National
Chaine des Rôtisseurs
16-Day Culinary Arts Cruise Floating Assemblage.

May 30 - June 14, 2010

By Jim Ray Chargé de Presse Provinciaux Southwest

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This is an image of  the Chaine pin awarded to those individuals who were part of this "Land and Sea" adventure. Image is the exact size of the pin, 1.5" X 1.5 " .

The center of the pin shows the four likeness of the flags of the four major countries visited: France, Spain, Portugal, England, 

In addition to the above four countries, we visited the Principality of Monaco and the British territory of Gibraltar.

While on this trip, we were invited to seven grand Chaine dinners by the local Chaine organization:

Nice France, Monte Carlo Monaco, Barcelona Spain, Lisbon Portugal, Porto Portugal, Southampton England, and Oxford England.

Oh, yes, we had a Princess come to meet the gang and have lunch with us. . . . but who, and where? 

Read on . . .

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Between May 27 and May 30 Chaîne members from the United States, Australia, Puerto Rica, Bahamas, California, Connecticut, Florida,  Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas, assembled in Nice France. Nice was the starting point for our upcoming 16-day international land and sea adventure. The following bailliages and members participated:    

Pacific Northwest Region, Bailli Provincial Pacific Northwest Michael Martello (Our Leader)
Southeast Region, Bailli Provincial Honoraire Commandeur Walter Padow Greater Ft Lauderdale, Bailli Honoraire Mildred Padow
Atlantic/Caribbean Region, Bailli Provincial, Dr. Marcelo Oben-Martinez Mayaguez Puerto Rico, Bailli Dr. Virgen Acosta De Oben
San Antonio, Texas, Southwest Chargé de Presse Provincial, Jim Ray  San Antonio, Texas, Bailli Vivian Ray
Tampa Sun Coast Florida, Bailli Ruth Adrian and guest
Pittsburg, Penn, Vice Conseiller Colleen Travis and guest
Nassau, Bahamas, Vice Echanson Philip Hillier Nassau, Bahamas, Dame De La Chaine Geraldine Hillier
Gold Coast Australia, Vice Chancelier-Argentier Ann Glenister  Gold Coast Australia, Chevalier Richard Glenister
Naples Florida, Chevalier Castor Diaz and guest
Springfield Illinois, Chevalier Kevin Imhoff and guest
Naples Florida, Chevalier Charles Montgomery and guest
San Francisco California, Dame De La Chaine Claire Blake and Guest
Pittsburg Penn, Chevalier Barry Sokolow and guest
New Haven, Conn, Officier Richard Mentelos, and guest Wichita Kansas, Chevalier Don Barry and guest Naples Florida, Dame de la Chaine Shelia Davis Orange Coast, California, Chevalier Gary Kessler and Dame de la Chaine Sonia Kessler Baltimore, Maryland, Maitre Hotelier Martin Milner and guest Nashville, Tenn, Chevalier Hall Pennington and guest Orange Coast, California, Chevalier Paul Von Berg and Dame de la Chaine Stacey Von Berg Chicago, Illinois, Chevalier Michael Vogan and Dame de la Chaine Audrey Weaver Hillsbourgh, California Chevalier Richard Barnes and guest Miami Florida, Maitre Rotisseur Traiteur June Zieff and guest Here's the Group!! Let's take a look at some of the details.
From this point, "Click on any object to expand"
Most of the Chaîne members participating in this cruise arrived in Nice a few days prior to the sail date in order to participate in two grand dinners held for us by fellow international Chaîne members. Chaîne members from the Nice Bailliage hosted our first dinner in Mougins France, a small medieval village perched high in the mountains between the busy coastal town of Cannes, home of the Cannes Film Festival, and the backcountry gateway town of Grasse on the French Riviera coastline. Gunter Albert, President du Comité Dévelopement des Bailliages; Michel Cottray, Bailli Délégué of France, and Heike Cottray, Bailli Délégué of Monaco, were all on hand to participate in the festivities. After dinner, Bailli Provincial Pacific Northwest Michael Martello praised the chefs, the waitstaff, our hosts, and passed out appreciation certificates, merit awards, and pins. This was the first of seven such dinners that would follow during the next 13 days in four separate countries.
About half our group waiting on the terrace for something special! The red jacket is Gunter.	This is what everyone is waiting on, fine Champagne spiked with raspberry liquor	The head table with Leader Michael Martello and the two Baillie Délégués from France and Monaco	Every dinner, in all the countries, the waitstaff received recognition .	The big three with the little "v"
Side note: The President of France, Sarkozy, holds a once-every-three-years Africa-France Summit to discuss economy, politics, trade, etc. It just so happened that on our third day in Nice, this meeting was to take place. This summit meeting  entailed bringing in 230+ working groups, approximately 1,500-2,000, diplomats from British controlled Africa, plus Paris France into the Riviera-side of Nice. Most of the Chaine members had assembled and were staying in this area until the ship was to disembark on day four of this adventure. This part of the trip turned out to be quite exciting. With 50+ black Mercedes, all with diplomatic red flags flying from both front fenders, causing disorder and confusion in the streets, and armor-vested police officers with bomb sniffing German Sheppards causing confusion on the sidewalks and within the hotels, Vivian and I, along with other Chaine members staying in this part of Nice were eventually forced out of our hotel. Our hotel manager had warned us up front that this would probably happen so we managed to receive some very nice perks before it all actually happened. On day three we, along with other Chaine members in the area hailed a cab, and with our bags, headed for Monte Carlo. We later found out that President Sarkozy spent his three days in the same hotel that we were staying, the Palais De La Méditerranée.
Day 3: Monte Carlo, Monaco, home of the Monte Carlo Casino, James Bond 007, and where the rich retire early and hide their money. This is the home of the Monaco Grand Prix Run. This race is one of the most important and prestigious automobile races in the world. While in Monte Carlo we walked the city and viewed the Palace (Grace Kelly's home for many years), walked the Monaco Grand Prix Run, visited a Chaine sponsored restaurant (with wall plaque), stayed out of the casino, and did all those other things that tourist do when in Monte Carlo.
The view from our hotel window	Panoramic view. Note the race barriers have not been removed yet.	Touring the Monaco Grand Prix Run	A fellow Chaine member's restaurant in Monte Carlo	A better view of the beach. This beach is sand, not pebbles as in Nice.
That evening the Bailli Délégué France Michel Cohray held a grand Chaine dinner for the group on the beach outside the hotel with tiki torches, dance music, and great food.
Part of the group just before the sun goes down	A lovely outside setting for out dinner	I have some good news and I have some bad news! Whoops, I was wrong. There is no bad news!	The man on the left (engineer & local resident) told BP that he had the solution for the Gulf oil problem, but BP did not want to listen to him.	Stomp on it! Don't let it get away!  (just kidding, she's dancing the Jive)
Day 4: The next morning, from Monte Carlo, we were bused back to the Nice ship docks, boarded the “Silver Whisper” and pushed off, heading for Barcelona Spain. For the next 12 days, it was luxury at its finest. This trip was advertised as “A Celebration of International Chaîne Camaraderie, Hospitality, and a Convivial Culinary and Wine Journey”— that it was! Some of the Silver Seas, Silver Whisper distinctions are as follows: a maximum of 382 guests on board, superlative European service—crew to guest ratio, approximately 1 to 1; dedicated butler service in all suites, all on-board food, drink, and gratuities included in the price of the cruise ticket.
We are now approaching the rear of the Silver Whisper	This is Rao from India who took good care of us (everybody had a butler)	All the hotel, food & beverage officers giving us a "welcome aboard party"	Our first wine testing of many. Our sommelier keeping an eye on the ahhhh - WINE!!	King Kong cruising by. Note the size of the men on the top rail.

Day 5: Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain. Barcelona Spain was our first stop. Once docked, we had 12 hours of free time in the city. Barcelona is home to Picasso and Gaudi. Unlike other big cities in Spain, this city has outlawed bull fighting and turned their grand bull-fighting ring into a shopping center. It is home of the grandest Basilica (La Sagrada Familia) in the world. Construction started on the Cathedral in 1882 and is planned for completion in 2026. While here, Barcelona Bailli Ruben Dreier, along with other local Chaîne members hosted our third international get-together in the famous Seafood restaurant, Rias of Galicia. The staff served an endless array of splendid tapas and delightful wine. This restaurant is known to be the favorite eating-place of Ferran Adria, the Chef of El Bulli and who holds the title of the World’s Greatest Chef (Gourmet Magazine).
		The La Sagrada Familia (Holy Family),

Day six was a day at sea. Usually a day at sea is a formal dress day for dinner and afterwards. Evening gowns/cocktail dresses for the ladies and tuxedos or dark suit for the men are in order. With our group, there was something always going on somewhere on the ship. If you did not want to party, there was the bar, the live show, followed by the movie, the casino, two nice night clubs w/dancing and live music, and a jogging track outside. The majority of the Chaine group used the jogging track until it was time to go to bed . . . . . . . . uhh, I think that is what they told me they did??  

Once back on board, our journey continued south towards Malaga, with a day at sea. We enjoyed the luxurious life aboard the Silver Whisper that only a 6-Star luxury cruise liner can offer. Our group made up approximately 12 percent of the passengers and the ship’s staff certainly had been informed that we were “precious cargo.” In the grand dining room, the restaurant manager roped off a private area in the rear, capable of seating our entire group. All of the tables had the Chaîne flag that stayed in place for the entire voyage. Each of the Senior Staff proudly wore the Chaine pin that was solely designed for this ‘Floating Assemblage’.

Beautiful Landscapes	Beautiful Views	The Bull Fighting Ring	Mr. Gaudi, you are looking a little tense today!

Day 8: After Malaga, we visited Gibraltar, located on the north side of the Strait of Gibraltar. The Strait is 28 miles across the narrowest part.

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Gibraltar is home of the Barbary Apes and the Pillars of Hercules. As a British Crown Colony, Gibraltar enjoys self-government in internal affairs, while Britain remains responsible for foreign affairs, defense, and security. According to legend, the British will remain as long as the apes survive. After a short stay in Gibraltar, we returned to the ship and prepared for our next destination.

<--- north .....south --->

Here's a different kind of shot, so pardon me for a moment while I go quickly up to the stratosphere and take a photo of the state of affairs! On the south side, there is another very large mountain peak.  Back in ancient times, the people called the mountain peaks on both sides of the strait  "The pillars of Hercules." This strait, these pillars, and further up the coast of Portugal (we will look at that shortly), were considered the end of the known world.

Gibraltar is also the home of the Barbary apes

Yep, these little critters stay well fed.	They are everywhere. This fellow in the red shirt had one hanging on to his left leg, but you can't see that.

We are then out of the Strait of Gibraltar, out of the Mediterranean Sea, into the Atlantic Ocean, and turn north toward Lisbon Portugal.

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Day Nine, After exiting the Mediterranean through the Strait of Gibraltar, and entering the Atlantic Ocean, we turned north. Our first stop was Lisbon Portugal. Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal. This is the furthest westernmost located large city in Europe. It is also one of the oldest cities in the world. This city was very carefully planned with 18th Century elegance after an earthquake in 1755 just about wiped it off the map, and in the process killing more than 40,000 people. Lisbon is a candidate for the 2020 Summer Olympics. 

There on the dock and eager to greet us were Lisbon Bailli Udo Kruse and his wife, Officier Marion Kruse. We then loaded into the waiting bus and headed towards Cape St Vincent / Sagres Point, a place that is actually named “The End of the World." A monument marks this spot as being the most westward part of land in Europe. Before the days of Columbus, and according to history, only the bravest of Mediterranean sailors dared to venture beyond the “Pillars of Hercules,” and none were foolhardy enough to sail past the rugged cliffs of Sagres Point, which marked the end of the known world at that time. The belief was that if you sailed too far from the coastline, you and your ship would fall off the edge of the world.

As we arrived at Cape St Vincent, there was a party getting underway, and a great feast just about ready to come out of the oven. Not only did we have Lisbon Bailli Udo Kruse and his wife, but also Bailli Délégué of Portugal Anibal Soares, and a large group from the local Chaîne bailliage. Even the Duchess/Princess of Anjou/Cadaval, Diana Alvares Pereira de Melo was there to meet the Chaîne organization from the United States. The Duchess and her husband are both descendants in an unbroken male line from King Robert II of France (972 – 1031). Princess Diana is a very interesting person to talk with, and several members of our group did not miss the opportunity to get close and get to know her. Bailli Provincial Pacific Northwest Michael Martello recognized the Princess and acknowledged all Chaine members, chefs, and kitchen staff before departing..

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The "Marker" This is the most western piece of land in Europe.	The nearest point on the other side of the Atlantic is Maine USA	This is some of the rugged shoreline	This is the location of the light house that used to guide sailors along this coast line centuries ago, and was a beacon for them to follow and stay close to shore.
OK, it's now time to eat. We jumped in the bus, went up the beach a few miles, and this is what was waiting for us.
The crowd is assembling	Ray and Ramos, We two camera men better get moving. Are you ready Buddy?	The first of about seven courses	Here is comes!! Sea bass baked in salt!	A big pot of . . . Whoops, I forgot?
That's the Atlantic Ocean outside the window	Kudos and appreciation are in order for a lot of folks here!	Presentations with Lisbon Bailli Udo Kruse; Bailli Prov. Michael Martello; Princess Diana de Cadaval; Bailli Délégué of Portugal Anibal Soares, and the Chef.	Vivian says she has to have a photo with the Princess.	Notice the two pins that the Princess is wearing -- the USA and the Cruise pin.

The end of the day found us back on the ship, and after a light Italian snack in the La Terrazza Restaurant, and then a couple of quick waltzes and do-see-dos around the dance floor, it was off to bed, but all were looking forward to awakening with the ship docked in Leixoes (Oporto), Portugal.  Day 10 -- Leixoes (Oporto) Portugal. Oporto Portugal, the source of Oporto’s greatest fame is the rich, sweet, fortified red wine known as port. Once off the ship, we gathered in a two-tier, open top bus and had a grand tour of the city. Too many great pictures taken to list with this story. There is one in particular mini billboard that caught my eye in Barcelona, Lisbon, and now here in Oporto.  Here it is . . .         Just about every port we visited "Sex in the City" was being advertised. Sarah Jessica Parker should be very proud, having her body displayed all over the US, Europe, Mexico, and probably the rest of the world! (Whoops, I forgot. No I don't think that this poster will be found in some parts of the Muslim world.     In Oporto, it was breakfast and then off to an early start. We disembarked the ship and immediately boarded a double deck open sightseeing touring bus. We spent the whole morning touring the lovely and ancient city of Oporto. 1.3 million people live in the Oporto Metropolitan Area, and historic references to the city go back to the 4th century and to Roman times. Prior to having lunch in the heart of the city, we stopped for a Port wine tasting at the Sandeman winery. Waiting for us as we approached the winery entrance was Bailli Délégué of Portugal, Anibal Soares. He had driven up from Lisbon, approximately 200 miles and wanted to join us for the tasting and the lunch that followed.   After the tasting, it was lunch at Maître Rôtisseur de la Chaîne, Alberto Lopes Restaurante Adega e Presuntqaria Transmontana. Alberto’s lunch menu stated: “Fresh wild fish baked in the Traditional way of Northern Portugal with 73 different desserts!” Alberto had the whole restaurant closed to the public. Only Chaîne members from the U.S. and Portugal were served here today. After lunch, Bailli Provincial Pacific Northwest Michael Martello honored our host with the traditional Award of Merit certificates, along with the US Floating Assemblage Chaîne pins for all who attended.   Everybody was soon up on the top deck. It was sort of windy when we started What do you know! We found the Sandeman winery    Heh, heh, it was all planned. Time for a tasting That's Bailli Délégué of Portugal Anibal Soares in the background Ok, it's time to eat at the restaurant.   Vivian presenting two officers from the local bailliage the Culinary Arts Cruise pen Another recognized Chaine Restaurant in Portugal We had a total of 73 desserts to pick from. This is a partial display It's time to recognize all those who deserve it Viva la Chaine     Before leaving town we observed some of the Portuguese families participating in a ritual street dance.       Once everybody is back on the ship, the captain drops the anchor ropes, and we sail north, make a turn right at the corner, then straight east to Bilbao Spain . . .   Day 11 - Day at Sea The Chaine gets a personal tour of the ship's kitchen Time to pass out a few "atta boys" to deserving ship staff members Now that is all done, let's do a little jive! Oh, oh, the show girls from down below has decided to join us All that dancing makes you want to go to the humidor room. Vivian! what's that in your hand? Day 12 - Bilbao Spain After returning to the ship, we pulled anchor and headed towards Bilbao Spain. Bilbao achieved world recognition with the opening of the spectacular Guggenheim Museum in 1997. The day our ship was in port, the Guggenheim closed its doors to the public and opened them only to ship passengers and staff. We had our own special and private showing followed by a wine and hors d'oeuvre reception. The Big Spider" at the Guggenheim Museum A shot of one of the entrances Ok, we've seen enough of the museum. Let's go back to the ship. Wow, looks nice, huh? Oh! We have a "Welcome Back" party (see sign). These are some of our butlers and room service staff. As we walked by each of us got a "Welcome Back Mr. and Mrs. Ray, or who ever the butler/room service personnel were assigned to. Next day, getting sized up for our group shot. Checking to see photo range and available body capacity Day 13 - Our next two stops included St.Malo, France, where much of the old town’s present appearance is due to faithful reconstruction after heavy bombing destroyed it in 1944; and Honfleur, France, very close to Normandy Beach where the U.S. and allied forces stormed the beach in June 1944. We had a chance to visit both of these places and get a little closer to the history in this area during World War II. A small shop in Honfleur The last leg on this culinary and country-hopping adventure was crossing the English Channel to Southampton England, where the local Chaîne organization hosted our group to a Saturday evening dinner and a Sunday afternoon lunch. Barbara Maw, Bailli of London, and Viv Laws, Bailli Regional carried out the planning and coordination of these activities. Prior to departing the ship for the last time, Bailli Provincial Pacific Northwest Michael Martello held a special reception and honored the ship’s captain, executives, directors, and the heads of all departments on the ship. It was ‘good bye’ time. As with all extended vacations or grand Chaine excursions, one usually returns home with a lifetime of memories; however, entirely exhausted, and just plain worn out. This trip was no exception. Am I glad I went on this trip? (and) Would I do another one? You bet, and You Bet! End JRAY2@SATX.RR.COM