On the last Thursday in September we had the first in a line of many upcoming dinners for the members in Belgium.

The idea came from Chevalier Beat Kocherhans. He has joined us after a long Chaîne membership in Switzerland. He is focused on a clear mission to support and help with all events in Belgium.

As Bailli Délégué I can only applaud and embrace such initiatives coming from members with a classy attitude, organisational talent and respect for the Chaîne

The chosen place to start was one of Brussels' oldest Brasseries “Aux Armes de Bruxelles” where Maître Rôtisseur Cédric Callenaere heads up the kitchen.

The reception, hosted by Maître Rôtisseur Bart Ysebaert and Maître Hôtelier Annelies Houwen, saw a wonderful tasting of Champagne Jeeper with grilled oysters and Witloof chicory accompanied by Geuze beer.

A typical Belgian menu followed:
- cheese and shrimp croquette
- vol-au-vent with hand-cut fries
- tiramisu of speculoos biscuits

The accompanying Belgian wines were perfectly commented on by our Échanson Dominique Crombé:
- Entre-deux-Monts Pinot Gris
- Cortil Braco du Château de Bioul 2020

The evening concluded with goodbyes to Michel Cottray, Bailli Délegué Honoraire of France and Member of the Conseil Magistral, together with Heike Cottray, Bailli Délégué Honoraire of the Principality of Monaco. We thanked them for their wonderful support given to the Bailliage during their time in Belgium.

We wish them supreme happiness. In Chaîne camaraderie “it is only a reunion”. We suspect many Bailliage members will be visiting the Hotel Martinez in Cannes where Michel is continuing his wonderful hotelier career.

Vive la Chaîne !

Ilse Duponcheel
Bailli Délégué
Member of the Conseil Magistral