It was an important day for the Chaîne in Hangzhou as the Bailliage’s annual Gala Induction event at the JW Marriott Hotel Hangzhou was extended to be a joint one with the Bailliage of Wuxi.

With some 67 members - we believe this is a record number for an Induction Ceremony in China - due to receive their Chaîne regalia, Inducting Officer Allen Wong - our own Bailli Délégué acting in his capacity as a Member of the Conseil Magistral - was certainly kept busy!

After the ceremony, Champagne Taittinger Brut Reserve NV was served at the reception. Prior to dinner being served, Li Hailin, Bailli of Hangzhou, welcomed everyone. The JW Marritott’s Chef Graziano presented the menu to be served while Vice-Échansons William Wu and Eason Wu, respectively from the Bailliages of Hangzhou and Wuxi, introduced the wines.

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Blue fin tuna tartare on passion fruit
lotus cream, caviar, and cherry tomato on plum sauce
Chablis ler cru ‘Vaillons’ 2015 - Domaine Seguinot-Bordet

Ravioli filled with wild local mushrooms
imported white truffles, seafood soup
Nuits-Saint-Georges ‘Au Bas de Combe’ Vieilles Vignes 2014
Domaine Jean Tardy

Red spot grouper
Cognac XO sauce with truffle
Sancerre ‘Silex’ 2016 - Domaine Vincent Delaporte

Nitrogen raspberry sorbet intermezzo
Jiu Qu Hong Mei Tea

Australian MB7 with a Wagyu beef combination
carrot, truffled mash potatoes
Couvent des Jacobins 2006 - Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé

Dark chocolate quenelle
meringue, liquorice tropical gelato

‘Taste of tea’ - Longjing tea tiramisu

Camus XO Imperial Cognac

The exquisite delicacies were accompanied by live music to make the dinner even more enjoyable. Famous musicians from Hangzhou and Wuxi gave wonderful performances. Wang Guoqun sang “A Beautiful Jasmine Flower”, Liu Xiaoqian played her own song “An Appointment With Happiness”, cello angel Lyn Zhu played “Moon Lover”, and James Huang played “City Of Sky”. The guests had a wonderful time listening to such fine music whilst enjoying the great food.

In addition to the wonderful performance of the artists, the dinner also brought five lucky draws. Prizes included an annual membership at Shanghai Town & Country Club, a vintage signature edition bottle of Cognac Camus, a bespoke East Bund brand cashmere coat, exquisite Spherebol brand porcelain, and an exclusive gift of a top Langer brand wristwatch.

With dinner service concluded the “After Party” began. Shanghai’s DJ “Electric Queen” was specially invited to provide an hour of dance with amazing electronic sounds. It certainly brought the evening to a climax.

To conclude, many thanks are to the officers and members of the Bailliages of Hangzhou and Wuxi as well as to the JW Marriott Hotel for their enthusiastic contribution to making this event such a perfect night in Hangzhou.

Frank Xu
Bailli of Wuxi