Day: 11 January 2025

Can you handle the Stack? There’s a new player to Monaco’s dining scene, and it is taking the humble sandwich to a whole new level. 

WAM is a fast-gourmet eatery located in the Park Palace shopping centre on Avenue de la Costa, just steps away from the Place du Casino. Founded by local entrepreneurs Anthony Orengo and William Scheffer, the new spot promises something fresh for busy residents, professionals and students: high-quality sandwiches and creative flavours delivered with speed and convenience.

The concept behind WAM is simple but ambitious – reimagine the humble sandwich. Built on artisanal Italian bread that combines pizza dough and focaccia and made exclusively for the restaurant, WAM’s sandwiches feature carefully sourced ingredients and a “Stacking Good” philosophy, layering flavours and textures to turn a quick bite into a more satisfying meal.

Not your average sandwich shop

WAM offers a streamlined menu that caters to a variety of tastes, from hearty meat-based sandwiches to vegetarian and vegan options. Customers can add their own twist with a unique spray of sauce – choices like citrus, truffle, or Provençal herbs add a subtle but flavourful finishing touch.

Although WAM began its “soft opening” in November, its official debut into Monaco’s dining scene was celebrated on 8th January. During a press preview held the day prior, journalists were offered a variety of sandwiches showcasing the venue’s unique flavours. Standouts included the smoked salmon paired with a refreshing green apple twist and the bresaola enriched with a luxurious truffle cream. A signature “stack and side” WAM box is priced at €18.90, with the option to add a dessert for just €1 more. Complementing the meal, Daghe soft drinks and Monte-Carlo beers deliver an unmistakable Monaco flair.

“Everyone is welcome,” Anthony Orengo told with Monaco Life during the preview. “Start your morning here with breakfast and your laptop, enjoy a delicious lunch, or, if you’re a nearby student, stop by for goûter, or for an aperitif if you’re a professional. My goal is to create a cozy space where people can enjoy quality homemade food throughout the day.”

Personally, I’m keen to return for the breakfast menu, which includes the delicious WAM bread served with crispy bacon, avocado, and eggs.

But it’s not just about the food. WAM’s location, just steps from Monaco’s central bus stop and tourist hotspots like the Casino de Monte-Carlo, makes it an easy choice for those rushing between meetings or looking for a quick lunch break. The venue itself strikes a balance between practicality and comfort, with a mix of counter service for speed and cosy booths where you can plug in your laptop or unwind with a coffee.

A new venture from familiar faces

As the co-founders of Monte-Carlo Beer, Orengo and Scheffer are well-established figures in Monaco’s business community, with past ventures like Emilie’s Cookies in La Condamine and Monte-Carlo Boys in Singapore.

WAM represents their latest project in the Principality, driven by a shared vision to introduce something entirely new to Monaco’s dining scene.

More than just a lunch spot

WAM isn’t limited to dine-in service; takeaway options mean you can grab your sandwich and keep moving. Regulars might appreciate the 20% discount offered to those paying with the Carlo app, a nod to the tech-savvy habits of Monaco’s residents.

Manager Sophie, a familiar face to those who’ve frequented the Park Palace over the years, adds a personal touch. Having overseen several ventures in the same location, her experience and customer-first approach are a reassuring constant as WAM establishes itself in the community.

A fresh option for Monaco locals

For those living and working in Monaco, WAM offers a fresh addition to the lunchtime routine. It’s quick enough to suit a packed schedule but ambitious enough to stand out from the usual sandwich chains.

Whether you’re after a grab-and-go meal or a place to pause for a moment, WAM has entered the local dining scene with a clear purpose: to elevate fast food without overcomplicating it. If you’re looking for something new, it’s well worth stopping by to see how this local team is stacking up.

See more in our video below…

 

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Monaco has welcomed four new firefighters to the fold. Under the Corps’ guiding motto of “Courage, devotion, sacrifice”, the recruits will serve under the banner of the late Chief-Sergeant Thierry Perard, who lost his life in the line of duty in June 2022.

The Monaco Fire Brigade held a touching ceremony in the Place du Campanin in Fontvieille on 9th January, during which the four newly inducted recruits were formally presented with their helmets.

The event, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Maxime Yvrard, was attended by distinguished guests, including Minister of the Interior Lionel Beffre; Colonel Tony Varo, the Superior Commander of Monaco’s Force Publique, which encompasses the Fire Brigade and the Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince; and Father Christian Venard, Chaplain of the Public Force, who blessed the helmets.

The ceremony held special significance, as the new recruits are part of the Chief-Sergeant Thierry Perard class, named in honour of the firefighter who tragically lost his life during a fire at 21 Avenue Princesse Grace on 19th June 2022. The late firefighter’s wife and daughter attended the event, adding emotional resonance to the proceedings.

Each recruit received their intervention helmet from a designated sponsor, marking the culmination of a rigorous five-month training programme. The presentation of the helmets symbolises the recruits’ formal commitment to the Fire Brigade and their integration into its ranks. It also reflects the deep sense of fraternity shared among the members of the Corps, who work tirelessly to protect lives and property within the Principality and neighbouring municipalities.

The new recruits now join their comrades in embracing the Corps’ guiding motto: “Courage-Devotion-Sacrifice.” With these values at heart, they will now embark on their mission to serve the community with pride and dignity.

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

Pictured: Lionel Beffre, Interior Minister (centre); with Colonel Tony Varo, Superior Commander of the Public Force (left); Lieutenant-Colonel Maxime Yvrard, Chief of the Monaco Fire Brigade; and Father Christian Venard, Chaplain of the Public Force (right), as well as the four new recruits 

Photo credit: Manuel Vitali / Monaco Communications Department