The organization is devoted to promoting fine dining and preserving the camaraderie and pleasures of the table. The events are based on the traditions and practices of the old French royal guild (a “corporation” or “union”) of goose roasters, though its authority gradually expanded to the roasting of all poultry, meat and game. The written history of the guild has been traced back to the year 1248 and the reign of the French King, Louis IX.

The society currently has members in more than 70 countries around the world. In the U.S., there are nearly 150 Bailliages (a derivative of the Middle English word "bailiwick" meaning town or village) headed by a Bailli (from the Middle English word "bailiff" indicating the manager or head of a village) and other Bailliage officers who plan the individual chapter's activities.

Members of the Bailliage (chapter) enjoy extraordinary dinners which cannot typically be ordered off of a menu. As the venues hosting the events understand and appreciate the gastronomic sophistication of the members, we have historically been treated to culinary delights masterfully paired with wines and crafted spirits designed, not only to tantalize the palate, but to create a harmony of flavors seldom experienced at even the finest restaurants. Further enhancing this experience, members of la Chaîne enjoy the pleasures of the table in camaraderie with others who share their enthusiasm.