Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs,

The Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs or the Brotherhood of the Chaine des Rotisseurs was founded in Paris, in 1248 during the reign of King Louise the IX of France as a guild for the roasting of geese. A goose at that time was considered a delicacy, and the roasting of it on a spit was considered culinary art.

During the French revolution in 1793 all guild was abolished, including that of the Chaine des Rotisseurs. It was not until 1950 was the Chaine des Rotisseurs resurrected by a group of gastronomes, and become what it is today; an International gourmet society with more than 25.000 members in more than 100 countries. Counting among its members royalties, government ministers, ambassadors, professionals in the food, wines and hospitality industries, as well as gastronomes; people who appreciate the art of fine dining.

Legend has it that King Louise the IX was so afraid of being poisoned that the brotherhood of the Chaine des Rotisseurs was created for his friends to taste the dishes and wines before the king would eat. These friends knowing that they could be poisoned anytime decided that they might as well enjoy the best that France could offer. The best food, wines, and the best services. Hence was the art of gastronomy born.

The king in appreciation of the service rendered to him, made them all nights ( Chevalier ) of the order of the Chaine des Rotisseurs. This tradition of knighthood is still carried until today, as those who are invited to become a member of the Brotherhood is inducted to become a knight of the order of the Chaine des Rotisseurs. Going with the time, and members are not only limited to men only, as it used to be, the women are inducted to become Dame de la Chaine des Rotisseurs.

Each of the member countries has its own National Administration, which co-ordinates activities within that country and is responsible for the overall development of the Chaine des Rotisseurs, Nationally.

The National administration also organizes the annual ‘chapitre’ which is the key opportunity for all members to meet together, and for newly appointed members to be inducted and receive their formal regalia.

The coat of arms consist of two crossed turning spits and four lording needles, surrounded by flames of the hearth on a shield encircled by fleur-de-lis and a chain representing the mechanism used to turn the spit. The outer chain along with the legend was added in 1950 to represent the bond, which unites the members of our society.

Vive la Chaine !