The last week of November was an epicurean delight as one of France's most accomplished chefs, Chef Bernard Dance, visited Beirut to host a series of exclusive food pairing events for some very lucky food and beverage enthusiasts. As the official chef of the legendary champagne house, Moet & Chandon since 1984, Chef Bernard Dance has become an expert in creating the perfect harmony between champagne and cuisine. He is renowned for his contemporary style without neglecting French tradition. The purpose of his visit, said Chef Bernard Dance, was to celebrate the versatility of champagne by inviting local chefs and wine enthusiasts to experience first-hand Moet & Chandon's pairing potential. "Champagne is not only for celebrations and toasting on New Year's or weddings. It is mostly a great wine to be enjoyed with lunch, dinner or even brunch," he informed members of the media at one event. "The Lebanese people are already famous around the world for their passion for food, luxury and quality, making Beirut a perfect place to host such Moët & Chandon events."
Chef Dance tantalized local taste buds at three separate events during the last week of November. On the 27th, he welcomed around a dozen of Lebanon's most acclaimed and talented local chefs for a food pairing and cooking workshop at Chef Hussein Hadid's kitchen. There, he demonstrated his gourmet techniques while cooking alongside the local chefs as selected members of the media observed. Immediately following the workshop, all in attendance sat down for an exclusive tasting session, where their creations were expertly paired.
On the evenings of the 26th and 27th, Chef Dance prepared two sumptuous dinners for an intimate crowd of diners at one of Beirut's more prestigious fine dining establishments, Chez Jean Claude. Both dinners were invitation only affairs consisting of the country's food and beverage industry experts, connoisseurs, and a few VIP clients of Moet's local distributor and business partner, Diageo. The menu for both evenings was planned in collaboration with Chef Dance, and was an inspiring and exquisite blend of ingredients and flavors bringing out the full bouquet and subtleties of the champagne house's most popular wines, Moët & Chandon Brut, Rose and their legendary Grand Vintage 2002, which were poured with each course.
Chef Dance is one of France's most accomplished Chef's, having gained his reputation inside the kitchens of several of his native country's most prestigious restaurants, many boasting at least 3 Michelin stars. When asked about his experience in Beirut, Chef Bernard Dance said, "The hospitality of the Lebanese people and their passion for refinement and luxury is second to none. It's been a wonderful experience to work alongside such passionate food and wine enthusiasts, and to showcase the natural versatility of Moët & Chandon's best champagnes."
