Nicolene Barrow, executive chef of Le Lude Estate’s Orangerie Restaurant, is one of the latest members of the international gastronomic society La Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. Membership of this prestigious society is by invitation only.
Nicolene, who trained as a chef in Europe, plied her trade at the renowned Le Gavroche Restaurant in London before setting up the Orangerie Restaurant at Le Lude. Here she presents French cuisine with a contemporary twist, combining “the purist, disciplined approach of the European masters with a hint of individual, modern creativity” to create dishes that look as good as they taste.
“It is not only a huge honour to be invited to become a member, the local chapter also held its year-end function at the Orangerie Restaurant”, says Nicolene “that made it an even bigger honour for me. It is always nice when one’s peers recognise your efforts.”
La Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs was founded in Paris in 1950. It is based on the traditions and practices of the old French royal guild of goose roasters.
Since its rebirth, the society brings together professional and non-professional members from around the world who share in the “spirit” of the society and who appreciate and enjoy wine and fine dining. The international headquarters (Siège Mondial) remains in Paris.
The organization is represented by its 24000 members in 80 countries around the world. In South Africa there are six regional chapters (called bailliages).
