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Day: 2 August 2025

Motown All-Stars brings soul, sparkle and serious groove to the Salle des Etoiles

by: Cassandra Tanti
02/08/2025

Monaco’s summer season just got a whole lot funkier. Motown All-Stars – An Exclusive Show launched on Thursday 30th July with an electric opening night at the Salle des Étoiles, delivering soul, style and standing ovations in equal measure. From now until 10th August, guests can experience this dazzling dinner-and-show event that’s already the talk of the town.

There are few settings as magical as the Salle des Étoiles in full swing, and this summer’s Motown spectacular only enhances the venue’s glamour. Against the backdrop of the sparkling Mediterranean, diners are treated to five-course culinary experience, designed like a musical setlist. It begins with a ‘warm-up’ of barbagiuans and Iberian ham Bellota, moves into a fresh and vibrant first act featuring red prawns with fennel and orange, yellowtail crudo, and burrata from Puglia, and continues with a choice of signature pastas like aged parmesan risotto with asparagus and truffle or spaghetti al nero with seafood.

The main course offers oven-baked Mediterranean seabass, Angus beef fillet, or a vegetarian plate of grilled vegetables and falafels with lemony chickpea cream. Dessert arrives as a final encore: a sliced fresh fruit platter, lemon sorbet, or a rich 70% dark chocolate mousse with raspberries and crumble.

Throughout dinner, the stage belongs to the Ultramarine Girls Band, an all-female ensemble known for their effortlessly cool performances. Their vibrant mix of lounge, soul, and dance rhythms sets the perfect tone for the evening — stylish, upbeat, and full of energy. It’s more than background music; it’s a prelude to the main event.

The dress code is sharp (jackets required), but the mood is pure feel-good. From the first bite to the final bow, Motown All-Stars is a seamless blend of gastronomy and groove.

The unique open air experience of the Salle des Etoiles. Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life

the music that defined a generation — reborn on stage

The show itself is a high-octane tribute to the golden era of Motown, featuring unforgettable hits from Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, The Temptations, and more. It’s not just a concert — it’s a fully choreographed, full-throttle production.

Four powerhouse vocalists lead the charge, backed by a live seven-piece orchestra and a 12-member dance troupe, all performing with the precision and energy worthy of the Motown legacy. Every brass note, every bassline, every harmony is delivered with infectious joy and musicality that pulls the audience to its feet.

Expect iconic tracks like I Want You Back, Easy, Respect, and Superstition to light up the room, each performed with authenticity and flair. This is a show that doesn’t just honour the past, it revives it with freshness and fire.

a must-experience event this summer

Running on select dates through 10th August, Motown All-Stars is that rare thing: a night out that satisfies every sense. Whether you’re drawn by nostalgia, the thrill of live performance, or the sheer pleasure of great food and wine in a world-class venue, this is an evening that delivers.

It’s a celebration of rhythm, unity, and timeless music — wrapped in Monaco’s signature elegance. A perfect mid-summer treat for locals, visitors, and anyone looking to escape the ordinary.

Practical information

Motown All-Stars – An Exclusive Show is running on select nights at the Salle des Étoiles from 30th July to 10th August 2025, with performances scheduled for 30th and 31st July, and 1st, 3rd, 5th, 6th, 9th and 10th August. This is a dinner-show format, with dinner served from 8.30pm and the concert beginning at 10.30pm. Tickets start at €250 and include a full five-course dinner. A smart dress code is required, with jackets mandatory for gentlemen. The show is open to guests aged seven and above. Valet parking is available.

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Main photo by Monaco Life

Quai des Artistes completes ambitious transformation under passionate new owner

by: Cassandra Tanti
02/08/2025

One of Monaco’s most recognisable dining institutions, Quai des Artistes, has emerged from a complete architectural and culinary reinvention that balances its iconic heritage with a modern sensibility. The full redesign, overseen by new owner Bertrand Letartre, has now reached completion three years after he acquired the restaurant, unveiling a brasserie that respects the past while confidently writing its next chapter.

Bertrand Letartre, who has lived in Monaco since 2019 and is known for his work in viticulture and hospitality, described the acquisition as a personal decision driven by affection rather than strategy. “I had been coming here for years, often for lunch or dinner,” he said. “One day the owner mentioned he was considering selling after 20 years. I told him, ‘I’ll take it.’ I didn’t hesitate, because I genuinely love this place and what it represents – it’s the finest location in Monaco for a true brasserie.”

Reinventing a classic, from floor to ceiling

Letartre’s vision involved a total renovation of both the interior and exterior, stripping the venue back to its bones to allow for a faithful reinterpretation of a traditional French brasserie. “I removed everything, including the outdoor bar,” he explained. “This is the first year that everything is finally complete. Now that it’s open, I can see how people are responding—they love it.”

To bring his vision to life, he collaborated with interior design firm Bleu Gris, who reimagined the space in the style of a 1930s brasserie, complete with velvet banquettes, art deco lighting, and an elegant library wall that adds a personal, almost domestic charm. “We wanted guests to feel at home,” Letartre explained, and the resulting ambience is both refined and welcoming.

Owner Bertrand Letartre purchased the iconic restaurant because he is passionate about true brasserie dining

Honouring tradition through cuisine and service

The menu, created by chef Étienne Barrier, is firmly rooted in French culinary heritage. From foie de veau in persillade to veal sweetbreads, sole meunière and house-made pâté en croûte, every dish evokes a sense of nostalgic familiarity. “Our aim was to recreate flavours that bring back memories,” said Barrier. “The taste of childhood, of Sunday lunches, of dishes from home.”

The service, too, has been carefully preserved and elevated. A significant portion of the original team was retained—a decision Letartre considers fundamental to the restaurant’s identity. “I changed the décor entirely, but I kept the team,” he noted. “Some of them have been here for 25 or 30 years. Their experience and connection with the guests are invaluable.”

Ezio Lugano, who has worked at the Quai since 2003, reflected on the restaurant’s enduring spirit: “Some clients I’ve known since they were children. Now they return with their own families. They come for the food, yes—but also because they feel recognised, remembered.”

The design is luxurious, warm and welcoming

The Bar des Artistes: a new rhythm by the water

Part of the transformation includes the rejuvenated waterfront space now called the Bar des Artistes. With sweeping views of the Port of Monaco and a curated cocktail menu, it welcomes guests into a more festive and artistic environment. Live music, comedy nights, and an evolving event programme have turned the bar into a vibrant after-dark venue that complements the brasserie’s refined atmosphere.

Designed for social moments and late-night energy, the bar features signature cocktails and a relaxed menu of sharing plates. “In the evening, it takes on a life of its own,” said artistic director Daniel Tristan. “It’s a celebration of culture, community and good humour—true to the name, and to the spirit of the artists who once inspired this place.”

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All photos courtesy of Quai des Artistes