Micheline Stars, Mediterranean Style, Distinguish Monaco Monaco's Culinary Scene

The highly acclaimed, yet relative newcomer is the most recent recipient of a sparkling Michelin star. Overlooking Monaco’s yacht filled harbor, the stunningly positioned Mandarine Monte Carlo – atop the Port Palace Hotel (www.portpalace.com) caters to palates seeking contemporary light, seasonal cuisine and creative tasting experiences. The kitchens are under the watchful eye of French Chef Patrick Raingeard, (since September 2006), who now joins a very small, hugely competitive and exclusive club of Michelin starred chefs in Monaco – including Alain Ducasse, Joël Robuchon, Joël Garault and Sylvain Etiévant

The much respected Restaurant Joël Robuchon MonteCarlo, within the breathtaking Hotel Metropole MonteCarlo is the recent proud recipient of a second glittering Michelin star. Serving contemporary cuisine crafted with the finest Mediterranean ingredients, it abides by Master Chef Robuchon’s culinary code, that no plate will feature more than three flavors at any one time. Robuchon’s open kitchen concept ensures an interactive and engaging culinary experience. In late 2008, and to great fanfare, the Metropole launched Yoshi, Robuchon’s first Japanesethemed restaurant featuring a sophisticated menu which perfectly complements the dramatic décor (www.metropole.com).

As part of their recent spectacular “makeover”, the Fairmont Monte Carlo’s restaurants invite guests to savor the many flavors of Monaco. L'Argentin is a meatlovers paradise featuring one of the largest wood and charcoal spits for roasting and grilling. For a light snack, a glass of champagne practically Monaco’s national drink or a refreshing cocktail, the dramatic Saphir Bar provides visitors with a luxuriously contemporary setting to while away the hours. For an exceptional meal with breathtaking Mediterranean views, Le Pistou, located on the hotel’s panoramic terrace, produces Italian and regional cuisine and is open yearround. (www.fairmont.com/montecarlo)

Le Méridien Beach Plaza’s L’Intempo is the only restaurant in the Principality that is open 24hours, seven days a week. There are four separate design themes within the restaurant, which has a central open kitchen and offers stunning beach views and a menu of Mediterranean dishes inspired by award winning chef, Michel Rostang. (www.lemeridien.com/montecarlo)

Alongside these classics, other eateries more recently opened (or reopened) to great reviews include Zebra Square, a trendy brasserie with zebraprint décor located in the Grimaldi Forum Monaco; Sans Souci, a cozy retreat especially during the winter months, it features simple but delicious homemade Mediterranean food, more Italian style than French, and a friendly atmosphere; the Quai des Artistes Brasserie featuring rotating original works by local artists, together with a menu of light fare at reasonable prices; La Brasserie in the Columbus Monaco Hôtel showcases the masterful culinary talents of Chef Laurent Sturbois amid a chic, informal atmosphere. (www.columbushotels.com) Under the impressive umbrella of the MonteCarlo SBM are some of Monaco’s best known and most cherished eateries, and from now through September 2011, there is much news to trumpet including:

· The May 2009 launch at the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel of Elsa, featuring contemporary, seasonal seafood with a modern twist on traditional dishes served in the Riviera during the1920’s and 1930’s. It will compliment this hotel’s 3 other restaurants which offer guests a surprising range of fashionable fare; Le Deck is an ideal spot for lunch next to the hotel’s salt water swimming pool; with its exotic decor, sumptuous sofas and spirited DJs, the Sea Lounge draws crowds as the sun sets and, at nightfall, becomes a favorite of fashionable partygoers, serving sushi, tapas and cocktails; and opened throughout summer, La Vigie is a perfect seaside setting to enjoy a buffet lunch or dinner (a la carte).

· At the Hotel Hermitage a totally redesigned Michelin–starred La Vistamar with accompanying bar, Le Scorpion, will be unveiled in May 2010. Under the direction of highly praised Chef Joël Garault, diners here fall under the spell of a Mediterraneaninfluenced seafood menu complimented by spectacular views of Monaco’s yachtfilled harbor.

· Buddha Bar MonteCarlo will replace the former Cabaret at the Casino de MonteCarlo. This Asian inspired restaurant will open in May 2010, accompanied by a relaxing yet dramatic lounge.

· Terrasse, Brassiere Café de Paris – This popular restaurant will undergo extensive refurbishment and its outdoor terrace will be equipped with roofing to allow guests to dine al fresco in any weather. One of the chicest restaurants on Monaco’s culinary map is Bar & Boeuf – Alain Ducasse, the awardwinning chef’s second restaurant in Monaco. Opened seasonally, from May to September, it brings together the land and the sea by basing its menu on these two elements: sea bass (bar) and beef. Starters are influenced by traditional Mediterranean dishes, such as sea bass poached in a courtbouillon then chilled and served in a tian of eggplants and courgettes. Other dishes have more exotic origins, such as stirfried beef, glazed in soy sauce and served with Taggiasche olives, raw and fried spiny artichokes. Located within Sporting MonteCarlo, the restaurant has terrace seating with views overlooking the lush gardens and the azure sea. Bar & Boeuf is a striking counterpoint to Ducasse’s acclaimed Le Louis XV.

This three Michelin starred restaurant, located in MonteCarlo’s Hôtel de Paris, features a world famous and legendary wine cellar (containing more than 600,000 bottles including many rare and valuable vintages from around the world) and a dining room reminiscent of 17 th century Versailles. Also located in the Hôtel de Paris is Le Grill. Under the direction of Chef Sylvain Etievant, the rooftop restaurant is the proud recipient of a prized Michelin star. Considered a “monument” to Monégasque gastronomy, Le Grill features openair dining with panoramic views of the Mediterranean. (For all the above restaurants within the purview of MonteCarlo SBM, please visit www.montecarloresort.com) Although the range of fare in Monaco is international, Monaco boasts a cuisine all its own: a flavorful fusion of southern French (especially Provençal and Niçoise), Italian and other Mediterranean influences. The Mediterranean Sea also has a strong influence on Monaco’s palate, offering a variety of fish not often found in North American restaurants.

For traditional Monégasque dishes, those “intheknow” choose restaurants located in Monaco’s Old Town near the Prince’s Palace (Castleroc – a firm favourite of locals and visitors for traditional fare) or the Côté Jardin in the Hôtel de Paris where Chef Mario Muratore prepares local seasonal specialties.. Following are some tempting examples of Monégasque cuisine: Barbagiuans, a crisp, baked or fried puffpastryfilled treat with Swiss chard, ricotta, leeks, garlic and herbs usually served as an appetizer; Fougasse, a small, sweet bread flavored with oranges and decorated with nuts, raisins and anise can usually be found in the local bakeries; Swiss chard pie, two layers of pastry filled with a mixture of Swiss chard blette, parmesan cheese, parsley, eggs, onions, and rice; and Socca, a thin pancake made from chickpea flour and olive oil usually sold by street vendors and is best eaten while hot. Stocafi, a dish of dried cod, stewed in tomato sauce and flavored with black olives and small vegetables is a local delicacy, as is Vegetable Torte, a pastry case filled with fresh garden vegetables, Arborio rice, ricotta, Parmesan cheese and egg. Stuffed zucchini flowers, Truffle and Fois Gras Torte and Provençalstyle artichokes braised in wine with olive oil are other Monégasque favorites. Among the myriad exceptional experiences to be found in Monaco, dining is just one of the Principality’s many pleasures. From fourstar restaurants to quaint sidewalk cafés, there is no other location in the world where so much epicurean distinction can be found within one square mile.

Contact:

Elle Berdy
Consulate General of Monaco
212286 0500
E.Berdy@monacoconsulate. com