Saturday 20 July 2013

The forbidden world of Alain Ducasse and the ultra rich, Monaco

The square at the Place du Casino in Monaco is probably the most idyllic spot of the mini State. You are surrounded by beautiful buildings like the Hotel de Paris, the Opera of Monte Carlo, the Casino and the Brasserie of Café de Paris. The facades of the buildings are real pieces of art. Unfortunately it was raining but still super cars were arriving like this red Ferrari.

We didn't want to enter the Casino because we believe as a player you have the odds against you. Even as frequent cruise ship passengers we never play when the odds are against us, only with coupons or when skill is involved.

We were however interested in Hotel de Paris. It is the home of one of the most famous chefs in the world, Mr. Alain Ducasse. He has about twenty restaurants all over the world and three of them have been awarded three Michelin Stars. His flagship restaurant is here in Hotel de Paris, it is called "Le Louis XV".

After dining in already 35 Michelin Star restaurants, we intended to have a look at the restaurant and the menu. Entering the lobby of the hotel, we were stopped by the porter who decisively refused us access. We couldn't believe this. Probably only famous people and euro millionaires are allowed in. We find this scandalous and will never ever consider again making reservations in an Alain Ducasse restaurant in the world.

Het plein aan Place du Casino in Monaco is waarschijnlijk het meest idyllische plaatsje van de mini Staat. Je bent omringd door mooie gebouwen zoals Hotel de Paris, de Opera van Monte Carlo, het Casino en de brasserie van Café de Paris. De gevels van de gebouwen zijn echte kunstwerken. Spijtig genoeg regende het maar er kwamen toch nog super auto's aan zoals deze rode Ferrari.

We waren niet van plan het Casino binnen te gaan daar je als speler de winstkans tegen hebt. Zelfs als regelmatige cruise passagiers spelen we nooit aan boord als we de kansen tegen hebben, alleen met coupons of bij vaardigheidsspelen.

We waren echter wel geïnteresseerd in Hotel de Paris. Het is de thuishaven van de wereldberoemde chef Alain Ducasse. Hij heeft ongeveer twintig restaurants waarvan er drie, drie Michelin Sterren werden toegekend. Zijn hoofdrestaurant is in dit hotel en noemt "Le Louis XV". 

Na reeds gedineerd te hebben in 35 Michelin restaurants, wilden we dit exclusieve restaurant en zijn menu eens zien. Toen we de lobby binnen wandelden werden we echter tegen gehouden door de portier die ons categoriek toegang tot het hotel weigerde. We konden het gewoon niet geloven. Waarschijnlijk is Hotel de Paris enkel toegankelijk voor beroemdheden en euro-miljonairs. We vonden dit schandalig en zullen nooit meer overwegen reservaties te maken in een van de restaurants van Alain Ducasse.. 
 
Hotel de Paris Monaco

Hotel de Paris Monaco

Hotel de Paris Monaco

Ferrari Monaco

Cafe de Paris Monaco

Casino Monaco

Casino Monaco

Casino Monaco

Previous Monaco article: Monte Carlo Aquarium in the Oceanographic Institute, Monaco

Previous Casino article: Las Vegas City Center and Aria Casino Resort

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11 comments:

  1. You should have said the Ferrari was yours!!! but that is disgusting treatment towards anyone.

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  2. Oh my that is just sad about Alain Ducasse, and his restaurants, as I was excited to see what you discovered too. I shall keep this in mind if I ever get the chance to come across one of his places. Your photos as always are just wonderful. What a city, and yes could I please have a ride in that Ferrari! Ha! Ha!

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  3. Oeps..., wat een tegenvaller, Filip, de rijke-mensen-wereld zit toch raar in mekaar...
    Lie(f)s.

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  4. inderdaad schandalig, jullie konden toch even goed miljardairs geweest zijn

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  5. I never did like snobs, you can do without them.

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  6. I would boycott the Hotel chain too. That is disgusting and discriminatory. Did they give you a valid reason?

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  7. That is absolutely SHOCKING that you were denied access to this hotel and restaurant. Can't believe it... and glad that you posted this. It should be shared in many places. Such rudeness and snobbery. What did they say?? Hope you were extremely rude back...

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  8. beautiful details of the buildings...
    btw why did not ask to talk to the manager or stg like this, I find the behavious scandalous...

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  9. Your photos are lovely.
    The cheek of that establishment.
    I would have been cross as you both were not being able to enter.
    Money is money no matter who's it is!

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  10. I hope they know what they've done by refusing you entry! Now all your loyal followers will also refuse to enter an Alain Ducasse restaurant!

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