The Bailliage hosted a weekend of gastronomy with a ‘Grand Chapitre’.

Bailli Roger Phillips, a renowned food and wine personality in Cairns, said, “It was very special for us here in the Bailliage of Great Barrier Reef to celebrate a Grand Chapitre. We dined at wonderful venues across Cairns.”

Every year to coincide with “Bastille Day” [Ed. the colloquial Anglophone name for the French National Holiday], we have a gala black-tie dinner at Ochre restaurant. This year we extended that wonderful event over three days and included an Induction Ceremony, a reception, a dinner and a tutored wine tasting.

We were honoured that the Iris Indorato, Honorary Consul of the Republic of France in Far North Queensland, and her husband attended the Gala evening.

Each year the Great Barrier Reef Bailliage spends $25,000-$30,000 on events with local Far North Queensland businesses.

“This patronage became critically important for our local hospitality businesses during COVID-19 lockdowns,” commented Roger.

Bailli Délégué Norm Harrison and his wife Serena Harrison-North, who is Bailli of South Australia, were guests of honour. Norm presided over the Induction and Awards Ceremony.

Programme of events:

Friday 16th
Welcome canapes and drinks at Wharf One Café - Wharf Street on Trinity Wharf, Cairns

Saturday 17th
- Tutored tasting of South African wines by sommelier and wine educator, Chris Ford
- Induction Ceremony
- Gala Dinner at award winning Ochre Restaurant where Maître Rôtisseur Craig Squire and his team delighted us with five exceptional courses

Sunday 18th
Vertical tasting of white and red wines over lunch at the cosy Piccolo Cucina Restaurant which has an extensive international wine list. Wine educator, Bailli Roger Phillips prepared and discussed a flight of white and red wines.

It was a memorable three days thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Roger Phillips
Bailli