Slow Food Monaco celebrated the Principality’s culinary traditions at its annual back-to-school gala, bringing together leading chefs for an evening dedicated to local produce, Monegasque cuisine and the historic salt route…
Held at the Méridien Beach Plaza on Saturday night, the event reflected the international Slow Food movement’s commitment to protecting food heritage and promoting high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. This year’s theme explored how the ancient trade in salt helped shape the cuisine of Monaco and its surrounding region.
Salt was once essential for preserving food transported between the Mediterranean coast and mountain communities, encouraging trade and the exchange of ingredients. That history can still be traced through local dishes combining seafood with produce traditionally associated with inland areas.
The gala also highlighted ongoing efforts to have Monegasque gastronomy recognised as UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.
Fourteen chefs from Monaco and neighbouring communities contributed to the evening, representing several regional gastronomic associations. Their creations ranged from seafood focaccia and traditional local specialities to gourmet pizzas featuring salmon and pistachio.
The evening culminated ahead of the arrival of Prince Albert II, with an elaborate pizza created in the Sovereign’s honour by chef Marco Ruolo and his team.
Image: Monaco Info