The Bailliage of Montreal was pleased to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the International Chaîne whilst hosting the 64th Annual Grand Chapitre of Canada from October 16-18 with the National Council of Canada, visiting Provincial and local Baillis and confrères from across Canada and around the world enjoying an action-packed weekend of events.

The organizing committee compiled an outstanding array of amazing culinary adventures culminating in the Induction Ceremony on Saturday 18th prior to the Gala Dinner. We thank them for their efforts. We appreciate sponsors of the competitions and Grand Chapitre weekend events. Without their support this event would not have been possible.

What do you get when you combine 350 years of progress with the friendly nature of a village? High-tech and high style? Montreal!

Birthplace of the Chaîne in Canada with renowned duality of Old World charm infused with North American energy at its very heart. Montreal is the largest French-speaking city in North America and the second-largest French-speaking city in the world, Canada’s most romantic metropolis, an island city that seems to favour grace and elegance, a city full of music, art and joie de vivre. During this Grand Chapitre, attendees explored some of the city’s most iconic venues, met remarkable chefs, and experienced unforgettable culinary moments.

The event began Thursday evening with Chaîne Dine-Arounds offered by Le Monarque, Restaurant Holder and Auberge Saint-Gabriel.

On Friday evening Bailli Délégué Tony Catanese, who is a Member of the Conseils d’Administration and Magistral, welcomed members and guests to a Grand Welcome Reception at Caf’ Conc’ Theater in the Marriott Chateau Champlain. Tony invited Melanie Courtemanche-Dancause, Bailli of Montreal, to the podium to deliver her welcome remarks.

The reception featured a delectable series of food stations and a fine selection of wines. Executive Chef Kevin Mougin had created a menu that marvellously combined local Quebec products with ingredients with tropical flavours. The result? A gourmet cuisine open to the world that goes off the beaten track. Throughout the evening, a jazz trio delivered a real speakeasy ambience with their perfect renditions of jazz classics.

On Saturday Baillis and members enjoyed a luncheon at Le Boulevardier Restaurant which is
located Downtown, in the magnificent Hôtel Le Germain Montreal. The menu was perfectly matched by the wines selected by Sommelier Jordane Knab. It certainly lived up to the establishment’s reputation!

On Saturday evening, Bailli Melanie Courtemanche-Dancause welcomed everyone to The Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel and introduced Bailli Délégué Tony Catanese who opened the joint festivities for the results of National Final of the Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs Competition and the Induction Ceremony for new members and promotions.

Tony began by recognizing the 75th Anniversary of the Chaîne internationally and Montreal as the founding Bailliage in Canada. He then commenced the Induction Ceremony. He was assisted in this with French translation by Melanie Courtemanche-Dancause.

In his capacity as a Member of the Conseil d’Administration, Tony raised the sword over the promotion of council members and the induction of new members, assisted by Chancelier Toni-Marie Ion-Brown and Melanie Courtemanche-Dancause who also served as announcer.

For the Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs National Final the winner was Calgary’s Faustin Alejandro from the Fairmount Palliser, Calgary. The Runner-up was Manitoba’s Vy Nguyen from the Grove Winnipeg and in Third Place was Montreal’s Maxime Durand from Restaurant Le Boulevardier. Everyone involved in enabling the competition to take place so successfully were thanked most sincerely.

The Ceremony concluded with the presentation of Commandeur pins.

The Gala Dinner took place on 21st Floor of the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel preceded by a champagne reception. Tony Catanese opened the Gala Evening and then introduced Bailli Melanie Courtemanche-Dancause who welcomed everyone on behalf of her Bailliage and the organizing committee. Melanie then introduced Executive Chef Jean-Mark Léon, Maître Rôtisseur and David Connor, Vice-Chancelier of Montreal. They outlined the evening’s menu alternating in French and English.

MENU

Scallop carpaccio from Iles de la Madeleine
fermented Autumn strawberries, black citrus pearls
2020 Légende du Cheval Blanc
Domaine Vineterra - Québec, Canada

Sturgeon stew from Chez Cornel
with wild caviar
2022 Sancerre
Domaine Pierre Marlin - Loire Valley, France

“Oeuf en meurette”
red wine glaze, garlic crouton
parsley purée
2023 Bourgogne Pinot Noir
Domaine François Chaput - Burgundy, France

Supreme of partridge
herbed-stuffed wild mushroom garnish
Régence sauce
2019 Cistes, Côtes du Roussillon Villages
Domaine Fontanel - Languedoc-Roussillon, France

Slipacoff's truffled roasted beef ribeye
cabbage roll, tangy Brussels Sprouts
Financière sauce
2021 Pétales d'Osoyoos Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot
Domaine Osoyoos Larose - Okanagan Vallee, Canada

Triple cream cheese from Charlevoix served warm
pear Mostarda, grapes, cranberries
Benoît Giroussens Cidre Pommes Brut
Coteau Rougemont - Québec, Canada

Boreal spice shortbread
Kalamansi squash flan, sea buckthorn confit
Kalamansi sorbet
IGP Cidre de Glace Neige
Québec, Canada

The Gala Dinner was an extravaganza of tastes, moving smoothly through a series of seven superb courses, perfectly accompanied by the exquisite range of wines. Truly a wonderful grand finale to a wonderful weekend!

Bailli Délégué Tony Catanese delivered the accolade, complimenting the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth’s management team and culinary brigades.

Tony wrapped up the evening and the weekend by thanking all the attendees including both local members and those from out-of-town. In particular, he recognized and thanked the unstoppable Bailliage of Montreal team.

Adapted from a detailed report prepared by Chargé de Presse Eric Jones