Since its revival in 1950, ‘La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs’ has grown to impressive numbers: 25,000 professional and non-professional members across 80 different countries on 5 different continents. Being the world’s oldest and most respected fine dining society, interest has simply exploded amongst those who respect the world of quality gastronomy. Through Chaîne events, innovation and creativity continue to impress the palates of professionals, critics and connoisseurs. However, here in Bali, there has been an epiphany; whilst important to satisfy the needs of current, learned gastronomes, there is a need to educate a new generation, to awaken culinary appreciation amongst the youth. Thus, the birth of Jeunesse de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs in Bali.
There is a strong following of Bali’s Chaîne chapter, or ‘bailliage’, filled with members eager to explore the abilities of hospitality venues and professionals on the island, or be ‘wowed’ by the creativity of the Bali Chaîne board members to create a dining experience like no other. Almost every month they meet and enjoy a lunch or dinner bound by the rules of the Chaîne, which are, in simple terms, to enjoy good food, fine wine and what is called the camaraderie of the table. It is a simple art but an art all the same, one that is slowly being lost to the world’s new generation who now seldom converse over dinner, nor appreciate the effort put into the food placed in front of them.
The international Chaîne does not ignore the youth. Every year it holds the International Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs and Sommeliers Competition in an effort to find the very best of up and coming young chefs and sommeliers around the world – within the industry, the Chaîne does its part. However, outside the kitchen, where members await to dine, a demographic is missing. A younger demographic, who in all truth would find great pleasure in such events. Perhaps they are intimidated by the knowledge or conversational topics of the usual members? Who knows?
Nevertheless, this was an issue the Bali Chapter wished to address, seeing potential in growing a community of younger gastronomes – though, this generation may be called ‘foodies’ – to follow in the footsteps of the Chaîne and learn to appreciate such values. So, here in Bali, for the first time in the history of the Chaîne, a younger community has been formed: Jeunesse de la Chaîne, literally ‘Youth of Chaîne’.
The objective of this community, which is limited to ages 18-35, is to reintroduce the art of cuisine and the culture of the table. Through regular events, catered to younger interests, with the added educational components, this new Jeunesse de la Chaîne allows young people to grow their understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of food and drink, whilst of course making new connections and friends with a similar interest.
Though only at its beginning, it is with a sincere hope that this new, younger community will grow on the island and, eventually, grow beyond it. They are the potential inheritors of the Chaîne, thus are an important element to the Chaîne’s continuation. Viva la Chaîne!
If you or someone you know are interested in joining the Chaîne or Jeunesse de la Chaîne, visit www.chaine-bali.org for more information.
