Gilles in France February 2020 | Confrerie Dinner
Last night I had dinner at La Guilde Internationale des Fromagers - Confrérie de Saint-Uguzon. The event took place at the Musée du Vin (museum of wines), rue des eaux Metro Passy near the Eiffel Tower. The museum itself is so interesting to visit, I was lucky enough to have a sneak peek alone, as I was part of a small group of confreres invited to go in earlier. The vaulted tunnels were carved more than 1400 years ago, part of a 9 km network. The museum is full of wine artefacts & memorabilia.
Our Confréries group was re-assembled by the prévôt (president) Mr Rolland Barthélémy who led the entire ceremony efficiently, with 230 people attending, it took place outside the courtyard which was the only open space big enough. At that point I could not take photos as I was dressed in my official coat (which kept me warm as the outside temperature was rapidly decreasing to the 8.7 degrees Celsius). I was honoured to represent New Zealand in this very international 575th Chapitre d’Intronisation for new members. Followed by dinner inside the cellars, where Champagne and Foie Gras were a must-have entrée. Sitting between a team of Cheese makers from Comte - Jura and a Japanese delegation from Le Salon de Fromages Hisada (Paris), it was a hard work to keep the “ cheesy “ conversation flowing. By the end of the night, it was hard not to fall asleep on the Metro to my hotel (still fighting the jetlag).
Musée du Vin (museum of wines)
The Japanese delegation from Le Salon de Fromages Hisada (Paris)
Gilles M in his official coat
Dinner at La Guilde Internationale des Fromagers