The December Gala Dinner is always a special event for Italian Rôtisseurs being the perfect occasion to exchange holiday wishes in a festive atmosphere.

This year’s event was no different, bringing together as it did the Bailliages of Udine/Friuli-Venezia-Giulia and Collio&Laguna in the spirit of both Christmas and of course the Chaîne.

Held at the charming Villa Romano in Manzano (Udine), the gala event delighted everyone with gourmet dishes and high quality wines (catering by Zago Events owned by Chef Luigi Zago).

The evening developed in three stages. Firstly, a delicious buffet with traditional gastronomic specialities served with Confrère Manlio Collavini's sparkling wines, especially the Spumanti Applause e Grigio.

BUFFET
- Deep-fried squid
- Marinated char fillet with sweet mustard and dill
- Fillet of mullet canapés
- Prosciutto cooked in a pastry crust with horseradish sauce and yogurt
- Beignets filled with pumpkin and Amaretto biscuit cream
- Toasted brioche with foie gras and redcurrant
- Cream of lentil soup

Before the dinner, the choir of “The Singing Souls” pleasantly entertained the large number of guests with classic Christmas songs.

The menu for the Gala Dinner certainly showcased the skills of Chef Luigi Zago.

DINNER
- Galantine of capon with quince purée and celeriac crisps
- Cream of leek and Bintje potato soup with truffled cod mousse
- Homemade ravioli with cuttlefish stew and ginger
- Fillet of turbot with spinach and crispy artichokes
- Lemon and raspberry meringue
- Coffee, Boschetti's petits fours, DOK Dall'Ava Panettone

Before the final exchange of Christmas greetings amongst the member and guests in attendance, the traditional toast of goodwill, peace and friendship was made to Chaîne members all over the world.

Bruno Peloi
Chancelier