The Bailliage of Soleure had the great honour of hosting the National Bailliage’s Spring Chapitre at the completely sold-out 4-star Hotel Arte in Olten.

Olten is an important railway junction in Switzerland centrally located between Zurich, Basel, Bern and Lucerne. With around 19,000 inhabitants, it is the largest city in the canton of Solothurn.

Gilbert Ernst, Bailli of Soleure, and his Officers were delighted to welcome around 200 guests from all over Switzerland, nearby Alsace and even one participant from China.

After the General Assembly, the Induction Ceremony was presided over by Daniel Jäggi, in his capacity as a Member of the Conseil Magistral representing President Atallah. Daniel is Bailli Délégué Honoraire of the neighbouring Bailliage of the Principality of Liechtenstein so did not have far to come.

In a dignified ceremony 70 members received their first-time ribbons or promotions. Additionally, there was an Induction Ceremony for the Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs (OMGD).

Of particular note were seven Maîtres receiving the Chaîne Professionals plaque for their respective establishments.

Furthermore, 13 Commandeurs were honoured for their long-standing membership in the Chaîne.

On behalf of the Bailliage of Soleure, I would like to welcome our new members and congratulate those who have been promoted or received awards.

After the ceremonials, over an aperitif the participants were able to work up an appetite for the seven-course Gala Lunch menu. The performance of the kitchen and service brigades was sensational and left nothing to be desired. Everyone was so excited! Many thanks to Director Maître Hôtelier Thomas Steidle, Head Rôtisseurs Stephan Runge and the entire Hotel Arte team for this great event.

In the afternoon, a Swiss Wine Competition was held for the first time. Vice-Échansons brought what they believed to be the best unoaked Pinot Noir from their various Bailliages to be entered into a blind tasting led by Échanson Nadim Arfan. The Wehrli Weinbau winery from Küttigen in the canton of Aargau won the first event with their “Stierebluet” wine. Congratulations!

It was a wonderful day with many conversations, wonderful encounters, exquisite food and fine wines. Many thanks to everyone who found their way to Olten. The Chapitre will surely stay in our memories for a long time.

Adapted from a report prepared in German by Sandra Faes Portmann, Vice-Chargée de Presse for the Bailliage of Soleure.