“Paris 2025 - A journey through time and the senses” was the theme for the three-day extravaganza that is the Annual International Grand Chapitre of the Chaîne.

Paris has always been a crossroads, a departure point and a destination where eras and inspirations intertwine.

This year, members were invited on a unique journey, where every moment would be a gateway to a new dimension of taste, heritage and refinement.

Certainly, this was the reality. From the splendour of historic salons to the intimate circles of brilliant minds, from legendary dining tables with timeless flavours to grand receptions already shaping the history of tomorrow.

The consensus was that the overall experience was more than just a gathering. It was an exploration of the past, present, and future of the art of living.

In this the second of three articles, we detail the events on Day 2: Friday, June 6th.

Meeting of the Conseil Magistral
In the morning, the Annual Meeting of the Conseil Magistral took place at the Hôtel le Meurice. There was lively debate among the “red ribbon” members of the Conseil on a raft of subjects.

Lunch at Le Train Bleu
A convivial, informal lunch arranged at Le Train Bleu was very well supported by over 120 members and their guests.

Le Train Bleu (“The Blue Train”) is located in the hall of the Gare de Lyon railway station. The restaurant was originally created for the Exposition Universelle (Universal Exhibition) in 1900. Each ornate dining room is themed to represent cities and regions of France and they are decorated with 41 paintings by some of the most popular artists of that time. Initially called the “Buffet de la Gare de Lyon”, it was renamed “Le Train Bleu” in 1963, after the famous train of the same name.

Judging by the increasing sound level of conversation, the four courses of traditional French cuisine were very much enjoyed as the Champagne and fine wines flowed. Indeed, it was a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a pleasant time in a unique setting while indulging in outstanding French cuisine.

Dinner at the Cercle de l'Union Interalliée
In the evening dinner was at Cercle de l'Union Interalliée, 33 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. It was a special encounter in the heart of an exclusive place, usually reserved for its members, which exceptionally opened its doors to the Chaîne for one night only.

MENU

Blancmange of white asparagus
medley of spring vegetables and a few young shoots
almonds, Balsamic gel

Roasted pink trout from Baigorry with Lapsang tea butter
Melissa-infused Nantais sauce, ragout of vegetables

Pan-seared supreme of “Patte Bleue” chicken with Albufera sauce
Darphin potato, artichoke marmalade with summer truffle

Provençal delight
apricots, almond praline

WINES
White : Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er cru 'Les Vergelesses'  2020, F. André
Red : Chorey-lès-Beaune 'Tue Boeuf '2019, F. André

In the prestigious setting, where history and refinement meet, members and their guests thoroughly enjoyed a unique evening in an elegant and intimate atmosphere. It was a rare opportunity to discover an emblematic place for a privileged moment.

Prepared by a Chaîne News Online Staff Writer. E&OE