The National Bailliage of Luxembourg of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs has existed since 1969. Due to the cancellation of the 50th Anniversary Grand Chapitre in 2020 because of COVID-19, the 55th anniversary was celebrated this year during World Chaîne Day together with the National Bailliage of Belgium.

Luxembourg has recently seen a significant recruitment of new members following departures during the COVID-19 period. To catch up on delayed inductions and promotions, a Chapitre was organized at the end of April in Lauterborn at the “Archibald De Prince - Table et Chambres” hotel-restaurant near the town of Echternach, located in the Mullerthal Nature Park in eastern Luxembourg, on the German border.

During the Battle of the Ardennes in 1944-45, this town was destroyed. Today, it is well known for its dancing procession in honour of Saint Willibrord (the first Christian missionary to Northern Europe who lived in the 8th century), which is part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Francis Sandt, Bailli Délégué of Luxembourg and Member of the Conseil Magistral, was appointed by President Yam Atallah as Master of Ceremonies. He welcomed the guests of honour: Ilse Duponcheel, Bailli Délégué of Belgium and Beat Kocherhans, Bailli of Brussels.

Thirty members were either inducted or promoted. Among the notable recognitions were Mr Koener, who was named Grand Officier Commandeur (50 years), Mr Hippert named Commandeur (20 years) and Mr Frisch along with Mr and Mrs Sinfield-Hain who were named Pair de la Chaîne.

Following this solemn event, a cocktail was offered to the newly inducted or promoted members and to visitors from neighbouring Bailliages of Belgium and France.

This was followed by a 10-course Gala Dinner. Members enjoyed an outstanding menu which included: a wild garlic agria potato and rutabaga starter; “Our Valley” trout smoked at the table with gin and split peas; a cardamine ravioli with egg yolk and Berdorfer cheese.

As an intermezzo, a “prima verde” watercress risotto was served. This was followed by kefta meat with root vegetables in a salt crust and homemade ketchup, and a Douglas Fir sorbet with meringue as a refresher. Dessert came from the orchard: a melting apple with buckwheat and caramelized ginger. The culinary masterpiece was crowned with chocolates, waffles, and fruit served with coffee.

The meal was accompanied by Crémant and wines from the Clos des Rochers and Château de Schengen estates in Luxembourg.

The evening was organized by the young couple Archibald De Prince, Maître Rôtisseur, and his wife Rachel. At the end of this wonderful event, Bailli Délégué Francis Sandt expressed his thanks to both kitchen and service brigades for their outstanding performance.

It is also worth noting that our new member Archibald De Prince was awarded a Michelin star just hours after our Gala Dinner.

Part of the evening's proceeds was donated to the ACCR Foundation (the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Charity).

Francis Sandt
Bailli Délégué
Member of the Conseil Magistral