Pierre Battaglia, general manager, Couples Sans Souci and Vice Conseillier Culinaire, Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Jamaique promised a beach party with a difference -a fun-filled, relaxing day on the beach with good company, fine wines and fantastic atmosphere. This he delivered assisted by Operations Manager Nicholas Lynch; Food and Beverage Manager Dwight Powell, and Head Chef Morice Lewis.

Guests on arrival, enjoyed a range of enchanting cocktails which included pulled pork and sage on roasted breadfruit with an ackee dip, shrimp ceviche and Mozzarella-Gorgonzola stuffed mushrooms with fresh avocado.

Eschew all thoughts of a traditional, ever so formal Chaine dinner; this was a beach party complete with a Spanish-Caribbean theme. The buffet lunch menu included an oasis of fresh fruits and vegetables, jerk pits on the beach complemented by a range of Old World wines from France, Italy and Switzerland. As we approached dessert, the sun approached the horizon for a beautiful bonfire sunset. The musical styling of The Uzuri Cabaret Ensemble took guests on a global tour.

Wines

Poured to complement the assorted salad greens was a rather bold 2007 Louis Latour Grand Ardeche. This 100 per cent Chardonnay from the Côteaux de l’Ardèche region of France is yellow-green in colour, with a subtle hint of vanilla. On the palate there are soft notes of spice and vanilla. This is a round and powerful wine.

A very fresh and lively 2006 LUNATO Orvieto was served along with the chilled spicy avocado soup spiked with local Scotch bonnet pepper. With the very large selection of grilled meats and fish, patrons were given a choice of 2009 Grand Reserve Flurie, France; or the 2009 Schloss Grünenstein Pinot Noir, Switzerland – a wine some considered to be the hit of the day. Another refreshing Swiss wine – Rosenmuskateller Vallagarina — ended the evening along with a wide range of delightful desserts.

The scorching heat aside, which caused a few persons to be jostling continuously for shade, a great time was had by all.

The Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs is the oldest and largest food and wine society in the world. The society is vintage and the events are cutting edge. The Jamaica Bailliage forms part of the United States chapter, which is now in its 52nd year with about 6,000 foodies, gourmands, gourmets, gastronomes, chefs, restaurateurs, hoteliers, oenologists, winery owners, sommeliers, food and wine educators, and others interested in the finest of dining and life experiences and enjoying the camaraderie of friends at dinners and events. The tradition of the Royal Guild of Goose Roasters of 1248 was revived in Paris in 1950 and the group now carries on those traditions.

Chris Reckord – Entrepreneur & Wine Enthusiast and Vice Echanson- Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Jamaique. Send your questions and comments to creckord@gmail.com. Follow us on twitter: @DeVineWines @Reckord