Members and their guests from Beijing and other Bailliages in China came together with their Christmas spirit at Grill 79 in the China World Summit Wing Hotel.

Carols being sung greeted us on arrival. The festive spirit was truly showcased by everyone donning their ugliest Christmas sweaters. Guests truly dressed for the occasion, with garments ranging from hideous, to ugly, to downright bizarre! Even the staff at Grill 79 took part in the festivities by wearing ugly sweaters. Later in the evening there was a parade around the room while others voted for the best (or worst) display of holiday excess.

As our eyes were blinded from the garish jumpers, we took comfort in the stunning views of the twinkling lights of Beijing below while we sipped Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut Champagne accompanied by amuse-bouches.

When we were seated each person had a Chaîne menu carved into a slice of an actual tree. This was just the beginning of the magical night. Bruce Li arranged some amazing wines and vintages to put us in a festive holiday mood. They paired perfectly with the dishes created by the Master Chef Johnston Ang.

MENU

“Pandora’s Box”
Caviar, Kumamoto oyster, foie gras, Spanish red prawn
Champagne Delamotte Blanc de blancs
Le Mesnil sur Oger

Five spices duck consommé
pine nut, apple cider

Baked layered Hokkaido scallop
Yunnan truffle in puff pastry
2013 Muscat Grand Cru ‘Goldert’
Domaine Zind Humbrecht, Alsace

Steamed halibut
French black truffle, kale puree
2012 Meursault 1er cru ‘Les Perrières’
Domaine du Chateau de Meursault, Burgundy

Pear Sorbet

Slow-roasted stuffed free-range chicken breast
Italian white truffle
2014 Chambolle-Musigny
Domaine Arlaud, Burgundy

Christmas dessert party room
Noval Tawny Port NV
Douro Valley, Portugal

After dinner we retired to a private room resplendent with Christmas spirits and sweets. A literal North Pole of desserts, or more accurately, Santa’s workshop of sweet wonders. It embodied the true sense of Christmas with matching decorations.

Warm thanks went to General Manager Jens Corder, Executive Chef Johnston Ang and Restaurant Manager/Sommelier Bruce Li.

The Christmas feast came with many surprises. It was truly a magical night that was undoubtedly the highlight event of 2018.

Vive la Chaîne!

Preston Thomas
Maître Restaurateur