The Slow Food Monaco Riviera Côte d’Azur association marked its 24th anniversary in grand style, hosting a gourmet evening attended by HSH Prince Albert. Held at the Novotel, the celebration featured a special menu crafted by chef Frédéric Ramos, showcasing local ingredients: Var plain artichoke, John Dory fish from the Bay of Saint-Jean, Sisteron lamb, Peymeinade cheese, and a dessert of quince calisson, each dish underscoring the association’s dedication to regional and sustainable cuisine.
The Slow Food movement, which began in Italy in the 1980s, was a response to the growing fast food culture. Founded by Carlo Petrini and a group of Piedmontese food enthusiasts, Slow Food quickly took an activist stance, protesting the construction of a McDonald’s near Rome’s historic centre in 1986. This protest led to the official launch of the Slow Food movement, aiming to preserve culinary traditions, promote local food cultures, and stand against the rise of “junk food.”
In 1989, Slow Food went global after a founding meeting in Paris, bringing together oenophiles, gastronomes, and advocates for sustainable food practices. Since then, the movement has expanded worldwide, including in Monaco, where Jean Pierre Rous serves as president of the local branch.
Image courtesy of Axel Bastello/Prince’s Palace
