Click to see the photos (Left for the Chapitre, Right for a few other pictures)

 

VIVE LA CHAÎNE!

Another memorable event for the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs!

If you would like to know more about the “Chaîne” just get in touch.

Saturday November 7th was a very special day for the Bailliage of Portugal for several reasons: First of all it was the day of our Chapitre, which had been originally planned in March as a “Grand Chapitre” and rescheduled for November, when it finally had to be reduced to a simple “Chapitre de Portugal” due to the COVID regulations.

It was also a very special occasion because our very dear friend Anibal Soares had announced his wish to retire after 20 amazing years of serving as Bailli Délégué for Portugal, and was introducing his successor, Paulo Amado, who was being nominated as the new Bailli Délégué.  The Chapitre took place at the Convento do Espinheiro in the beautiful historical city of Évora, a 14^th century convent converted into a 5 stars hotel and a member of the Chaîne since it opened 15 years ago.

50 of our Confreres attended, coming from the 5 continents and from all the Bailliages of Portugal, Porto, Lisbon the Alentejo and the Algarve to thank Anibal Soares for his work over the years and welcome his successor. We were able, thanks to the management and to the fact that this region of Portugal is very safe, to respect all the rules of distancing, wearing masks, etc... and to have a proper ceremony, up to the best standards of the Chaîne.

A completely new and younger Direction of the Chaîne was inducted, and the Bailliage of Portugal is ready to face the challenges of the future! The now Honorary Bailli Délégué, Anibal Soares, was presented with the Gold Medal of the Chaîne, with a special thank you message from the President, Yam Atalah, for his 30 years spent working for the Chaîne.

Having survived two AGMs and the induction ceremony, the cocktail that followed was a very welcomed relief! Once we had relaxed, we were able to enjoy an amazing dinner prepared for us by 5 of the best Chefs in the Alentejo, each one improvising on a traditional recipe to give the dish a modern twist, and paired with some excellent wines from the region: Chef Jorge Peças from the Convento do Espinheiro started the show with a plate of Alentejo mushrooms, blood sausage and egg yolk confit; Chef José Júlio Vintém from Tomba Lobos in Portalegre followed with a polenta of partridge decorated with petals of lard; Chef Umaro Baldé from Raiz e Tradição in Montemor-O-Novo played with baked cod fish with couscous and peanuts; Chef Carlos Albuquerque from the Herdade do Esporão surprised us with a dish of black pig shoulder served pink with an amazing garniture of chickpeas stewed with ears and trotters… and for the Grand Finale, the pastry Chef of the Convento do Espinheiro Sofia Simões produced a beautiful dessert of pumpkin and fresh local cheese from Évora.

The party went on well into the night, as new friendships were made, and old ones revived.

It was good to be able to support several of our professional members, and, in the circumstances, to get such a strong attendance to the Chapitre despite the current depressing climate. The Chaîne never stops !

Dr. Jean Ferran

Pair de la Chaîne, Commandeur

Bailli Provincial du Sud du Tage

 

ferran@monchique.com – Tel. (+351) 282 912 822.

https://portugal.chainedesrotisseurs.com/