly well received from the various wines served on the night was the 2023 Riversdale Estate Pinot Noir from Coal River Valley in Tasmania, and the 2020 Irvine ‘The General’ Shiraz from the Barossa Valley in South Australia.

The event was followed by very positive feedback. Most importantly it was truly a day of goodwill and conviviality, where the core values of being part of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs were upheld with genuine fervour and spirit. This indeed distinguishes us from so many other organisations which do not fully understand that the poignancy of the words in our oath are the values that we both observe and live by.

Vive la Chaîne!

Dane Richards
Bailli