History of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs
The Chaîne des Rôtisseurs is an international gastronomic society founded in Paris in 1950, drawing its inspiration from medieval French traditions and tracing its roots to a royal guild of meat and poultry roasters.
Medieval Origins
The organization's heritage connects to the Royal Guild of roasters established in 1248 under King Saint Louis of France. This guild received formal recognition through a Royal Charter and a Coat of Arms in 1610. During the Middle Ages, such guilds organized skilled craftspeople and contributed significantly to cultural development.
The guild's mission centered on maintaining the standards of quality befitting the Royal Table, eventually expanding to encompass all meat and poultry preparation destined for cooking.
Dissolution and Revival
The French Revolution of 1789 ended the guild system. However, the organization was revived in its modern form at Easter 1950 by five founders — three food enthusiasts including Curnonsky (titled Prince of Gastronomes), and two culinary professionals — who sought to restore the pride of culinary excellence lost during a period of wartime starvation.
Modern Era
Today, the society operates globally with over 26,000 members in more than 120 countries. Each regional chapter, called a bailliage, organizes fine dining events, educational seminars, competitions for young chefs and sommeliers, and community activities. The organization maintains balanced membership combining amateur enthusiasts with professional restaurateurs, hoteliers, and culinary experts.
The Calgary Bailliage was founded in September 1974 and is one of the largest and most active chapters in Canada.