Ralf Bruegger, our Vice-Argentier put on a fabulous show at the hotel InterContinental Double Bay, of which he is the General Manager.

Formal Chaine business was taken care of during our AGM, followed by delicious amuse-bouches accompanied by Mumm Champagne.

The room and the tables looked gorgeous, reflecting the understated luxury and elegance of this five-star hotel. The five-course dinner with most generous portions was well balanced and every dish was delicious and much appreciated by the guests. The wine pairing was outstanding, matching perfectly each course, and provided in generous quantities as quite a few bottles remained untouched.

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In addition to many of our regular members we welcomed an unusually large number of their guests, with the hope that they enjoyed themselves sufficiently to sign up as new members. And we have are extremely pleased to have amongst us a few members that we hadn’t seen for a little while. Welcome back.

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The silent auction items created quite some interest and the live auction was a new addition to our annual festivities, bringing about some lively noise and excitement as well as the competitive spirit of the numerous bidders. All the winners bid generously for which we thank you as the money raised was substantial and will assist us in running the Young Sommelier and the Young Chef competitions in 2019, an important part of our activities which assists and mentors the young professionals of the future.

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Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of La Chaine’s Commandeur badge for 20 years of continuous membership to NSW Vice-Argentier (Treasurer) Ralf Bruegger by national Chancelier (Chief Administrative Officer) and NSW Bailli (President) Sam Giddings.

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Originally from Germany, Ralf is both a chef and a hotelier by profession.  He joined La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs as a professional member in Australia in 1998 and has served the Chaîne with distinction in a number of capacities.  In particular he served on the Chaîne’s National Committee as Conseiller Culinaire, responsible for running the National Young Chefs Competition, between 2006 and 2011.

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A special thanks to our various generous sponsors including the InterContinental Double Bay, the Fullerton Hotel in Singapore, dfk laurence varnay accountants, A week in Tuscany@A Villa at Podernuovo, and our most special thank you to Daniella Lauricella, our delightful winner of the NSW Young Sommelier competition in 2017 who agreed to go along with our innovative idea to be auctioned off to act as a sommelier at the winning bidder’s private dinner party.

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All the members of the Chaine des Rôtisseurs NSW would like to thank you for your attendance and wish you and your families a joyous Christmas and a happy New Year.