FINE DINING
an avant-garde Monegasque delight , it ’ s so good Monaco deserves to claim it as its own , even if Monaco is not its birthplace .
“ Cobblestones of the Rock ” — Small almond and honey cakes
Created in 1974 , to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Prince Rainier III ’ s reign , ‘ Pavés du Rocher ’, tasty sweet bites made from honey , orange and marzipan cut in the shape of a rock .
© SBM
Christmas bread or “ U Pan de Natale ”
The famous soufflé in Le Grill restaurant Знаменитое суфле в ресторане Le Grill
FOR THOSE WITH A SWEET TOOTH
Galapian — A Delicious Cantaloupe-Cherry-Almond Tart
What is it : A sweet-tart , made with a batter of egg whites , almonds , cherries , and cantaloupe , brushed with a honey glaze . This dish has its origin in France ’ s Galapian commune , Even though Galapian is almost 740 km away from Monaco , the Galapian tart has found a deserved place in the cuisine of Monaco . For those familiar with a Bakewell tart there are some similarities .
What does it taste like : Each bite fills you with a light , airy , and creamy delight . A glass of Chenin Blanc or Riesling wine teamed with this sugary treat would be perfect .
Soufflés at Monaco ’ s The Grill
Le Grill at Hôtel de Paris has something special to rival Crêpes Suzette . It has a gourmet following for its soufflés which have the reputation for being second to none . Just call it
Round bun topped with four nuts arranged in a cross around an olive branch . Monegasques eat it for Christmas as a symbol of peace and prosperity for families .
Crêpes Suzette
One of the world ’ s most famous desserts , crêpes suzette are flambéed tableside with sugar , butter , lemon and orange juices , and Grand Marnier . According to local legend , the dish was first served at Monte-Carlo ’ s Café de Paris . It was prepared for the visiting Prince of Wales ( the future King Edward VII ) and named for a lady in his party . So we can label it Monegasque fare even if not everyday traditional fare .
Try it at : Café de Paris , of course , whose highly sought terrace tables face the famous casino .
CHEERS — TIME FOR A DRINK , MONEGASQUE STYLE
© HelloMonaco
If it ’ s Monte-Carlo it has to be magnums and Jereboams of Champagne but there are other local alcoholic and non-alcoholic delights .
Monaco beer
At the Brasserie , on Port Hercule , Monaco beer with organic malts has been brewed for years . For the curious , you can inquire about attending the manufacturing processes .
Liqueurs
Using only local citrus aurantium oranges , which are too bitter to eat , 15,000 tons of the fruit is processed by hand by L ’ Orangerie just off Place d ’ Armes , and distilled with a small amount of sugar , water and alcohol . The 30 % proof liqueur , along with Prosecco , ice and zest , now appears on cocktail menus as the Monaco Spritz .
Café Monegasque
For National Day , November 19 , La Carruba , a liqueur based on the fruit of Monaco ’ s national tree was recently launched . It is both gluten- and caffeine-free and you get the taste of coffee and dark chocolate — the core source being Monaco ’ s 30 carob trees .
56 / Hello Monaco Winter 2022 – 2023 www . hellomonaco . com