The Bailliage celebrated the holidays in classic Washington style at a black-tie gala at the Willard InterContinental Hotel on December 7th hosted by Markus Platzer, Maître Hotelier and General Manager of the Willard Hotel.

Just two blocks from the White House, The Willard has been a landmark in the nation’s capital since 1818, when a hotel first opened in six small houses on Pennsylvania Avenue.  It became “The Willard” in 1847 and the current building opened in 1901.

Renovations in the mid-1980s restored the hotel to its turn-of-the-century grandeur, befitting its legendary history – The Willard has hosted every US President since 1853, Abraham Lincoln lived there for two weeks before his inauguration, and Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote his “I Have a Dream” speech at the hotel, to mention just a few highlights from this historic hotel.

Transported to a bygone era by The Willard’s ambiance and fully in the holiday spirit, 64 members and guests gathered in the opulent Crystal Room for a Champagne reception and spectacular five-course dinner prepared by Executive Chef Peter Laufer, Maître Rôtisseur.

Chef Laufer, along with Executive Pastry Chef Jason Jimenez and their teams, delighted the assembly with their flawlessly executed, innovative cuisine. Chocolate enrobed foie gras truffles, brown sugar and maple syrup cured Patagonian salmon, and lamb loin slow-roasted for eight hours were among the culinary delights. Wines from the Bailliage’s cellar complemented each course perfectly.

Superb food and wine, gracious service, the elegance of The Willard at Christmas and the Chaîne’s camaraderie of the table were the perfect combination to fill everyone with festive holiday cheer

William S. Babash
Vice-Chargé de Presse

Photos by Arvin Photography, Judith Mazza, Allan Kam and Bill Babash