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Published Summer 2008 The Newsletter of the Savoy Gastronomes • www.savoygastronomes.com

FOUNDED IN 1971 • DELIVERING THE NEWS THAT MATTERS • PUBLISHED IN LONDON FOR THE WORLD

DUNCAN PALMER ELECTED The Savoy Archives by Susan Scott Archivist of The Savoy PRESIDENT FOR 2008 Since The Savoy closed at the end of last year, there’s been some College, were spent gaining a string of accolades. He then concern about the fate of the Savoy Archives, which many of you experience at Whitbread’s, the moved to Mayfair as General will know were principally kept in a storeroom in the Directors’ Royal Lancaster Hotel and Marks Manager of the then Blackstone Corridor. Some of you will, I hope, remember me, the last and Tey Hotel in Colchester. This was owned Connaught until 2002. It indeed longest serving of the Savoy Archivists. You’ll be pleased followed by time at Brown’s in wasn’t long however before the to know that The Savoy continues to value its history and has a London’s Mayfair on a year’s Far East caught his eye again genuine commitment to the archives. Towards the end of last year graduate training programme and and he happily returned to I oversaw the removal of the entire collection from the hotel to ultimately, in Food and Beverage Bangkok to run the stunning secure offsite storage, so for the moment I can allay any concerns administration which led to his Sukothai Hotel. In 2004 Duncan as to the safety and integrity of this unique resource. My appointment as Assistant Food was made Managing Director of understanding is that there will be a new archive store in The and Beverage Manager. A six the oldest hotel in London, the Savoy when it reopens, which I’ve already been asked to advise month stint at The Dubai 429 room Langham, where he on, and we are also hoping to install a permanent historical International, in the UAE, as is responsible for the overall display in the hotel. Assistant Food and Beverage strategic approach for this I hope this sets minds at rest regarding the fate of the Savoy Manager followed. This was property, as the flagship of Archives and the continuity of their care. I should add that I clearly an exciting chapter in Singapore based Langham continue to work for The Savoy on a freelance basis, and although Duncan’s quality career as, whilst Hotels. He orchestrated and it isn’t possible to do new research in the archives at the moment, I he had decided to go to the Far managed the handover of the am able to provide a skeleton service. So if you happen to have Loughborough-born internationally East as Food and Beverage management of the hotel from any general historical enquiries, you can still contact me on recognised hotelier Duncan Manager, he agreed to stay on Hilton in May 2004. He is [email protected]. inter-regnum until he left in June currently involved with a complete Palmer has graciously accepted Movers and Shakers to be our President for 2008. 1983 to join the 438 room redevelopment of the hotel for all Our newer Past President for 1994 Your Committee is thrilled that Mandarin Oriental, Macau, public areas, restaurants, bars Members - where Christian Duffell is working for very busy Duncan has agreed to as Food and Beverage Manager. and banqueting space and all are they now? TISSL, outside Aylesbury, – a step into the particularly huge This was the first of his many bedroom accommodation. This The closure of the Savoy in privately owned UK based footprints left by his immediate distinguished roles within this multi-million pound project will be December brought about a company, but operating globally, predecessor, Andrew Hirst, iconic hotel group. It wasn’t long completed by the Spring of migration of many of our new supplying very user friendly EPS who said “thank you for entrusting before he was promoted to 2009. Duncan’s passion for the members across the globe. systems to the hospitality sector. Do Hong Kong with this prestigious Resident Manager; a post he industry is exemplified by his Many of the Front Office Team call him on his office number event”, in reference to the last held with distinction until 1986. numerous awards including the at the time of the closure have 01296 681413 or on his mobile outstanding Hong Kong based Duncan moved as Manager to Dom Perignon Award for stayed within Fairmont and as 07790 670328 and he’ll tell you reunion. When not at his day job the Mandarin Oriental in Excellence from the Academy of such will be a valuable more. as Managing Director of The difficult Manila, where he Food and Wine Service, the resource to them and us for Committee member, Rachel Langham Hotel in London, oversaw a US $15 million Chevalier de l’Ordre du Merite establishing links with the Angell, who came to Hong Kong Duncan can be found in refurbishment of all public areas Agricole (British Equivalent of the Reception team when the hotel with her sister Carrie, has moved salubrious Englefield Green in and rooms over a 15 month MBE) from the French reopens next year. on from and taken Surrey or at his hideaway in period until July 1988 before Government. He is a Master Ex-Committee member Asta up her new position as Senior Cornwall. In line with many others moving to The Oriental, Innholder of the Worshipful Brandes joins fellow members Events Manager at the Mandarin in the hospitality world Duncan Bangkok as Resident Manager, Company of Innholders and was Marie Koehler and Uli Hyde Park in London. Rachel enjoys travelling and has under legendary Kurt their Chairman in 2001. He is an Schwerr at The Plaza in New kindly gave Afternoon Tea for two extensive contacts around the Wachveitl, who took such good Honorary Academician to the York. This landmark hotel is due as a raffle prize. globe both professionally and care of Gastronomes in February Academy of Culinary Arts and a to reopen this year with 282 Laetitia Pardo and her personally. He is a keen tennis this year. During this time the hotel Member of the European Hotel rooms including 152 pied-a- partner Christos have moved back player, enjoys golf and has a collected numerous global Management Association and a terre suites. to Belgium, where Laetitia takes on strong passion for good awards. In 1989 Duncan moved Fellow of the HCIMA. He places The Orient has attracted two the exciting new role of Director of restaurants. Born on Prince again to the 450 room huge value on his membership of new members also with really International Sales for Dolce Charles’ birthday, Duncan was Mandarin Oriental, Jakarta our Amicale as witnessed by the exciting opportunities for hotels. educated at The Leys School in as General Manager and the Langham generously sponsoring Ronald Dooremalen working After a year in Milan, Stefano Cambridge, before joining hotel was voted as ‘One of the the Savoy Gastronomes Olive with Fairmont in Singapore and Leone moved in November to Westminster Hotel and Catering Top 25 Hotels in Asia’ by the Barnett Award. His current year Natalie Cockayne opening take on the General Manager College where he obtained an highly rated American Institutional as our President will undoubtedly the new Fairmont Beijing. Ollie role at the Bagni do Bormio Spa HND with Honours. He also Investor magazine. But The be remembered as one of great Ormond can be found surfing Resort in the Italian Alps. attended a thirteen week Harvard Savoy London beckoned, and pleasure both for him and the the waves at the dreamy We wish them all the best in Business School Programme for Duncan returned to work for Amicale. If you would like to Fairmont Hawaii. their new and exciting roles and Management and Development. Ramon Pajares, as General contact Duncan directly his We wish them all the best in look forward to seeing them at His early hotel days, prior to Manager, and again under his address is Duncan.palmer their new roles. future events. graduating from Westminster watch our Alma Mater collected @langhamhotels.com Bon mots received by the Committee following our 37th Annual Reunion in Hong Kong “I just wanted to drop you a note because we had worked up an I look forward to seeing you at and myself to say thank you for Maria for her hand in marriage to say thank you for all the hard appetite with the leisurely 'hiking' the next meeting but I really such a wonderful time in Hong and she said yes...!” work you must have put into the across the Island. wanted to say thank you on your Kong. I know you and Maggi “Thank you for your very kind wonderful and exciting time we It was a great opportunity to return.” worked very hard organising the words of appreciation to my team. had in H.K, whilst making it appear revisit old haunts and to renew “I think you may all still be trip and it went without a hitch from It has been our pleasure to so effortless. The programme was acquaintances from more than thirty soaking up the sun in Bangkok, but our point of view. The welcome The Savoy Gastronomes, so well thought out giving sufficient years ago. Peter French, in I wanted to write to say thank you accommodation, the food and the such a wonderful and exclusive time for the all important shopping, particular, was a great pleasure to for a fabulous trip to Hong Kong. I company were all brilliant, and we assembly of hospitality experts. Rest each item of which we got back meet again and catch up on the know how hard you all worked, can’t wait for the next one!” assured your kind words will be home intact. Lynne and I enjoyed gossip, some of it a little indiscrete! and it definitely paid off. Carrie “On behalf of Maria and passed on to Wallace and his all the organized meals but I think Although the group was smaller and I had a great time, and we myself thank you so much for team. Meanwhile, I hope that your our favourite was the seafood than on the Venice trip I found this were both touched by the welcome organising such a great trip we horse will be soon up and running lunch on Lamma Island, which was gave me a better opportunity to she received from all – in proper really enjoyed ourselves. Please again so that we can see you at full of fresh flavours. Perhaps we meet more Gastronomes and Gastronome spirit!” also note that on our last day at the winning circle.” enjoyed that meal so much guests than previously. “Just a quick note from Anne the Oriental Bangkok I asked

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Press Coverage in Hong Kong Would the last The Savoy 2009 weekly basis to capture the bare bones of the building. Her images, one out please As the doors finally closed on the along with Savoy Gastronome and turn off the Savoy in mid-December 2007, steel- General Manager Kiaran W. lights? toed boots and hard hats walk the MacDonald’s online monthly corridors instead of the brogues and The day the Grand newsletter both provide a fascinating bonnets of visitors gone by. Fairmont Lady closed her and illuminating read. You can read have committed to use the £100 doors. all about the plans for the reopening million plus to create “an Edwardian- at http://www.fairmont.com/savoy Something I will always inspired, classic English look harking then click on renovations and it takes remember; marking the closure back to its late 19th-century origin you to www.savoy2009.com. On in the Savoy's Front Hall with and the thirties art deco influence the left handside of that there is a tab colleagues and guests that followed on”. "General Manager's Diary". There is assembled together, as we They have some exciting plans another tab with "subscribe" and you raised our Champagne flutes to such as a new Royal Suite, the re- can complete the details to receive mark this very special moment. launching of the River Restaurant, the updates. The photographers account Tears and smiles were seen new Beaufort Bar to challenge the is within "Savoy News". The simultaneously, but one thing American Bar and the reinstatement Committee look forward to was for sure; the amazing of the Glass Ceilinged Thames welcoming Mr MacDonald to one of atmosphere that I will remember Foyer. There are other more our future events, to getting to know forever. contemporary plans such as the new him and to hearing first hand about I can’t wait to see the Savoy Tea Shop complete with bijou his enormous task. Meanwhile restored Grand Lady in 2009! gifts and a Patisserie. Count Peter, still astride the Fairmont have appointed Written by Ronald courtyard entrance, watches over it Siobhan Doran, a photographer, to Dooremalen now in all unchanged. Singapore. document the refurbishment on a

2007 Summer Reunion in Kew Gardens Through the great efforts of the charming Stella Leung Director of Public Relations for the Excelsior Hotel, and the Mandarin Oriental Many Gastronomes enjoyed a Public Relations team, the local and regional media soon got wind of splendid sunny day in the Pavilion our visit and the following is a literal translation from Mandarin of an at Kew Gardens on Saturday 14th article written by a journalist who tailed us. The full page colour July. Delectable gourmet picnics article appeared in the Sing Tao Daily on Tuesday, 19 February were provided by member Hugh 2008 and is in our archives. The South China Morning Post also Wainwright, presented in very carried a flattering diary piece on the Amicale. Editor’s note: In order smart picnic rucksacks, to preserve the flavour of the article no editorial corrections have been accompanied by Lanson made. Champagne and nicely chilled therefore the restaurant offers a white wine. Once the last of the EXCLUSIVE REPORT: wide range of dishes that cater to Gastronomes had been dragged International gourmet in their tastes. Besides a good kicking and screaming from Kew’s search of culinary delights selection of dishes, all prices are “summer beach” next to the in Hong Kong listed clearly with currency Pavilion we caught the Kew For someone who was born and conversion rates. Express train for a tour of Kew raised in Hong Kong, it is hard to say what is so attractive about Palace. The Palace, built in 1631, Enjoy Hong Kong Skyline from was the family home of King this city. Dubbed as the the top “Gourmet Paradise”, Hong Kong Julian of Savoy Gastronomes was George III and was a sanctuary has attracted a group of veteran impressed with Hong Kong’s for the King, Queen Charlotte and hoteliers who have previously characteristics, “The buildings in the Royal Family during his illness. worked for the renowned Savoy London are mainly low-rise The Palace, completely and Hotel in London. During their 5- whereas in Hong Kong, buildings lovingly restored in 2006, was the day trip, the group tried all local are of different heights and looks spectacular setting for a private culinary delights. This exclusive more interesting.” No wonder the 80th Birthday celebration for HM report follows the footsteps of group chose to host a cocktail The Queen in April 2006, hosted the group to their cocktail party party and dinner at The Excelsior’s by her family. It was another very at The Excelsior and a seafood 34th floor TOTT’s for the meal at Lamma Island. happy Gastronomes event and spectacular views over Victoria shows that unusual locations that Harbour. Having both worked in Annual gathering Hong Kong previously, Julian’s son have not been visited before by Hailing from London, the Savoy and daughter-in-law said that Gastronomes individually, are Gastronomes organizes an annual “Hong Kong is more beautiful than absolute winners. The forthcoming gathering in different corners of the before”. At TOTT’s, the group tried Summer 2008 reunion in the world to enjoy great food from the signature cocktails and dishes Kitchens of Windsor Castle is a around the world. This year, the including duck breast and Bailey’s prime example. gathering was held in Hong Kong cheese cake. While these are not and was the first to be staged in Chinese cuisine, they do reflect the London’s Café Royal world to create a new brand hotel. decades have been produced Asia. Throughout the trip, the group international flavour that Hong to be given six star It already owns hotels in from the vineyard – and the of 60 has been to The Excelsior for Kong embraces. Amsterdam and Jerusalem. Connaught Hotel’s Coburg the spectacular Victoria Harbour makeover in £90m deal Bar will be the only place you view on 34th floor of the hotel; The Savoy – Top class hotel I hear that the historic Café Royal is Our web site. can buy it by the glass. At an eye Felix at The Peninsula for breakfast; in London watering £780 that glass China Club for a Chinese banquet; to be transformed into a six star Secretary Anna Coakley does The word Savoy may not ring a her level best to keep the site doesn’t come cheap, but the a cruise to Lamma Island for bell to everyone. It is one of the top hotel after the Regent Street building changed hands recently in updated so if you have anything Coburg which opened in January seafood. They unanimously said and it was said has done its best to spin out the that they like Chinese cuisine, a £90 million deal. Israeli you’d like her to put up please that people who have worked in contact her directly at experience a little. For their especially seafood. The Savoy before could easily land developers Alrov Properties plan to turn the site into a 160 room hotel [email protected] money connoisseurs will be a job at any hotel. The Savoy greeted by a Connaught host, Complement the palate of Gastronomes was founded by after signing a 125 year lease with the Crown Estate. The Café Royal Missing members escorted to a reserved table in tourists Nicholas who used to be the bar and offered canapés and The group went to Rainbow Reception Manager at the hotel. has been a London landmark since Please take a moment to consider 1865 and was the haunt of such the whereabouts of members who a glass of Krug Grande Cuvee, Restaurant in Lamma for seafood The aim is to gather a group of before moving on to the main lunch featuring the restaurant’s friends who have also worked in figures as Oscar Wilde and the may be missing and let us know. location for boxing matches. Its Members for whom we do not event itself, the glass of Clos award-winning dishes. The hoteliers The Savoy before for some good d’Ambonnay. One Capitalist I all praised for the high quality of wine and dine experience. The patrons included Edward VIII and have contact details are listed in George VI and more recently your handbook. know almost choked on his glass the food. Previous general manager group has since grown to over when hearing that £80m worth of of The Savoy Willy commended 2000 members with its annual Prince Philip, Prince Charles, Princess Diana and the Queen What recession? the finest Bordeaux 2005 was the attentive service. “When they reunion held in different countries, about to land on these shores. served the scallop, I told the waiter different cities including Jerusalem, Mother. Current General Now we all know that Square Manager of the Jumeirah Furious trading has taken place in that I don’t eat garlic. He said he Geneva, Dubai, Russia, New York. Milers are partial to a tipple or anticipation of the wine’s arrival. will replace it for me. I thought he This year’s organizer Julian said Carlton Tower, Gastronome two, but Champagne lovers will Derek Picot, is also rumoured to In one week alone Berry’s (the may just remove the garlic and that the most memorable reunion certainly want to take their time old established London wine serve it to me again, but he really was a party in an Arabian desert have been seen there. The deal is savouring every last sip of part of the regeneration of Regent merchant) has sold more than made a new one for me.” where even the camels were premium bubbly brand Krug’s 1,700 cases, worth £6.8 million The manager of Rainbow dressed up. Another memorable Street being undertaken by the new offering. Only 3,000 bottles Queen’s property company. Alrov – an average of £4,000 a case. Restaurant said that about half of experience was having dinner in an of the Clos d’Ambonnay 1995 Cheers! their customers are tourists and 18th century castle in St Petersburg. is in the process of buying vintage, Krug’s first new landmark buildings around the champagne for more than two

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MARATHON RUNNERS Welcome to Baby ARRIVEDERCI NATALE On Sunday 13th April 2008 three very courageous Savoy Louis Kempe Gastronomes took on the challenge of the gruelling 26.2 miles of the 28th London Marathon run under appalling weather Just to mention the Cipriani is roller coaster, aged 53. She was conditions. Joining a 35,000 throng of runners we hope their to dream of Canaletto’s pink-hued born Mary Anna Kalogeropoulou to Greek émigrés in New York preparation has been worth it. St Mark’s in the bottom of a fresh Bellini. It’s a legend unto itself. But but grew up in Athens and made Zoe Clarke and legends need to be created and her name at La Scala in Milan. Simon Gale Natale Rusconi is an hotel Co-incidentally the late and much Another first timer for the industry legend; a friend and missed Australian Gastronome Peter Stafford was a great Marathon, Gastronome Zoe Many congratulations to Hilary generous host to many Clarke and husband-to-be Simon and Jerome Kempe on the Gastronomes. He has run some friend of Miss Callas and visited ran together raising nearly arrival in August last year of their of the greatest hotels in the world, her many times in Paris. Apropos £4000 for Leukaemia CARE, two first son Louis. Within 5 months he most notably the Cipriani in of nothing, Julian Payne Snr, weeks before getting married. was already clocking up the air Venice where the Gastronomes whilst not claiming to be “a They did it in a great time of 4:39 miles with Mum and Dad to meet have held two staggeringly friend” waited half the night in the Andrew Barham and were spotted several times Hilary’s family in Melbourne, opulent Annual Reunions. old Savoy Grill having served “After 20 odd years of watching along the course looking like true Australia. Incredibly he remained at his post Miss Callas and Aristotle until he turned eighty-one last Onassis in 1962 hoping for a the Marathon on television from professionals with even a hop A tale from the year. What a wise owner to keep tip. Nothing was forthcoming! the comfort of the sofa saying “I skip and a jump from Zoe at bush (see picture page 5) want to do that”, I feel it’s now or Parliament Square. Many such talent in place for so long. Natale also has a special A former 1970’s General affection for his very long term never and have put my money congratulations on a great Manager of Block Hotels in When the Cipriani closed as where my mouth is. Training has usual, at the end of last year’s client Nicole Milinaire, the Kenya, Tony Elliott, recounts a Dowager Duchess of been steady and, for someone tricky aborted visit in early 2008 season, Natale retired too. It was Bedford. A lady with great style who hated running and thought to a beautiful country now riven truly the end of an era. A door 30 minutes of it was a lifetime, with strife. “I cancelled Kenya - gently and very carefully closing; and the hotels’ connection with the 2.5 hour runs (so far) on stories of nine hundred plus with a nod to what had passed, the Bedford family continued for winter nights have actually proved people being “hacked to death” and a wish for the future. Along many years with special weeks to be quite cathartic!” and tourist buses being stoned his colourful elegant way Natale devoted to “The Ritual and Congratulations to Andrew who rather put me off. Interestingly became a confidant to the stars. Romance of English raised over £2,200 for St. John’s enough they were not sufficient Opera singer Maria Callas Afternoon Tea” – enter Ambulance and was to be heard reasons for my travel insurance became a close friend; he Michael Bentley stage right - for at the finish line vowing never company to compensate me for poured champagne for Gina Michael choreographed these again! cancelled non-refundable flights Lollobrigida (“she was very very successful events on behalf and pre-paid hotel accom- beautiful” he tells me) and he of Natale for a long time at the modation. Instead I spent these welcomed endless princes and Cipriani, and replicated the achievement and on your two weeks exploring the Garden princesses. Even the notoriously magical formula elsewhere. It forthcoming wedding. We hope Route and Winelands of difficult critic Sunday Times critic was, in fact, Anna, Duchess of the weather treats them a little South Africa which is beautiful. Michael Winner heaped praise Bedford, wife of the 7th Duke I stayed with fellow better then! on Natale. Natale began his of Bedford, who in her Gastronome, Peter Thomas hotel career at his family’s hotel in residence at Woburn Abbey and his partner, Angie, in their Julian Payne Jnr Milan during the fifties, listening to first launched afternoon tea as we lovely home in Hermanus his Mother promise that one day know it today, starting a fashion Running in memory of his Mother overlooking the Indian Ocean. all this would be his. But after five which became a most elegant who passed away in 1999, Julian I also found other friends who I ran with two colleagues for the years he couldn’t stand it any habit during the early Victorian had not seen for over thirty years era. But perhaps the person for charity Children with Leukaemia in Plettenburg Bay.” more. His Mother was wonderful and raised nearly £3,000. Julian but she wanted to do everything whom Natale nurtures most respect is Jim Sherwood, who was spotted by his family and Michael Cederwell herself and didn’t delegate revived the Orient Express train friends watching from The Mint We have received a letter from anything. Natale recounts how and completed the Marathon in Mrs Caroline Cederwell advising one always learns from the errors service to Venice and in the 4:29 – a most commendable us that after a long illness Michael of one’s parents. He fled to process acquired the Cipriani in time. Julian has entered the ballot Cederwell passed away on the London – to the Savoy as 1976 from the great Guiness Julian Payne pictured nearing to participate in the 2009 2nd September 2007. We extend “number three” on the Reception brewing dynasty. Such was the the finishing line Marathon. our condolences to her and her desk where he was told that he reach of the Irish family, with so family. wasn’t to be seen in public! His many Debrett’s titles under their job was to fill the fountain pens belt they became known as The every morning, do all the Beerage! Enter Natale as Annual General Meeting cleaning and to type on a big General Manager. Mr old typewriter. Needless to say Sherwood, founder of Sea The AGM was held at the Excelsior Hotel in Hong Kong on Tuesday 12th February 2008 during a he quickly became “number two” Containers, a Bermuda based wonderful reunion hosted by President Andrew Hirst. and then in a few months company engaged in marine With thoughts of a marvellous reception at the Mandarin Oriental and dinner at the China Club “number one.” From then on his containers, asset leasing and ferry ahead of us, the Gastronomes present convened to discuss affairs close to their hearts. The consensus career took a meteoric rise. He and port operators, and Natale, was that the Amicale is in very good shape and that the committee do indeed have a firm grip on the joined luxury hotel group CIGA, together with Mr Sherwood’s comings and goings of members, particularly during the closure of the Savoy. then owned by the Aga Khan, wife Dr Shirley Sherwood, made The formalities were conducted by and became Resident Manager a powerful symmetrical force in Chairman Jim Sarton, with his of the Gritti Palace in Venice – restoring the distressed fabric of the favourite hotel of Ernest the Cipriani after years of under- Chairman’s Cup* on display, who investment. The Venice Simplon gave his report detailing some of the Hemingway, and then General Manager of the Grand in Orient Express (VSOE) brand recent events, committee retirements Rome. It was here that he first grew quickly and now has more and appointments, subscription met Maria Callas, the world’s than thirty hotels, trains, cruise updates and the accounts. Julian great soprano, who made her last ships and game parks in twenty Payne Snr provided an update on the public appearance in 1974. two countries, under its ownership current sponsorship by Lanson and Natale recounts that she could or management. It was Natale’s Virgina Masser briefed the meeting be difficult and complained that eye for detail that made him such on the continued success of the Olive her staff were not being a formidable operator. Now Barnett Award. accommodated in rooms worthy Maurice Saccani, who trained The meeting drew to a close with of their status. The following under Natale, has taken over the a discussion raised by past President morning Natale was having a running of the Cipriani in its 50th year – a lucky man to have such Duncan Palmer receiving the President’s Platter from Chairman and Savoy General Manager Willy quiet cappuccino in his office, reflecting on how to solve the a legacy in place. Meanwhile Jim Sarton under the watchful gaze of ????? (who is it?) (see page 8) Bauer, and Zdenka Bauer, problem, when La Divina stormed Natale’s son Pietro is working for regarding the future of the Amicale in light of the Savoy’s closure. The Committee are confident that with in. He was so emotional that he Gastronome Paolo Biscioni the influx of nearly 20 new members in the last few years and the enthusiasm they share for the Hotel poured the whole cup of hot General Manager down the and its history will help maintain the membership. It is also essential that already established coffee down his jacket. She was canal at the relatively new Hilton communications are kept with The Savoy during its closure to ensure the new Reception team are aware so moved that poor Natale was Molino Stucky which is a former of The Savoy Gastronomes and what they represent from the outset. drenched that she became a flour mill on Giudecca island. good friend of both him, and We indeed wish Natale and *The Presidents’ Platter travelled with us to Hong Kong too and now must be the most travelled piece Natale’s Philadelphia born wife Connie many happy years in his of silver flatware in use anywhere. Any Gastronome who would like to donate a lasting modest piece of Connie, until her lonely death in retirement. silver, pewter or china to the Amicale is encouraged to do so. Paris on 16th September 1977, as a virtual recluse on an emotional

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NEW HONORARY SECRETARY – New Committee Members Payne II scrambled up 1,344 metre Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest Anna Coakley mountain, at the end of Loch Paul Brackley period with Grand Metropolitan Linnhe above Fort William, as the personal touch that is so Hotels in London, he moved to part of a team building exercise important to the Amicale. New York to join the he put together for his team at I joined The Savoy in 1998 management team of the cool Threadneedle’s Hotel in as a Receptionist as part of my Sheraton Russell Hotel on Park the City. Hospitality Management Avenue. degree. It did not take me long An intended stay of two President Duncan Palmer was to realise how special a place it years in the USA expanded to spotted at the Lord Mayor’s is and always will be, mainly thirty, including a stint abroad in Show in the City of London on due to how much people loved 1973 as resident manager of the second Saturday in November 2007 enjoying this to stay there and the pride the new Excelsior Hotel in Hong Kong. Returning to the United 800 year old spectacle for the people had in working there. I first time. Incidentally, the stayed at The Savoy for the next States in 1975 he joined the Currently General Manager at Members’ dinner this year is the eight years, made some great Fairmont Hotel Company in the Crowne Plaza London the day before the Lord Mayor’s friends, saw three very different Dallas. In 1982 he joined City, Paul joins the committee as Show so Gastronomes who are owners and worked for six Club Corporation of America, a the newly named 2007 IHG in town might like to witness this different General Managers. resort hotel and private golf club wonderful pageant at that time. General Manager of the Year My first contact with The management company. In the After nine years of time for the UK and Ireland. Savoy Gastronomes was in roll of management ‘trouble- consuming service to the Savoy Congratulations are not only 2000 when the 30th Annual shooter’ with CCA he travelled Gastronomes Committee as due for this achievement but Going . . . Reunion took place at The the USA and Caribbean. Honorary Secretary, Virginia also for his recent engagement going. . . Savoy and the whole Reception The last stop in the USA was Masser stepped down from her to his partner Maria while team was on full alert with all a management position with gone role in January this year. Her staying at the Oriental in these VIPs! The role of the Station Hotel and Casino dedicated efforts for the Bangkok, during our reunion. Savoy Representative on the Group in Las Vegas before Many members where spotted Amicale led to the success of An ex-Savoy Group committee became available returning to London in 1997. mooching around the Savoy many events and the re- Management Trainee Paul has prior to the Bonham’s auction in and with the lure of an Retired since 2004, Terry is establishment of the Olive worked on both sides of the mid-December 2007 of vast occasional glass of studying art history with the Barnett Award, with Tony Atlantic being moving from Front quantities of furniture, soft Champagne I happily signed Open University, is secretary of Elliott, as a widely recognised of House and Revenue furnishings and all manner of kit, up! Little did I know what was in the Old Metronians’ Association and respected industry award. Management, to overall hotel most in rather a sorry state. It was store for me; I have been on the and a volunteer at the Hospice Certainly for many members she operations, also being actively rather like visiting a once favourite committee now for seven years of Saint John and Saint was and will continue to be an involved in the re-branding of aunt who had fallen on hard and have really enjoyed being Elizabeth in London. times. One wished one hadn’t oracle for all things The Britannia and managing the part of a unique Amicale. gone but the need to go was Gastronome! transition of The Pierre Hotel in In 2006 it was fresh starts all there all the same. It is alleged Looking at the plaudits and New York to a Taj Hotel. I hear round for me. I married Robin, Claire Austin that at least two members of the achievements of my that the Intercontinental Hotel moved home and finally left The Amicale snapped up a little je ne predecessors in the role it is with Group, the world’s largest Savoy to take on a new sais quoi. The sale raised £1.8 a certain amount of trepidation hotelier shrugged off the credit million – petty cash to the owner challenge within Corporate and awe that I take on the role crunch jitters with a 22% jump in Prince al-Walid bin Talal, a Reception Management in the as Honorary Secretary. I first quarter profits. IHG has a member of the Saudi royal family, City. Being part of the Savoy hope to help ensure the spirit of target to open 50,000 – whose fortune is listed by Forbes Gastronomes however, keeps the Savoy Gastronomes 60,000 new hotel rooms by the as the world’s 19th richest with a me in touch with both the hotel continues for the years to come end of the year. cool £11 billion under his belt. industry and more importantly by being a point of contact for Paul enjoys playing squash with the friends I made within it. our newer members. Many of and golf in his spare time and Lanson In my new found evenings our newer members are at very having hung up his rugby boots Sponsorship and weekends I have been transient times in their careers is now an enthusiastic spectator. and it is important to keep in able to take up playing the flute touch with them. I look forward again in local music groups and Having been away from the I am reluctantly enjoying being Terry J ‘Savoy scene’ for some time, to working with the Committee Foreman to enhance the communications encouraged to join the gym. Claire says it was wonderful to to members but also to retain attend the Members’ Dinner in October 2007 at Threadneedle’s. Claire is living Paul Beavis, Managing Director in Royal Windsor, and was of Lanson International, has BONJOUR NORMANDY delighted to become engaged kindly agreed to continue the Founder member and long-time occasional supermarket that to Erik earlier this year. She sponsorship of the Gastronomes friend to many Gastronomes opens ‘till noon and of course, loves her involvement with art web-site. As a result of this the Tony Elliott upped sticks early in and most important the baker. and design, and is a member Amicale receives £500 and in the year and has now settled in This week we hope to have the of The Chertsey Artists. In addition considerable liquid Normandy. He sent this electronic TV’s connected to Satellite so we January 2008 Claire joined support in the form of snapshot of his early days there. can catch up with the news in the Portico as a Reservationist for Champagne and wines for our “Life here is great - Francesca, UK and in my case Mr Wogan. Following his 1954 Graduation events. We are indebted to Paul Dresdner Kleinwort in the City and his team. Please contact Paul Jonathan and the tribe (Tony’s We have already had a number from the then Ealing Hotel and and says that it is great to be daughter, son-in-law and family) of visitors (and very welcome they or his Sales Manager Jessica Catering College and two years working with Anna Coakley Scarrett on 020 7499 0070 if are getting settled next door and were) with many more booked in National Service, Terry again, after all this time since we are all adjusting to the this summer, please do come and you wish to stock Lanson or any completed a five-year leaving the Savoy in 2003. of their brands. wonderful laid back French life. see us. We can offer peace and management training Everyone we have met here has quiet, good food (we will be able programme with the Savoy Annual been helpful, extremely kind and to provide fresh eggs as we get Subscriptions very patient with our halting our “flock” of chickens next week) Company. In 1965, after a If you have not already done French - but we have managed, and wine and lots to see and do so please let us have your annual with help, to get the utilities, in the area; or just a staging post subscription. Your cheque should phone and internet connected - for those going further south or The Savoy Gastronomes be sent to the Treasurer houses and cars insured - bank travelling to Blighty.” [email protected] accounts opened - credit cards Archives at 4 Paxton Road London issued - schools organised - etc. Tony’s new contact details are: W4 2QX Despite being in a very rural La Moinerie, If any member would like to peruse the fascinating old menus and area, everything is very efficient, 50150 Sourdeval, memorabilia that we have accumulated please contact Anna there have been some delays but Normandy, France Coakley and she will lead them to you. Over thirty eight glorious Change of Address it has all been much less of a [email protected] hassle than moving within the UK. mob: +33(0)6 09 35 23 95 years we have such gems as telegrams (remember them?), faxes Please let us know if you are We have adjusted to the fact that (well yes, just), and other fine pieces of print that represent our moving so that we may keep in shops close for lunch and are not heritage rather nicely. They are kept in three bound albums in touch with you. open on Sundays, other than the Central London.

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Peter Tyrie’s to re-open in mid 2009

This property north of Oxford Street is undergoing a £100 million refurbishment. It will reopen as a 155 room luxury property to rival the very different in style terms Sanderson, diagonally opposite. Peter is overseeing the project and explains that it is a very traditional old building not dissimilar to his highly successful flagship Threadneedle’s in the City of London where Julian Payne Jnr is General Manager. Berners has been vacant for more than two years and Peter plans to open it with some style. The property, built in 1835, as five town houses, was converted to an hotel at the turn of the 20th century. Peter says that it will be renamed as Berners does not have good connotations. A preferred name is apparently undergoing research. The re-opened hotel will have a stand alone restaurant with about 120 covers; a private dining room with about 22 covers; a conference room able to accommodate about 220 people for a meeting or 170 for dinner; a small gym; sauna solarium and treatment rooms make up the mix. Builders have found a traditional black and white marble floor in the lobby, ornate baroque ceilings and marble panels all of which are being restored. Part of the lobby will be a tea lounge. The public spaces will be very grand and will come back to their former glory. Rooms, apparently, will be “classic contemporary.” GA Design are responsible for the design, headed up by Martin Goddard, with hotelier and former Hyde Park Intercontinental Andrew Hirst accepts the Presidents’ Platter from Peter Tyrie at Hotel executive Werner Aeberhard at the helm. Watch this space. Threadneedle’s 2007 Members’ Dinner at Zoe Ties the Knot Monday being a normally Threadneedle’s in the City Savoy Gastronome and ex- quiet night in Dedham, Jim of London committee member Zoe Clarke and Wendy Sarton’s 25th and fiance Simon Gale made anniversary of opening President Andrew Hirst flew into London specially to host last their wedding into a truly years Members’ dinner arranged at Bond’s Restaurant in memorable weekend for family Dedham Hall was a modest low key affair nevertheless Threadneedle’s hotel, through the kindness of Peter Tyrie and his and friends in East Sussex. With son Nick, who is the Food and Beverage Director for the Eton the wedding taking place on celebrated with a very fine Collection. Head Chef, and former fisherman, Barry Tonks and his Friday 25th April, the happy glass of Prosecco. Jim has a couple were able to relax and brigade did great job. The quality and attention to detail by the terrific wine cellar – what service staff was exemplary and commensurate with many other enjoy the sunshine on the might be called by some wags Saturday topped off with an members’ occasions. The menu was both delicious and innovative impromptu BBQ for everyone as a liquid pension. with the freshest Crab followed by gently pink Partridge. With before departing the following nearly forty attendees some from overseas, Michael Holland, Peter day for their Honeymoon in South Thomas and Henry von Ferstel included, plus five new members, Africa. After their efforts in the Former President Henry and the event began with a Lanson Champagne Reception and official London Marathon we think they Mary Lou von Ferstel high handing over of the Presidents’ Platter by Peter Tyrie to the year’s deserve a rest! tailed it to Venice, through the President Andrew Hirst. intervention of Michael It was a highly successful evening and a great opportunity for Bentley, to celebrate their joint members of the Amicale to see old friends and make new ones. birthdays in November.

Forthcoming French-based Kirk and Sally in Kensington Ritchie’s son Edward is has been re-sold to Guest dates for working for a shipbroking firm Invest for £1m profit after just which further in St James’s Street. Now 6’3” one year of ownership (again) information tall Edward is determined to by Anoushka Hempel, the will be sent in have an Aston Martin by the Australian born wife of Lord due course time he is 30! It seems to me Weinberg, who changed the that his Father also had a date of her birth on her Summer Reunion certain penchant for classic cars too. Their daughter Annie passport when marrying his - Saturday 12th July 2008 is now working for a venue Lordship so that she appeared called 24 London as an Events older. Private Tour of the Kitchen at Manager and by all accounts Windsor Castle and Picnic seems to be loving it. Lunch Tony Elliott and Peter Thomas in Hermanus, South Africa. The Ritchie’s are more Gastronome Mark Norris, January 08 Members’ settled in their house now and the majority shareholder of would really love to South Africa based Peter Thomas flew over to London over for the Dinner - Friday very successful global 7th November welcome Gastronomes Members’ only dinner at Bonds Restaurant in Threadneedles. (See story feeling like a little break in the page 3). recruitment company Profile, 2008 based in Maiden Lane Tarn – they have the most Dinner at Artisan, The Langham stunning views of the Pyrenees London, reports very strong Hotel, London growth particularly in India from the garden and the sun is out. REOPENS and China. Profile, celebrating Annual Reunion - thirty years’ trading this year, Friday 20th - After a £70 million refurbishment the Connaught reopened to the has become a leader in the Sunday 22nd public in December. With the majority of the room stock due to be March 2009 Chicago based Michael and reopened by the end of the summer the public spaces have been very competitive recruitment Gisela Duffell are planning creating a stir in Mayfair with their contemporary design subtly industry. When not at his desk The Langham Hotel, London an old fashioned sort of retaining the hotels unique charm. or travelling, Hampshire based European Grand Tour this Stephen Alder of Maybourne says “We have appointed the most Mark, and his wife Gail, can August starting in Paris. talented design teams to bring this Mayfair gem into the 21st century be found enjoying his favourite John Iversen, former Heading first of all to Lake custodian of the one time while preserving the authentic elegance and distinct personality so sport - sailing. Mark has Constance to visit relatives, beloved by its guests, and the results are truly remarkable.” Savoy-owned charming and then going south to see created a most informative Lancaster Hotel in Paris, The Maybourne Group kept the staff employed within the group industry wide newsletter called Michael and Christine to provide a reassuring welcome home to those regulars dazed and was over in England for a Holland in the northern Italian “Leaders” which can be confused by the facelift. milestone birthday celebration Lakes, before turning back on France’s most controversial female Chef and Author Helene viewed on www.profile- at his sister’s home near themselves and meandering Darroze opens her new Restaurant within the hotel in June, also recruitment.com Wadhurst through France to call in on taking on the job of catering for the Room Service and Private Dining recently relocated Tony Elliott which is reported to be the deal-breaker of the Ramsay connection in Normandy. Sounds fun. with the property.

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The 37th Annual Reunion Hong Kong and Bangkok Much below normal weather temperatures did not dampen the spirit of the occasion and we are all hugely indebted to Andrew Hirst and all his Excelsior and Mandarin team for their wonderful hospitality. Detailed pre-planning with thousands of emails flying around and one or two conference calls all paid off as members assembled in Hong Kong, Black Ties at the ready. Table plans, dietary requests, individual foibles, room allocations, gifts, photographs, menu printing, speeches, transport, dress codes and local etiquette had all been taken into account by the Committee. The resounding success of the Reunion as echoed by messages subsequently received made it a Reunion to remember. enjoyed the never ending plates of the harbour and skyline, of dim sum, chicken, rice, where we enjoyed a delicious vegetables, shrimps and continental breakfast and for somewhat interesting ‘soups’. some, a tour of the magnificent After lunch we were left to public areas. explore, shop, or return for a The rest of the day was at well earned snooze before the leisure in preparation for the evening’s culinary banquet. Annual General Meeting Led by Angus, we walked to and an exciting evening ahead our evening’s destination, Tai at The China Club in the Old Wong Seafood Restaurant, Bank of China Building. where we were greeted by the Members gathered in The management and escorted to Marina Room for the AGM. our private dining room, passing The Chairman began with a our supper along the way in an warm welcome and continued array of tanks! Here we were by introducing Paul Brackley wined and dined with another and Terry Foreman onto the selection of local delights, committee and saying farewell including some chicken’s feet, to Tony Elliott who is moving to which on my table a certain France with his family. We young lady was brave enough continued with some productive to sample! discussions and it was then time Dinner was followed by a to hop back onto the coach. tea pouring competition, one This evening’s first special recruited Gastronome from each location was pre-dinner cocktails The Savoy Gastronomes 37th Annual Reunion - Hong Kong table went head to head and at the exquisite Mandarin their years of ‘hospitality’ training Oriental and to be welcomed The Hong Kong sector as After sumptuous welcome day, with Norman and Maria at was put to the test. Needless to by a fleet of its management warmly remembered by canapés and nicely chilled the helm, first stop – The Peak. say, there was a tiebreaker and and colleagues who escorted Committee member Victoria Lanson we enjoyed their finest After the steep incline on the the restaurant very kindly gave a us to their new M Bar on the Smalley cuisine - Beef Carpaccio, Peak Tram that has been local tea set to the winners and 25th floor. Welcomed by succulent Duck, and frozen transporting tourists since 1888, job offers were also on the charming Irish General The Savoy Gastronomes berries with warm white we made it to the top of the cards! Manager Peter French, we ‘went global’ once again with a chocolate sauce to name but a Peak and could not help but be jam-packed visit to our few of the many delightful dishes impressed with the unique International Hotelier and - washed down with some spectacular views of the city, if President of the Amicale, grassy pungent New Zealand indeed a little hazy. Andrew Hirst’s resident city, wine. It was a jaw-dropping After climbing down the Peak Hong Kong. The 37th Annual start to the Reunion and you and in the warm comfort of the Gastronomes Reunion lifted off could feel the excitement and coach, our next stop was on Sunday 10th February 2008 momentum building up ready for Aberdeen – possibly as cool starting with a four night stay at a three day feast of activities as Scotland, but that’s where the The Excelsior Hotel and and culinary delights. similarity ended. It is famous to continuing in Bangkok, for the Waking to the fabulous tourists for the boat people very lucky, with a three night views of a ‘hazy’ Kowloon, we living in the harbour and the stay at the legendary Mandarin started Monday with a vast floating seafood restaurants such Oriental. buffet breakfast with huge as the impressive Jumbo Floating My journey East began choice from homemade muesli, Restaurant, which we admired leaving London in a mad rush pancakes, ‘eggy bread’ and from our own boat which took after work on Friday night, and pastries – again the choice was us around the harbour taking in heading for my overnight flight endless. Eagerly awaiting us the sights and smells! to Hong Kong to arrive with a were our two coaches for the En route to our next full twenty four hours before the destination, Stanley Market, The waiter presents the fish intestine soup to Catherine and official Welcome Reception on we passed through Repulse Julian Payne Jnr and the Angell sisters Sunday night. Needless to say, Bay, a lavish seaside suburb of I visited many of the local Hong Kong. Here we learnt establishments before our tour about the good karma created An excellent first day, toasted the 37th Annual Reunion began! by the large hole in one of rounded off in TOTT’S with their with magnums of more Lanson The Excelsior Hotel made major apartment blocks to allow innovative cocktail list, live and endured truly decadent us all very welcome. General the fire breathing dragon to entertainment, and some funky canapés. The Foie Gras Manager Amanda Scott and pass through the building also moves on the dance floor. It lollipops and succulent shrimp all her team were extremely known as Feng Shui. was all agreed that in a few with a ‘pipette injection’ of hospitable - from our tour Stanley Market can only be hours’ time we were very much Marie Rose sauce were some guides, to (very) late check outs, described as a one stop shop looking forward to the next of my favourites. not to mention the array of gifts for souvenirs! action packed day ahead of us. The lobby stairs of The in our rooms to aid our four day It was finally lunchtime – and We travelled in style to the Mandarin Oriental were an adventure come rain or shine. we had built up an appetite and Big P – or so we thought - but in ideal location for our group With the last few arrivals were ready for the local view of their fleet of fourteen photograph and aided by our making a mad dash to their delicacies of the Jade Garden Rolls Royce all finished in talented ‘tour photographer’ rooms for a quick freshen up, restaurant, possibly the signature Peninsula Green, we (a.k.a. Robin Coakley) we have the Welcome Dinner began in biggest Chinese restaurant I had were all but a little ‘green’ with some wonderful pictures of the TOTT’s – ‘Talk of The Town’, seen, full of large Chinese envy ourselves. Escorted to the whole group and of the The Excelsior’s chic families soon to be joined by 28th floor of The Peninsula committee headed up by our contemporary thirty second floor the Gastronomes en masse. Tower, we arrived at the Felix President and host Andrew Hirst. bar and restaurant with David Wardle and friends Aided by the brilliant invention Bar, with its floor to ceiling With no time to spare we hot spectacular harbour views. inspect their soon-to-be-lunch that is the Lazy Susan, we double aspect sweeping views footed it over to the private

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Kong – Happy Valley Global traveller Andrew Hirst Ritchie. Barcelo, a privately Racecourse. was spotted in Washington DC owned company that runs 140 With a full lobby present at in February checking out the hotels in 14 countries entered the 6 pm, the Gastronomes Mandarin operations around the UK market through its acquisition boarded our coach for one last seat of power. of Dawnay Shore Hotels. time and with wallets bursting, we headed for the vast Members’ Enclosure Private Many congratulations to Rupert Sartons add 4 new rooms. You Box, especially arranged for us and Jo Elliott on the safe arrival would think that after twenty five by Fritz Sommerau, Head of of their first child, Poppy, born on years ownership of highly Hospitality Services at The 7th February 2008. successful Dedham Hall that Jockey Club. Chairman Jim and Wendy might Hong Kong’s main wish to relax a bit but none of it! ‘recreational’ passion horse Hans Hanson’s wife Louise was Onwards and upwards they go racing, is the only legal form of spotted behind a very good with a stylish addition of four gambling and is extremely looking stall in the Drapers Hall at rooms to add to their bombproof popular. According to a a charity fair in the City of London business of looking after art reliable source, the racecourse just before Christmas, selling like classes who return again and can pull several millions of fury wonderful items from their again and again. (left to right) Michael Bentley, Maggi Smit and Julian Payne dollars on one night - more than thriving kitchen shop in Newark at the “Talk of the Town” in Hong Kong the whole of the Royal Ascot www.thecookspantry.co.uk . June meeting! Word from the Square Mile is Julian and Catherine Payne, Members Club, the China “Rainbow” ferry to take us on The international buffet was Club, for our much anticipated our way towards Lamma that Louise has been invited back logging up the air-miles with Air out of this world, the sashimi to participate in this year’s event. New Zealand, returned to HK 37th Reunion Dinner on the Island. station and Boston More recently I hear that Hans is after 9 years. At that time Julian 14th floor, with its exquisite Art The crossing was fairly Cheesecakes were personal not at all well so if you were a was at the Mandarin and Nouveau-Oriental interior and it smooth, if a little blustery, but favourites, but there was contemporary of Hans do call Catherine at the Ritz Carlton was here that Gastronomes offered some great photo something for every palette, truly enjoyed a fabulous evening of opportunities for us all. We scrumptious, and of course, the Louise on 01636 525768 and which sadly has now been pulled entertainment, fine wines and arrived at our destination about wine was flowing and the she will tell you more. down. Such is Hong Kong. They Chinese wares. We were 45 minutes later – Lamma Island evening in full swing. met up with many old friends and entertained by guest speaker – and the sun appeared to be There were indeed a few stayed on a few days to catch Mr. Ritchie Bent, Group Head breaking through at last! quietly confident race-goers Former Savoy Press Office team their breath. A long time friends of of Human Resources for Jardine Lamma Island is 13 square amongst us, including Andrew member Shelly Anne the Payne’s, affectionately known Matheson Limited. Before miles, has 6,000 inhabitants and Hirst himself, whose horse Claircourt partnered the Chief locally as “Smiler”, came with joining Jardine’s, Ritchie spent is a wonderful contrast to Hong Sevens Heaven was sadly not Executive of the Savoy them to Happy Valley and gave several years with the Royal Kong. It’s peaceful, tranquil, running. However, like myself, Educational Trust Julia Sibley some Gastronomes winning tips. Hong Kong Police as Detective has amazing scenery and there pot luck was really what it was to Hong Kong. They took off Likewise Hugh and Lynne Chief Inspector with the are no roads. It does have a all down to and some members smartly to Dubai directly after the Wainwright were on a nostalgic Organised and Serious Crimes significant and apparent did walk away with heavier Happy Valley racing evening. It trip as they used to work at the Group. Mr Bent entertained us Western population who have wallets than when they arrived! was nice to have Julia with us as Mandarin too. Hugh is now with some amusing anecdotes lived there for many years. We The Races was truly a the Trust plays such a pivotal role Group Events Manager for and comical local set off on our walk, passing perfect end to a perfect trip in the continuing success of the privately owned Oxford based pronunciations. The raffle draw friendly locals and taking in the However, it was not the end Olive Barnett Award. Elegant Cuisine catering followed swiftly, which Anna peace and quiet, scenery and for some Gastronomes, who company and gave us wonderful Coakley, our Honorary the somewhat ‘fresher’ air. were jetting off the next day to picnic rucksacks at our 2007 Secretary conducted with the After a few rest points, we Bangkok, so after fond farewells It was great to see Harrogate- Summer event at Kew; his former assistance of Suzannah Hirst, could see our lunch stop in most retired to pack ready for based Anne and Alan Claridge’s housekeeper wife who handed out the lucky sight, a restaurant called the early morning departure, but Robinson in Hong Kong, arriving Lynne works for the HR division of prizes. Rainbow – not before spotting for the others, the draw of Lan via Paris, after an absence of the Oxford Constabulary. Lots of prizes were some ‘caves’ on the path Kwai Fong was an opportunity some years. Alan clocks up generously donated by fellow marked for tourists as ‘kamikaze not to be missed! thousands of car miles a year Gastronomes and friends, grottos’. Our ever To wind up my first working for Elior’s Avenance Thank you including an intriguing ‘spinning knowledgeable guides informed Gastronomes reunion group catering division. They had class’ and a fabulous overnight us these were caves reputed to experience, I have to use a a wonderful holiday in Puglia We are most grateful to everyone stay at The Trump have been dug out by Hotel phrase – it was recently and found it just to their who kindly donated prizes (some International in New York. Japanese during the War and, ‘above and beyond my liking. They had been hoping to quite creative!) to the Raffle which The committee is most grateful to according to legend, to hide expectations’. One of my make it to Edinburgh but sadly a included two nights at the Trump all those who contribute to this their kamikaze weapons! favourite hobbies is travelling family bereavement curtailed their Tower in New York, given by fun part of our annual reunion. Lunch once again was most and Hong Kong has always plans. Suzie Mills, and the opportunity With a last glass of bubbly welcome and enjoyable – been on top on my list of places to play golf at Loch Lomond, on the roof terrace, we returned plates of local delicacies, this that I had wanted to visit. I am donated by Knut Wylde. to the hotel ready for a good time some closer to home – thrilled to have had the As a token of our gratitude Treasurer Maggi Smit won free night’s sleep in anticipation of piping hot and aromatic, opportunity not only of visiting Chairman Jim Sarton parking, and transfers, near our ferry trip and island walk the washed down with Jasmine tea the magnificent city, but I also next day - finally an opportunity or a thirst quenching glass of presented Andrew Hirst with a Gatwick airport, with a car wash feel that I now know my fellow very pretty set of Edwardian thrown in for good measure! to burn off our ‘g-astronomical’ wine. Gastronomes along with their diet of the last few days! With the Rainbow boat silver enamel cufflinks, and Whilst guest, former Hilton in the friends and family so much Amanda Scott with a very hard to Community Director, David Irving, Wednesday was quickly waiting for us, tummies full and better. Thank you. upon us, our final day. After feeling contented, we boarded find copy of Stanley Jackson’s won a Walking Tour and book of the Savoy. Lunch in the City of London. another ‘light’ all you can eat for the homeward straight – did EDITOR’S NOTE. Space does breakfast, we excitedly followed we forget someone? Where is not permit us to recount the add- our guides Norman and Maria Julian Snr? He had spotted a on part of the reunion to out of the hotel and into the photo opportunity too good to Still the waste land of the Fens for Surely not? Bangkok except to thank in a quality hotel after decades, I hotel car park! All became clear miss – picture taken and all particular Kurt Wachveitl the hear that Mandarin are still I cannot confirm this but I hear when we popped out on the accounted for we set sail. Managing Director of the hoping to open in the glorious HK$60 million was fluttered at other side of the bustling Once home we had a few Mandarin Oriental Hotel and city that is Cambridge. Happy Valley during our evening ‘Gloucester Road’ and were hours to relax and revive all his team for wonderful and greeted by our privately ourselves ready for the final kind hospitality. race meeting. Well done chartered glistening white evening’s entertainment in Hong Gastronomes! Former Lygon Arms trainee and GARDEN TOUR home-based in Evesham, Rachel Angell, has landed a great new Former President Yossi Heksch, job as Senior Events Manager loyally participating with his More often found in enchanting Asolo and the environs, old friend of many Gastronomes Michael at the Mandarin Hyde Park. charming wife Sylvia, divulged Bentley, who was born in the Marine Hotel in Troon, and subsequently went on to serve The Lygon, now under the control that he is diversifying by investing breakfasts to Joan Crawford, Bette Davis, Orson Wells and Charlie Chaplin, was caught on of Spanish Group Barcelo, is a in coffee bars in Poland. camera staying at Graham Bamford’s en route to have tea at Woburn very different place from that Abbey. He was with a small group of very smart Italians he had been escorting through the finer when it was known to many parts of London. Gastronomes under the direction of Douglas Barrington and Kirk

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Singapore born David Wardle Herbert and Susan Sossna Australian born Ian Johnston is now working for his family attended the reunion in Hong reappeared in Bankok, after business and developing modest Kong, which is their home town many years off our radar, and property interests in Cuba. so they didn’t have far to come! met up with us and in particular his former colleague David Wardle. It was very good to see Long time Arabian based Guy Ray Hodder, who keeps his him again. Epsom has moved within Hilton head down in pretty West Dorset, to Abu Dhabi. Guy gave us a is a very successful restaurateur in very special Reunion some years Weymouth but allegedly also Twitters from my warbler on the back in Dubai, with a vintage spends some time consulting for river bank spotted glamorous Lanson tasting in the desert, a his local Marks and Spencer. Ray Anna Roberts making whoopee display of Falconry and much is no doubt waiting with baited at her recent birthday bash at generous hospitality. A picture in breath for the Olympic sailing The Depot restaurant in Barnes our archives of former Chairman teams who will sail into the bay in where riverside tables are in much David Ward in Black Tie (of 2012. demand. Anna is back working course) astride a disinterested for the Annabel’s Group under camel in the middle of nowhere, the new owner Richard Caring draped in a Union Flag, remains Former President and now who bought this iconic club synonymous with the wonderful Dulwich based Willy and together with Mark’s Club, 2002 gathering. As our Guest of Zdenka Bauer arrived in HK via Harry’s Bar, the Bath and Honour, Her Majesty’s Consul Vietnam. Racquets Club, and the most General for the United Arab recent baby George’s, just before Emirates, said to me at the time the sudden death of creator “Do you think that is an Maggi Smit and friends went on Mark Birley. His death, and appropriate use of the flag!” a walking holiday to Burma whilst sale, sent shock waves through the Payne’s (Senior) peeled off the staff and members alike and for a week’s R & R to island the jury is still out on the future The Savoy Educational Trust paradise Koh Chang some 350 direction of the group. has taken temporary space in the kms south of Bangkok. British Hospitality Association offices during the closure of the Savoy. Their future location, once Mustique loses its mystique if the Savoy reopens, remains you live at the end of a runway unclear at the moment. The 2007 Gnome de Plume carried an exclusive story from this island paradise about the island’s owners looking for a new Terry Foreman, who was the CEO. I can now reveal that this retreat for billionaires which was first Resident Manager of the looking to replace Brian Alexander, who had been in the job for Excelsior Hotel in Hong in 1978, 28 years, has got its self into a lather as the new incumbent is not A youthful Willy Bauer and Gerard van der Veen taken at the has taken control of the Olive a happy bunny. My billionaire on the beach gossips that Roger Savoy in 1974. Barnett Award following Tony Pritchard (a former DHL exec) is very unhappy with the house Elliott’s move to France. Virginia he’s been given. The new guy has been given a two up two Masser will remain to work down tin roofed job at the end of the runway. Cleared for take- Will 20% off keep alongside Terry in re-evaluating off then. the award and the way forward. Americans wild about Harry’s? Savoy Gastronomes Olive Barnett Award 2008 Former legendary hotelier and most generous host to the Amicale, Natale Rusconi, will have views, like perhaps Ernest Much time consuming work is spent every year by Gastronomes Tony The 2008 Hemingway who would have been appalled by the implied Elliott and Virginia Masser in making this award happen; and we finalists were: should all be very grateful for their efforts. Miss Barnett would indeed be insult to “poor” Americans: Harry’s Bar, the Venice watering hole proud that The Savoy Gastronomes, an Amicale of which she was Sabrina Hencke, 25, Graduate where he downed martinis, is offering a discount to Americans quietly very proud, had fostered her name so appropriately. Trainee Manager, IHG, Crowne suffering from a weak dollar and the subprime mortgage crisis. My Eight inspiring young people, out of the seventy who entered, Plaza London – The City sleuth in Venice shared the screaming headline in Corriere della employed in customer-facing roles battled it out for the 2008 final at The Simon Houston, 24, General Sera “Dollar in crisis, discount for Americans” with me. About time Langham, London. Manager, BaxterStorey – BBC too, some might say: the site may be prime, with the sound of the The finalists were chosen from a 500-word essay on the Pacific Quay Grand Canal lapping just feet away, but the prices are so steep question: that you need a mortgage to pay the check, especially if you Vivi Iladou, 29, Guest Relations ‘Climate change, the environment, ‘going green’ and being a ‘good’ stand a few rounds at the bar then you stay to enjoy the menu (the employer, are increasingly on everyone’s agenda, if you were asked to Manager, Intercontinental London Park Lane discount applies only to those who eat as well as drink). The put together a strategy for your company to embrace these issues as part decision by Arrigo Cipriani, the owner, reflects growing concern of a Corporate Social Responsibility programme, what would your top Sarah Ingram, 26, Operations about the weak dollar among tour operators in Europe – not least four priorities be and why? Explain how you would ensure that you were Manager, Holborn Bars, De Vere in Italy, there the number of Americans visiting is down by 5 per balancing the interests of the business with a more altruistic approach, Venues, London particularly how you would demonstrate value to the customer?’ cent and officials fear more will stay away this year. Harry’s Bar On 18th May the finalists met up at The Langham, for a training Alice Yu, 24, Trainee Manager, was founded in 1931 by Giuseppe Cipriani, Arrigo’s father, then a programme with Learnpurple and Ian Scarth of the Ecole Hoteliére de Compass Group – Scolarest barman at a Venice hotel. He named his establishment after Lausanne followed by a pre-final dinner. On the following day they Bee Chin Tan, 24, Front Office Harry Pickering, an American who lent him the money. The presented their career plans to the panel, facing some tough questioning. Management Trainee, The Cipriani family company now owns restaurants and food shops in The judges were looking for real commitment and excellence in the Rubens at the Palace Hotel, New York and Hong Kong and recently opened a branch near winner, who received an enviable prize package to help them continue London Bond Street in London. No discounts there though – at least not up the ladder to success. Edward Viita, 25, Deputy Bars yet. The winner, Edward Viita, was announced at a Champagne Manager, The Langham, London reception at Claridge’s later that evening. First prize is a career grant of £1,000 a year for the next three years, Tatjana Meyer, 29, Food & PHOTO CAPTION PAGE 3 plus a place on the prestigious week-long Lausanne Executive Education Beverage Operations Manager, The picture on page 3 hanging behind Jim Sarton and Duncan - Summer Programme at the world-famous Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne. The Langham, London Palmer is a portrait by John Singer Sargent and is of the author Second and third prizes include career development grants of £750 a “Henry James”. This is a painted copy of the original which hangs year for three years, and £500 a year for three years respectively. in the National Portrait Gallery.

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Printed and Published in London June 2008 by the Savoy Gastronomes Secretary Anna Coakley 020 7475 7102 [email protected] Membership Secretary and Treasurer Maggi Smit 020 8742 1556 [email protected] Compiled in 2008 with contributions from members, Anna Coakley 020 7475 7102 [email protected] and Julian Payne 020 7600 4466 [email protected] Layout and design by Liz Nicoll, c/o Berrico Ltd. Tel: 020 8992 6454 • Printed by Berrico Limited, 57-59 Churchfield Road, Acton W3 6AU

GNOME DE PLUME 8 SUMMER 2008