On a wonderfully typical balmy, autumnal Kuala Lumpur Saturday evening, the Bailliage hosted its annual Induction Ceremony and Gala Dinner at the Sunway Resort Hotel. It overlooks the stunning Sunway Lagoon and water park.

Our Bailli Délégué Dato’ Professor Dr Elizabeth Lee and the National Council of Malaysia were ably assisted by colleagues from the Bailliage of China. Allen Wong, Member of the Conseils d’Administration and Magistral, who was present from his home in China (where he is Bailli Délégué), at the last minute stepped up to be the Induction Officer complete with an Induction power point presentation! Many members were promoted with 32 new members welcomed into the worldwide family and culture of the Chaîne.

The evening’s culinary cruise began with perfectly chilled Champagne Nicholas Feuillatte Brut Réserve and subtle canapes in the lavish Lagoon Foyer. Then we moved into the spectacular Grand Lagoon Ballroom luxuriantly and opulently decorated perfect for such a grand occasion.

One hundred plus “black-tie” Chaîne members and guests from all over Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah, and indeed from across Asia and Australia, were treated to an indulgent journey of intricate local ingredients, elegantly crafted by Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat’s Executive Chef Boon together with simply sublime French wines.

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Spéciale de Claire oyster from Marennes Oléron
Champagne Blanc and Amur caviar
Château la Mascaronne Rosé
Côtes de Provence

Foie gras terrine with toasted hazelnut
Willy Gisselbrecht Gewürztraminer - Alsace

Charbroiled Canadian lobster and bisque
Pouilly-Fumé
Domaine Fournier - Loire Valley

Intricate kombu-aged black cod
Meursault
Domaine Pierre Labet - Burgundy

Truly exquisite ginger flower sorbet

Exalting marinated Wagyu Picanha
or
Slow-cooked Guinea fowl
[Ed: both remarkably dry aged with Shio Koji]
Château Pontet Canet
Bordeaux 5th Growth Paulliac

Quadruple dessert
Bittersweet Valrhona mousse - Salted caramel gelato
Candy walnut - Orange confit
Château Rieussec
Sauternes Premier Grand Cru Classé

As though that was not enough of an end to this fine evening, mignardises morsels were harmoniously teamed up with various after-dinner tipples of luxuriantly aged alcohols from France and Scotland.

The Sunway Resort Hotel’s service brigade and culinary staff were roundly - and justly - applauded by everyone. Appreciation certificates were awarded. Sunway General Manager, and fellow Chaine member, Alex Castaldi, praised his entire troupe with his normal robust verbosity!

Truly a night to savour and immortalise in the annals of the Bailliage of Malaysia’s Grand Gala occasions.

Robin Sambhi
Chargé de Presse