Confrérie de la ChaîneMiami Bailliage
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A tradition built to travel.

Born from a medieval guild and revived for the modern world, La Chaîne now connects nearly 25,000 members across more than 75 countries.

Historic copper culinary tools and an open ledger in warm Miami sunset light
History

From 1248 to Miami Today

The Founding — 1248

La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs is one of the oldest and most respected gastronomic associations in the world. Our story begins in 1248, when King Louis IX of France, later canonized as Saint Louis, founded the guild of the Ayeurs, the professional goose roasters of the day.

The guild existed to protect and advance culinary knowledge. It trained apprentices, tradesmen, and masters in the techniques and standards expected at the great tables of France.

The Rôtisseurs Emerge — 1509

Its scope grew over time. By 1509, under King Louis XII, the guild's craft had expanded to include the preparation of meats, poultry, and game, and its members became known as the Rôtisseurs.

The Emblem is Forged — 1610

In 1610, the guild adopted the historic coat of arms we still carry today: crossed roasting spits and larding tools framed by the flames of the hearth. Those symbols live on in our current emblem, now encircled by fleurs-de-lys and two chains, one for professional members and the other for non-professional members, joined by a shared love of the table.

Silenced by Revolution — 1793

For more than four centuries, the Rôtisseurs kept the culinary arts alive and upheld the standards of the Royal Table. Then came the French Revolution in 1793. The guild system was dissolved, and the tradition nearly disappeared for good.

A Second Life in Paris — 1950

It found new life in Paris in 1950, when Jean Valby revived it alongside the celebrated gastronome Curnonsky, known as the Prince of Gastronomes, together with Dr. Auguste Bécart, Louis Giraudon, and Marcel Dorin. Their work gave rise to the modern Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, of which we are proud to be a part.

A Global Table — Today

Today, La Chaîne is a global gastronomic association with nearly 25,000 members across more than 75 countries. We bring together professionals and non-professionals alike, from chefs and restaurateurs to hoteliers, sommeliers, and devoted food lovers, all united by culinary excellence, fine dining, wine, hospitality, friendship, and the simple pleasures of the table.

Here, in Miami

For those of us in the Miami Bailliage, this heritage is far more than history. It's a living tradition, one we celebrate through memorable dinners, exceptional wines, culinary education, scholarship, lasting friendships, and the warm, international spirit of Miami.

Read the official international history →

Worldwide Presence

A global table with a Miami seat.

We are a global community built on fellowship, friendship, camaraderie, and a shared passion for the culinary arts.

With a presence in more than 75 countries across 5 continents, the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs brings together nearly 25,000 professional and amateur members.

75+countries worldwide
25kprofessional and amateur members
2,200+restaurants represented globally
3,000high-end establishments
People

The people behind the table

  • Nearly 20,000 non-professional members passionate about culinary arts and fine wine.
  • Nearly 5,000 distinguished culinary professionals.
  • Head chefs, rising chefs, sommeliers, and master craftsmen.
  • General managers of leading hospitality establishments.
Places

Where fellowship travels

  • More than 2,200 restaurants, including celebrated Michelin establishments.
  • Roughly 3,000 high-end establishments and nearly 180 private clubs.
  • More than 250 vineyards and wine businesses.
  • Nearly 90 cruise lines and airline companies.
Institutions

Knowledge and hospitality

  • More than 200 international conference, facilities, services, and catering companies.
  • More than 200 prestigious universities, hotel schools, and cookery schools.
In Their Honor

Charles & Nancy Radlauer

A legacy at the Miami table.

For decades, Charles and Nancy Radlauer have helped shape the Miami Bailliage through devoted leadership, generous hospitality, and an enduring belief in the fellowship of the table.

When Charles became Bailli, the chapter had 37 active members. Together, Charles and Nancy helped it grow into what the Bailliage proudly described as the largest in the United States.

Their influence lives in the galas, inductions, friendships, and traditions that continue to define La Chaîne in Miami. With gratitude, we raise our glasses to them.

Vive la Chaîne.

Charles and Nancy Radlauer wearing Chaîne regalia at a Miami gathering
Miami

International by nature. Local by invitation.

The Miami Bailliage translates a global tradition into a warm South Florida experience: diverse tables, serious hospitality, and relationships that continue after dinner.

Ready to experience the living tradition?

History matters most when it creates a meaningful table today.

Request Invitation