From the start, the tone is set with a subtle and harmonious crab cannelé, trout roe, orange and celery curry.

The elegant and refined scallop and black truffle pâté made an impression with its richness and power.

An ode to classic French cuisine, this dish features monkfish and green beans, enhanced by turmeric and nori sauce, which gives it an unexpected insolence. The sweetbread dish embodies all the techniques and mastery involved in cooking.

In terms of service, from French bubbles and finest wines to Greek vineyards, from precise presentation to friendly support, everything was precisely measured and marked by generosity.

On paper, Spondi and Tantris seem like two very different restaurants, one emphasizing the tradition of gastronomic institutions while the second shares a contemporary vision of haute cuisine. What was undeniable about this dinner is that beyond the decor, the creative chefs at the heart of these houses share a common vision, a mission of excellence with a particular ambition: creating the world’s greatest tables.

This dinner was a formidable discussion of great intensity.

Star Nights by Spondi
Benjamin Chmura, Tantris Maison Culinaire,on February 20.
Jean-Philippe Blondet, Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester, on March 4.
Yannick Franques, La Tour d’Argent on April 6.

When many European countries are restricting restaurant hours or even closing them as in Belgium, we would like with my fellow members of the board to say how much we care about the dire situation many of our members are faced with.

We’re also thinking of all restaurateurs who have to deal with this enormous and unprecedented challenges.

We would also have in mind our Customers who keep showing us so much support, demonstrating the strength of fine dining.

We’re left optimistic about our future and we keep faith to face this uncertain times.

David SINAPIAN

These is an historic time. A time when panic can overcome reason. Many of us around the world are being impacted by this unprecedented health crisis. And all of you restaurateurs are among the first to be affected. 

It is with great emotion that we think of all our friendly members in Italy, China, Belgium, Spain, France, the United States and all over the world who have had to close their establishments. We hope that this crisis will give rise to new projects and new ideas. But for now, we send you all the courage we can to overcome this situation. “We are at war”, but we will continue to create. Trust that light can come out of the darkest events… 

This follows the heavy events that some of you may have endured in 2019. It is once again a reminder of how difficult and fragile your profession is, how little it takes for everything to change. But those challenges must also push us to gather our strengths and resources to adapt to an environment that is by definition ever changing. Our capacity to adapt is more essential than ever. Les Grandes Tables du Monde Association is a large community where solidarity and friendship are request. We invite each one of you to communicate and support each other and we remain at your disposal to help you in the best possible way to cope with the situation. 

We are also very aware of the financial consequences. Therefore, the Association board members has decided during its last board meeting to change our annual congress destination. Instead of Bangkok, which will be postponed, a new destination will soon communicate. However, the dates, from October 11^th to 13rd are still maintained. Given the circumstances and to limit costs, we will relocate the Congress in Europe, easy access for the vast majority of our members, and low shipping costs.

David SINAPIAN
and the Board of Directors