Chaîne des Rôtisseurs

The Bogotá Gun Club hospitably opened its splendid doors to the Chaine des Rotisseurs and the Bogotá Chapitre was privileged to celebrate its annual Gala event there this past December 10th. 

Founded in 1882, the Gun Club is the oldest and most prestigious social club in Bogotá and continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many due to its warm and embracing atmosphere conducive to lively discussions held by members and their guests as they enjoy card games, billiards, sumptuous meals and accompaniments from the well-stocked wine cellar and bar.  The Gun Club houses an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures and antique guns. One such piece of artwork is by Andrés De Santa Maria, a pioneer of impressionism in Colombia and the most internationally recognized Colombian painter of his time. It is also known that many of the Gun Club´s members are passionate about and are said to have the largest number of antique cars in all of Colombia.

With 70 confrères and guests in attendance our Gala evening began with a delicious glass of bubbly, Cava Castillo Perelada, as Colombian Bailli Délégué, Fernando España, officiated the ceremony initiating 14 new members to the Chaine des Rotisseurs´ Bogotá chapter.  Chef Yeni Chacón tantalized us with delicacies as the rest of the team provided impeccable service, including the demure yet attentive monk-robed waiters.  Chef Yeni began an important part of her culinary career representing Colombia and as winner of the 2006 international Jeunes Chefs Rotisseurs competition in Australia. 

Towards the end of our Gala evening, Bailli Délégué Fernando España paid a lovely homage to deceased brothers Bernardo and Santiago Padilla, each of whom in turn acted as Bailli Délégué for Colombia in prior years.  Camilo Gutierrez, our international guest from the Washington D.C. bailliage and cousin of the Padilla brothers, also spoke endearingly of his cousins as well as the joy of participating in international Chaine events, which the family often did.  Camilo shared that being a member of the Chaine des Rotisseurs and participating in local as well as international activities isn´t only about gastronomy and travel but also provides a wonderful opportunity to develop and strengthen beautiful friendships. 

As is usual during our Chaine dining events, those present couldn´t arrive at a unanimous decision about our favorite dishes, which is obviously part of the fun!  Among the unofficial winners were the scrumptious mushroom-stuffed Cornish hen and the mouth-watering 8-hour long braised oxtail.  To top off the evening we were delighted by the pairing between the luscious chocolate sphere and the Oporto Fonseca Reserva Bin 27.  A hearty round of applause was given to the kitchen and service brigades and Gala attendees ended the evening pleased and in happy banter. 

                                                DECEMBER GALA MENU

Caramelized Pears wrapped in Jamón Serrano aromatized with Ricard

Bernard Magrez, Douce Vie, Côtes de Provence, 2017

Blue cheese timbale et crème de cassis

Domaines François Lurton, Les Fumées Blanches

Delicate white fish fillet and sauce vierge on a bed of creamed watercress and green curry

Crisp of fennel bulb

Sauvignon blanc, 2020

Mushroom Farci Cornish Hen nestled over orzo and cream of truffles

Finca Antigua, la Mancha DO, Crianza, Petit Verdot, 2016

Red wine-braised oxtail simmered for 8 hours

Sauteed baby vegetables, herb and butter baked potato wedges

Luigi Bosca, Lujan de Cuyo, Malbec DOC, 2018

Luscious chocolate sphere with salty Baileys caramel

Oporto Fonseca, Reserva Bin 27