Chargé de Missions Brian Harris, a new National Board member with the Bailliage, graciously hosted our final 2020 event at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas. Brian is General Manager of the newly-renovated, 5-star luxury hotel in the heart of Gangnam, Seoul’s modern and trendy quarter.

The event was particularly meaningful because new National Board members were appointed, loyal members were promoted and new faces were welcomed at the Induction event. Specifically, our Bailli Délégué Roland Hinni honoured Soon-Chai Chun (Chargé de Missions Honoraire) and Higgin Kim (Chancelier Honoraire) with Chaîne Silver awards for their unwavering support and warm camaraderie over the years.

The theme of the night was Chinese. Jaesun Kim, celebrated Executive Chef of Wei Lou, the InterCon's haute cuisine Chinese restaurant, was keen to demonstrate his skills. Particularly as the restaurant was reopening after 11 months of closure due to the renovation. Over 50 staff pampered 80 members and guests.

The evening began with a reception for members to catch up while sipping refreshing glasses of French sparkling wine - Crémant de Die Cuvée Grande Réserve ‘Séléction Jaillance’ 2015 - paired nicely with the delectable canapes.

A clever photo booth, installed by the InterCon, liberated guests from inconvenient selfies and recorded the joyful encounters that took place that night.

Dinner followed in a vast, airy hall improvised to mitigate the risks of COVID-19.

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“Cantonese-style Imperial appetizer”
Shark's fin dim sum topped with gold
Bend Chardonnay 2017 - California

Roasted butternut squash soup
cheese dumpling, apple herb chip
Art IPA (InterContinental House Beer, 3rd Edition)

Beijing-style Imperial sea cucumber rolls
stuffed with fried shrimp
Beaujolais-Villages Nouveau 2020 - Georges Dubœuf

Lychee and mint sherbet

Sichuan-style steamed beef short ribs in spicy sauce
Château Belgrave 2014
Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux 5th Growth

Mixed soba noodles
king crab meat, sea urchin
Wei Lou Baijiu*
[*Ed. Baijiu, also known as shaojiu, is a Chinese
 colourless liquor typically coming in between
35% and 60% alcohol by volume]

Yuzu lemon tart | Blueberry five-spice pudding
Sichuan Chantilly | Pandan ice cream
Moscato d’Asti Single Vineyard DOCG 2019
La Spinetta Bricco Quaglia

Petits fours

Dish after dish of meticulously prepared dishes flowed from the kitchen to delight us. Diners, indulged in rich tastes of top-quality ingredients characteristic of the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas.

Interestingly, not all dishes were paired with wine. Guests were able to see how the hotel's fragrant IPA beer, which took almost one year to develop, and its fiery Wei Lou baijiu, which was nevertheless very smooth and aromatic, were made to match fine cuisine.

Diners avidly, enthusiastically participated in the Bailliage's annual raffle to support a great cause. To raise funds to send a local participant to attend the annual International Jeunes Sommeliers Competition. Members and their friends had happily contributed gifts for the raffle.

Under the witty MC-ing by Échanson Henry Oh and Brian Harris, lucky winners burst with joy as they won prizes. Ranging from home-delivered cases of Perrier to Porsche golf bags and luxury hotel stays in Korea, South East Asia, and Hawaii - amazing.

Most importantly, a well-deserved round of applause was given to the hotel’s management and staff in appreciation of putting together a fantastic event. Also, for ensuring everyone's safety by enforcing strict COVID-19 prevention measures.

One day, we will look at the masks, duly printed with the Chaîne's logo, hanging on mask holders shaped like a golden chain that were gifted at the event. We will reminisce about this surreal era we are living through which hopefully will never be back again.

Soon Chul Kim
Chargé de Presse