The invitation promised an extraordinary Chapitre de Bailliage gourmet soirée in the ballroom of a luxury beachside resort with a unique seven-course menu and delightful selection of fine wines – and that’s exactly what was served.
–
By Louise Newsham
Last June, an exclusive and ultra gourmet evening soirée was held at Bali’s latest luxury beachfront resort, Alila Seminyak, attended by 80 members of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs – the International Association of Gastronomy.
The evening commenced with the ceremonial inauguration of 29 new members of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Bailliages in Indonesia, followed by champagne and canapés served at the poolside lounge. At 7.30PM, a 20-metre dividing wall disappeared almost by magic to reveal the dramatic setting of the Alila ballroom, beautifully and creatively transformed and delicately lit for the Chapitre Gala Dinner.
A brigade of 50 immaculately presented Alila waiting staff stood by to demonstrate their perfectly choreographed and obviously well-rehearsed table service. The first delightful course, curated by Executive Chef Stefan Zijta and supported by Sommelier Harald Wiesmann, saw tuna belly tartare with yuzu, a soy sorbet and candied orange peel, perfectly paired with M. Chapoutier La Petite Ruche, Crozes Hermitage Blanc, Côtes du Rhône. The brigade of waiting staff then presented a spicy Bouillabaisse accompanied by a delicious and perfectly chilled Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc. The gourmet extravaganza continued, with smoked Dutch eel, a foie gras terrine, guinea fowl with a caper and date sauce, a sous vide beef short rib and, last but certainly not least, a Valrhona chocolate mousse with coconut cream and passion fruit.
Besides the fabulous wines, the evening was topped off with performances by famous Indonesian singers and a groovy jazz band, before the Alila beachside pool hosted the legendary beats of international DJ Marco Polo Cecerre, until the small hours. (www.alilamoments.com/seminyak)
