Written by Juliet Cullinan – text excerpted from Juliet’s article in Monte Carlo The Art of Taste
In May 1987 Alain Ducasse unveiled what is considered the finest restaurant around the globe – The Louis XV at the Hôtel de Paris in Monaco. Set in the Casino Square, next to the Opéra Salle Garnier, opposite the Café de Paris, this Belle Époque landmark with its wooden revolving doors continues to swirl celebrities from the famous Square into this gracious and legendary hotel.
Entering this gracious Monaco landmark is like entering a beautiful Cathedral. The grandeur, elegance and beauty of the architecture with its harmonious proportions is awe inspiring. The fragrance of the room emanating partly from a pyramid of fresh flowers, and soft buzz of multilingual conversations, lull one into a calm excitement of expectation. This setting is rare, unique, and special and you feel honoured to be there.
The Louis XV, which this year celebrates its Silver Jubilee, is the ultimate destination for fine dining and the talent of Ducasse. He is a chef who served his apprenticeship with greats, Michel Guérard, Roger Vergé and Alain Chapel who taught and inspired him to be what he is today.
Today Ducasse is perhaps the most celebrated chef of traditional French cuisine. Ducasse is applauded internationally for being one of the most prolific chefs of our time. His 20 international restaurants, 20 books and cooking schools for public and chefs have carried his gastronomic wisdom to far distant lands.
*Article taken from The Culinary Artist, Issue 1
