Professional Membership

When the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs was reestablished in Paris in 1950, two of the five founding members were professionals—a rôtisseur and a grillardin. They were soon joined by restaurateurs, hoteliers, caterers, food and wine producers, and others. About one quarter of the world-wide Chaîne membership today continues to be made up of professionals. The experience, guidance and interest of our professionals has brought our Confrérie to its present respected place in the world of gastronomy.

To honor the important role of professionals in our society, the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs recognizes their contribution in many ways. One of the ways we recognize our professional members is by publishing a Directory of Affiliates on the Website.

The Professional Plaque

Upon induction, each professional member receives a handsome, full-color enamel plaque which can be displayed outside or within their establishment. Since Chaîne membership is offered only to the finest restaurateurs and hoteliers, the plaque proclaims excellence in food and service. Please note, however, that the plaques remain the property of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and can be displayed only so long as the member remains in good standing and is normally present at the property. Professional members may also use the Chaîne logo on menus, brochures or in news releases so long as it is accompanied by the member's name, Chaîne title, and the legend "Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs."

Gastronome

Our full-color Gastronome magazine reports on outstanding events held around the country. Whenever possible, we include photos and bios of member chefs and managers of host establishments.

Professional Challenge

Hosting a Chaîne des Rôtisseurs event offers the opportunity to showcase exceptional skills and creativity for an appreciative, knowledgeable audience. Many establishments use these events as a motivational experience for their staff. Those who "work'' a Chaîne dinner from planning to the final accolades remember it for a long while.

Young Commis Competition

The national Chaîne des Rôtisseurs organization sponsors an annual young cooks competition with participants coming from the kitchens of member establishments. Regional winners go on to compete in a national finals with the top scorer of that going on to the international competition held in a different Chaîne country each year. Awards are presented at all levels.

Young Sommelier Competition

Societe Mondiale du Vin, the wine arm of the Society, sponsors an annual competition for young Chaine-sponsored wine professionals. This contest provides participants with the opportunity to display their knowledge on wine, crafted beverages and wine service. Blind tastings and a written test are both components of the competition. Regional winners compete in a national finals. Awards are presented at both levels.

The Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Foundation

Through its special tax-exempt foundation and in conjunction with the major culinary teaching institutions, the Confrérie provides significant help to students of the culinary and viticultural arts. Funds are raised through member contributions, auctions, etc.

Professional Ranks

In keeping with the traditions of the ancient guild of rôtisseurs, our society has established a series of distinctive titles and decorations. The titles bestowed upon incoming professional members depend upon their present functions and whether they have direct responsibility for a kitchen and if the kitchen has a turning spit, as follows:

Rôtisseur - Young professional who works with a tuning spit or grill.

Chef Rôtisseur - Chef directing a kitchen with a turning spit or grill

Maître Rôtisseur - Proprietor or manager with responsibility for directing the kitchen of a restaurant or hotel with a turning spit or grill.

Maître Rôtisseur Traiteur - Proprietor or manager with responsibility for directing the kitchen of a catering establishment with a turning spit.

Maître de Table - Proprietor or manager of a restaurant who does not direct the culinary operations of the establishment.

Maître Hotelier - Hotel Manager or Proprietor.

Professionnel du Vin - A person directly involved in viticulture, producing wine or spirits, or the sale and distribution of such products.

Professionnel de la Table - A person directly involved in the growing or raising of foodstuffs or in the production, sale, or distribution of culinary items.

Testimonials from Our Professional Members

As for me, to be a member of La Chaîne is a matter of pride, as well as a wonderful way to meet people of similar interests, including one's peers from all over the world. It is a great way to enjoy exceptional food, wine and camaraderie in the company of good friends. In over 25 years as a professional member, I have always found the preparation and presentation of a "Chaîne" dinner to be an invitation to stimulate the desire of everyone involved to excel. It challenges the skills and expertise of both the culinary as well as the service brigades to be creative and to put on an exceptional performance. What better way for a professional to demonstrate his or her skills!

Henry E. Schielein - General Manager The Balboa Bay Club

Besides the fun of attending events, my Chaîne membership provides me the opportunity to learn what the discriminating consumer is looking for in our products, something of a window into the world of knowledgeable gourmets. I have had the pleasure also of traveling to a number of bailliages as a guest and a lecturer. Meeting with Chaîne members face to face has certainly provided me with an insight that I did not have before.

Ariane Daguin, owner of D'Artagnan
Purveyors of Foie Gras and Game

Taste is the discrimination of genius. For centuries, the power of taste has been defined by the passionate involvement of the Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and chefs constantly striving to create new compositions. Our role is to enhance flavors and aromas of spices and to share our knowledge through discipline and passion. For us chefs, sublime magicians, our art is not immortalized by being framed on a wall. It simply dwells in the exaltation of a meal and the remembrance of our masters.

Christian Rassinoux, Executive Chef
The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel