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Marion Vogt hands over the “Chaines”
by Miss Terry Diner
The final event for 2002 for the local members of the
world-wide Chaine des Rotisseurs was the ceremonial welcoming of new members
(“Intronisation”) and the celebratory dinner afterwards. During the
evening, which was held at the Dusit Resort, Marion Vogt, the outgoing
“Bailli” for the Pattaya “Bailliage” handed over the “Chaines”
of office to the Bailli for 2003, well known restaurateur Louis Noll (Mata
Hari).
Members
and guests gather for a photo.
(from
left) Willi Timpke, Ingo Räuber, Dieter H. Precourt, Pascal Schnyder,
Khun Rassima (sitting left) and Murray Hertz (sitting right) enjoy the
hospitality.
After
his “Intronisation”, new member and birthday boy Marlowe Malhotra (3rd
right) poses for a picture with Peter Malhotra, Marion Vogt, Louis Noll,
Malwinder Malhotra, Warren and Noria Gerig.
(standing
L to R) David Jones, John Hankinson, Allan See and John Gowen; (sitting L to
R) John Littlechild, Hugh Millar, Douglas Rasario and Gary White.
The
jolliest group of all in the room was (standing L to R): Dietrich Sarx,
Marlowe Malhotra, Jan Olav Aamlid; (sitting L to R) Mio Aamlid, Malwinder
Malhotra and Elfi Seitz.
To describe the evening as a spectacular end to the year
would be the understatement of the year. The Dusit Resort put on as fine a
show as has been seen, with incredible d้cor throughout two ballrooms.
The Dusit’s Ingo Rไuber was seen personally arranging centrepieces
on the tables, while the staff set backdrops and arranged stage lighting.
There was no doubt in anyone’s mind - this was a major event.
After pre-dinner drinks in the Lobby Lounge, the members
witnessed the “Intronisations” (induction and elevation in status) and
then moved to the first Napalai Ballroom to experience eight different
poached and smoked crustaceans. These included king crab, Phuket lobster,
oysters, river prawns and yabbies. The wine chosen to go with this course
was a 2001 Muscadet Sevre et Maine sur Lie la Griffe Bernard Chereau, Carre.
Instead of having to wait for the tables to be cleared,
the members were then ushered through to the second Napalai Ballroom for the
next six courses (not including the vodka lime sorbet, truffles and pralines
and coffee).
Marlowe
Malhotra is inducted with the stroke of the sword, wielded by Warren Gerig.
Hugh
Millar, GM Ambiance Hotel, is elevated to Charge de Mission by Warren Gerig.
Louis
Noll is inducted as Bailli. Marion Vogt seems to reflect on the great
moments of her year as Bailli.
John
Littlechild is welcomed to the order by Warren Gerig and Marion Vogt.
Evelyn
Lassance joins the fraternity.
Louis
Noll (left) presents Khun Jakrapong, F&B Director Dusit Resort, a
certificate of appreciation.
Again, the Dusit team had produced items not often
experienced even by the culinary experts amongst the diners. Imagine
commencing with seafood and saffron cappuccino, followed by creamy mashed
potatoes and beluga caviar? Or a lobster “sausage” on champagne cabbage?
Or a “tower” built of turbot and salmon, with Indian papadums and
lentils (Dal), red wine, white wine, cream and red wine vinegar? These were
no ‘ordinary’ items, and it was interesting to see the reactions of the
members of the Chaine des Rotisseurs, some welcoming the new concepts and
tastes, while others, not so ‘avant-garde’ took a little longer to
adjust. As with all new items to tempt the palate, there would be those who
would find it an acquired taste. But this is all part of the excitement of
dining in the grand manner. However, there was nobody who did not enjoy the
1994 Muscat de Beaume-de-Venise Paul Jaboulet Aine!
As explained by Bailli Marion in her farewell address,
being a gastronome is not being someone who gorges his or her food, but
someone who enjoys their food and enhances that enjoyment by experiencing
that repast in harmonious companionship. And what better dinner companions
than other members of the Chaine des Rotisseurs?
Louis
Noll addresses the members in his debut as the new Bailli.
Warren
Gerig, President Confrerie de la Chaine Bailliage de Thailande, the highest
officer of all the Chaine des Rotisseurs clubs in Thailand.
Hans
Peter Held received a certificate of appreciation from Warren Gerig, while
outgoing Bailli Marion Vogt looks on.
Warren
Gerig and his wife Noria enjoy the moment.
The ceremonial sword, wielded by Warren Gerig the Bailli
National of Thailand, was placed upon the shoulder of the following,
upgrading them within the order: Louis Noll as the new Bailli of Pattaya and
Hugh Millar as the new Vice-Charge de Missions. New members inducted as
Chevaliers of the Order were John Littlechild and Marlowe Malhotra, while
Ghislain Lassance was admitted at the level of Maitre Grillardin and his
wife Evelyne Lassance came in at the Chef de Table level.
The year under Bailli Marion Vogt had been one of
surprises. Excellent dinners, new concepts in camaraderie and a new vibrancy
to the local Chaine. Very pleasant surprises and everyone in the Chaine
congratulated Marion and her husband Michael who had led the diners through
the explanation and history involved in every Chaine dinner during 2002.
Pattaya’s loss is Chiang Mai’s gain. You can expect to see a re-birth of
gastronomic pleasure in the Pearl of the North! In the meanwhile Pattaya
awaits the results of the fertile mind of the ebullient Louis!
Careful
please... Marion Vogt and Warren Gerig find that this lobster has a “hard
shell to crack”.
Ingo Räuber
receives his certificate of appreciation from Marion Vogt.
Ranjith
Chandrasiri and Stefan Heller talk shop.
Markus
Don Maddunma Baddakaranage (standing left) with Heiko Klimanschewsky
(standing right), Khun Num (sitting left), Hans-Günther Müller
(sitting center) and Gerd Hahn.
PM Thaksin visits World Scout Jamboree site in Sattahip and declares it nearly ready
urges public to be good hosts to the 30,000 scouts and guides
Suchada Tupchai
The time for the World Scout Jamboree 2002 is nearly upon
us, and to make sure everything will be ready for the 30,000 or so scouts
and guides, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra visited the site on December
8.
Prime
Minister Thaksin takes a taste of the liquid nitrogen ice cream.
PM
Thaksin gives the water rocket a go.
The
prime minister “takes a spin” on the virtual bicycle, which simulates
riding through Thai tourist spots.
The huge scouting event will take place December 28
through January 7 on navy land at Had Yao Beach in Sattahip. Boy and girl
scouts and guides will be arriving from around the globe. The logistics for
such a large-scale event are tremendous, and Thai organizers have been
preparing for years.
PM Thaksin, who was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister
Chaturon Chaisaeng and Pongphol Adireksarn, minister of education and
president of the administration and coordination board of 20th World Scout
Jamboree event, spent the day touring the site and declared that he feels it
is at least 75% ready.
The prime minister said he was impressed with the
preparations, and noted only a few things remain that need to be worked on,
like drinking water provisions, the registration process, food hygiene,
shelter cleanliness and the tidiness of some of the buildings. But he said
he was confident that these minor items could be taken care of within the
next 15 days prior to the opening.
Scouts
and guides prepare for the prime minister’s arrival.
Over
3,000 boy and girl scouts trekked in over 2 kilometers to the site of the
World Scout Jamboree site in Sattahip to be there when the prime minister
arrived.
Ah,
nothing like camping out under the stars.
A
“serpent boat” - one of the many activities that will be available for
the scouts to partake.
About 30,000 scouts from 127 countries have registered
for the event, including 6,000 Thai scouts. The prime minister said the
great number of international scouts turning up for the event proves that
the international scouts are confident of the security Thailand can provide.
For added safety of the scouts, during the event the general public will not
be allowed to enter into the restricted area.
The King of Sweden will also visit the camp and stay
overnight during the jamboree.
At noon on December 8, 3,060 Thai boy and girl scouts
arrived at the train station near the jamboree site, then hiked in over 2
kilometers to the registration building. The prime minister and his
entourage arrived later in the afternoon.
The group tour included stops at the international press
center, the temporary pier where they watched water sports practice, and the
city of science where they tasted liquid nitrogen ice cream (a new
scientific food and drinks research invention where ice-cream and liquid
nitrogen are mixed together to create a new flavor).
Before leaving, the prime minister asked the public to
provide support and convenience to the group of scouts while they are
traveling via local buses and trains. He said this is a great chance for
Thais to show the world their sincerity and generosity, to build a good
image and lure more tourists into the country. The prime minister also urged
everyone to be good hosts to the visitors.
The camp is situated on 7,000 rai on and around Had Yao
Beach in Sattahip. The territory is under the control of the Royal Thai
Navy. The camp is fully outfitted with all the necessary amenities such as
telephone lines, tap and drinking water, electricity, and mini-marts. During
the event, guides trained by the Tourism Authority of Thailand will lead
scouts throughout the camp in various activities. For security and privacy
purposes, parents and guests will only be allowed to watch their kids from a
viewing point.
The
site is a beautiful place to hold a scout jamboree in December.
A bank
of phone booths has been set up, just in case some of the scouts get a
little homesick.
The prime minister said that once the jamboree is over,
the government will maintain the site and hold annual national scout
meetings there, because the public should have a chance to admire the place.
For more information, on the World Scout Jamboree contact the camp at
Telephone. 0 3894 0000.
Herbalife’s “World Team School 2002” declared major success
Two years after taking PEACH (Pattaya Exhibition and
Convention Hall) and the Royal Cliff Beach Resort by storm, Herbalife
returned once again and left a similarly-lasting impression in the minds of
all who attended.
Over
4,000 delegates from all over the Asia-Pacific region attended the annual
Herbalife event at PEACH.
Over 4,000 delegates from all over the Asia-Pacific
region attended the annual event organized by the global nutritional product
giant, Herbalife.
The three-day event was the second largest ever to be
held at PEACH, surpassed only by its predecessor Herbalife “Asia
Spectacular 2002” which attracted 4,500 delegates.
Attracting top achievers from within the company’s
Asia-Pacific operations, the event offered a little of everything from
seminars held at the multipurpose PEACH to a welcome party for the entire
delegation held around the poolside of the adjacent Royal Cliff Beach Hotel.
Those who attended declared it a major success and are
already planning for a return to the venue in the near future.
The venue was recently voted “Best Meetings & Conventions Hotel”
in Asia-Pacific by TTG Asia magazine and provided ample opportunity to
demonstrate not only its ability in handling large-scale events but also to
assess the heightened security measures that have been implemented since
recent tragic events in Bali.
A Bond of Friendship
Jenny’s Fate - Part III
by The Urban Peasant
It finally stopped raining cats and dogs, but the sky was
mousse and cloudy. I woke up extra early that morning to pick up one of
Jenny’s babies for the boss’s secretary, as grapevine had it that
Jenny’s pups were to be given away.
Jenny,
the consummate good mum, feeds her thirsty pups.
I was wrong. I reached the house at 6.45 a.m., thinking
of what I was going to put the little puppy in if I was to take a bus, or if
not, how I would keep the baby under control in my car while I drive 80 km
to my work, and what would I do if my old, I mean classic car breaks down in
the middle of the highway. In this heat, it would be a dog day afternoon
with the pup sweating and me barking until someone goes to rescue us.
All that planning went to the dogs when Saeng told me up
front that the pups were not ready to be given away anyway. “Not a dog’s
chance. They are too young to leave their mom. Their eyes are still closed,
they won’t survive a day away from here.”
I peeked into their dwelling and they were jumping up and
down, bright eyed. Could be a case of dog in the manger, but what the heck,
we don’t want to break Saeng’s heart anyway ... yet.
Three weeks later I went to visit them again. Jenny was
doggone happy to see me, or anyone for that matter as it meant that at least
somebody would play with her pups and keep them busy enough to stop
following her around jumping doggedly at her breasts for milk.
“Poor Jenny,” Saeng said. “She is being used and
abused, her multi cups are worn out from the pups suckling and scratching,
as they get older their teeth also get sharper. But you know, getting all
that mom’s breast-feeding made them grow very fast and big. I would
recommend it to anyone, even human moms. I don’t mean they should come to
Jenny, but not to give their kids the junk food formula. Mother nature knows
best. On top of that the natural milk is hygienic and you don’t have to
wash bottles.”
The nine “pups” were litter-ally all over the place
in the garden trailing after their mom. Gee, Jenny is leading a dog’s
life.
I asked Saeng what their names were.
“Nothing final yet, Paradorn from a neighbor, Loxi from
our niece because she loves Loxi swimsuit, the fourth pup is Bazoo because
he has one eye black and looked like he was punched, and he’s short.”
The last baby is Joey Boy, for no known reason.
Miss Buriram said a few weeks after giving birth, Jenny
became sick. She was dog tired from all that feeding and finally couldn’t
eat and collapsed.
The vet subscribed Calcium and advised Jenny to get more
rest and drink milk, and send her kids to a boarding school.
When I visited Jenny this time, she looked pretty much
the same, neat and clean, but much more matured now than when she was a
maiden, which was only two months ago.
Now she is sublime and motherly, but yet to be at peace
with all the little monsters following her around like hounds.
The happiest person is of course, Miss Buriram, who
prides herself on her achievement in helping the mom deliver her 9 babies 6
weeks ago. Now she takes the pups, especially Bazoo, to her room to watch TV
soap operas together.
For the first time in a very long, long while, Saeng is
bonding again to someone, overwhelmed with the love she gets from the
innocent species.
“Anytime I get upset with the Madame I turn to my dogs.
They never fail to give me a pat on my face, a scratch on my foot, and a
pull on my sarong.”
Then I couldn’t help but to ask about the pups’
father, you know, the “bastard”.
“Oh that scum?” Saeng shrugged. “He’s around
alright, but wouldn’t dare show his face to me, because every time he
peeped in through the fence, a few hundred stones flew his way. You know, if
I have the power, I would bury him in the sand exposing only his head and
ask all the villagers here to stone him to death. That’s for making my
baby suffer.”
The bastard is now not sure what sect he wants to belong
to anymore to escape his final verdict.
The last time somebody saw him he dyed his tail blond,
his face was a Michael Jackson white, redid his nose, and shaved off the
whiskers on one side of side of his face. He even tries to bark like a Chi
Hua Hua nowadays. Yep, looks like he’s in a dog house.
Guess he will have to go through an identity crisis until Saeng cools
down.
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