Confrerie de la Chaine Des Rotisseurs
Garden State Bailliage
Chaine and Mondial Induction
Silver Spring Farm
October 26, 2003
By Ernest Jaeger, Charge de Presse Provincial de Mid-Atlantic, Honoraire
Situated in the heart of central Jersey, but worlds away in spirit, the Silver Spring Farm in Flanders, provided a lovely French country setting for Hunterdon-Princeton’s fall event. Members and guests were welcomed by Maitre Rotisseur Jean-Jacques Ivaldi, and his parents Guy and Jacqueline Ivaldi, who have owned the restaurant for decades. The late afternoon and evening event combined both the Hunterdon-Princeton’s 24th annual induction and its l’Ordre Mondial induction.
The annual induction held many special moments, recognizing significant milestones for some members and rewarding others. Chambellan Provincial, Commandeur George Muller presided over the inductions as Bailli Linda Woo introduced the four who would become members that evening. Vincent Troiano was inducted as Professionnel de la Table and Michael Pfeifer as Chevalier. In long standing tradition, Joseph Ardovino and Kelly Fischer, students in area culinary programs, were inducted with the title of Rotisseur. Hunterdon-Princeton is one of the only chapters in the country that inducts student members. This evening three student members were presented scholarships from the bailliage. Jason and Matthew Jaremenko received the Muirhead scholarship. This scholarship was initiated by Vice Conseiller Culinaire Honoraire Edward Simpson and his wife Doris, from the proceeds of special packages of their Muirhead products sold to Chaine members. Rotisseur Daniel Hromadka received the chapter’s Chaine scholarship. Hromadka was accepted for studies at the Culinary Institute of America.
In a very special moment, the chapter’s good friend Pair des U.S.A., Directeur Emeritus des U.S.A., Edmund Mancusi-Ungaro received his certificate and pin signifying his appointment to the newly formed Conseil d’ Honneur des Etats-Unis. Mancusi-Ungaro was also recognized as Officer-Commandeur. Isabel Benjamin received certificate and pin as Commandeur and Officier. Chef James Weaver was elevated to the office of Vice Conseiller Culinaire. Vice Conseiller Gastronomique Robin Jacobs was also presented with the Chaine’s Bronze Star of Excellence for her many contributions to the chapter.
Eight members were inducted into de l’Ordre Mondial by Muller. During the evening each was given the opportunity to present his or her verses to the Mondial Celebration Song.
With a great deal of felicity and fellowship, we adjourned to dinner. Ivaldi’s kitchen brigade presented a stunning French country feast, accompanied by outstanding vintages, perfect for autumn. We sat down to an appetizer of pan seared scallops in thyme oil accompanied with a mini ratatouille. The dish was accompanied by two outstanding selections, a Pouilly Fume Bertrand Jeannot et Fils 2001 and a Coup de Coeur dans le Guide Hachette 2003.
A Chateau Grand Barrail 1 er Cote de Blaye 2000 escorted the second course of Ravioli de Faison Sauce Poivrade. The wine has won a Silver Medal in Vinalies Paris. A sorbet intermezzo cleared the palate for roasted salmon served with a lemongrass and basil risotto beurre blanc. A refreshing rich Chablis 1 er Cru Mont de Milieu 2000 was a perfect accompaniment to the lemongrass and basil in the dish.
A perfect autumn dish of pan seared duck breast accompanied with spicy poached pear and chestnut puree was escorted by a Valenciso Rioja 1998 with enough depth and richness to accent the spiciness and fruits of this dish. Everyone agreed that the Rioja, which spent 18 months in New French oak barrels, was stunning.
The chef’s desserts, with a number of classic French pastries, were accompanied by a Couteaux du Layon Petit St. Louis, a lovely finale to the meal.
Bailli Linda Woo presented Ivaldi gifts bearing the Chaine insignia, as we loudly and gratefully applauded his kitchen brigade and service staff. Finding it hard to leave, we lingered over the last bites of dessert and sips of wine, never wanting the warmth and fellowship of this autumn special evening to end.
menu
Hunterdon-Princeton 24th Induction
And l’Ordre Mondial Induction
Silver Spring Farm
October 26, 2003
Pan Seared Scallop in Thyme Oil
Accompanied with a Mini Ratatouille
Pouilly Fume Bertrand Jeannot et Fils 2001
Coup de Coeur dans le Guide Hachette 2003
Ravioli de Faison Sauce Poivrade