Camaraderie rose to grand heights of holiday cheer on December 4th at Nine-Ten Restaurant located in the iconic, legendary Grande Colonial Hotel in La Jolla, California.

Making for a tri-Bailliage Festive Holiday Induction event, the USA Bailliages of San Diego and La Jolla were joined by Mexico’s Bailliage of Baja California to celebrate their new members.

Located in the heart of downtown La Jolla, the Grande Colonial is one of the oldest original seaside hotels with sweeping ocean views, posh boutiques and beautiful beaches. Talk of the town when built in 1913 it soon become a pillar of the community. Following centennial celebrations in 2013, the hotel is now a stunning example of modernization all the while maintaining historic respect.

Inducting Officer was Phil Kress, Bailli Provincial of Far West (USA). He was supported by Baillis John Crisafulli (San Diego) and Marie Addario (La Jolla) along with Berenice Ceseña Durazo, Vice-Chargée de Missions of Baja California. The Ceremony saw nine members formally welcomed into the Chaîne. Two members received a promotion.

Executive Chef Jason Knibb, who trained with celebrity chefs Wolfgang Puck and Roy Yamaguchi, prepared a magnificent tasting menu of scallop crudo, duck breast and lamb loin with excellent wine pairings. His unique cheese course, a Comté tartlet with apple mostarda paired with Champagne Drappier ‘Carte d’Or’, proved a crowd pleaser.

This truly international festive Chaîne celebration, with the coming together of two US Bailliages and one from Mexico, was filled with great food and wine, good cheer and conviviality without borders.

Marie Addario
Bailli of La Jolla

Photographer: Vincent Andrunas