2019 is a big year for Liechtenstein. 300 years ago, it was appropriated by Emperor Karl VI as the Principality of Liechtenstein in the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation. Since then, it has remained a constant part of the map in the heart of Europe amid beautiful scenery. With great pride the Bailliage of Liechtenstein celebrated this fantastic anniversary with a Grand Chapitre - and how could such a celebration be done better than with food and wines of the highest quality.

Despite the impressive anniversary the Chaîne gladly renounced the dishes of the era because these were marked by the poverty of the people. Many of today's usual products had not even reached Liechtenstein.

For example, corn and potatoes, even beer was largely unknown. In contrast, wine has existed in Liechtenstein since Roman times even though it was usually diluted with water! Nevertheless, participants in the Grand Chapitre programme were offered a journey through the past and present of the country with many culinary stops. The occasion was also accompanied by a television team from Deutsche Welle, who made a programme about the 300-year celebration and the Grand Chapitre.

The events began on the state holiday in Liechtenstein with an aperitif in the vineyard of Bailli Délégué Daniel Jäggi-Lind and his wife Chancelier Strit Jäggi-Lind. As a highlight, guests were able to marvel at the fireworks let off every year above Vaduz Castle.

On Friday there was a choice of tours. Two areas of the country, Liechtensteiner Oberland and Liechtensteiner Unterland, could be explored including a visit to an antique ceramics workshop, Schwurplatz Liechtenstein and a private Rolls Royce collection. Everything was in the programme. In the Oberland we went to the unofficial third part of Liechtenstein, the mountains. There members and their guests engaged in a cheese tasting and spotted a golden eagle.

On Saturday, newcomers to the Chaîne were inducted in the courtyard of Burg Gutenberg and members were promoted to new positions. Klaus Tritschler, Member of the Conseil d’Administration from Germany, presided over the ceremony. Of special note was Reto Jenal, the private chef of the Prince of Liechtenstein, being promoted to Maître Rôtisseur.

In the afternoon, the participants of the final tour plunged into the history of Liechtenstein visiting the Parliament, National Museum and the Schatzkammer Liechtenstein. They learned much about the history and unique political system of the Principality. In the Treasury the conclusion of the tour was seeing the so-called “Princely hat”, the crown of the Prince of Liechtenstein.

The grand finale was the Gala Dinner at the SAL in Schaan. At festively set tables, almost 170 diners enjoyed dishes from the kitchen of Maître Rôtisseur Horst Schmiedle. The gastronomic offering was enhanced by performances of an acrobat and a xylophone virtuoso. Guests rounded off the evening with a digestif and coffee creations from two Liechtenstein Chaîne members.

Joël Grandchamp
Chargé de Presse