The first ever “Monaco Chaîne Day” took place on Saturday, December 3rd, against the prestigious backdrop of Monaco’s Méridien Beach Plaza Hotel!

In addition to the excellent dinner that was specially prepared by Chef Laurent Colin’s teams. The day gave us the perfect opportunity to combine art, culture, oenology and gastronomy to the great delight of the 100 or so participants who had made the journey to the Principality for the occasion.

Open to the public during the day, an exhibition by international artist JENK, organised and presented by Françoise Nègre, President of the Artfood Monaco Association, introduced us to a selection of the sculptor’s pieces.

In the afternoon we were treated to an oenology workshop: “The Keys to Tasting”, led by Burçak Desombre, Échanson, in partnership with the Monaco Sommeliers Association, chaired by Dominique Milardi. The workshop gave around 30 participants the chance to try the Georgian wines provided by “Le Pont Caucasien” and its Managing Director, Ilia Kakhoidze, as well as wines from estates in the Pessac-Léognan region.

It was then time for an exclusive talk by Fabrice Roy, who is a lecturer specialising in the history of art as well as the Bailliage’s Chargé de Presse: “Impressionists and Gastronomy”. The talk highlighted the close links between 19th century artists and the mealtime conviviality they enjoyed during that period.

At the end of the talk, guests headed to the Atlantique lounge for a plentiful reception with “live” culinary preparations conjured up by Executive Chef Laurent Colin and his team, served with glasses of Comte de Cheurlin Champagne, the result of a partnership forged by Gérard Canarie, Bailli Délégué, and Christine Giraudeau, the Champagne house’s representative.

This was followed by a convivial meal featuring a special “Chaîne des Rôtisseurs” menu, served with Georgian wines: a 2019 Natella Tsinandali (white) and a 2019 Saperavi Budeshuri Tavankari (red).

The surprise dessert was a nod to Laurence Jenkell, with a little bonbon twist in Monaco’s colours.

A big thank you to all the teams from the hotel and the Chaîne who helped make the day such a success!

Gérard Canarie
Bailli Délégué

Photos: (c) Fabrice Roy