An internationally renowned gastronomic society so prestigious it once had its own coat of arms, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs ("The Royal Guild of Goose Roasters") is an invitation-only membership organization for individuals and institutions possessing world-class culinary acumen. Among some 24,000 members from 80 countries, AmaWaterways and President Rudi Schreiner were extended membership in 2011 at a black tie ceremony (complete with multi-course dinner and flight of wine) in Austria’s stunning Salzburg Residenz palace. It was the first time a cruise line had ever been extended membership—and if you’ve indulged in our extraordinary, regionally inspired cuisine, it should come as no surprise!

It All Started with Geese

Membership is comprised of chefs, restaurant owners and gourmands (as well as all of AmaWaterways ships in Europe) who all share a passion for the finest food and spirits. Not unlike military stripes, members are given ribbon collars that reflect their rank and career. Each proudly displays the La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs seal, which surrounds a centuries-old coat of arms derived from the Royal Guild of Goose Roasters. Founded in France in the year 1248 under the direction of Étienne Boileau, the Provost of Paris, the Guild was primarily focused on developing young apprentices and improving members’ professional skills so they could produce cuisine befitting of the “Royal Table.” This likely meant either curing the geese or slow roasting at low temperatures—the ancient confit technique, in which unused meat was then preserved in jars filled with fat to be used later. Renamed Rôtisseurs in 1509 and gaining its coat of arms just over a century later, the Guild was disbanded during the French Revolution—where it remained forgotten until La Confrérie de la Chaîne de Rôtisseurs was resurrected in 1950.