2019-04 - Chongqing - World Chaîne Day
The historic Marine Française was the venue for the Bailliage’s “Tour de France” culinary celebration held in conjunction with World Chaine Day.
Over a century ago in 1902, French warships first sailed up the River Yangtze to establish a French marine barracks on the south bank of the city by order of the Commander in Chief of the East Asia French Marine Squadron.
Meticulously restored after decades of disrepair, the Marine Française has since been converted into an architectural museum which comprises an art gallery, a reading lounge, a wine cellar, a bar and a restaurant.
Dominik Widmer, Bailli of Chongqing, said, “After restoration the venue was re-opened in November 2018 and it was chosen because of the historic link to France in Chongqing. What better significance than to celebrate World Chaîne Day here.”
Due to heritage preservation laws, Marine Française has but a modest kitchen. Despite these challenges, celebrity chef Lance Yu presented a seven-course menu essentially inspired by the quintessential regional cuisines of France but with a creative twist.
Chef Lance is Vice-Conseiller Culinaire of the Bailliage of Chengdu. Naturally we were delighted that he gracefully agreed to showcase his culinary skills for the Chongqing members. The result was a visual treat for the eyes and a burst of flavours for the palate, with fresh ingredients brought into the land-locked city via the Yangtze just as it was in the past.
For the first time ever in 2019, a World Chaîne Day pin had been made by the National Bailliage of China. Everyone at the dinner was thrilled to receive one. The enjoyable evening was made even more memorable by the sponsorship of the luxury Rémy-Martin Louis XIII Cognac.
What an extraordinary evening it was of joyous camaraderie and fine dining amidst light entertainment, all the while delicately basking in the ambient French legacy of the Marine Française. Simply delightful!
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