I have known Annette Anderson since arriving on the Riviera. She is one of most energetic and welcoming people that one can encounter.

Annette packed her bags one day heading to the Riviera from the USA, this was many years ago. From a standing start she has been bringing hospitality to Monaco, a far cry from her USA self in the nuclear industry! She is unique, dynamic, highly motivated and very community spirited.

Together with sadly missed Kate Powers and Didier Rubiolo, Annette created what became an institution in Monaco, the legendary Stars n’ Bars. The idea was to cater to families and young people, something absent from Monaco at the time. As with all great things they arrive at a point when times change. Kate was very much on the side of healthy eating and sustainability which, however it is dressed up, is not, I guess, burgers and fries! Stars n’ Bars closed around 2 years ago and in its place is Marius with a Michelin starred chef Sébastien Sanjou.

Whilst missing the old restaurant, the new Marius is moving into a new era. It offers a menu that is refined. Refined does not mean that it is offering miniature portions of food, quite the contrary. The menu is designed to be healthy and gourmet whilst being tasty and satisfying. It is worth finding out more about Marius. It is not just a restaurant but also a place to relax and enjoy the music that is on offer several evenings in the month. If you live in Monaco then there is the possibility of being picked up in a chauffeured classic, maybe even a Rolls Royce, to make a grand entrance at the restaurant then after your meal being chauffeured home in similar style. Only in Monaco!

In the Stars n’ Bars days there was a lounge, 200m2 of it, that was up a level. From the three glass balconies it was then possible to take in the stunning views of Port Hercule with Monte Carlo in the background whilst sipping a drink. It was called Stardeck though it had had several incarnations in its past. The great thing is that it can be hired for events whether they be small or large. Creating an event just to stand on the balconies would be worth it in itself!

Annette hosted many Monaco USA events on the Stardeck. These ‘networking’ events happen monthly though now they are held principally in the Marius restaurant and still hosted by Annette. The word networking can have negative connotations for some, these events are far from that. Annette arranges a theme, Film awards or Mardi Gras for example, which may involve a short introduction. Annette has simply created a way of allowing people to mix without any formalities in a friendly and welcoming environment. Entrance is free, just buy a drink and chat to someone. Oh, and you do not have to be American! It is definitely worth signing up to the Monaco USA newsletter and checking out the Monaco USA website, you will be glad you did.

Photo Credits: Kaidi-Katarin Knox, Annette Anderson, Ateliermike.com