Thanks to the dedication of Allen Wong, Bailli Délégué of China who is a Member of the Conseils d’Administration and Magistral, and Yvette Cressend, Bailli Honoraire of New Orleans, the Bailliages of Shanghai and New Orleans shared an unforgettable evening.

From the moment the New Orleans delegation entered the ballroom of the Shangri-La Hongqiao Airport Hotel on April 28, 2026, our hosts from Chaîne Shanghai made the theme, “A Tale of Two Cities”, both warm and inviting.

A trio of musicians filled the room with the sounds of traditional Chinese instruments, creating a refined backdrop as guests mingled and enjoyed a selection of passed appetizers served from a wheeled cart. Champagne and chilled rice wine accompanied the reception, along with a special indulgence - Rameses II Caviar, graciously provided by Dame de la Chaîne Tian Tian Li.

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Rameses II Caviar

Red shrimp tartare with finger lime

Boiled clams
Chinese toon sprouts, spring bamboo shoots

Crispy Matsusaka pork
pomegranate-shaped pouches
stuffed with vegetables and dried tofu

Braised fish maw in fermented tomato soup

Stir-fried lobster balls
Thai basil, simmered yellow croaker
pickled greens

Spicy and sour shredded Matsuba crab
razor clams simmered with hand-shredded greens

Crispy squab leg with shrimp paste

Spiced MS rib eye
mashed broad bean paste

Sichuan wontons in chili oil

Handmade sesame pudding

Wines were expertly selected to complement each course.

Lisa Geneva Leung, Bailli of Shanghai, and her husband marked their wedding anniversary with a surprise soup course, adding a personal and celebratory touch to the evening.

To conclude the night, Rufus Cressend, Chancelier of USA, led the New Orleans attendees in sounding the ceremonial gong. A spirited and memorable finale to an exceptional gathering!

Chaîne camaraderie was very much the theme of the evening.

Lisa Carr
Dame de la Chaîne