Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Origins
The Chaîne des Rôtisseurs is an international gastronomic society founded in Paris in 1950. It is devoted to promoting fine dining and preserving the camaraderie and pleasures of the table. The Chaîne is based on the traditions and practices of the old French Royal Guild of Goose Roasters (these birds were particularly appreciated in that epoch). Its authority gradually expanded to the roasting of all poultry, meat and game. The written history of "Les Ayers" has been traced back to the year 1248. The Guild of Goose Roasters was one of several guilds founded by Louis IX in Paris in 1248 to thank the craftsmen who had contributed to the building of the Sainte Chapelle, next door to the Cathedral of Nôtre Dame. In 1610 the Guild received its Royal Warrant as The Brotherhood of Roasters and its coat of arms was granted. The brotherhood flourished for over 500 years until the French Revolution, when it was abolished along with all the other guilds in 1793. La Chaîne Coat of Arms For the new Confrérie in 1950, a logo was created which used the former historic shield in the center. It was encircled with fleur-de-lis & 2 chains, between which the new name of the Society & the foundation dates of 1248 & 1950 were written. The inner chain represents the professional members; the outer chain the non-professional members, & the bond which symbolizes the unity between all members.
Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Today
Today, the society has members in more than 100 countries around the world. The society follows the programs and policies set forth by the international society headquartered in Paris. Each of the member countries has its own National Administration, which co-ordinates activities within that country and is responsible for the overall development of the Chaîne nationally. The National Administration also organises the annual Chapître, which is the key opportunity for all members of the Chaîne to meet together, and for newly appointed members to be inducted & receive their formal regalia. The larger countries are divided into Regional Bailliages, and it is at this level that most events are organized. L'Academie de Gastronomie Brillat-Savarin is a Society within the Chaine. As the preeminent honor society for students in the culinary arts, it presents awards to the finest young graduates of USA culinary programs. It also upholds & popularizes regional cuisines with its own travel program. Our Wine Society within the society, l?Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs, for those who have a special knowledge of or interest in wine and spirits. Members of this group organize special wine related events, including trips to wine-producing regions around the world.
Local History - The Millennium Bailliage
Bailliage de Bonita was the first Bailliage created in the new millennium and has matured significantly since its inception in January, 2000. We have chosen to keep our numbers small (this allows for the growth of friendships within our Bailliage) and keep our food and wine programs numerous. Through an active membership and an enticing calendar of events, the Bailliage de Bonita has remained one of the more successful Bailliage's in the United States.
The Bailliage de Bonita's highest priority will always be to provide the finest wine and dining experiences to our members at a sensible value.