At our event held at Jardin des Sens, the six-course gastronomic masterpiece crafted by Chefs Richard Toix and Jacques Pourcel ignited our hearts and minds.

Having hosted events for the Chaîne in other countries, both chefs were able to pair each dish masterfully with a full range of Champagnes by Gosset, a 6L Methuselah of Gosset Brut Excellence beginning the heavenly ascent to the Gosset Grand Réserve, Gosset Grand Rosé, the Gosset Grand Millésime 2004. Finally soaring above the stratosphere with the angels we sipped the Gosset Celebris 1998.

A generous 30 bottles were ‘popped’ for as many guests. As with all things Champagne, we imbibed responsibly with reflections on the event remaining crisp, clear and joyful.

Guests revelled in Jardin des Sens’ delicacies including, king crab with coconut snow, shellfish ravioli with lobster, red mullet on the bone, surprise frozen cream and onion soup, gorgeous guinea fowl ending with vanilla grand cru soufflé and petits fours, all of which we still dream about today.

The first surprise of the evening was marked by the announcement that a generous anonymous benefactor had donated ten seats for the event to students from Maisen Vocational School. This would enable them, for the first time, to explore and experience Michelin 3-star standard cuisine and service through their own eyes.

Maisen Vocational School is a post-secondary educational institution focused on providing free hospitality education and housing to some of the poorest children in Vietnam. It empowers them to learn, lead and change society by breaking the chain of poverty.

The students, so enthused with what they witnessed, volunteered to give their opinions of each dish providing a solid food accolade.

Ms. Linh Bui, formerly of FineWines and a Gosset enthusiast herself, delivered the wine accolade - an oration of our bubbly journey.

The final surprise made this memorable event even sweeter. Juan Anthony Reyes, so moved by the finery and progression of events, rounded the evening off by serenading the crowd with an impromptu trumpet solo.

Capturing a night like this, absolutely special in so many ways, with alluring photos we hope will ignite your desire to attend our next Chaîne event in Vietnam or one worldwide.

Rajesh (Raj) Taneja
Bailli Délégué