At last, our Gala Chapitre was hosted at the prestigious Ritz-Carton Hotel.

Bailli Délégué Norm Harrison, a Member of the Conseil Magistral, was assisted by Chargée de Presse Serena Harrison-North, in presiding over new member inductions and the presentation of awards. Of particular note were Chaîne Silver Awards presented to Bailli Thurston Saulsman and Vice-Chancelier Sande Saulsman in recognition of their service to the Bailliage of Western Australia.

Chilled glasses of Vasse-Felix Idée Fixe Premier Brut Méthode Traditionnelle, a Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine from the Margaret River region, were enjoyed with beautifully-presented, colourful, tempting hors d'oeuvres.

Then, once seated in the splendid Ritz Carlton ballroom, Bailli Saulsman congratulated inductees together with Honoraire and Commandeur award recipients and warmly congratulated our special guest, Eng Fook Hoong, newly-appointed Bailli Délégué of Singapore,

Wines were sponsored by Vasse Felix - the renowned Margaret River vineyard - and passionately described. Chef Stephen Cocks shared a delightful insight into his thoughts and plans for the menu.

MENU

West Australian Abrolhos Islands scallops
ceviche with celeriac cream, Szechuan cucumber ribbons
tiny droplets of beetroot and saline greens
Vasse Felix Premier Sauvignon Blanc 2019

Dry-aged Wagin duck
smoked leg ham, carrot butter, miso dressing
pickled witlof, sea purslane
Vasse Felix Premier Chardonnay 2020

Fillet of beef
Jerusalem artichoke, King oyster mushrooms
salt bush, watercress, mushroom sabayon
Vasse Felix Premier Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Charred peach, yoghurt sorbet
blackberry gel, and pistachio praline
Vasse Felix ‘Cane Cut’ Semillon 2020

Chef Cocks, his dedicated kitchen team and the able service brigade were invited to the stage to be warmly congratulated for their exemplary attention to detail.

Finally, Bailli Thurston Saulsman, Australia’s Bailli Délégué Norm Harrison and Singapore’s Bailli Délégué Eng Fook Hoong closed the evening with the promise of further adventurous, exciting events combining Southeast Asia and Australia.

Vive la Chaine!

Based on a detailed report prepared by Fran Andrews and Vice-Chancelier Sande Saulsman

Photos by David Chong - perthphotography.com