The Bailliage held this Gala Induction Evening at the iconic La Valencia Hotel on the California Riviera. Since opening its doors in 1926, with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean coastline, La Valencia has been a glamorous destination in the heart of the seaside village of La Jolla.

This was the Bailliage’s 48th induction of new members. Fittingly it took place in the hotel’s main dining room, “THE MED”, which has capped many prestigious awards.

Owners Ash and Lata Israni, who are Bailliage members, attended along with Bailli Délégué Harold Small who presided over the Induction Ceremony assisted by Bailli Dominick Addario and USA Chargée de Presse Marie Addario.

Six inductees were Justin and Sarah LaPilusa, Haresh and Hetal Holsaker, Brent and Summer Shoemaker, and Eric and Stephanie Dixon.

The hotel’s Executive Chef, Timothy Ralphs, was reinstated into the Chaîne and donned his orange ribbon before returning to the kitchen to prepare the first course of a memorable feast which he had created in conjunction with Bailli Dominick Addario.

Dinner included fall harvest squash compote, barramundi with miso velouté and Enoki tempura, octopus with smoked hummus, tomato jam and mango, Wagyu beef prepared to perfection with a Zinfandel glace and king trumpet mushrooms and a “study of caramel” dessert.

Among the great pairing of wines selected by Chef Ralphs, Bailli Addario brought two reds from his cellar to complement the beef: Silver Oak Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 (Napa Valley, California) and Sena Red Wine 1996 (Aconcagua Valley, Chile).

The topper of the evening was the cheese course - an impressive compilation of cheeses and condiments brought out on a table length board and nestled on a 10 inch riser - one for each table.

Marie Addario
Chargée de Presse, USA