Monte-Carlo NYC – LOST GEM
On a chilly winter’s night when the Manhattan Sideways team was walking by, Monte-Carlo’s wide, warmly lit dining room was a welcoming sight, with its white table cloths and mustard yellow banquettes. Monte-Carlo is the first solo restaurant from Alexandra Pollet, who has brought her background in hospitality to the culinary world.
Alexandra grew up in Marseille, France. Thanks to the close proximity to Monte Carlo, she took frequent trips to the city in Monaco known for its beaches, culture, and nightlife. She remembers many happy times there, hence the name of her restaurant. Like the food she grew up with, the cuisine at the Upper East Side eatery is French Mediterranean.
Following Mediterranean tradition, the food is seasonal, local, and high-quality. Seafood is a big player, with Skate fish Grenobloise proving very popular, as well as the Dover sole, which is flown into New York on a daily basis. The food is paired with a diverse offering of Californian and French wines.
In addition to the menu, the service is very important to Alexandra, especially after working at the Waldorf Astoria on the food and beverage team. She has had extensive schooling in hospitality, from an international management degree from Wales University to the Glion Hotel School in Switzerland. She understands that interaction with customers and the overall experience of diners is just as important as what they are eating. Alexandra’s musical background, as both a DJ and an instrumentalist, also play a part in making Monte-Carlo what it is: the sound level and arrangements of the music are perfectly suited to the environment.