Just as the confluence of ingredients leads to a wonderful dish, a confluence of elements led to a wonderful Chaîne experience as we celebrated our Bailliage’s inaugural “Festive Holiday Charity Soireé”. Guest of honour was Maître Jacques Pépin.

The venerable Omni Parker House, the oldest continually operational hotel in the USA, played host and The Greater Boston Food Bank was the worthy recipient of largesse that will provide over 60,000 meals to those in need.

Our generous Boston professional purveyor member donors “Les Bon Amis de la Chaîne” provided all of the comestible ingredients and beverages. Award-winning Boston Chefs Lydia Shire, Tracy Chang and Gerard Tice created and prepared the menu inspired by dishes from Maître Pépin’s extraordinary culinary career.

As is customary in Boston, the Induction Ceremony was heralded by the Golden Goose of which inductees and award recipients alike partook. The inductions were consummated by a Champagne Louis Roederer Brut Premier NV toast served from magnums.

Vice-Argentier-Chancelier Charles Doulos was awarded the “Boston Legend of Food and Wine” award. Maître Pépin was presented with a special award for all he has done to advance culinary education and gastronomic excellence.

At the reception a 2017 organic Provence rosé, Château la Tour de l’Evêque “Le Pétale de Rosé” and a 2017 Sancerre from Domaine Merlin-Cherrier accompanied delicious seafood amuse-bouches. The menu inspired by Maître Pépin followed.

MENU

Pheasant consommé
pheasant, morel quenelles
Broadbent “Rainwater” Madeira - Portugal

Sole with ratatouille
2016 Trimbach “Reserve” Riesling (magnums) - Alsace

Duck à l’orange
seared duck breast, duck leg confit
2016 Savigny-lés-Beaune - Maison Alex Gambal, Burgundy

Royal Stroganoff - “an Ode to Jacques”
beef tenderloin, handmade beet and poppy seed noodles
2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape - Domaine du Vieux Lazaret, Rhône

Ravioli of Époisses de Bourgogne
 spoon of Vacherin Mont d‘Or
winter greens, candied walnut
2011 Monbazillac - Château Bellevue, Dordogne

Yule log
chocolate Genoise
rich chocolate mousse, silky ganache
2013 Offley Late Bottled Vintage Port - Portugal

The auction of Maître Pépin’s original artwork of this evening’s menu combined with other generously donated items helped the Bailliage give back to the community whilst enjoying a delicious and delightful holiday extravaganza.

Marshall L. Berenson
Chambellan Provincial Northeast
(who continues to act as Bailli of Boston)

Photos courtesy of Jennifer Poveromo, Vice-Charge de Pressé, and Marshall L. Berenson, Chambellan Provincial Northeast