Prince Albert II joined 110 Michelin-starred chefs at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo on Sunday evening for an extraordinary Chefs’ Dinner, held on the eve of the Michelin Guide France & Monaco Awards Ceremony — the first time the ceremony has been staged in the Principality.
The dinner, held in the Salle Empire and the Louis XV-Alain Ducasse restaurant, was conceived by Alain Ducasse and inspired by the new Dom Pérignon vintages. Drawing on his culinary philosophy of ‘Mediterranean Naturalness’, Ducasse created a menu built around the produce of the Riviera — chickpeas, red mullet, citrus fruits and other ingredients from the Mediterranean terroir. In keeping with his Naturalité approach, the menu centred on plant-based ingredients with only a small number of fish, all from sustainable sources.
“A long time ago, I put down roots on the shores of the Mediterranean,” Ducasse said. “With Naturalité, it inspires me to create contemporary, sustainable, and delicious cuisine. Last night, I had the great pleasure of sharing it with my colleagues and friends.”
The evening was attended by around 250 guests including chefs, culinary professionals, journalists and dignitaries, and was held in the presence of Stéphane Valeri, Chairman and CEO of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, and Gwendal Poullenec, International Director of the Michelin Guide. Also present were SBM chefs Yannick Alléno, Marcel Ravin and Dominique Lory.
Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, described by Michelin as the world’s most starred resort, served as hospitality partner for the ceremony. Valeri said hosting the gathering was a point of pride for the group. “This evening underscores our Group’s ongoing commitment to making the Principality of Monaco one of the international capitals of gastronomy and the Art de Vivre,” he said.
The Michelin Guide France & Monaco Awards Ceremony takes place Monday 16th March at the Grimaldi Forum.
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Main photo credit: Florian Jeffroy – Space Visuals