FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
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Off with their heads!

Off with their heads!

The luxury 137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok is all set to host the Confrerie du Sabre d’Or Thailand’s Annual Grand Chapitre Gala Dinner on March 23 to celebrate the iconic French tradition.

More than 200 years ago, the officers of the famed Hussar light cavalry under the command of Napoleon would celebrate their victories across Europe by opening a bottle of Champagne, quite possibly encouraged by their commander-in-chief’s own assertion: “Champagne! In victory one deserves it; in defeat one needs it”. But rather than rummage around their saddlebags, they would just slice the top of the bottle off with their sabres without dismounting.
Another legend has it that Madame Clicquot, the 27-year-old widow and proprietor of a large, inherited Champagne business, liked to entertain the officers of Napoleon’s army as they passed through. She would present each a bottle as they were riding out and the men used their swords to uncork the Champagne bottles as a parting salute.
This historic dashing French tradition has been kept alive by the prestigious Confrerie du Sabre d’Or, or the Brotherhood of the Golden Sabre that was founded in 1986. The order currently boasts over 12 chapters and 30,000 members around the world. 
Each year the various country chapters hold events that promote this noble art and the enjoyment of Champagne. Anyone can join the confraternity, with initiates being inducted as a sabreur after learning the right way to sabre a bottle, before moving up the ranks to Chevalier, Officier, and eventually Commandeur and Grand Commandeur.
In Bangkok, this is an opportunity for anyone to test their skills in the noble art of sabrage, join the brotherhood, and enjoy a fantastic evening of cuisine, Champagne and camaraderie. The evening will be presided over by Grand Maitre du Sabre d’Or, JeanClaude Jalloux, who will promote members and induct new ones. 
The ceremony will be followed by a special six-course dinner prepared by chef Nanang Aditama. It will include such dishes as scallop tartare with mango jelly, and coconut and yuzu dressing; Bouillabaisse with lobster and infused with Asian spices; and slow-cooked organic duck breast accompanied by a potato and carrot puree, Hong Kong kale, foie gras, and soya pepper sauce, and more. Each course has been paired to four vintages from Champagne Vielle France available exclusively at 137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok.
The ceremony and dinner is priced at Bt6,000 per person, Bt3,500 for Investiture as a Sabreur and Bt8,500 for Investiture as a Chevalier Sabreur. 
Make a reservation at (02) 079 7000 or https://137pillarsbangkok.com/en/events/thenobleartofsabrage/  

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