The recent La Chaine des Rotisseurs Gala Dinner on Saturday, March 24th at the Renaissance Seoul Hotel was the harbinger of spring time in Korea.

The hotel had set up one section of the ballroom for an elegant cocktail reception, with a Moet et Chandon Champagne bar carved of Ice, and delectable ¡°amuse geulles¡¯ served by elegantly clad wait staff to the discerning members and guests.

With the sounding of a Korean Gong, members of the Chaine and their Guests were then ushered thru a Cherry Blossom Archway into the main ball room, for a magnificent Gourmet Candlelight event with Garlands of Cherry Blossoms overhead, and chamber music provided by three accomplished virtuosos playing the harp, the flute and the piano.

It was a gastronomic journey thru pastures, fields and seas, with only the freshest meats, seafood, spices, salads and vegetables being served, course after course. One of many highlights was a Kumquat Sherbet presented on a pedestal and in a wafer thin cup, all made entirely of ice. Korea¡¯s finest Kumquat hail from Cheju Island and are harvested only in the spring. Their delicate flavors lend themselves perfectly to cleanse the palate between the very distinct tastes of fish and veal.

The event was much awaited in Seoul, as it brought us back to the traditions and basics of what La Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs is all about: Great cuisine accompanied by Great Wines in a warm Ambiance, crowned by a few shots of Exquisite Cognacs or Liqueurs, and a Superb Cuban Cigar¡¦.

Souvenir menus were printed onto miniature Korean Screens, which consisted of four panels, each depicting moments of spring in Korea on the reverse side. For those of you who could not attend this wonderful evening, it is with much pleasure that I attach a copy of the menu detailing a superlative feast you will wish you hadn¡¯t missed.

With best personal wishes,

Frank Liepmann

Charge de Presse.