The programme included a Welcome Dinner at the Phoenicia Hotel on Friday 28th with the Induction Ceremony and Gala Dinner at the Corinthia Palace Hotel on Saturday 29th. On Sunday 30th there was due to be a Brunch also at the Corinthia Palace Hotel which unfortunately could not go ahead.

The occasion was also a belated celebration of our 40th Anniversary which had to be postponed from last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Of note, Malta was also the 40th Bailliage to join the Chaîne since it was re-established in 1950.

During the event’s programme we feel that we managed to showcase our small nation’s history and gastronomic repertoire - enough hopefully, to encourage our international guests to return.

Maltese cuisine reflects Maltese history. The different ages and periods of our history have all left their mark on Malta`s culinary heritage - from prehistoric times, through Phoenician, Carthaginian and Arabic rule, the Knights of St. John with their eight languages, the brief occupation by the French and the 160 years of British Colonial Rule, as well as our proximity to Sicily.

Many dishes introduced to the island over the years have become integrated and established as authentic Maltese. It is this chequered culinary heritage that made Malta into a melting pot of international cuisine now being a centre of gastronomic excellence.

Two very well-organised tours were arranged for the visiting members and their guests including a visit to the Silent City of Mdina and Valletta as well as a tour of Marsaxlokk and the Three Cities.

Finally, some words from Inducting Officer Philip Evins, a Member of the Conseil Magistral who came from Great Britain to act as our Inducting Officer.

“My visit to Malta to help celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs in the islands was in fact my first.

I found the reputation of Malta’s cuisine based on the Mediterranean Sea and the countries around it well founded. The Gala Dinner in the Corinthia Palace Hotel truly reflected these attributes.

The warmth of the hospitality was outstanding and even on formal occasions such as the induction of members the ambiance created in the event was extremely friendly. As an island nation, Malta is lucky to have members from diverse countries as well as backgrounds and this makes for interesting conversation and sharing of experiences.

On a personal level, I found the history and architecture, particularly in Valetta and the Three Cities, fascinating. I only wish I could have spent more time enjoying them. I'd like to thank Dr Joseph Xuereb and his team for making myself and my wife so welcome and congratulate them on the whole organisation of the weekend’s activities. Bravo!”

Mark Bailey
Chargé de Presse