A Rocky Mountain Star Is Born

A Rocky Mountain Star Is Born
By Judith Kellogg, Hawaii/Pacific Islands
Chargée de Presse Provinciale
A bright new star has emerged within the
shimmering Chaîne constellation. On June 24,
under the leadership of founding Bailli Barbi
Benton, the Aspen Bailliage held its inaugural
event at the historic St. Regis hotel. The affair featured pomp and circumstance, along with music,
dancing, and, of course, beautiful food and
wine. Vice Chancelier-Argentier George Gradow
greeted arriving attendees at the Chefs Club. As
we ventured out to the flower-filled courtyard
for the reception and ceremony, we were serenaded by country singer Larry McKenzie aka
Wyatt Hurts.
Bailli Délégué National George Brown, Jr.,
who recalled that Bailli Benton was his very
first inductee after he became Pacific Northwest
chambellan provincial in 1998, was especially
pleased to do the honors. Southwest Bailli
Provincial Rufus Cressend assisted with the formalities. As Bailli Benton had initially joined the
Chaîne as a dame de la Chaîne of the Kauai/Oahu
Bailliage, several longtime friends from Hawaii
were there to cheer her on, including Hawaii/
Pacific Islands Bailli Provincial Bruce Liebert and
Kauai/Oahu Bailli Honoraire Carole Brooks.
We then took our seats for the magnificent
feast prepared by Executive Chef Didier Elena.
The first course of delicate hamachi escabèche
with cucumber granité was accompanied by
Terrazas de los Andes Reserva Torrontés 2011,
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ASPEN
1 Bailli Barbi Benton, Bailli Délégué National George Brown, Jr.,
and staff.
2 Kauai/Oahu Vice Chargée de Presse Kathryn Nicholson and
H/PI Bailli Provincial Bruce Liebert.
3 Kauai/Oahu Vice Chancelier-Argentier Aida Paulin and Dame
Patricia Eltinge.
4 H/PI Bailli Provincial Bruce Liebert, Bailli Barbi Benton, Bailli
Délégué National George Brown, Jr. and SW Bailli Provincial
Rufus Cressend.
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with its tropical fruit, white rose, and ginger notes.
Terra d’Oro Barbera Amador County 2011 paired
nicely with lobster ravioli with shellfish bisque.
For the third course, succulent lamb rack with artichokes and pimientos del piquillo was married with
the delightful Trinchero Mario’s Vineyard Cabernet
Sauvignon St. Helena 2009. The finale constituted
the perfect summer dessert: fresh berries with mascarpone sorbet and warm strawberry sauce, escorted
by Quinta do Noval Black Ruby Port N.V.
The festive mood continued into the night, as
the DJ cranked up the music and we took to the
dance floor. However, this lively event was just the
beginning for the Aspen Chapter. Bailli Benton has
wasted no time in planning activities that make use
of the natural beauty and resort resources of this hip
Rocky Mountain town. Aspen may turn out to be
the most athletic Chaîne bailliage, as she plans to get
members moving via bikes, skis, and feet (hiking).
Great start, Bailli Benton! The Aspen Bailliage
certainly has a vibrant future! U
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