This Fall, the Consulate General of Monaco and Monaco Government Tourist Office in New York, along with Monte-Carlo SBM Hotels & Casinos and other esteemed partners, present Monaco Takes New York a series of culinary and charitable events that celebrate the flavors of one of the world’s most glamorous destinations and pays tribute to the cultural heritage of the Principality. The week-long culinary celebration will take place during October 11 – 16, 2010 at some of Manhattan’s most iconic venues to benefit the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation – USA and the Princess Grace Foundation – USA.
Executive Chef Marcel Ravin of the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort will travel to New York to present his sublime Monégasque cuisine, a fusion of Mediterranean, Italian and French influences for a series of culinary events at the University Club of New York, culminating in a grand Gala Dinner on October 14. In addition, Chef Ravin along with a collection of acclaimed chefs will host an extraordinary food and wine tasting on October 13 at the Top of the Rock. One of the newest rising stars in Monaco, Chef Ravin’s award-winning style, described as “cuisine de réflexion” (thinking man’s cookery) has been delighting the palates of visitors and guests at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort since 2005.
“Some of the world’s most celebrated chefs journey to Monaco to be inspired by the fairytale Principality’s rich culinary heritage and abundance of fresh and flavorful ingredients,” said Hon. Maguy Maccario Doyle, Consul General and Director of the Monaco Government Tourist Office in New York. “Through the remarkable talents of Chef Ravin we are able to shine the spotlight on the unique flavors of the Principality and are delighted to share a taste of Monaco with New York.”
On October 13, signature dishes from the kitchens of internationally renowned chefs Didier Elena, Shaun Hergatt, François Payard, Marcel Ravin and Cedric Tovar, along with fine wines, champagne and premium liquor will be served at Monaco’s Taste of New York, an evening benefiting the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation-USA and the Princess Grace Foundation-USA. Hosted at the Weather Room at the Top of the Rock, this unique food and wine tasting will highlight the following dishes:
· The Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort, Chef Marcel Ravin presents:
Variation on the fried egg – cassava / passion fruit / truffles & beets galette
· Adour Alain Ducasse at The St. Regis NY, Chef Didier Elena presents:
Pressed chicken & duck foie gras, artichokes with truffle vinaigrette
· SHO Shaun Hergatt, Chef Shaun Hergatt presents:
Potato espuma and black truffle with Maitake mushroom
· Payard and François Chocolate Bar, Chef François Payard presents:
A selection of mini pastries and desserts
· Restaurant Daniel/Feast & Fêtes, Chef Cedric Tovar presents:
Award-winning barbagiuans and other Monégasque specialties!
To make reservations for Monaco’s Taste of New York, please call 1 800 753-9696 or book online, reservations are $150 per person (Space is limited).
Under the High Patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, on October 14, Chef Ravin will prepare a grand Gala Dinner (venue is the University Club of New York). Chef Ravin, along with his Pastry Chef, Philippe Brito and Chef Robert Bagli, will prepare a menu inspired by Monaco’s cuisine and Chef Ravin’s own Martinique heritage.
The evening will include a “blind” wine tasting of very fine French wines hosted by renowned wine expert Nikos Antonakeas of Morrell Wines. Another highlight of the evening is a post-dinner performance by Karen Akers, one of America’s finest cabaret stars. Ms Akers is currently performing at the famed Algonquin in New York City in the much-lauded show, Dancing on the Ceiling: Akers Sings Rodgers and Hart. In addition, an exclusive silent auction will offer one-of-a-kind prizes including a dream vacation to the Principality of Monaco, private whiskey tasting and master class in your home featuring a Scottish “Ambassador” from the Balvenie Distillery, gifts from Hermès, dinners at top-rated NYC restaurants and a selection of fine wines and Champagnes.
To make reservations for the Monégasque-Inspired Gala Dinner, call 1 800 753-9696 or book online, reservations are $250 per person (Space is limited).
Proceeds raised during Monaco Takes New York will benefit the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation-USA and the Princess Grace Foundation-USA.
The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundationwas established in 2006 by His Serene Highness Prince Albert to continue the Principality’s legacy of environmental stewardship and its commitment to conserve the world’s natural environment. The Foundation supports sustainable and ethical projects especially in the Mediterranean Basin, the Polar regions and the world’s least developed countries. Its focus is on three main challenges: climate change,; combating the loss of biodiversity; and water management. It has opened chapters in France, Switzerland, the UK, Italy and Germany, in Canada and, in 2008, the USA. Since its inception, 100+ projects have benefited from Foundation grants totaling more than $US23 million. www.pa2f.org
The Princess Grace Foundation-USAis a not-for-profit, publicly-supported foundation, headquartered in New York City and founded more than 25 years ago by Prince Rainier III of Monaco in honor of his wife, Princess Grace [Kelly]. The Foundation carries on the legacy of Princess Grace by awarding scholarships, apprenticeships and fellowships to emerging artists in theater, dance and film. Since its inception, the Foundation has bestowed more than 650 Awards, totaling more than $7 million in grants. www.pgfusa.org
Partners participating in the 2010 Monaco Takes New York events include Monte-Carlo SBM Hotels & Casinos, Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, Swiss International Air Lines, The Wall Street Journal, Wine Spectator, Condé Nast Traveler, Saveur, Champagne Paul Goerg, Château Coutet, Château Léoville-Barton, Louis Latour, The Balvenie Distillery, SHO Shaun Hergatt, Adour, Morrell, Payard, Daniel NYC, Nespresso, Fashion for Floors and Tesla Motors (as of 14 September, 2010).
For more information on Monaco Takes New York, please visit www.monacotakesny.com or contact the Consulate General of Monaco at 212-286 0500.