An evening full of surprises was promised! From near and far 123 attendees arrived to celebrate our Bailliage’s 50th anniversary at the Conrad Miami.

“Through the Years” menus and memorabilia were on display. They included our 1967 inaugural menu, original applications for membership and a letter from Bailli Délégué Honoraire Spitler to Dr Charles Monnin granting the authority to create our Bailliage.

An awesome surprise at the reception was “body sushi”, based on the rare, ancient art of Nyotaimori (Japanese for "adorned woman”) where visual displays use the human form as their palette. Created by sushi Chef Mark Scharaga, who travelled from Las Vegas, the stunning array of sushi and sashimi were artfully and tastefully presented on fresh banana leaves atop a gorgeous nude model.

When seated we discovered personalized menus, boas and “50 & Fabulous” pins. The Induction Ceremony was officiated by Bailli Provincial Southeast Charles Radlauer in the presence of Bailli Délégué Hal Small (Member of the Conseil d’Administration) and Philip Evins (Member of the Conseil Magistral, Bailli Délégué of Great Britain). Among the inductees was Chevalier d’Honneur Clément Leclerc, Consul General of France in Miami.

Dinner service ensued. Maître Rôtisseur Virgile Brandel, the Conrad Miami’s Executive Chef, created a spectacular seven course banquet. Dinner was accompanied by Wine Spectator rated 90+ wines. As an added twist, guests compared Joseph Drouhin (Burgundy) to Domaine Drouhin (Oregon); Chablis vs. Chardonnay “Arthur” and Chambolle Musigny vs. “Laurene” Pinot.

During the evening Bailli Nancy Radlauer introduced the Bailliage’s founder, 96-year old Pair de la Chaîne Charles Monnin. To a standing ovation she presented him with a 2013 Robert Mondavi “Maestro” 50th Anniversary gold-embossed commemorative bottle to a standing ovation.

The Bailliage supports student scholarships at Miami’s Johnson Wales University. Bailli Radlauer introduced Rôtisseur Ariel Pallares and Maître Rôtisseur Michael Angnardo from JWU. Angnardo and his pastry team then surprised us with an incredible five-foot custom-designed cake of a wine barrel adorned with grapes and vines, topped with a bottle of champagne nestled in a bucket, bearing our 50th logo!

Continuing the accolades Bailli Radlauer acknowledged the tremendous contribution from her officers and helpers, including the “raffle angels”. Maître Rôtisseur Brandel received a commemorative plaque acknowledging the wonderful dinner he and his brigade had prepared.

Last but not least, Bailli Provincial Charles Radlauer proposed a toast to the Bailliage’s 50th and to Bailli Nancy Radlauer for her extraordinary contribution to the Chaîne. Everyone raised glasses “to the next fifty years!”

A final surprise tucked into gift bags was coffee mugs which when heated revealed both the Chaîne and the Bailliage’s 50th Anniversary logos. On the terrace overlooking Biscayne Bay the party continued until three o’clock in the morning.

The Bailliage’s five-decade milestone was spellbinding by any magician’s standards.

Nancy Radlauer
Bailli