Here in Belgium we had our first Chaîne taste of 2021 - unfortunately still digitally.

To set the scene by thinking of the International headquarters’ city we miss, we opened the evening with some chansons from Paris - the City of Light.

After this very pleasing opening we presented details of the international activities planned for the coming year together with upcoming ones for the Bailliage of Belgium. Every member then had the opportunity to present their plans for 2021 with the Chaîne.

During the evening we asked our members if they would like to order one of our Chaîne gift boxes on our National Bailliage web shop. In making a purchase members contribute to the funding of our Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs and Jeunes Sommeliers Competitions.

Jeanette Van der Steen, owner of Château Bon Baron, had joined the on-line conference. We learnt that Château Bon Baron is a winery situated near Dinant in the valley of the River Meuse in the beautiful Walloon region. It is a real success story as Jeanette and her husband Piotr went in a very short time frame from simply being amateur winemakers to winning medals at international wine competitions. [Ed. Click on the video link above to see more on Château Bon Baron]

Continuing the entertaining style of the on-line meeting, we had a quiz with questions about the knowledge of the Chaîne in general, the two competitions and Bon Baron wines. The winner was Dame de La Chaîne Heidi Louagie who won bottles of Bon Baron wine with special glasses.

We ended with a glass of Bon Baron wine and a quote from Jeanette about her wines.

On the evening and also in the days since there have been many positive reactions to a joyful evening in these ongoing COVID-19 times.

Warmest regards

Ilse Duponcheel
Bailli Délégué