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Monegasque Cuisine
Monaco’s has contradictory reputations. Some say it’s the country of freedom and entertainment, or the European Las Vegas, while others reject it as a snobbish society. Some dream of going to Monaco, considering it a fairy-tale place of princes and princesses, beautiful seas and aristocratic finesse; however, there are also others who suspect that this free territory is the home of vice. And, at last, most people assume Monaco is merely an extension of France. Only those who have visited it will see the very specific nuances this small monarchy has brought to its national identity.
Bordering the Mediterranean, spread out on elevated hills, majestic rocks and green pastures, this sea country is one of the most exciting spots in Europe. When it comes to cuisne, it can't deny deny the strong influence of its only neighbour, France. Due to its location, Monegasque food is Mediterranean in character, and the main recipes are based on seafood, fish, fresh vegetables, olive oil and rice. One of the national dishes is stocafi. This is a tasty meal with dried cod as the main ingredient. Its preparation uses tomato sauce and some specific spices and the final result is truly impressive.
Pastries are very typical for Monegasque cuisine. Some of the most delicious are the Barbagiuan and the Fougasse. The first is a delicious pastry filled with rice and pumpkin – a recipe somewhat reminiscent of Provencal cuisine. Fougasse is a very peculiar dish. It is a pastry prepared with fragrant orange flower water. It is most often decorated with nuts, almonds and aniseed. Aniseed is, in fact, one of the spices most often used in Monegasque desserts. Among the national recipes, one cannot miss out on socca. Socca are pancakes made from chick-pea flour. Traditional drinks are influenced by Monaco’s proximity to France. Fine wines (local and imported), coffee, hot chocolate and milk are among the most popular.
Monaco has many bars, bistros and restaurants. The large choice of eateries results in a large choice of food. In Monaco, you can find upscale French restaurants, Mediterranean bistros, fusion cuisine and much more. Prices are generally high, therefore one must be prepared. Bills usually include a 15 percent service charge. If searching for cheaper and more traditional food, there are some quite tempting options to be recommended; at the famous square Place des Armes there is a Fresh Market that opens early in the morning and closes late in the evening. A large choice of traditional food is offered here and there is a special charm when eating delicious food in the fresh sea breeze and in the heart of this authentic colourful market.