THE JOURNAL
View from the terrace in the Princess Grace Suite at the Hôtel de Paris. Photograph courtesy of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer
No fixture is more anticipated in the Formula 1 calendar than this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix. And, to get into the pre-race spirit, we caught up with Mr Ivan Artolli, Monaco local and general manager at the legendary Hôtel de Paris, Monte Carlo, for some tips on how to enjoy the event whether you’re there, or at home.
“Monaco is famed for being glamorous and almost otherworldly, and that’s how we like it,” says Mr Artolli. “Of course, I would say the best place to watch the Grand Prix is from the Hôtel de Paris – but it really is. We are the only hotel that has 300m of Formula 1 racing track in front of us, and we’re just opposite the Royal Box. You can watch the whole race from our terrace, and a lot of the participates can be found in Le Bar Américain celebrating afterwards.
Exterior of the Hôtel de Paris. Photograph courtesy of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer
“If you’re not into the race, there are three Michelin-starred restaurants within a two-minute walk, as well as the Casino, an 18-hole golf course and a host of luxury boutiques.
“I love sport, so I like to cycle. There are actually a lot of professional cyclists living in Monaco. You can climb all the way up the Col de la Madone, a training track for the Tour de France, which is about 900m above sea level. You can see France and Italy from the top.”
What to wear
“In Monaco, people like to get dressed up, and a lot of the restaurants in the principality require a dress code. After 7.00pm, shorts are often not allowed and many restaurants inside and outside of the hotel require a jacket, so make sure you pack accordingly.”
What to drink
“Le Bar Américain is one of the most successful bars I’ve managed in my professional life. During a Grand Prix Sunday, we have made €280,000 in one night before. It’s usually very busy. A couple of years ago, Lady Gaga visited and just started singing for guests – it’s a really special bar. The menu is packed with classic cocktails and we are very good at martinis. If you are visiting I’d suggest you try the Mandarin Sour; it’s one of our signatures.”
The Mandarin Sour
Ingredients:
- 50ml of Beluga Noble Vodka
- 20ml of homemade mandarin syrup
- 25ml of fresh lemon juice
- 15mil of fresh mandarin juice
- 15ml of egg white
Method:
- Dry shake all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker
- Add ice (and shake again)
- Strain into a martini glass and garnish with pieces of candied mandarin peel