Three memorable days at Château du Mylord brought together Belgian gastronomy, Chaîne friendship and a firm commitment to young culinary talent.

From September 11th-13th, Bailliage members and their guests gathered at Château du Mylord in Ellezelles for the annual Garden Gala: three days during which gastronomy, friendship and the distinctive spirit of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs came together beautifully.

The weather had decided to challenge us. Rain accompanied part of the weekend and transformed our traditional garden celebration into something slightly different - but it never diminished the enthusiasm of our members and guests. On the contrary, it made the warmth inside Château du Mylord, and between everyone present, even more tangible.

At the centre of the experience was Maître Rôtisseur Martin Simonart. With every new encounter, we see him evolve: his cuisine is becoming increasingly confident, precise and personal. For the Garden Gala, he and his team created a remarkable five-course menu that reflected both the heritage of Château du Mylord and Martin’s own developing culinary signature.

The experience was further enriched by a sparkling reception with Chant d’Éole, carefully selected wines from Santé Wines and the elegant presence of BRU, our valued Belgian water partner. A memorable verre de l’amitié with the CAMUS team brought each celebration to a particularly warm and refined conclusion.

Together, these partners did much more than accompany the menu. Each contributed to a complete experience built around craftsmanship, generosity, quality and a shared passion for gastronomy.

Sunday brought one of the most meaningful moments of the weekend: the solemn induction of our new members and the recognition of members continuing their journey within the Chaîne. Against the elegant setting of Château du Mylord, the ribbons, ceremonial traditions and heartfelt welcome reminded us that the Chaîne is much more than a succession of fine dinners. It is an international family, bringing professionals and gastronomic enthusiasts together around excellence, friendship and respect for the culinary arts.

The Garden Gala also carried an important message for the future. Ten euro from every menu was dedicated to supporting Belgium’s National Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs Competition. Enjoying exceptional gastronomy while investing directly in the next generation is exactly what the Chaîne should stand for: honouring tradition while creating opportunities for new talent.

And that next generation is already preparing to shine.

On 11 October 2026, the Belgian Selection of the Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs Competition will take place at Horeca Forma Be Pro in Brussels-Anderlecht. Six highly promising candidates, representing different regions and dimensions of Belgian gastronomy, will meet in the kitchen:

• Joseph Brulard - Essentiel (Michelin 1-star)
• Ilias Chamli Mernissi - VIVES and Chalet de la Forêt (Michelin 2-star)
• Julot Blondia - Boury (Michelin 3-star)
• Nathan Félix - The Dominican
• Azra Seker - VIVES and Hotelschool Gent
• Curtis Maquet - Le Beau Rivage by Curtis (Michelin 1-star)

Made possible with the valued support of Sligro, our official “Black Box” partner, the six finalists will be challenged to demonstrate creativity, discipline, technical mastery and the ability to perform under pressure.

We are equally grateful for the support of Verstegen, whose commitment to culinary craftsmanship and young talent contributes to the professional environment in which these promising Maîtres Rôtisseurs of tomorrow can demonstrate their full potential.

It promises to be a powerful celebration of young talent - and a compelling glimpse into the future of Belgian gastronomy. The winner will earn the opportunity to represent Belgium at the 2027 International Final of the Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs Competition at being held at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris.

Chaîne members and friends are warmly invited to join us from 3.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. for the exciting final moments, the awards ceremony and a convivial reception with drinks and bites.

Please click this link to the Eventbrite website to reserve your place: Eventbrite

The rain may have fallen during our Garden Gala, but Belgium shone brightly. Château du Mylord gave us an unforgettable setting, Martin Simonart and his team offered us a menu filled with ambition, our partners elevated the experience, and our members filled it with life.

Our heartfelt thanks go to Chant d’Éole, Santé Wines, BRU and CAMUS for contributing to the Garden Gala, and to Sligro and Verstegen for helping us create a professional platform on which Belgium’s young culinary talent can flourish.

Now we carry that same energy forward to October 11th, to the young Maîtres Rôtisseurs of tomorrow, and to many more Belgian Chaîne stories still waiting to be written.

Vive la Chaîne! Vive la Belgique! Vive our young culinary talent!

Ilse Duponcheel
Bailli Délégué
Member du conseil Magistral