The 27th Monte-Carlo Gastronomy Festival was a mouth-watering culinary journey that took place from 29 November-2 December at the Chapiteau de Monaco. The trade fair brought in lovers of local products and was a unique opportunity for visitors to experience new flavours and get inspired for the holidays. On the menu were products from French, Italian and European regions, demonstrations, tastings and competitions. Foie gras, truffles, caviar, chocolate, pastries, cheeses, cured meats and organic products from more than 100 producers were sampled and enjoyed.
“For many years, this appetizing trade fair has built its success not only on the quality of the products presented from a rigorous selection of exhibitors, but also on the diversity and importance of its events. It allows visitors to buy a variety of products just a few days before the end-of-year celebrations,” states a recent press release by the Monte-Carlo Gastronomy Festival.
Highlights: “Awaken your taste buds, explore culinary creativity”
Several culinary demonstrations were performed every day of the festival by renowned chefs and rising stars of gastronomy. Masters shared their delicious recipes with attendees. Chef Rodrigo Fernandini, who travelled from New York for the festival, introduced visitors to the excellence of Peruvian cuisine.
6th edition of the Maestro Chef competition
Eight amateur cooks participated in the competition, unique to the region, as an opportunity to challenge themselves and exchange with Chefs working in major Monegasque establishments. The competition was organized in collaboration with the Monaco Goût et Saveurs Association and led by a jury composed of Monegasque chefs and the winner of the 2023 edition, Rahima Habib. From Friday to Sunday, participants had to create one different surprise recipe per day. Nalika Dinushi Jensen was crowned Maestro Chef 2024 and received a cheque for 2,000 euros.
2nd edition of the charity event ‘Soirée du Cœur’
This year, the festival’s charity evening benefitted the Monaco Collectif Humanitaire, which helps children whose cardiac or orthopedic pathologies are not operable in their country of origin, receive medical treatment in Monaco. On Friday 29 November, each participating Chef cooked one or two bites to support this cause. Tickets for the evening were €150 and all the funds raised went to Monaco Collectif Humanitaire, which has been working for over 15 years in the Principality.
“Thanks to all the chefs present for their sincere involvement, to the chef and sponsor of the event Marcel Ravin, and especially to all the guests who responded to the invitation to support an essential cause,” said the Monte-Carlo Gastronomy Festival on social media.
Maestro Kids competition
The 3rd edition of the Maestro Kids competition saw nine budding chefs from schools compete under the theme of ‘sweet and savoury muffins’. Organized in collaboration with the Monaco Goût et Saveurs Association, the children were evaluated by a jury of Monegasque chefs on the final day of the festival.
Major competitions
The Slow Food competition awarded exhibitors for the quality, production, origin and distribution channels as well as for the originality and innovation of the products presented.
The Monte-Carlo Gastronomy Wine & Spirits Awards competition awarded exhibitors of wines, champagnes, liqueurs and spirits.
