The Bailliage of Bahrain of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs held a landmark Dîner Amical graciously hosted at the Manama residence of the Ambassador of France to Bahrain.
The elegant evening marked the first time that a Chaîne des Rôtisseurs event in Bahrain was hosted within an ambassador’s residence, representing a significant milestone in the chapter’s history.
The evening was hosted by Ambassador Eric Giraud-Telme and his wife Amelie, and brought together ambassadors, senior officials, Chaîne members, and distinguished guests for a celebration of gastronomy, tradition and international friendship.
Welcoming guests, Ambassador Giraud-Telme expressed his appreciation to Betsy B Mathieson, Bailli Délégué of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Bahrain, for her exceptional leadership and dedication to the guild. He also conveyed his sincere thanks to Sofitel Bahrain for its valued partnership and for delivering a traditional French festive dinner that exemplified culinary excellence and refinement.
In his address, the ambassador highlighted the rich history of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, tracing its origins to 1248 under King Saint Louis, its revival in 1950, and its standing today as the world’s oldest and largest gastronomic association, uniting more than 25,000 members across more than 80 countries. He emphasised the unique bond the Chaîne creates between professionals and amateurs, united by a shared appreciation for fine cuisine, culture and conviviality.
Ambassador Giraud-Telme also noted the global recognition of French gastronomy, inscribed by Unesco in 2010 as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, while warmly acknowledging the richness of Bahraini cuisine, encouraging greater international appreciation of its heritage, traditions and distinctive flavours.
Responding on behalf of the Bahrain Bailliage during the evening, Ms Mathieson delivered a witty and warmly received address reflecting on culinary diplomacy, quoting Talleyrand’s famous maxim, “Give me good cooks, and I will make you good treaties,” and celebrating the power of the table to build trust, friendship and dialogue.
Speaking as a Scot and a francophone, she also referenced the historic Auld Alliance between Scotland and France, underscoring enduring bonds forged through shared culture, hospitality and conviviality.
In a post-event reflection for the media, Ms Mathieson further commented on the broader significance of the evening and the mission of the Bahrain Bailliage: “Exquisite hospitality and rich culinary traditions are a shared heritage between France and Bahrain,” she said.
“We are especially delighted to see the rising profile of Bahraini chefs and cuisine, and the important contribution they are making to the growing global interest in gastronomic tourism.
“One of the central roles of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Bahrain is to actively support, encourage and help elevate Bahraini cuisine – celebrating its heritage, championing its talent, and ensuring it takes its rightful place on the international gastronomic stage.
“This cultural exchange through food strengthens understanding and proudly showcases Bahrain’s place on the world’s culinary map.”
The French dinner showcased a refined menu including Foie gras amuse-bouche, Turbot, plat principal de poisson, Filet à la Triomphale and Revisited Mont Blanc dessert, paired with exceptional beverages.
The Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Bahrain extended its sincere appreciation to the ambassador and his wife for their gracious hospitality, to Sofitel Bahrain for its culinary partnership, and to all members and guests whose presence made this historic Dîner Amical an unforgettable celebration of gastronomy and international camaraderie.
The first Dîner Amical of 2026 will be held at the Diplomat Radisson Hotel on Thursday.
editor@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))