East Africa camaraderie throughout the entire weekend got off to a great start with an informal cocktail dinner held at the Fairview Hotel Nairobi.

It was a historic event meticulously organised by Michael Metaxas, Vice-Chancelier of Nairobi. Delegates from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda came together in an informal atmosphere for the first time. This nurtured and extended bonds of friendship within the Chaîne community whilst enjoying an extraordinary culinary experience.

For the occasion the hotel organised a World Street Food Festival featuring:
- Pan-fried crocket
- Moroccan beef kofta
- Chicken giros with tzatziki
- Pulled pork with sweet and sour chicken noodle
- Merguez hot dog
- Paella
- Vegetarian quinoa
- Vegetable lumpia
- An extensive sushi station
- An even more extensive dessert station!

Such was the success of the evening that Hatim Karimjee, Bailli Délégué of Tanzania, spontaneously offered to host an East African Chaîne camaraderie weekend next year!

Under the dynamic leadership of Bailli Andy Muir, the Bailliage of Nairobi celebrated its first anniversary by staging an elaborate Induction Ceremony on the Saturday evening at Villa Rosa Kempinski.

Inducting Officer Norbert Simon, Member of the Conseil Magistral from Austria, presided over the prestigious event which saw Shabnam Nayer formally promoted to be Bailli Délégué of Kenya. The eagerly anticipated ceremony was conducted in a flawless manner under Norbert’s guidance. Champagne and cocktails were then enjoyed in the hotel’s Presidential Suite. A pianist added to the elegant atmosphere.

For the gala dinner, the menu revolved around the celebration of 120 years of Kempinski Hotels. Signature dishes were selected from the group’s establishments around the world with wines and entertainment paired perfectly.

MENU

Ballotine of chicken
Pongracz Brut Sparkling Wine, South Africa

Russian eggs
Pongracz Rosé, South Africa

Poached Atlantic cod Admiral-style
Dr Loosen Riesling 2012 - Germany

Strawberry guotie
Mudhouse Pinot Noir – New Zealand

Braised leg of lamb
Rosemount Cabernet Shiraz 2011 - Australia

Kenyan milk tea mousse
Bacardi Oakheart Spiced Rum

The weekend was an unparalleled success with many guests attending for the first time showing a keen interest in joining the Chaîne.

We are already looking forward now to the 2018 weekend in Tanzania!

Shabnam Nayer
Bailli Délégué

Photos courtesy of Soho Studio, Nairobi