The Embassy XO Restaurant & Bar at Sunshine Beach was the venue for the Induction Ceremony and a celebratory Gala Tasting Lunch which followed. Guests of honour were Bailli Délégué Norm Harrison, who was Inducting Officer in his capacity as a Member of the Conseil Magistral, and his wife Serena Harrison-North, Bailli of South Australia.

For the Induction Ceremony committee members had been briefed on procedures and protocols by Norm Harrison the previous evening at a private dinner hosted and beautifully catered for at their home by Leon Naus, Bailli of Sunshine Coast, and his wife Bindy who is a Vice-Chargée de Missions.

The Inductions commenced with Andrea Ravezzani, founding Bailli of Sunshine Coast, being presented with the golden badge of Bailli Honoraire. Other members received their respective awards, ribbons or promotions. Eight new OMGD (Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs) members were inducted too. It is exciting to note the current growth of the Bailliage of Sunshine Coast in both quantity and quality of member.

On the day 24 of us enjoyed a seven-course degustation tasting lunch accompanied by carefully selected wines. The beautiful and opulent event was created by Head Chef James with high quality pairings selected by Sommelier and Restaurant Manager Steve.

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Coffin Bay oyster
Lemon myrtle, sapo melon sorbet, native finger lime
Delamere “Brut Cuvee” NV
Pipers Brook Tasmania

Crystal skin prawn dumplings
green onion, chilli Cho Jang
S C Pannel Aromatico Gewurztraminer blend 2019
Adelaide Hills, South Australia

Steamed Cone Bay barramundi
ginger, shallot, garlic soy, Chinese broccoli
Milton Te Arai Chenin Blanc 2018
Gisborne, New Zealand

Poached pork belly
Sichuan chilli oil, Cantonese herb relish
Macforbs Chardonnay 2019
Yarra Valley, Victoria

Master stock braised duck leg
five spice potato cream, heirloom cauliflower
Afion Full Moon Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019
Yarra Valley, Victoria

Charcoal-flamed Wagyu porterhouse
roasted mushroom, baby turnip, Asian salsa verde
Journey Wines Shiraz 2017
Heathcote, Victoria

Deep fried chocolate bao
winter berries, saffron ice-cream
Carmes de Rieussec 2016
Sauternes, France

On the following day, Sunday 2nd, 18 Chaîne members met for lunch at the Waterfront Restaurant in Noosaville. Bailli Honoraire Andrea Ravezzani presented a fantastic fresh tuna culinary experience along with other dishes to complete a four-course menu. It was a superb event in an outstanding location with relaxed camaraderie between the members.

Celebrations continued as Vice-Argentier Geoffrey Rickard invited us to his home to enjoy cheeses and wines.

Vive la Chaîne

Leon Naus
Bailli