Janet Silvera joins Chaîne des Rôtisseurs gastronomy organisation
Published:Monday | March 4, 2024 | 12:09 AMChristopher Thomas/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
The Gleaner’s Janet Silvera has been formally inducted into membership in the 39-year-old Jamaica chapter of the prestigious Chaîne des Rôtisseurs international association of gastronomy, following an elegantly formal ceremony in Kingston on Saturday evening to welcome her into the ranks of global fine-dining enthusiasts.
The induction ceremony, which took place at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston under the theme ‘The Roaring Twenties’ also saw Silvera being inducted into the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs’ Société Mondiale du Vin, an organisation within the Chaîne which was created to promote the enjoyment, knowledge and understanding of fine wines and crafted beverages. The Mondiale in Jamaica started in 2009.
Silvera described Saturday’s induction ceremony as a landmark accomplishment, in light of her having highlighted Jamaica’s culinary experts and showcases over the years through her journalistic publications, including in The Gleaner’s ongoing Food and Lifestyle sub-sections and its famous Hospitality Jamaica paper.
“I have always wanted to be a part of the Chaîne, because I believe that the work that they have carried out over the years has really helped to set Jamaica on a platform that allows it to be one of the most recognised countries in the region for culinary arts. It was a sense of pride and joy for me to see myself being a part of this prestigious group, and I am really humbled and honoured to have been asked to be a part of it,” said Silvera, who is also a businesswoman, a past president of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry and a former marketing officer for the Jamaica Tourist Board.
“Being inducted into both the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and the Societe Mondiale is a testament to my deep appreciation and involvement in the world of gastronomy and oenology. I want to become fully immersed in these two prestigious organisations, hence my reason for dual membership,” Silvera added. “The Chaine has a rich history and a remarkable group of individuals in the Jamaican hospitality industry who have carried the mantle showcasing the crème de la crème in the culinary world. Having them embrace me, through my induction, speaks volumes about their dedication and passion to widen access to their world, and I can only continue to grow under their leadership, unique perspective and insight.”
INCEPTION
The Chaîne des Rôtisseurs was established in 1248 under the order of Loius IX of France, to improve the technical knowledge of the apprentices, tradesmen and masters that made up its membership. After the system of guilds was abolished in 1793 during the French Revolution, the organisation was revived in 1950 by gastronomy enthusiasts, to include Jean Valby and Dr Auguste Bécart, who formally gave the group its present-day name.
The Jamaica chapter of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs was founded in 1985 at the Half Moon Hotel and is the oldest bailliage (chapter) of the wider organisation in the Caribbean, boasting 50 active members to include chefs, restaurateurs and hoteliers. The chapter is part of the United States bailliage, and is also one of nine bailliages that make up the Atlantic/Caribbean Islands Region.
Silvera expressed the view that Jamaica’s participation in the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs allows the country to have a high place on the global gastronomy platform, providing much-needed exposure for local talented chefs.
“A number of the chefs are very creative and very innovative, and a lot of the things that they bring to food and beverage in our hotels and in our restaurants came as a result of the Jamaicans who are involved in the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. The Chaîne is an international organisation, and when they meet up, they get an opportunity to see what is happening in the rest of the world,” Silvera explained. “Our food has really come a long way, and I am big into food, seeing as I write a lot about food and I do a lot as it relates to food.”
Meanwhile, Pierre Battaglia is the Bailli (head) of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs’ Jamaica chapter of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs’ Jamaica chapter, expressed confidence that Silvera will be able to contribute significantly to the organisation’s global reach.
“We have been talking about it [the induction] for a long time, as Ms Silvera has always been very interested about what the Chaîne is all about and what we are able to offer to our members. For her, it was a great achievement to now become a member and to be part of this organisation … I am sure she is going to contribute a lot to it,” said Battaglia.
“Apart from coming to functions here in Jamaica, there are all the benefits when you travel because the Chaîne is international, so you can have the benefits of being a member when you go to restaurants, when you go to shops, and when you go to different entities who represent the Chaîne, and you are able to get discounts and have privileges,” Battaglia explained.
Alongside Silvera, three other individuals in the food and beverage industry were inducted into the Chaîne during Saturday evening’s elegantly arranged function. The other inductees were Michelle Gordon, social media coordinator at Couples Resorts; businessman Andrew Issa; and wine importer Brian Nembhard, the president of Nembo Imports Limited.