On Thursday, July 31, Annette Anderson of Stars’N’Bars fame retired after 35 years of working in Monaco. Friends gathered at Marius Monaco to say thank you to the heart of our community, an extraordinary human being whose comforting day-to-day presence will be missed.
Following a fantastic farewell speech by Gavin Sharpe, Annette was presented with a jade-coloured soapstone heart by Menton artist Florence Duet. And even though we forgot to use microphones (note for next time!), she made the evening news on Monaco Info. (Watch Video Below.)
Now, typically, I would share a few words about what makes Annette Anderson so darn special and how she represents the authentic spirit of our Monaco community. But as she brilliantly tells her own story on the recent Monaco Info podcast, I will instead invite you to listen to learn more about her life and time in the Principality. (Listen with this link below.)
As for Gavin’s speech, I’m sharing here as it perfectly captures the gathering to hip-hip-hooray Annette last Thursday. You can watch this video below or read the text. There are also plenty of photos if you scroll down.
Gavin Sharpe’s Farewell To Annette Anderson “Annette, we couldn’t let this week pass without saying thank you and taking a moment to honour and celebrate you.
Now, anyone who knows Annette knows just how much she hates the spotlight. Well … sorry, Annette – these next few minutes are all about you. So you’ll just have to grin and bear it!
Not many of us can say we’ve created a legacy like yours. Thirty-five years ago, you helped open a remarkable chapter in Monaco’s story. I’m of course talking about the cultural institution that is Stars’N’Bars.
Let me share a little secret – you can’t always believe what Annette tells you. She’ll try to convince you she was just in the background, holding the fort while Kate and Didier made the magic happen. But the more I’ve come to know Annette, the more I’ve realised the truth: Stars’N’Bars was a remarkable co-creation and it worked because three incredibly talented people brought their different and remarkable gifts to the table. And in my view, that’s what true leadership looks like – collaborative, humble, and quietly powerful. That’s you, Annette.
There’s something almost poetic in the fact that Stars N’ Bars was created to bring people together, informally. It wasn’t about wealth or pretence – it was about being real, being grounded. And how fitting that you were at the heart of that.
Very few people get to shape a place, a feeling, a community the way you have. Your legacy isn’t just in bricks and mortar – it’s in the memories, the friendships, the laughter, and the lives you’ve touched.
On a personal level, thank you, Annette – for your friendship, your vision, your heart, your humour, and your immeasurable contribution to the Principality and to all of us lucky enough to know you.
I know you’ve worked tirelessly with Didier and the team to build something new and exciting in your next venture, Marius. We wish them every success with it.
But I can’t wait to see what YOU create in YOUR next chapter – I know you’re brimming with ideas. But for now, please raise a glass with me to toast the inimitable and iconic Annette Anderson.”
Riviera Radio MD Paul Kavanagh, Martine Malbouvier, Eric Gibelin, Camille Bidard and Sarah Lycett.Natasha Frost-Savio, Tiffaney Perlino and Kimberley Bottomley.Vanessa Ilsley and Lisa DeRea Frederiksen.Irina Peterson.Sue Blake and Mike Colquhoun.Joe Ghannam and Annette Wijdom.Rhonda Husdon and Ina Ina McLaughlin.Barry and Emma-Jane McCormack.Kaen Bond and John Ina McLaughlin.Silvia Mischler.Finlay, Kelly and Charlotte McNish.Gavin Sharpe and Sebastian Rocca.Jilly Jackson.Karin Corradi.Didier RubioloAlicia Sedgwick
Article first published August 2, 2025. Photos and videos copyright Good News Monaco.
Dominik Drygas has fond memories of his childhood in Częstochowa, some 200km southwest of Warsaw.
“I grew up in the Catholic capital of Poland. I can remember when I was 5 years old, sitting on the balcony and looking out at the clouds for hours. I imagined they were mountain peaks and how I wanted to be up there. I wanted to be a hero, a knight who would save the princess and defend the kingdom. Maybe that is why I have always stood up for those in need.”
As an only child, Dominik played with his imagination. “I had one box of mixed Lego that I was constantly building various constructions. In the winter, I would pack food and a blanket and go off alone on a sled for expeditions to the nearby fields. And in the summer, I’d build huts from forest branches and sleep in them alone. When I was a little older, I explored all the caves in the Polish mountains and climbed all the peaks.”
Unlike other children at that age, Dominik did not go to kindergarten. While his mother ran her own flower shop, he was taken care of by an elderly Jewish woman who would talk to him about the art and antiques in her apartment. Art and design played a pivotal role in his early years. Together with his mom, they would read newspapers about interior design. His grandfather was a famous jeweller and his grandparents’ house was full of paintings by acclaimed Polish artists.
“I can remember seeing my grandfather’s perfect workshop and his focus and concentration as he set diamonds in gold. Maybe that’s why I was obsessed about keeping my room tidy and often moving the furniture around,” says the 48-year-old.
Dominik felt different from other kids. He describes himself as very emotionally sensitive, creating his own path and rebelling against the norm. “I am an artist first, it’s in my genes. My grandfather drew beautifully, my mother drew beautifully, and she designed interiors and organised the first fashion shows.”
He was drawn to architecture. “I wanted to create and build, whether it was a house made of Lego or arranging a room. It was about putting order to space.”
He adds, “You could say that I studied art from the age of five. My parents were well off and often built new houses which they decorated exquisitely. I consolidated this knowledge by studying architecture in Kraków, Poland’s artistic centre.”
Dominik says he mixes all styles – from acrylic and oil paints to graphics and collage – to create his own style where assemblage is dominant. “What I create is not the result of any planning. I flow in the energy and create, never really sure of what will be the final outcome.”
With his architectural studio in Poland, he developed a strong fan base of the country’s wealthiest people, famous artists and top athletes. “I was very well-known, and sometimes clients waited a year for an available date – even though my rates were two times higher than everyone else.” During that time, every one of his projects was featured in Poland’s most prominent interior design magazines. “What characterised the work was colour, which was ahead of the trend. Also, I had brave solutions and functionality and visual effects, as well as the perfect design of lightning in any interior.”
Dominik moved here about six years ago. “In Poland, I always felt as if I were a foreigner. In Monaco, with the vibrations, energy, light, I immediately felt this was my place on earth, like I was finally home.”
In April, his portrait of Princess Grace was included in an art charity auction by the association Femmes Leaders Mondiales Monaco at the Monaco Yacht Club, with proceeds donated to the Princess Grace Hospital and the Monaco Cardio-Thoracic Centre.
Yet despite being regularly approached by art galleries to exhibit his work, Dominik has shied away from the prospect. Until now. “It was not the time and place. Now I feel ready.” His exhibition ‘Renaissance’ takes place Thursday, July 4 at Marius Monaco in the port.
“It shows the first cycle of my work created over the last six years. It’s a reflection of cutting off Poland mentally and my fight to survive here. It is also a story about love, trust and faith. My next exhibitions will be only about the future and my work will change as I do as a painter and architect.”
Visit “Renaissance” by Dominik Drygas July 4 from 7 to 9 pm at Marius Monaco (ex-Stars’n’Bars), 6 Quai Antoine Ire.
Growing up in Monaco, Raphael Rouget was captivated by motorsport. It wasn’t just the “machines adorned with exceptional details” but observing the “emotions, determination, and willpower of the drivers that fascinated me from a young age,” says the new general manager of Marius Monaco.
“Sports with its values and competitive spirit have always been the core of my life. This passion initially led me to pursue a professional career in football. And a memorable encounter with Michel Platini further reinforced this ambition and encouraged me to follow that path.”
WATCH VIDEO ABOVE: RAPHAEL ROUGET INTRODUCES BANKSY ROOM AT MARIUS MONACO
A car accident would abruptly end Raphael’s football dreams but he redirected his focus towards the hospitality and restaurant industry. “I joined my father in a profession that has been in our family for three generations,” says Raphael. His first job was working alongside his dad at the 5-star Hôtel Richemond in Geneva, Switzerland. “More than just a job, the restaurant business is a world of excellence, a powerful medium for connections and exchanges.”
It was a good fit. “I thrive in fast-paced environments where creativity, service, and attention to detail come together to make every moment unique. “My positive attitude is a constant, and I’m quick to react, always looking for solutions and ways to enhance the experience.”
For ever-energetic Raphael, an exceptional restaurant comes down to three things. First, making every detail count. “I believe it starts with high-quality cuisine—fresh ingredients, expertly crafted dishes, and a unique culinary identity that sets it apart.”
Second, the role service plays. “I strive for attentive, welcoming, and knowledgeable staff who make guests feel special and valued. A seamless, coordinated effort between the kitchen and the front-of-house ensures everything flows perfectly.”
And third, the vibe. “A thoughtfully designed space that reflects the restaurant’s concept, paired with the right lighting, music, and comfort, enhances the overall experience. Ultimately, it’s about building that connection with guests, ensuring they have a remarkable experience that makes them want to return again and again.”
Raphael is one of the rare species outside North America who believes the customer is always right. “In a restaurant, the customer is always right in the sense that their expectations and experience should be taken seriously and respected. However, this doesn’t mean that every request is automatically valid or realistic. The key is to adopt a balanced approach, where you listen carefully to the customer while staying true to the restaurant’s standards, vision, and operational capabilities.
“That said, it is essential to show empathy and professionalism when faced with dissatisfaction, as an unhappy customer can compromise the positive experience for others. The goal is to always find a solution that respects both the customer’s needs and the realities of the service.
He should know. He has built his career opening restaurants all around the world, from Japan and Brazil to Qatar and Lebanon, and in the US, Dubai, Switzerland, and France. “These range from small units to large-scale operations including a restaurant for the Bocuse Group with over 800 seats and a capacity of nearly 3,200 covers per day in Lyon.” Raphael has seen it all. “From fast-casual dining to international cuisines of various origins, all the way up to a Michelin three-star restaurant ranked in the top 20 in the world. In each case, I dedicated myself to maintaining an exceptional level of excellence, always striving for perfection.”
Clearly, there is a learning curve. “Every opening reminds me of the importance of building a strong team, maintaining clear communication, and always keeping the goal of providing an exceptional experience for every guest, no matter the type of restaurant.
“It’s about balancing vision, preparation, and adaptability. It’s crucial to have a clear and ambitious vision for the concept, but it’s equally important to be flexible and able to adapt to the unexpected challenges that arise – and they do – whether they are related to management, teams, or customer satisfaction.”
The father of two came on board as the general manager of Marius Monaco in December, six months after Sebastien Sanjou opened its green doors. “When I arrived, the challenge was immense. It was a case of mistaken identity. We were having nights with only two customers in the restaurant, which seemed completely crazy given its iconic history.”
“Art is very important for us. We have many permanent works on display at the restaurant, from Jean Cocteau to American artist Sam Francis. And from April 15, we have a new piece from the Nice-born artist Arman, who designed bottles for Taittinger. We also have the Banksy room, is a new private dining room that seats 10 people.”
– Raphael Rouget, general manager Marius Monaco
He wanted to wake this “Sleeping Beauty” of a restaurant that had been dormant for some time and was determined to bring it back to life and make it shine again.
“Marius Monaco has a unique identity, deeply rooted in Mediterranean tradition while embracing innovation. The focus is on the freshness of local and seafood products, with a culinary expertise that combines simplicity and excellence.”
The vice president of Monaco’s Hospitality Association (AIHM) adds, “The 1500-square meter restaurant is in a prime location and offers an intimate and elegant atmosphere, but what distinguishes Marius is its commitment to offering a true immersion into the Monaco lifestyle, where every detail matters, including impeccable service.
“I am someone who embodies diplomacy, always striving to maintain a calm and respectful demeanour in all situations. I am approachable, available, and deeply attentive to my clients’ needs, ensuring they feel heard and valued. So the experience that I offer to guests is one of closeness, friendliness, and warmth, in line with the expectations of Monaco, whether for a meeting or celebrating a milestone.”
Open every day for lunch and dinner, Marius offers Happy Hour weekdays from 5:30 to 8pm and live music with new artists performing on Saturday nights and this summer, will offer “a surprise” on the spectacular outdoor terrace (which opens after the Monaco Grand Prix). WATCH VIDEO (SCROLL TO TOP) FOR INSIDE SCOOP.
Raphael, whose wife is Australian, is truly a breath of fresh air. “When it comes to customer service, it is important to listen and to understand the situation from the perspective of your team in order to prepare the most appropriate response. By turning a negative situation into a positive one, you show the guest that their concerns matter and help build a stronger relationship with them.”
Raphael lives by his words; “I’m committed to giving my best at every moment, ensuring that each interaction, whether with guests or my team, is a reflection of my dedication to excellence.”
As he says, “I want Marius to be the must-visit address in Monaco, a place that people return time and time again.”
Article first published April 15, 2025. Photos and video copyright Good News Monaco.
In the early hours of June 28, 1969, nine New York City police officers raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club located in Greenwich Village. A search warrant in hand authorised them to investigate the illegal sale of alcohol, and – in accordance with a New York criminal statute –arrest people who were not wearing at least three articles of gender-appropriate clothing.
WATCH VIDEO ABOVE: Annette Anderson delivers spectacular speech at MonacoPride 2024.
Activist and photographer Mark Segal, 18 at the time, was at the LGBTQ+ hang out that day. He recently described the event to Katie Couric Media, saying it was “an ordinary night” dancing at the Stonewall Inn when the police “poured in, threatening and beating patrons … but instead of complying like they normally did when these altercations occurred, the crowd decided to fight back.”
He described, ‘“It was the most horrific, frightening scene I had ever been part of. My first reaction in my head was, ‘Oh gee, we better call the police’ – and then I realised these are the police. Realising that we gay people can be treated like this was probably one of the most depressing times in my life. [It felt like] no one cared about us, not even the police.”
The police barricaded themselves inside and called for backup as some 400 people rioted and set fire to the bar. The flames were extinguished in time but the riots continued for six days. This incident became known as the Stonewall Uprising, the tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the US.
In 1970, a year after the Stonewall Inn raid, activists commemorated the anniversary with what was the first gay pride march. Today, the Stonewall Uprising continues to be honoured worldwide with Pride Month in June.
In Monaco, across Pride Month, the Barclays Private Bank building lights up in the colours of the rainbow. It was Barclays Monaco who, in 2022, collaborated with Fight Aids Monaco and Stars’n’Bars to create MonacoPride, to provide an opportunity to educate Monaco decision makers about LGBTQI+ rights and to change the outdated laws that create serious hardships for many families of people working and living in Monaco.
Speakers Monserrat Marchchetti (Barclays Private Bank Monaco), Hervé Aeschbach, (Fight Aids Monaco) Annette Anderson (former manager of Stars’n’Bars) with Camille Gottlieb (representing her mother Princess Stephanie), Christophe Glasser (Fight Aids Monaco), Lorenzo Turco (Barclays Private Bank Monaco) and (Marina Ceyssac (High Commissioner for Protection of Rights).
Every year since, on June 20, MonacoPride brings together residents and workers to celebrate the LGBTQI+ community. The annual cocktail continues to grow larger, more dynamic, and this third edition invited an unprecedented 150 guests to the new port restaurant, Marius.
It’s a party with a purpose, a reflection on the year’s achievements – like the welcome creation of the new Mon’Arc En Ciel Association – but also to focus on the road ahead as Monaco is consistently rated among the worst counties in Europe in terms of LGBTQI+ civil rights.
Hervé Aeschbach, director of Fight Aids Monaco(WATCH VIDEO BELOW), pointed out how there are no spousal rights for widows or widowers of a spouse in a same-sex couple legally married in other countries and same sex families who are denied medical benefits for their children.
In a riveting speech, Annette Anderson thanked the “many courageous members of the Conseil National as well as the [Marina Ceyssac] High Commissioner for Protection of Rights who have fought for equal rights for the Rainbow Community” but went further to say, “It is OUR responsibility to fight for OUR rights.”
Mon’Arc en Ciel cofounders Isabelle and Anais Berruti, Cynthia Salvanhac and Laure Bernardi.
Annette also commended the Isabelle and Anais Berruti, Laure Bernardi and Cynthia Salvanhac, the thirtysomething cofounders of the country’s first LGBTQIA+ association, Mon’Arc en Ciel.
When Mon’Arc en Ciel launched a month ago, Anais said in an interview, “Monaco is small, people talk. I have never been uncomfortable saying that I’m in a couple with a woman. But we are young. We are not the same generation as older people who have maybe had different experiences.
“Some individuals feel there’s a risk of being regarded negatively, so they keep quiet. We understand, and that’s why we created this association. To tell these people that, even if they don’t want to speak out, the association will do it for them.
Article first published June 21, 2024. Photos and videos copyright Good News, Monaco.
“I have a great respect for the past but I move forward,” says Michelin-starred chef Sebastien Sanjou. “The past must be respected, not ignored, but I only speak about the future.”
And the future is Marius, a new Provençal restaurant that from June 14 will take over Conscientiae (formerly Stars’n’Bars) at 6 Quai Antoine 1er. “If you asked me six months ago if I’d like to go to Monaco, I would have said, yes, it’s a dream. Monaco is an incredible place, at the crossroads of the world. All restaurant concepts are possible, there is a level of cuisine, of service, infrastructure and hotels that is unbelievable.”
WATCH VIDEO ABOVE: Chef Sebastien Sanjou explains the Marius Monaco concept.
For the moment, Monaco is not yet a dream come true for 41-year-old Sebastien. “Monaco is a village, with its own population, it’s particular. You need a lot of humility. It’s a lot of stress and worry. Paris is easier than Monaco!”
Conscientiae opened its doors nearly a year ago, in July 2023, and Sebastien insists that the Marius transformation is the result of opportunities, meetings and things happening. He’s referring to Conscientiae/Stars’n’Bars founder Didier Rubiolo and managing director Marc Dussoullier (owner of the iconic Plongeoir in Nice and he runs La Tonnelle on Île Sainte-Marguerite, a restaurant owned by the monks), who he met working on high-profile events in the region.
“I am happy,” says Didier. “Sebastien will do well and I will stay on representing the environmental side. This gives me more time to do what I want and to develop my vision.”
Marc Dussoullier, Sebastien Sanjou and Didier Rubiolo. Photo: Photo Maki Manoukian.
Sebastien, who is a fifth-generation restauranteur, says at first glance the clientele in Monaco is very specific. “There are two types, the locals and residents, and the others who are interested in the jet-set. What we want is to have a beautiful setting, somewhere sincere. It’s a mix of know-how, the precision that comes with the experience of having a Michelin star combined with a sense of simplicity, taste and generosity.”
“The opportunity to have a Michelin-starred chef like Sebastien was a no brainer. The timing was extraordinary,” says community relations manager Annette Anderson. “There is an evolution, from the last 10 years of Stars’n’Bars, then the period of Conscientiae and now with Marius – what can we do to really improve our community, our planet, our health. There were a number of steps and Kate would be very happy, because this evolution was very important for her.”
It’s clear that Sebastien, one of France’s most renowned chef, shares the values upon which Conscientiae was built. “Notions of sustainability are obvious. Today we make a fuss about this but it’s part our DNA. It’s the heart of our activity. Chefs use ingredients that are around them, it goes without saying.”
The restaurant’s interior design will stay the same with some tweaks. The floor plan, for example, will change and tableware will reflect Sebastien’s eye for detail. The first floor will now offer additional seating, and no longer focus on wellness; the second-floor “deck” is for private events.
Marius has team of 16 who will work in rotation. “There is a loyalty of employees here that is rare. Some have been here for ten to 12 years. And they are happy with the challenge.” With the large outdoor terrace, there is total interior/exterior capacity of 120.
Outside of lunch and dinner service, beverages and a mini menu will be available from 11 am. The fixed weekday lunch menu starts at €31. In the evening, it will be à la carte with 6 or 7 starters, 6 or 7 main dishes and desserts which change with the seasons. Expect to pay an average of €80 a person without drinks.
“Our difference is that we do not plate up like in other restaurants. We have a selection of beautiful serving platters and bowls, ceramic, porcelain, silver, copper, which we bring to the table and the dishes can be shared – or not – but it lends itself to a sense of conviviality.”
Marius, from the Latin mare, meaning sea, is an ode to the Mediterranean and its Provençal traditions. “It is really the idea of an auberge. There will be the main dish in one serving platter and then in others the vegetables, the garnishes, mesclun and herbs. For dessert, if you want mousse au chocolat, I will bring you a silver dish of mousse au chocolat. Refined gourmet, but simple with quality produce. Sincere.”
Photo Maki Manoukian.
Sebastien admits he grew up “far from Monaco,” in the Hautes Pyrénées in southwest France. He studied at the Lycée hôtelier de Biarritz then in 2002 moved to the Var at age 19 to take over Relais des Moines in Les Arcs-sur-Argens. He was awarded a Michelin star in 2013. (He also served in Chef Willer’s kitchen in Palme d’Or in Cannes and in 2006 was named Young Talent of the Year.)
“Like any good chef, I spent many years in the kitchen, knowing that sooner or later I would need something else.” In 2019, together with his strong team, Sebastien had an opportunity to work at The Residence at Maison Villeroy in Paris, a private restaurant.
The following year he opened Trente-Trois at Maison Villeroy and was awarded a Michelin star six weeks later. “It was the result of more than ten years work in conjunction with building confidence with Michelin. I called the editor of the Michelin Guide France, Gilbert Garin, who retired last year, to say that I was going to open in Paris. But as it was only for the hotel residents and club members, there was nothing at stake. Then once the restaurant was open to the public, I called him again. The chef, Romain Lamothe, had worked with me for ten years at the Relais des Moines and had been awarded a star there. So, it was not really just six weeks.”
The culinary genius adds, “Now, no one has contact with Michelin. No one knows the real director. All communication is cut.”
Sebastien also ran the Voile d’Or on St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat for three summers while it was being renovated and he opened an auberge in the Var, le Chateau Mentone. Earlier this year he took over a restaurant in Biarritz (formerly L’Atelier d’Alexandre Bousquet) which he opened in January with his ex-wife.
“I opened a Marius in Biarritz in January which is very successful. Biarritz is a mini-St-Tropez. People there are very well off, but they don’t want to show it. It’s like Monaco in that it is quite closed with a local, wealthy clientele who don’t like to be taken for a fool.”
Marius Monaco will have a Provençal menu featuring light, tasty, simple dishes – purple artichokes à la Barigoule, octopus stew, fresh langoustines, Piedmont beef fillet, sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, frozen lemon desserts with basil. “Provencal cuisine is defined by herbs,” explains Sebastien. “Thyme, bay, rosemary. Then it depends on the season – artichokes, tomatoes and all that the earth offers. I’ve invented nothing. Aioli is aioli. It’s just that I have mastered the technique to perfection. It’s light and tasty, without being overpowered by garlic.”
He points out that Provençal cuisine “naturally includes vegetarian dishes” and while it is important to adapt, “I’m not going in the vegan and vegetarian direction.”
Marius has an extensive wine list of 400 references, a selection exceeding that of the wine cellars found in many Michelin-star restaurants. Prices range from €40 to €3,000. “We have changed the way we think about selling wines. The more knowledgeable the clients are about wine, the more knowledgeable they are about the price. A client who wants to drink a Grand Cru de Bordeaux knows how much it costs and is fed up paying three times the price. So we have a very select wine list, for example, we have a magnificent selection of champagne – not Dom Perignon, that’s not for the wine lover – that comes from small vignerons, like Henri Giraud, that you don’t find everywhere. Or wine from the Domaine Valette, my neighbour in the Var.
“When I think about meals with my family when I was younger, the word happiness comes to mind,” recalls Sebastien. “Success for me is to have a full restaurant and happy clients who come back. Creating a fashionable restaurant is one thing, but making it last, a place where clients want to return again and again, is another.”
