TASTE of the times

Western Bureau:

From Africa to Europe the Chaíne des Rotisseurs dinner hosted at the Grand Palladium Resort in Hanover on Saturday, aroused and continuously engaged the taste buds of guests as they journeyed through a timeless culinary path.

An international gastronomic society founded in 1950 in Paris, Chaíne des Rotisseurs, is dedicated to bringing together those who share a mutual interest in cuisine, wine, and fine dining, in a spirit of camaraderie.

The seven-course meal paired with some of the most exquisite wines in the world, did not fail in its attempts to tease the palates that yielded at each bite or sip during dinner.

First stop on the culinary journey was Asia and the Pacific blue-fin toro (a special kind of tuna) fused with yukke sauce, seared Japanese eggplant, salmon caviar and Thai vinaigrette, provided guests with a renewed appreciation of how Asian meals can be savoured. Paired with a 2009 bottle of German wine Pfalz Dr Loosen 'Wolf' Riesling, the marriage was harmonious.

The flamboyance of Europe was uncovered with a free-range duck foie gras on the bed of wild rabbit terrine in Chardonnay grape and sprinkled truffle vinaigrette. The 2007 Chapoutier Cótes du Rhóne 'Belleruche' red wine was bursting with flavours as it went down deliciously smooth with the duck and rabbit.

Heading south - warm and flavourful

South American dishes are known for their spicy delivery and the Atlantic blue-tail shrimp and Brazilian black-eyed peas fritters with cashew sauce, chimichurri salsa and caramelised onion, didn't disappoint. Paired with the Montes Alpha Pinot Noir, this dish was easily among the favourites.

The taste of Antarctica through the key lime sorbet in limoncello reduction, offered an excellent palate cleanser to prepare the taste buds for a wild adventure to Africa.

When it was announced that the taste of Africa would include the highly anticipated alligator loin rubbed in Moroccan organic chermoula spices with fennel slaw and saffron drizzle, there was a buzz of excitement among guests who mustered the courage to indulge. The robust Robertson Bon Cap Pinotage paired well with the meal.

Succulent, yet full of flavours, the braised lamb was irresistible and disappeared fast from the plates of all who ate it.

After a scrumptious exploration of countries around the world, the North American crème brûlée trio of coconut, apple and coffee, paired with sweet Quady Elysium Black Muscat wine, was a superb close to an evening of culinary splendour.