“The gentle art of gastronomy is a friendly one. It hurdles the language barrier, makes friends among civilized people, and warms the heart."

When Samuel Chamberlain said these words, he could well have been referring to the Chaîne des Rotisseurs, the historic gastronomic society of which we are a part.

No wonder then, every year the new members find exceptional warmth and conviviality among their peers and this is most clear during the Induction Ceremony.

The ceremony, full of solemn pomp and grandeur was held on June 24th in the Ballroom of The Leela Palace Bengaluru ahead of the Gala dinner. Twenty-five new members, both Professional and Non-professional received their insignia from Inducting Officer Joe Thawilvejjakul, Member of the Conseil Magistral who had come especially from Thailand to be the President’s representative at the event.

New inductee Akash Devaraju of Chef Social said, “Being a part of this acclaimed gastronomic society is definitely a milestone in my life.”

The black tie dinner that followed was memorable, with a very significant effort to outdo themselves being made by Maître Hôtelier Kunal Chauhan (GM of The Leela), Ched de Table Jameson Solomon (Executive Assistant Manager: Food & Beverage) and Executive Chef Mir Zafar Ali. Live music, impeccable service and outstanding flavours of food and wine made the members, old and new, very happy.

Among unforgettable courses were the live fire-roasted Portobello, maple balsamic-roasted pulled duck, scallion, hazelnuts and truffles served with the D’Arenberg Footbolt Shiraz from Australia and the slow-cooked pork belly, Port-glazed cippolini, potato fondant, green pea puree, barberries and balsamic jus accompanied by Marchesi di Barolo Barbera d’Alba from Italy.

This was followed by an indulgent array of ‘forgotten’ sweet dishes - sweet treats on the verge of being unrecalled all of which were received with great delight.

Unquestionably this 10th Anniversary Grand Chapitre with its three day programme - including the National Final of the Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs Competition (Ed. See separate article) - is the most significant event in the National Bailliage’s calendar for the year to date.

New members are now looking forward to joining in on forthcoming events full of gastronomic delights. As Akash Devaraju added, “The journey has just begun. Appreciating the pleasures of the table, enjoying fine food and wine and growing with a supportive community of like-minded members is a lifelong journey.”

Ruma Singh
Chargée de Presse