In its anniversary year, the Bailliage of Switzerland gathered on May 9th for its Spring Chapitre in Lucerne. Following a smoothly conducted General Assembly, the Induction Ceremony began in St. Matthew’s Church with the festive procession of the Baillis and Conseils to the sound of bagpipes.

In his capacity as a Member of the Conseil Magistral, the Inducting Officer was Daniel Jäggi, Bailli Délégué Honoraire of the Principality of Liechtenstein. Daniel welcomed the many attendees and as tradition dictates, began the inductions with recognition of the Commandeurs. Those members celebrating 20 to 50 years of membership were ceremonially presented with a commemorative plaque and a small gift. They were thanked with warm applause for their many years of loyalty to the Chaîne.

We were pleased to induct Grégoire Santschi as Conseiller Gastronomique on to the National Board. We look forward to working with him and wish him every success in his new role.

Three new Baillis were formally installed in office: Monique Metz of the Bailliage of Fribourg who succeeds Grégoire Santschi; René Lerch of the Bailliage of Lucerne, who succeeds Jean-Pierre Barth; and Rico Zindel of the Bailliage of Thurgovie, who succeeds Reiner Stäuble. The well-prepared handovers of this important office demonstrate the excellent work being carried out within the Bailliages. We thank the outgoing Baillis for their great commitment and wish the new Baillis every success and skill in leading their respective Bailliages.

With the recognition of 20 Commandeurs, the induction of 96 members of the Chaîne including 22 professional members and 23 new members of the OMGD (Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs), this was a particularly large Chapitre! Twelve new Chaîne establishments were also presented with the Chaîne plaque.

Following the “family photo” attendees made their way under cloudless skies to the aperitif reception in front of the Hotel Schweizerhof. In the grand Zeugherr Hall 320 guests took their seats and enjoyed the menu with accompanying wine pairings. As Conseiller Gastronomique Grégoire Santschi aptly remarked that this was an outstanding experience in every respect. The achievement of the two brigades in serving so many guests at such a high level was truly remarkable.

After expressing thanks to the local organising committee led by Vice-Conseiller Gastronomique Philippe Hess, Inducting Officer Daniel Jäggi, officially closed the Chapitre.

This is a Chapitre that we will remember with great pleasure for a long time to come.

Dr. Thomas Kuhn
Bailli Délégué
Member of the Conseils d’Administration and Magistral