Smakelijk! at Le Méridien Beach Plaza is now serving Frites Atelier’s gourmet fries, as well as the brand’s famous Dutch potatoes and inventive toppings, alongside delicious Belgian beer pairings.
Frites Atelier, the Belgian gourmet fries concept founded by Chef Sergio Herman, has been added to the menu at Smakelijk!, the Belgian brasserie at Le Méridien Beach Plaza in Monaco. The new offering introduces a selection of fries with various toppings to the restaurant’s carte, as well as croquettes, in a setting that combines traditional Belgian brasserie elements with a contemporary approach.
A closer look at the menu
Monaco Life sampled the Frites Atelier selection on 6th March, starting with croquettes featuring cheese, beef and shrimp. The fries followed, served with different toppings, including one of the standout options: shredded beef, red chimichurri, mayonnaise, fried onions and parsley. Another notable combination is fries with mussels, saffron aioli and garlic shoots, offering an inventive twist to the classic moules-frites dish.
“This partnership is about offering something distinctive in Monaco,” says Vincent Clinckemaillie, General Manager of Le Méridien Beach Plaza. “Frites Atelier is known for its craftsmanship, and we are thrilled to bring that level of quality to Smakelijk!.”
Frites Atelier was founded in 2016 and is known for its creative use of Dutch potatoes, which have been specially selected for their “crispy on the outside and soft on the inside” texture. The fries are cooked using a method that aims to preserve these characteristics while incorporating high-quality toppings such as 18-month-aged Parmesan with fresh truffle and a nachos-inspired combination of American cheese, Jack Daniel’s sauce, bacon, pickles and jalapeños.
“With Frites Atelier, we’re able to present one of Belgium’s most iconic dishes in a new way,” shares Laurent Colin, Culinary Director of Le Méridien Beach Plaza.
See more: New restaurant: croquettes, vol-au-vents, french fries … get into the Belgian spirit at Smakelijk!
Prices range from €8 for a standard portion to €22 for the most elaborate versions. The Frites Atelier menu is available every day except during brunch at Smakelijk!, and no reservation is required.
To accompany the fries, Monaco Life sampled three Belgian beers, with a sommelier providing recommendations for pairings based on the toppings. The combination of fries and beer can amount to around €30 per person for a full meal.
The tasting concluded with a dessert workshop, where attendees could prepare their own Paris-Brussels dessert—a variation of the Paris-Brest. These workshops are available during Sunday brunch and are primarily aimed at children.
Check out Monaco Life’s Frites Atelier reel below:
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