Event Recaps

Induction Dinner

Article by William M. Harris, bailli

Albany induction dinners are always special occasions and our 2017 event was no exception. On Sunday, May 7th some 64 members and guests assembled at the Empire State Plaza to enjoy a seven course feast.  But wait, we are getting ahead of ourselves.

The Champagne reception was held on the observation deck of the Corning Tower, the tallest building in perhaps 100 miles. From 42 stories up, Chaine members and guests were treated to spectacular ...

It’s All Greek to Me

Article and Photos by William M. Harris, bailli

On Sunday, March 19, 2017, 48 members and guests of the Albany Chaine convened at Athos Restaurant in Guilderland, NY, just outside of the Albany city limits. The kitchen is overseen by the unflappable Lou Agostinello, a CIA trained Executive Chef. Chef Lou has worked under some of the finest chefs in the country, including Albany’s own Certified Master Chef and Maitre Rotisseur, Dale Miller. While Athos is unquestionably a Greek Restaurant, Chef Lou, who is skilled in the cuisines ...

Celebrating the Year of the Rooster

Article by Dame Christina Ostrander

Every twelfth year is the “Year of the Rooster” in the Chinese zodiac cycle. This year specifically is the “Year of the Fire Rooster” and is associated with the color red. On January 30th about 36 members and guests of the Bailliage d’Albany came together, almost all wearing red, to celebrate good fortune and happiness throughout the coming year at Rain Modern Chinese in Albany, NY. Chef Rôtisseur Jose Arteche with the support of the restaurant’s owner, Frank Lee, worked ...

A Gastronomique Tour of Italy

Article and Photos by William M. Harris, bailli

Campagna Restaurant located in Malta, just a few miles south of Saratoga Springs, was the venue for the Albany Chaîne’s January 8th dinner attended by 48 enthusiastic members and guests. The relatively new restaurant is owned by two former pharmacists, Joe and Elizabeth Montemorano. Embarking on upon this new enterprise was not as radical a departure for them as one might expect. Elizabeth’s father was a farmer and longtime ...

A Food Festival Extravaganza

Article and Photos by William M. Harris, bailli

In general, country clubs and private clubs are not known for their culinary fare or flair, since club members often insist upon the tried and true staples (rack of lamb, seared scallops, New York strip steak, burgers and fries, etc.) and vociferously resist any departure from the usual suspects. This is not to say, however, that the executive chefs at these clubs are incapable of creating memorable culinary experiences when ...

A Picnic in the Berkshires
Article and Photos by William M. Harris, bailli

Generosity is a trait shared by many of our Chaîne members and this was made evident by the response to my request for a venue for our summer picnic and professional members to prepare the fare.

Albany Officier Keith Edwards, an internationally known neurologist, and his charming wife, Judy, without hesitation offered up their lovely home and ample grounds in Williamstown, Massachusetts for our Chaîne summer celebration. A call to our Chaîne chefs was promptly answered by four volunteers and ...

Professionals Dinner at The Brook Tavern
Article and Photos by Bailli William M. Harris

Our fourth professionals only dinner was held at The Brook Tavern in Saratoga Springs, New York on Sunday, June 6th and was hosted by Maître Rôtisseur Bob Lee, the restaurant’s owner. These dinners are now an annual fixture and enable our professionals to get together for an inexpensive, casual meal and to socialize with their peers throughout the evening. Due to time constraints, family commitments and sometimes financial ...

A Memorable Dinner in Sharon Springs – Worth a Trip from Anywhere
Article by Vice Conseillor Gastronomique Stuart R. Horn
Photos by Bailli William M. Harris

Why would 34 members and guests of the Albany Bailliage leave the familiar environs of the Capital District for a black tie reception and dinner in Sharon Springs, a tiny rural village (population 513), 55 minutes away and remembered primarily for the faded and defunct warm sulphur baths beloved by so many European immigrants who ...

The Impossible Dream
Article and Photos by William M. Harris, Bailli

I had a dream! I had a dream that the Albany Chaîne could enjoy a world class tasting menu without traveling to an iconic restaurant in New York City, Chicago or Napa Valley and without spending thousands of dollars. Impossible, you say! Well doubters and naysayers read on. While most area chefs and restaurateurs would be intimidated by such an ambitious undertaking, Maître Rôtisseur Jaime Ortiz, former executive chef and ...