Mark Bermann, Commandeur

 Welcome to the website of the Southwest Region of the Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. The Southwest Region is one of ten regions throughout the U. S., each of which serves the purpose of administering to the needs of the local Bailliages in its respective region. In the Southwest we have 19 Bailliages in six states which include  Colorado (2) , Kansas (1), Oklahoma (2), Arkansas (1), Louisiana (4), and Texas (9). By visiting the Section "Bailliages" you can get more detailed information about the Bailliages, their locations, and their officers.

The Chaîne (as it is referred to in everyday conversation) is the oldest known gastronomic society, having been initially founded in 1248 by Louis IX in Paris as a society of goose roasters. King Louis IX wanted to recognize the talents of his "preparers of the royal bird", primarily the goose and swan. The preparation was done by roasting them as they turned slowly over an open fire, while inserting larding needles to remove the grease and fat. Louis IX went on to become St. Louis because of his loyal service to the Church. After some 300 years, during which time the chefs honed their culinary skills, King Louis XII in 1509 created the Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and created the Chaîne seal. Until the French Revolution, The members spent the next 280 years creating the legend of French cuisine. Every royal household had a skilled chef who was a member of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.

It was not until 1950, while doing some research on ancient wine and food societies, a newspaper reporter named Jean Valby and some friends found the original charter of the Chaîne and had it reinstated by the French government. In its new life, the Chaîne is no longer the exclusive domaine of professionals. While chefs are revered and honored, they represent only about one-third of the 21,000 worldwide membership. Two-thirds of the Chaîne members today are those people who enjoy fine cuisine and wine. We count among our confréres members of royal households, heads of state, and high-ranking international figures at the United Nations. The membership in the United States at present is about 7,000, approximately 33% of the world total. The Southwest Region has approximately 1,000 members within its 19 Bailliages.

The benefits of belonging to the Chaîne are many, but education about wine and its pairing with food, participation in the preservation of the elegant dining experience, the opportunity to meet some charming people from all over the world, and the camaraderie developed while dining in harmony with friends are enough to motivate discriminating people to join this ancient society.

The Southwest Region is administered by the seven officers listed on the "Officers" page. I am serving my second term as Bailli Provincial. Since Regions and Provinces mean different things in the U. S. and the rest of the world, the head of the Region is the Bailli Provincial and all of the officers are Provincial officers.

Membership is by invitation only and many of our Bailliages in the Southwest have waiting lists, but you may direct any inquiry to any of the officers listed or any of the Bailliages, or you may activate the link to put you into the other websites.

Vive la Chaîne,

Mark Bermann

Mark Bermann, Commandeur
Bailli Provincial du Sud Ouest
Bailli Honoraire Houston, Texas
Consul Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs