In the most wonderful summer weather 20 Chaîne friends from different Bailliages, including Argentier Michael Zacharias with his wife Susanne, travelled by catamaran or plane to Heligoland, Germany's only deep sea island. In June the island offers a special experience with its unique birdlife.

The welcoming event took place on Thursday evening. Friday lunchtime was in the raised garden of Rickmers with a wonderful view of the North Sea. We enjoyed shrimp rolls and white wine from Knipser. In the evening there was a reception with fantastic Nordic finger food. After which we were treated to oysters, lobster soup and Helgoland Knieper* at the “Table Maison”.

As a surprise, two large plates of grilled shellfish were presented by Chef Miroslav Ninov. We were thrilled. Chef Miroslav was previously a Chaîne member in France. We are very pleased that he has now become a member of our Bailliage.

A wonderful, culinary evening in a great atmosphere with lively conversations was experienced. We thanked the great service team, the very attentive manager Samir Hany and the kitchen crew with Maître Rôtisseur Chef Miroslav Ninov for this lovely evening.

On Saturday a catamaran tour around Helgoland took place followed by a Helgoland panfish snack accompanied by white and rosé Champagne in the “Aquarium Restaurant” with Ela and Chef Arne. And we chose our respective lobsters for the evening from the freshly delivered Heligoland catch.

In the evening, after the Champagne reception, it was “pure lobster” with three kinds of dips and white and rosé Champagne and wines. Everyone was impressed by this culinary experience. Lobster doesn't get any fresher or better!

We thanked Restaurant Manager Ela, her husband Chef Arne and the team for this special day.

Sunday was at leisure with island excursions. The fantastic weekend ended with dinner together in the Rickmers Galerie Restaurant.

Vive la Chaîne on Heligoland 2024!

Monika Demuth-Müller
Vice-Conseiller Gastronomique

* Knieper are cooked brown crab claws, a speciality of Helgoland the tiny German island in the North Sea

Photos: Monika Demuth-Müller and Officier Günter May

Rickmers Galerie Restaurant
Am Südstrand 2
27498 Helgoland
Tel. +49 (0)4725 814125
Web: www.rickmers-galerie-restaurant.de

Aquarium Restaurant
Aquariumstraße 186
27498 Helgoland
Tel. +49 (0) 4725 640339
Web: aquariumrestaurant-helgoland.de