New to the French Riviera this season is Cala Pulpo by Big T, a hidden oasis near Monaco where BBQ perfection blends with Riviera elegance and the serene atmosphere of a private beach sanctuary.
With a best-selling recipe book under his belt, Thierry Cornuet, aka Big T, had some pretty high expectations when he opened Cala Pulpo, a private beach restaurant at Roquebrune-Cap-Martin this year.
Previously occupied by Canailles, Big T took over this little sanctuary that feel miles away from the rest of the world yet is only a 15 minute drive from Monaco.
Cala Pulpo by Big T is indeed a hidden oasis, found at the end of a short journey down to the Place du Golf Bleu. This family-friendly beach is a bit off the beaten path, which likely explains why it remains pleasantly quiet, even in the height of summer.
It is where “the art of barbecue meets the Bohemian elegance of the French Riviera”; where the aroma of slow cooked meats mingles with the salty sea breeze, and the searing sound of tomahawk steaks intertwines with the endearing clinking of rosé wine glasses.
Throughout it all, the affable Big T mingles with clients, inquiring if everything meets their satisfaction and subtly correcting a table layout here and there. It’s clear this restaurant is his passion, a stage for showcasing the BBQ meats that have become the cornerstone of his career.
While the starter menu is made up of all the good things in life – tacos, popcorn shrimp, salmon tartare, caviar and lobster sandwich, the mains are a celebration of Big T’s craft – meat and seafood that has been lovingly slow cooked in the bbq for long hours (lamb shoulder, farm chicken, baby back ribs), or luxurious cuts of beef (wagyu, tomahawk) and seafood (gigantic shrimp, Cuban lobster) kissed by the flames of an open grill.
The ridiculously comfortable beach beds are perfect for relaxing after all of that Big T goodness.
Cala Pulpo by Big T is open every day from 10am to 7pm, with DJ sets 7/7, valet parking and boat shuttle available.
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