Gala Holiday Induction Dinner
Sunday December 9th 2019
The Barns at Cooper Molera

Celebrating the Season & Romance of Early California

On December 8^th, the Monterey Bailliage gathered at the historic Cooper-Molera Adobe in downtown Monterey, CA, reminiscing of a romantic time when Monterey was the political and commercial capital of Mexican Alta California. John B. R. Cooper set off on the Pacific as a seaman and returned as owner of the schooner, Rover. He became a naturalized citizen of Mexico, married, bought a rancho in Carmel Valley and in 1829 built his two-story adobe – the Cooper-Molera, central to the commerce, trade and power in this bustling new city. This era in Monterey’s history exuded the prosperity of early pioneers and the dangerous allure of burgeoning power. Families enjoyed their city residences and bountiful social life often retreating to far off ranchos and the seductive search for gold.

As guests entered the historic adobe gardens, they were led down a path of traditional luminarias and the cool December evening was warmed by greetings of camaraderie and anticipation by Bailliof the Monterey Peninsula / Chambellan Provincial Glenn Hammer, his wife Sue and Vice Chancelier-Argentier, Mark Burger.  The Holiday spirit lifted to the heavens by the Taylor Rae Jazz Duo and their light and breezy Christmas songs.

In the warmth of the Alta Bakery, hors d’oeuvres, or rather small works of art by Chef Ben Spungin, were passed through the crowd and disappeared. Cured salmon on seeded rye with crème fraîche and caviar was presented on a substantial oak log covered with verdant moss. The image and flavors will long be remembered with pairing of Pommery Brut Rosé Royal, Reims. Guests in their finery were feeling the halcyon days of Monterey.

In the gardens, just ahead of some winter weather, guests were welcomed by proprietor Kirk Probasco and Bailli Délégué des Etats-Unis Hal Small, presented an eloquent history of the Chaîne followed by inductions of two new fortunate souls and elevated five dedicated members to their new officer roles. Members welcomed the inductees, Chef Rôtisseurs Chuck Hunsaker and Dame de la Chaîne Mollie O’Neal, bon vivant. Heading into the meticulously restored barns with ancient wood and old adobe walls, the senses were elevated by the elegant holiday interiors designed by Dame de la Chaîne Linda Lamb, who transformed the Old Barn to a festive celebration.

In the wake of the pomp and circumstance of the inductions came a brilliant surprise - Bailli Délégué des Etats-Unis Hal Small presented Bailli /Chambellan Provincial Glenn Hammer with the Gold Star of Excellence, a well deserved honor after 41 years of membership and countless hours of dedicated, creative service elevating the Monterey Peninsula Bailliage to a world-class reputation. As guests settled into their seats and conversations, Chefs Dean and Debbie Young, presented 6 courses of superlative cuisine with pairings of equal stature by Vice Echanson Honorair Bill Stahl.

The evening was finished with another artful masterpiece by Chef Ben Spungin of Alta Bakery, a Chocolate “Cremeux” with the richness softened by an herbal tea of Garden Lemon Verbena, Sage and Mint, a beverage very likely enjoyed in this adobe almost 200 years earlier. Guest’s retired to the gardens for cigars and quiet conversations and reflection on the approaching holidays.

Lisa Guthrie, Vice Chargée de Presse