40th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION BAILLIAGE DE MALAISIE

 Friday, 20th – Sunday, 22nd October 2017

By Robin Sambhi

The Bailliage de Malaisie recently celebrated an auspicious 40th Anniversary of their distinguished Grand Chapitre, and what a celebration it was! A whole weekend of festivities orchestrated by the Bailli Delegue, Datuk Dr Jagjit Singh Sambhi, himself an original Founding Member of Bailliage in 1977 and now a Membre du Conseil Magistral. We were privileged to have the Vice-President of Chaine International, Ms Marie Jones, as our Guest of Honour and the Intronising Officer at the Intronisation Ceremony.

 The weekend began on a balmy Friday 20th where an informal dinner was held at the lovely residence of the Bailli Delegue and his wife, Vice Charge de Presse Datin Margaret Sambhi. The dinner was exquisitely created by Le Cordon Bleu Malaysia, directed by Chef Rotisseur and Technical Director Rodolphe Onno, General Manager Ming Ho and their excellent team. Amongst the unique fare were stuffed Quail with the local Durian fruit (an amazing meld of ‘East meets West’!), live stations of Scallops and Oysters, Terrines de poissons, de legumes, de foie gras, a delectable Bœuf froid a la tranche, Monk fish a l’armoricaine, Epaule d’Agneau confite au romarin, Ratatouille (of course!), an aromatic Cheese selection and delightful Buffet des Desserts. This sumptuous dinner was washed down with luscious Laurent Robert NV Champagne, Domaine Delobel Sauvignon Blanc, Chateau de Lafont, Calvados and VSOP.

Saturday 21st saw the Intronisation Ceremony and Formal Dinner Gala at the KL Convention Centre, one of the highlights of the Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs de Malaisie Calendar and a most appropriate occasion to welcome new Members, renew our Oath to the Chaine and celebrate promotions within the Bailliage. Chaine members, new and old, came from as far afield as Sabah and Sarawak in East Malaysia Borneo, as well as Melaka, Perak, KL, Penang and even Myanmar, Hong Kong, China, Indonesia and Thailand!

After a generous Champagne reception, Chaine members and guests were treated to an astounding cornucopia of opulence and beauty in the Banquet Hall to complement the beautiful drink and food to come. The Bailli Delegue introduced the 40th Anniversary Gala with a fascinating history of the Bailliage de Malaise, whereupon Executive Chef Hisham and his tireless brigade delivered an unforgettable evening! Wines were specially selected by Chancelier & KL Convention Centre General Manager, Mr Alan Pryor. Long serving and devoted Chaine members were presented with medal awards, before Marie Jones bestowed a commemoration gift to the Bailli Delegue and the Council for masterminding an extraordinary 40th Anniversary Grand Chapitre that will live long in the memories of those in attendance. Many Diners remained late to enjoy fine liqueurs and musical accompaniments!

Sunday 22nd led to an informal Champagne Lunch at L’ Heritage, Royale Chulan Hotel Kuala Lumpur where a select group of stalwart Chaine members, especially our Sarawak contingent, enjoyed Executive Chef Sabri Soid’s fusion twist on western and eastern fare. The ten course meal encompassed Raclette, Alaskan Crab with Abalone and Black Fungus, Asean Bouillabaisse, Lobster Singgang Style with Malaysian spices, Blackened Cod, Chicken Rendang with Roesti and Foie Gras, slow roasted Prime Rib, and, a wonder to behold and conclude, a “Malaysian Sweet Ending” of local fruit Ciku Strudel, Malaysian Teh Tarik Ice Cream and Ice Kacang Bird Nest! This banquet was harmonised with Moet Chandon & Louis Roederer Brut Premier NV Champagnes and other fine wines! All at the luncheon agreed this could well have been a resplendent dinner set for Royalty!

The weekend truly was a magnificent occasion to remember and an exemplary way to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Bailliage De Malaisie!

VIVE LA CHAINE!