Bailliage members came from all four corners of the island to meet at the Arawak Hotel in Le Gosier for our 48th Chapitre.

In the sea air and fresh evening breeze, guests took part in the Induction Ceremony in which three Silver Commandeur badges were awarded, eight new members of the Chaîne were inducted and three new members were welcomed into the Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs (OMGD).

Inducting Officer Alain Taulère, Member of the Conseil Magistral from Costa Rica, warmly congratulated the members responsible for organising this event, which was the prelude to an unforgettable dinner. Everybody then left the Karukera Room and made their way to the Restaurant Le Maniok.

Champagne Collard Picard “Cuvée prestige” Brut, served during the reception, lifted all inhibitions. Hugs and greetings, laughter and exclamations of “Cheers!” contributed to the joyous atmosphere.

The queen conch cream was a real treat and set the tone for a magical evening.

A gravlax, with olive oil and wasabi, and a lobster medallion, roasted, lightly cooked in consommé, with vegetable matignon and a coriander garnish, were complemented by a 2013 Gewurztraminer, flattering the palate with hints of fruit, flowers and Indian spices.

A venison noisette, served with a reduction flavoured with Gevrey-Chambertin, locally sourced potato and Jerusalem artichoke mousseline, glazed baby carrots and sautéed fresh mushrooms, was stunningly paired with a 2011 red Vacqueyras AOC. This was followed by a Chavignol cheese baked in its own casserole dish, steeped in Armagnac and with a kilibibi crust, which was perfectly paired with a deliciously refreshing 2012 red Château Ferrande Graves.

A delicious ginger delight was served as midnight approached. With its wild thyme liqueur flavoured with a hint of génépi, this digestif gently eased us into accepting that an almost perfect dinner was over.

Guests left the restaurant and headed to the bar, where groups of friends continued chatting well into the night.

Colourful and fragrant little roses, grown in Guadeloupe, were handed out to the delight of the ladies and some of the gentlemen.

With the celebration of its forty-ninth (mahogany*) anniversary in 2019, the Bailliage of Guadeloupe has a lot to look forward to!

Our thanks go to our Bailli Délégué, Richard Chaville, who, with his 27 years of active presence in the Chaîne, has managed to successfully keep this Bailliage going.

Micheline MOUNSAMY
Chancelier

* The Chancelier’s whim. Equivalent to cedar in Guadeloupe.