Mid September, The Romanian Bailliage of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs held a delightful 2 days event on a most romantic Transylvanian estate and castle park, The Count Mikes Estate in Zabola.

The Chaîne des Rôtisseurs is an International Association of Gastronomy that brings together amateurs and professionals, people passionate with fine cuisine and encouraging the culinary arts, having the same values of quality and fine dining. The Chaîne des Rôtisseurs is based on the practices of the old French royal guild of meat roasters, founded in 1248 and revived in Paris in 1950, now carrying on the traditions of experiencing great cuisine and wines in elegant formal events. www.chainedesrotisseurs.com

As we crossed the land of the finest warriors of medieval Transylvania, the Székely land, we found The Count Mikes Estate unveiling another world in front of our eyes behind the large gates. Situated at the bottom of Vrancea mountains, on 34 ha of forest, with a dendrological park around, it offers a great haven of peace. The Estate holds the castle, the Swiss chalet surrounded by the forest, the former stable transformed in a romantic edifice for events, the Machine House and a future guest edifice that is due to be ready soon.

Once visiting the estate, you become fascinated by its true history, with the feeling of being somehow lost in time.

A XVI century castle that belongs to the Mikes family for centuries and recently retroceded to the successors of Count Mikes, Gregor and Alexander Roy Chowdhury was renovated and rediscovered in its former glory. The castle combines absolute refinement with simplicity and has an exceptional view of the surrounding mountains.

During the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs weekend event we experienced two great evenings: on Friday, a gourmet barbecue in the backyard of The Machine House and Saturday, a six course menu splurge featuring Transylvanian Truffles, in the recently renovated event setting.

The Official Chaîne des Rôtisseurs event, catered by Jonas Schaffer through the meal and by Rachel Sargent on dessert

The former stable, renovated into a romantic event edifice

“Grill to thrill” on Friday evening- the Gourmet Barbecue paired with Saxenburg wines, catered by Roland Birr

On the estate, the visitors can get accomodation in the Machine House. Known as having hosted the machinery of the entire estate in the past, the Machine House was restored as a refined guest house, available to rent, known for its playful decoration full of creative ideas. The owners were keen on recuperating, restoring furniture, creating small scenes that juxtapose vintage with ethnic styles, bringing a natural authentic touch to the house.

The Machine House

For the entire weekend, the guests experienced refined comfort and wilderness, with a harmony between water, vegetation, man and animal. The simplicity, elegance of the estate and the charming details make the stay unforgettable.

The future Guest House

The Swiss chalet surrounded by the forest