Annual Induction Gala 2017

Bermuda’s Annual Induction Dinner

An innovative, cross-continental delight of exceptional food and wine

On April 1 st , 2017, the Bailliage des Bermudes hosted their annual induction dinner at Harbourfront Restaurant, one of Bermuda's finest, well-established restaurants with stunning harbour views. Eighty-six guests were welcomed with Charles Bonvin’s 2014 “Petite Arvine” from Valais Switzerland, a refreshing change from the usual white varietals. Eight new Chaine members, one Ordre Mondial member were inducted, 5 members were elevated to the committee level and 9 to Commandeur,
Maître Restaurateur, and Officiers. Pennie Lamb was presented with the Bermuda gold Longtail pin in honor of service over the years as Argentière of the Bailliage. Chargé de Presse Jack Rhind and Chargée de Missions Nancy Gosling who have both stepped down from the committee were presented with the Bermuda Silver Longtail pin for their years of service on the committee. An especially touching moment was the induction of Sarah Mardon, who was presented with the Chaîne ribbon of her recently-deceased best friend and avid Chaîne member, Kristi Grayston.

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After the induction, guests were invited into Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute exhibit area, where they were treated to an array of sushi and sashimi (freshly prepared on site by three chefs), while sipping a choice of Silver Oak Sauvignon Blanc or Veuve Clicquot Champagne NV and exploring the America’s Cup exhibits.

Guests were escorted into Harbourfront’s main dining room to delight in a culinary adventure, led by the General Manager, Pierangelo Lanfranchi. The menu, reflecting the welcoming of Spring, started with an aesthetically delightful “Crudo Quattro” of tuna, salmon, yellowtail and wahoo drizzled with a wasabi vinaigrette and topped with mustard micro greens. This was adventurously paired with the sake, “Pure Night Shimizu No Mai, Junmai Daiginjo.” For the second course, guests enjoyed a broiled melt-in-your-mouth “Blackened Cod”. The Bodegas Vionta 2015 Albariño accentuated the rich briny flavor and the salinity of the dish.

The highlight of the dinner was the homemade “Venison Ravioli”; Pierangelo actually shot the deer himself! This was accentuated with black truffles and a 2012 Rivetto “Serralunga Barolo d’Alba”. The final course was a duo of Beef Tenderloin and Duck Breast, which paired exceptionally well with a 2008 Hospice de Beaune “Cuvée de Nicolas Rolin” from one of Bermuda’s own winemakers, David Butterfield. Dinner was finished with an inventive and artfully prepared coconut mouse chocolate Easter egg paired with a 10-year- old Nieport Tawny port. Once dessert was cleared, guests were able to dance the night away to a live band, playing everyone’s favourite classic dance songs. Innovation, creativity and adventure certainly made this a dinner to remember!

Jessica Steede
Chargée de Missions