On a magnificent summer’s day, around twenty Bailliage members met up on the banks of the Dordogne in St Jean de Blaignac.

Two members of the Bailliage of Grand Bahamas (USA) had joined us to discover the Auberge St Jean, a hidden gem, for a chance to savour the cuisine of Chef Thomas l’Hérisson (one Michelin star since 2014).

After a warm welcome from his wife, Manuela, we were served an aperitif, a glass of Coteaux du Layon “cuvée Auguste” 2015, before being treated to the menu below.

MENU

Crispy snail and sorrel cakes
young green beans, vinaigrette with fromage blanc
Port reduction and cereal flake muesli
Touraine “Les trois chênes” 2016

Roast pigeon supreme, slow-cooked leg
caramelised onion jelly, buckwheat crumble
spring vegetable garden on a plate
Château Turcaud “cuvée majeure” 2014 - Bordeaux

 “Mara des bois” strawberries
with green tea finger biscuit dipped in strawberry juice
Charlotte cream and strawberry sorbet with timut pepper

Coffee and petits fours

It was a delightful event in a beautiful setting and a huge success, thanks to the gastronomic talents of Chef Thomas l’Hérisson combined with the wonderful welcome and flawless service offered by his wife, Manuela, and her team.

We were also impressed by the judicious choice of wines to accompany the different courses of a menu that epitomised what the Chaîne is all about: embracing local, organic ingredients.

Jean-François Guichard
Chargé de Missions (France) and Bailli (Bordeaux)