On April 24, the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs celebrated its very first event in Brazil, marking the official launch of the National Bailliage. It was in fact a double celebration given that the occasion coincided with the World Chaîne Day weekend.

The dinner took place in the iconic residence of the French Ambassador in Brasília, His Excellency Emmanuel Lenain who is a Chevalier d’Honneur in the Chaîne. Paulo Amado, Member of the Conseil Magistral, represented President Yam Atallah. Paulo is Bailli Délégué of Portugal.

Using their previous experience of creating the Bailliage of Poland, Galina Gassmann, our new Bailli Délégué of Brazil, and Philippe Gassmann, former Bailli Délégué of Poland and now Argentier for the Bailliage of Brazil, organized a perfectly timed ceremony for the induction of new members, preceded by an artful and delightful musical interlude by Galina Gassmann - a renowned concert pianist.

This exceptional event brought together 34 food enthusiasts for a special dinner themed “Sabores da França & Saveurs du Brésil,” (English: Flavours of France and Flavours of Brazil) a true dialogue between two culinary cultures.

The dishes were created by three chefs from Le Cordon Bleu São Paulo, sponsor of the event, along with the French Embassy’s own chef, offering a refined and memorable experience under the supervision of Conseiller Culinaire Patrick Martin.

The nine course menu and wine pairings were orchestrated by Échanson François Hautekeur, together with Patrick Martin, Conseiller Gastronomique Frédéric Dyèvre and Chancelier Mohammed Ali-Baccar. The table service was also perfectly choreographed by a team of 10 waiters.

Examples of the feast of colours and tastes which surprised the guests were:
- a miniature Brazilian baba
- an inverted raviole of langoustine with tartare of cashew and mango
- gougère “pão de queijo” style
- carrots with tucupi (a yellow sauce extracted from wild manioc root in Brazil's Amazon jungle)
- espuma of polenta with cheese
- pipoca (English: popcorn) purée with ostrich ballotine
- a revisited Paris-Brest.

This was not fusion, but a celebration of harmonious friendship and consummate living-togetherness!

The wine selection was perfectly designed by our Échanson from Moët-Hennessy who sponsored the event. Enhancing the experience at every step, with a balanced and thoughtful selection of Brazilian and French wines: still and sparkling, dry and sweet - some more familiar and others unexpected. A long standing ovation to the chefs and waiters concluded the dinner in a celebratory note.

The evening demonstrated remarkable organization, an elegant atmosphere and above all, the beginning of a promising adventure for the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs in Brazil!

Philippe Gassmann
Argentier