Following the success in 2015 of our dinner at Villa Le Bec for which our members gave enthusiastic feedback we organised another this year. Fifty-five members and guests were lucky to reserve places at this second event.

A balmy Shanghai summer evening allowed everyone to fully enjoy the indoor and outdoor setting offered by Villa Le Bec.  The evening started with a reception in the gardens where we enjoyed delicate hand-passed canapés accompanied by vintage 2007 Champagne Henri Giraud ‘Fût de Chêne’.

The location allowed for easy mingling as our event was held in the recently-added greenhouse veranda together with the famous ‘Buddha Room’ which face each other and both open onto the garden.

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Bouchot mussels jelly, with scampi milk
Côtes de Provence Rosé ‘Grande cuvée no8’ 2014 - Château des Valentines

Pan-seared duck foie gras with figs and soft spices
Saumur Blanc ‘Clos de L'Écotard’ 2013 - Michel Chèvre

Brittany wild sea bass, green lentils, mushroom juice
Rully 1er Cru 2012 - François d'Allaines

BBQ veal chop cooked over a wood fire, carrots, liquorice juice
Chassagne Montachet 1er Cru 2013 - Domaine Fontaigne-Gagnard

Pigeon ‘bécasse’ style
Saint Joseph ‘Terre d'encre’ 2013 - Domaine Georges Vernay

Réligieuse with violet flowers and blackcurrant
Rivesaltes ‘les Saintes’ 2012 - Domaine Jean-Luc Colombo

After dessert we wandered around the gardens continuing conversations and maybe enjoying a cigar.

As in 2015 this year’s dinner prepared by Chef Nicolas Le Bec did not disappoint as it was a sophisticated combination of creatively-prepared traditional cuisine empowered by the magical touch of this shy but very talented chef. A dinner for the memories!

Jean-François Longueville
Vice-Chargé de Missions