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Australia Grand Chapitre

Bailliage of Australia
Adelaide, June 2-4, 2018

Gala dinners, wineries, Sommelier awards, receptions
" Diamonds and gems adorned the gorgeous ladies with tuxes and polished shoes for the gentlemen attending the Induction Ceremony "

How could we ask for more! The three-day programme was wonderfully organised by the National Council headed by Bailli Délégué Norm Harrison.

Many members flew in from Bailliages around Australia: as far afield as Darwin, New South Wales and Victoria. The event was extremely well attended. Notable amongst the attendees were prominent dignitaries including Chevalier d'Honneur Rachel Sanderson MP and Council members from New Zealand. The dinners showcased the best of Australian food, wine and Chaîne camaraderie.

Diamonds and gems adorned the gorgeous ladies with tuxes and polished shoes for the gentlemen attending the Induction Ceremony for both Chaîne and Ordre Mondial (OMGD). The gala dinner followed in the aptly named Diamond Room of the Mayfair Hotel.

Pre-dinner we enjoyed a wide variety of stunning canapés ranging from oysters Rockefeller to chestnut blini with smoked salmon, herb crème fraiche and scampi caviar.

Dinner was served with a flourish by a well-trained brigade. We dined on Iberico jamon, lobster and venison with exceptional pairings by notable Australian wines. In the adjoining foyer we were able to choose from the most exquisite extensive dessert buffet, created by Head Chef Bethany Finn. Simply perfect it was garnished with flower buds and gold leaf and paired with Mumm Champagne.

The following day we headed off to visit d’Arenberg winery in McLaren Vale, a must see for anyone visiting South Australia. Chester d’Arenberg designed the Cube which was 15 million Australian Dollars in the making. This unique multi-level structure is an Aladdin’s cave of all things wine with quirky undertones showing humour through amazing presentation.

Our programme included a tour, wine tasting, a flawless lunch at d’Arry’s Verandah. We met d’Arry Osborne pictured with Dr Denis Mather, Conseiller Gastronomique, National Bailliage of Australia. A quick change then dinner at the rooftop Bar 2KW. A delicious opportunity to enjoy a feast presented on sharing platters whilst watching Adelaide’s night sky.

We concluded with a cocktail party in the prestigious Hennessy Bar, Mayfair Hotel for the National Young Sommeliers Awards.

Outstanding bites were sampled: Kingfish tartare with chive, shallot, vanilla cream, petite herbs; goats cheese profiteroles with onion jam; duck terrine on walnut toast with quince paste, candied walnut, pickled cauliflower; mini Wagyu burgers with truffle mayonnaise.

Vive la Chaîne!

Petra Harmer-Shrowder
Grand Officier, Bailliage of Victoria

[Ed. Petra writes a food/lifestyle blog: www.holdtheprosecco.com]

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