As usual the Bailliage organised a Christmas Gala Dinner for its members and their guests - in total 175 this year!

The event, held at the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza, was masterminded by Maître Restaurateur Rony Gad Elrab, Director of Food and Beverage, assisted by Fadi Soliman.

The kitchen brigade which composed and delivered the Christmas-themed menu included Chaîne members Maître Rôtisseur Gianluca Visani and Maître Rôtisseur Fabio Strammiello.

RECEPTION

Hot Canapés (served at a live station)
Crispy rosemary polenta, cheese fondu
Smoked beef and bacon potato croquette, tomato relish

Cold Canapés
Bresola asparagus wrapped endive bite
Stuffed mushroom, rosemary, goat’s cheese, pecan
Mini profiterole, Pecorino fondue, smoked salmon
Bottarga, crispy bread, pickles
Mini spinach Swiss roll, gravlax

MENU

Foie gras and raspberry mille-feuille
herbs, cotton candy, balsamic berries
brioche chips

Potato and leek soup
lobster medallion, charcoal-cooked leeks
shrimp roe

Truffle and mascarpone giant ravioli
shaved cured egg yolk, black truffle

Sous-vide beef tenderloin with beetroot purée
or Braised short ribs with pumpkin purée
asparagus, potato confit, smoked barbecue sauce

Modern biancomangiare (Sicilian almond pudding)
meringue dome, winter spices
whipped cream, almond and coconut flakes

Coffee and tea
Mignardises

The evening was compered on my behalf by Chancelier Karim Henein, who was standing in whilst I was on a visit to Canada.

Guests of honour were His Excellency Svend Olling, Ambassador of Denmark, with his wife Ann and the Consul of France, Monsieur François Pugeaut with his wife.

Both the foyer where the reception was held and the Plaza Ballroom where dinner took place, were magnificently decorated for this exceptional event.

Adding to the excellent gastronomy and wonderful friendship, a tombola draw brought joy to four lucky winners.

Concluding the evening, as is the custom, Santa Claus toured the tables distributing beautiful gifts.

Best personal regards to you all

Yves Pharès
Bailli Délégué