As part of its activities promoting culinary arts and conviviality, the Bailliage of Yaoundé organized a gastronomic dinner on March 18th at the restaurant “Chez Marchello,” under the theme of Italian cuisine.

The event brought together 38 participants, including 17 members of the Chaîne, 15 guests, and 6 distinguished guests of honour, among whom were Ambassadors and CEOs of major companies. The distinguished presence of representatives from the diplomatic corps, particularly from the Italian Embassy, gave the evening a particularly prestigious character.

The evening was opened with a speech by Bailli Délégué Chloé Balanos who invited participants on a true journey into the heart of Italian culinary culture. She highlighted the historical richness and international influence of this cuisine, recently recognized as part of UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage.

Her discourse emphasized the foundations of Italian cuisine, notably respect for ingredients, seasonality, and the transmission of know-how, as well as the traditional structure of the meal (antipasto, primo, secondo, dolci). She also drew a parallel with the values of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, based on excellence, conviviality, and sharing.

The dinner immersed guests in the world of Italian cuisine through a refined menu prepared by the restaurant’s chef.

Guests began with an aperitif of pizzas and bruschetta accompanied by Prosecco, followed by a starter of salmon farfalle. The meal continued with a fillet of capitaine fish served with leek fondue and carnaroli risotto, and an osso buco served on polenta with Sicilian caponata. Desserts, combining caramel cheesecake and tiramisu, brought the dinner to a close.

The entire experience was enhanced by a carefully selected range of Italian wines, offering harmonious pairings that highlighted each dish.

The evening unfolded in an elegant and convivial atmosphere, true to the spirit of the Chaîne. The quality of the menu, the attention to service, and its alignment with the theme were unanimously appreciated.

This event helped strengthen ties among members of the Bailliage while fostering meaningful exchanges with the distinguished guests. It also contributed to promoting the values of the Chaîne to influential personalities who may consider joining the association.

The Bailliage of Yaoundé is delighted with the success of this dinner, which successfully combined gastronomy, prestige and conviviality.

Chloé Balanos
Bailli Délégué