She immediately comes across as an entertainer. This lady is so well known in Monaco that she is encapsulated by the French saying “un loup blanc” (a white wolf). There is definitely something funny and special about her! Natural, lively, spontaneous, invariably full of new projects, Annette Anderson has chaired the MonacoUSA Association since 2011. She is also at the origin of the very famous “Stars’N’Bars” which had had its share of flamboyant years before becoming the chic and cozy “Marius” in the port of Monaco. The 360-degree transformation has been to the liking of this enthusiastic lady who hates monotony. Always ready for an adventure, Annette Anderson has given her life yet another spin which she is very happy about.
“Stars’N’Bars” used to stand out for having a bit of a crazy vibe. Back when Hillary Clinton was running for office, Annette would dress up as her. Another time, it would be Madonna… She makes sure that the elegant “Marius” with its Chef who has earned more than just one Michelin star in his prior career, keeps the same friendly and relaxed vibe. “Inviting and fun” are the two key words for Annette who is in charge of communication and public relations. Not surprisingly, live music is back on the menu.
Hello Monaco: How did you end up on the French Riviera?
Annette Anderson: It’s a long story. I was born in Washington, my father was in the Navy. We travelled a bit, and I eventually grew up in the state of Maine, in the north-east of the United States, where my mother was from. I studied journalism there before working for a regional daily newspaper. I was later hired by an advertising agency and eventually by a major
electricity company. In the 1970s and 80s I acted as their spokesperson, lobbying in the midst of the nuclear power controversy while we had a power plant. After fifteen years of work, however, aged 38, I decided to change my life and walked away. Being successful in business was no longer enough. I needed something else…
HM: What prompted you to make such a decision?
Annette: In the United States, it all revolves around two priorities, work and money. Forty years ago, the state of Maine was a relatively closed place. I needed a more open environment. I left my family, my job and career plans behind for the sake of going to Europe. All I had was one suitcase, not even a hotel booking!
HM: And how did you finish up in Monaco?
Annette: As soon as I arrived, Europe felt like home. Coming from a Canada border state, however, I was looking for sun and warmth. Spain and Greece, the two countries I had already loved and visited, were on my agenda. But I somehow finished up in Paris, and a night train took me to the French Riviera which I knew nothing about. I first arrived at the Nice train station in September, 1989, at 6am. It was not very appealing… I then headed to Villefranche-sur-Mer. I immediately fell in love with it and spent six months there. Then one day I just went to Monaco. And there and then, at the foot of the Rock, I really fell in love with it. I had lunch in Monaco-Ville, then took a nap on a bench in the Exotic Garden. A regular visitor to the Principality, one day I met two American sailors having lunch next to me in a restaurant. They wanted to visit Monaco, and I was their guide. To thank me, they invited me to a Tex Mex “Le Texan” in La Condamine. People were queueing outside, we didn’t get a table right away. The place was then run by a very pretty blonde woman, Kate. She asked us if we could finish eating in 30 minutes as the table was reserved later, then seated us. I became a regular, and one day Kate hired me as a cashier. I was pretty bad at the job (I even charged clients for 33 dishes instead of 3!). But that’s how the Monaco adventure had really begun…
HM: How did “Stars’N’Bars” come about?
Annette: We were hosting the jet set at “Le Texan”, but quickly understood that Monaco needed something more family-friendly, more relaxed, more accessible. That’s how this bar was created, different from any other. It all started in a somewhat out-of-the-main track corner, in a concrete space that served as coffee machine storage… We were the first to invest in this area in the port, before the underground parking was even created. We had little money, I remember painting the walls orange myself. “Stars’N’Bars” finally opened with an entertainment room for children, a disco, local and international live music bands. We were doing Halloween parties (a novelty in the Principality back in the day). And it was a success for thirty years! Eventually, however, we felt like doing something for the planet. So we banned industrial foods, opting for a healthier cuisine that was also better for the environment.
HM: And how did you decide to open “Marius”?
Annette: After 30 years we were no longer pioneers. Monaco had 200 restaurants, and the concept had lost its originality. We thought we had to evolve in another direction. That’s how “Marius” opened less than a year ago. Its Michelin-starred Chef, Sébastien Sanjou, is offering a generous Provençal cuisine. We don’t just serve half a tomato on a plate! With a friendly spirit still in mind, we have many dishes to share. The live music is back on again, but in a completely different setting.
HM: Would you tell us more about the MonacoUSA Association that you are chairing?
Annette: This Association was initiated by Princess Grace to strengthen the ties between the two countries. When I took over, my ambition was to develop the networking side. Each month we did themed events, such as the television festival or the Irish Library, contributing to the image of Monaco. Obviously, major American holidays were also celebrated. There are less than 500 American families living in Monaco. We thus know each other and the atmosphere is friendly. We also welcome other nationalities to join us.
HM: Were you surprised by the election of Donald Trump?
Annette: No, not at all. There is something happening everywhere at the moment, both in the United States and in Europe. It is the rise of populism. I am reassured, however, since a certain balance is ensured by Congress and the Supreme Court between the executive, judical and legislative power. Donald Trump is a special character. I do not share his ideas but I have confidence in our system of government.
HM: Do you have any hobbies?
Annette: Not too many. I still like writing, for “Le Monégasque” magazine, among others. I like telling the less known stories that happened in Monaco. Like the day when the singer Prince held a private concert at “Stars’N’Bars”. It was secret, but the news had been leaked. A crowd wanted to get in. I had to turn away some 400 people… After that I was not at all popular in Monaco…
HM: Any more projects on the horizon?
Annette: I am 72, and I do have projects in mind. I want to further develop the relationship between America and Monaco; in particular, next year, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly’s marriage. I am thinking of the events that may be organized by MonacoUSA. For the moment, nothing has been set, but the ideas are definitely there.
In addition, I am a co-founder of Monaco Pride that has first taken place four years ago. I would like to update the now obsolete laws in Monaco and defend the social security rights of homosexual people. For my part, I have worked here for 35 years. But if I die, my wife will not be entitled to any survivor’s pension because same-sex marriage is not recognized in the Principality. We have been married for 15 years and together, for 29 years. Some laws need to be dusted off!
HM: Do you have a dream?
Annette: My dream is precisely that the law evolves in Monaco for all individuals to have the same rights regardless of their sexual orientation. If I can achieve that in my lifetime, I will be very happy.
Quotes:
“One day I just went to Monaco. And there and then, at the foot of the Rock, I really fell in love with it.
I want to further develop the relationship between America and Monaco; in particular, next year, on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly’s marriage.”
