2014 Gala 45th Culinary Cruise

2014 08 30 Floating Assemblage LONDON event

LONDON:

A Gracious Send-Off

Confrères who were sailing on the Crystal Symphony as part of the Chaîne’s Floating Assemblage were treated to a fabulous “sail away” dinner by the London City Chapter on August 30. At the InterContinental London Park Lane, the group enjoyed a traditional English feast, featuring such treats as Yorkshire grouse breast, Gloucestershire beef filet, and chocolate tart with Kentish raspberries. As the Tampa Sun Coast Chapter’s newly appointed ambassador, I had the honor of presenting a U.S. Chaîne plaque to London City Bailliage officers. Pacific Northwest Bailli Provincial Honoraire Michael Martello and Hillsborough Bailli Lois Gogol deserve special thanks for their part in orchestrating this event. During the Floating Assemblage, attendees had the opportunity to celebrate the Hillsborough Bailliage’s forty-fifth anniversary. Many confrères from around the world were in attendance, and a great time was had by all.

Ambassador Robert Procida, Hillsborough Bailli Lois Gogol, Great Britain Bailli Délégué Philip Evins, PNW Bailli Provincial Hon. Michael Martello and Wessex Bailli Janet Evins.

2014 08 Floating Assemblage St Petersburg Event

ST. PETERSBURG:

The Value of Friendship

One highlight of our Baltic cruise in August 2014 was a two-day tour of St. Petersburg. Bailli Délégué National Harold Small recommended we use the tour company DenRus. I contacted founding owner Ali Sadik-Ogli—a Russia Bailliage chancelier—who was extremely helpful. Chancelier Sadik-Ogli and I met for lunch, during which I presented him with a U.S. Chaîne Ambassadors Program certificate and we exchanged bailliage pins. He also gave me a wonderful book on St. Petersburg. We agreed to continue our discussions and newfound friendship when he visits the United States. The Chaîne is as much about making new friends across the globe as it is about food and wine. For my fellow ambassadors participating in this great program, I am honored to be among you. For those of you who have not availed yourselves of the opportunity, I suggest you do so. Meeting and getting to know others in our organization from around the world is an unparalleled delight. -- Ambassador Stuart Goldberg

2014 09 06 Floating Assemblage Amsterdam Event

AMSTERDAM:

Camaraderie on the Canal

On September 6, 2014 the Crystal Symphony docked overnight in Amsterdam, providing an opportunity for attendees of the Chaîne’s Floating Assemblage to dine with Netherlands confrères at the Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky. The evening was organized by Bailliage des Pays-Bas Bailli Délégué Gerrit de Kiewit and Maître Hôtelier Herman Klok.

The champagne reception was held in the beautiful Winter Garden, an architectural wonder built in 1879. This indoor conservatory provided a gracious setting for confrères to meet and mingle.

In the hotel’s Restaurant Refet, we enjoyed a delicious five-course feast showcasing regional specialties. Following the meal, our hosts extended accolades to the chef and his team.

Pacifc Northwest Bailli Provincial Honoraire Michael Martello and Hillsborough Bailli Lois Gogol added to the praises of the Floating Assemblage contingent with mementos for our hosts. I was honored to present Bailli Délégué de Kiewit with a proclamation of appreciation from the U.S.

Chaîne and to thank the Netherlands confrères for their wonderful welcome.

Ambassador Vicki Altmeyer

ORIGINAL INVITATION