Ducasse creates Italian summer in Monaco

On May 12 renowned chef Alain Ducasse will open La Trattoria - Sporting Monte-Carlo, a new al fresco seasonal dining experience that overlooks Jimmy'z, a hotspot in the Sporting Club complex, Japanese gardens and the Mediterranean Sea.

"I am passionate about Italy, a vast inventory of discoveries, of memories that deepen with each new visit. My desire was to share these experiences by creating a contemporary trattoria, steeped in tradition. A casual and welcoming place, yet very up to date, " said Alain Ducasse. 

The restaurant will be open for dinner from May 12- September 11 and expects to be a seasonal gastronomy event in Monte-Carlo.

La Trattoria's menu are will include traditional Italian courses including antipasti, salumeria, pizzette, primi, secondi, contorni and dolci. "The recipes, executed by chef Robbie Pepin combine two languages: Saltimbocca à la romaine [Roman-style Saltimbocca], sucs de veau à la sauge [veal with sage] ; Risotto aux artichauts épineux [risotto with artichokes] ; Cacciucco de poissons et coquillages [fish and shellfish chowder]; Pesto siciliano or genovese and Crema di pomodori e aglio [Sicilian or Genovese-style pesto and Tomato and garlic cream sauce] prepared with a pestle and mortar."

Around 30 antipasti will be served including fresh burrata, pea and roquette soup, marinated octopus and potato, rabbit liver crostini, and caponata. The wine cellar boasts a selection with 70% of the wines produced from Liguria to Sicily.

For dessert expect great Italian family-style classics:  tiramisù,  zuccotto and  zuppa inglese. Plus an assortment of ice creams and sorbets will be served from a whimsical "retro bicycle pushing a red ice cooler, complete with shiny gold bells." A menu per person will cost around €60 not including wine.

Also in June, another legendary French chef with three Michelin stars, Pierre Koffmann, will open his new restaurant, Koffmann's to be located in The Berkeley hotel in Knightsbridge where the Boxwood Café, was located until this April.

"I have been searching for the perfect new restaurant site for several years," explained Koffmann. "I am thrilled to be returning to a place I know and love."

At Koffman's expect to find his signatures dishes like scallops with squid ink, braised pig's trotter with morels, and pistachio soufflé with pistachio ice cream. The menu will be hearty and value-driven.

For more information on La Trattoria, visit:  http://en.sportingmontecarlo.com/La-Trattoria,2464.html

To find out more about Koffmann's, go to: http://www.the-berkeley.co.uk/koffmanns.aspx