The South Australian Bailliage invited us to share their Chapitre at the Intercontinental Hotel in Adelaide. The quality program attracted members from New Zealand, Dubai, Portugal, England and from across Australia. Not surprisingly it was a sold-out event.
Friday night saw an informal event held at Adelaide’s famed Central Markets. In addition to fresh food, there are numerous food vendors at the market similar to the markets in Madrid. South Australia is famous for its fresh seafood and did not disappoint.
The Induction ceremony was conducted by Mr Norman Harrison, Bailli Delegue, Australia ably assisted by Dr Shymal Dhar, Bailli Regional Bailliage de Brisbane, Ms Majella Pugh Vice Chancelier Bailliage de Brisbane, Mr Sam Giddings, National Chancelier Ms Serena Harrison North Bailli Regional Bailliage of South Australia & Mr Bill Munro. The ceremony was well attended & saw many 10- & 20-year pins awarded as well as numerous promotions. We welcomed the appointment of Mr Ian Halliday as the new Bailli for the Bailliage of Victoria & welcomed back, Mr Bill Munro as Bailli for the Bailliage of Western Australia.
It is always a pleasure to stay with one of our members and sponsors. The Intercontinental Hotel provided us with superb accommodation & of course the Gala dinner was mouthwatering. Members & their guests were greeted on arrival with GH Mumm champagne drinks & canapes including oysters.
We then entered the Grand Ballroom which was festooned with the national emblem of the Fifth republic, the “Le Tricolore” flag as well as other blue, white and red items, in honour of the Bastille Day celebrations. Those colours also complimenting the colours of our own Australian flag. Music was provided by a talented duo & several members took to the dance floor.

Our 6-course menu: 

Fare
Avruga Caviar Blini with Crème Fraîche, chives, Champagne

Entrée
Pate Free Range Chicken Liver Profiteroles and Duck Confit, Port wine reduction, served with 2023 Michael Hall 'Sang de Pigeon' Pinot noir, Adelaide Hills

Poisson
Seared Scallops with saffron and green peas risotto, bacon crumbs, served with 2023 Inkwell 'Tangerine' Viognier, McLaren Vale

Plat Principal
Filet Mignon, Pommes au Gratin, grilled asparagus sauce Bordelaise, served with 2019 Terre a terre Crayeres Vineyard Reserve, Wrattonbully

Fromage
Baked Camembert with Honey comb and Walnuts, crusty bread, served with 2023 David Franz Gewürztraminer, Eden Valley

Dessert
Crème Brûlée tart, blueberries, caramel, fig compote, Chantilly cream, served with 2023 Yalumba FSW Botrytis Viognier, Wrattonbully

After such beautiful food & accompanying wine it was a pleasure to thank the InterContinental’s talented staff in the traditional Chaine way. The Australian AGM had been held earlier in the day with business being dealt with expeditiously.

Our sincere thanks to those who worked behind the scenes to make this a memorable Chaine event. Vive la Chaine!