Carefully planned by the Bailliage of San José, a French-inspired Chapitre at the Restaurante l’Île de France in Escazú welcomed and celebrated our new members treasuring once more, the world-famous camaraderie of the Chaîne.

The evening started with the traditional Induction Ceremony. In his capacity as a Member of the Conseil Magistral, our Bailli Délégué, Alain Taulère, a seventh generation French chef and founder of the Chaîne in Costa Rica, presided over the ceremonial pledge in a stately atmosphere.

Afterwards, the elegant guests renewed friendships and made new acquaintances on tables named after Parisian neighbourhoods. Montmartre, Quarter Latin, Champs Élysées, Jardin du Luxembourg, Saint-Chapelle and Le Marais welcomed the 60 members and their guests to the luscious menu prepared by the restaurant’s chef, Vice-Conseiller Culinaire Keilor Sánchez.

MENU

Amuse-bouche
Blini with marinated tuna, goat’s cheese and a speck of salmon roe
López Brut – Bodegas López, Mendoza, Argentina

Duck pâté
placed on toast, topped with peach accompanied by almond chutney
López Brut – Bodegas López, Mendoza, Argentina

Roasted sea bass fillet
butter ginger sauce, sauté of Swiss chard, tomatoes and mussels
Las Perdices Reserva Pinot Noir – Mendoza, Argentina

Strawberry and basil sorbet

Steak “Bordelaise”
macaroon filled with caramelized onion
Secret Reserve (SR) Red Blend – Santa Rita, Maipo Valley, Chile

Goat’s cheese and fig tart
rocket salad with champagne vinaigrette
Château Lacoste-Grazac – Bordeaux, France

Classic profiteroles
with warm chocolate sauce and vanilla ice-cream
Château Roumieu – Sauternes, France

Following the splendid courses, Costa Rican coffee was served accompanied by an orange macaroon and a chilled shot of Extra Dry Cinzano Vermouth.

The soirée concluded with hearty congratulations to the Chef and the Bailli for the wonderful evening.

Miguel Casafont Broutin
Bailli