The newly-formed Bailliage of Hangzhou hosted a grand inaugural event at the city’s Park Hyatt Hotel where 137 members and guests were greeted with Champagne Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut at the reception.
 
Hailin Li, Bailli of Hangzhou, and Allen Wong, Bailli Délégué of China, formally welcomed everyone. Additionally, video greetings were played with well-wishes from prominent Chaîne members such as International Vice-President Marie Jones and the Baillis Délégués of the USA, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Leading the kitchen was Executive Chef Steffen Schnetzke who prepared a visually stunning, gastronomically delicious feast. His concept of fusioning French cooking style with ingredients locally-sourced in Hangzhou received great praise.

William Wu, Vice-Échanson of Hangzhou, selected the wines which were presented by Eason Wu, Vice-Échanson of Wuxi, who gave a great performance of Champagne Mumm sabrage.

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Marinated king crab
cucumber, grapefruit, mirin, caviar
Riesling Grand Cru ‘Altenberg de Bergbieten’ 2011 - Frédéric Mochel

“Beef Tea” consommé
foie gras, pear, pigeon egg

Butter poached lobster
berry coulis, celery cream, Szechuan pepper jus
Macon Bussières ‘Le Clos Bouchon’ 2015 - Maison Verget

Chocolate and Maotai sherbet
with ginger and lime

Hay smoked beef tenderloin
porcini mushroom, Dauphinoise potatoes, truffle
Côte-Rôtie ‘La Blonde du Seigneur’ 2014 - Domaine Georges Vernay

Peach Melba
Coteaux du Layon 2014 - Château de la Roulerie,
and a special surprise glass of
Camus Angel’s Share 48.8 Extra

The evening was compered by Steven Weathers, Shanghai TV host and Bailliage of Wuxi officer, and Roseline Luo, a former Miss Universe and now member of the Bailliage of Hangzhou. Besides these “star” performers, there were great performances also from many famous musicians, singers and actors.

Shanghai Town & Country Club, Champagne Perrier-Jouët, Cognac Camus, Sherebol Ceramics, Longjin Tea, East Bund Tailors and Hill Hangzhou Xixi all generously donated prizes for the draw.

Everyone received a porcelain expresso cup and saucer with the Chaîne logo and “Bailliage of Hangzhou” in traditional Chinese characters on it.

Bailli Hailin Li and Vice-Chancelier Dave Keung presented a plaque of appreciation to Chef Steffen Schnetzke and the Park Hyatt’s team.

The hotel’s 48th floor, with stunning views of the city and mountains, was perfect for the after party!

All in all it was a spectacular evening to inaugurate the Bailliage. Everyone is now eagerly anticipating the other dining celebrations to come.

Dave Keung
Vice-Chancelier