They are cheerful, friendly, simple, and welcome you gladly, like at home, at the entrance of their beach restaurant. They are the owners of “La Note Bleue” in Monaco, a lounge bar and restaurant located on Larvotto Beach. As a result, there is no need to put on airs, to ostentatiously park your luxury car, or to arrive decked out in designer clothing to access this paradise where – Monaco obliges – the most illustrious unknown rubs shoulders with international stars, and where the owner comes to sit at your table to exchange a few words about his passion: Jazz.
When they were selected – against all odds – in May 2001 to bring new life to this space formerly known as “Les Dauphins,” Anne and Alain Tanzi embarked on a great adventure. Apart from the name chosen in homage to the legendary saxophonist Barney Willen, the owners didn’t really have a concept in mind. Just a personal approach that was unique to them. For him: a passion for Jazz music, passed down by a drummer father, and a dream: to hear musicians at his workplace. For her, a passion for decoration, with the aim of creating a convivial setting with furniture from Marrakech and “fresh flowers” in every small vase placed on the tables. “Everything was done little by little,” acknowledge Anne and Alain Tanzi, “with each year bringing new things.” “La Note Bleue” is therefore a place that evolves constantly and, in eight years of operating, seems to have become “a must-visit,” adds the hostess.
Open from May 15th to August 30th, the jazz lounge offers concerts four times a week (Wednesday to Saturday) in a “Before” format from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, and then, after the musicians’ break, resumes from 9:00 PM to midnight. All sorts of jazz, as shown by the program available on the website (www.lanotebleue.mc). Recently, the François Chassagnite Quintet performed for a bop evening. For the record, it’s reported that when asked towards the end of his life who in France could succeed him, trumpeter Chet Baker named François Chassagnite… Among the array of artists invited in the coming weeks, notable mentions include the world-renowned Brazilian singer Marcia Maria (June 15th), the group Blossom with its music at the crossroads of Afro-American sounds (June 27th and 28th), the Frédéric Viale Quartet in the accordion tradition (July 2nd and 3rd), and the Sebastien Machado Quartet & Brass approaching Ray Charles-style soul (August 8th).
In terms of cuisine, chef Laurent Paya, passionate about the Caribbean, spices, and fish, has, upon explicit request from the Princely Palace, banned from his menu a bluefin tuna specialty that is listed among endangered species. Some of his desserts reportedly have all of Monaco running, such as the “Toblerone Pastilla”… As for the bill, it is pleasing to note that, unlike many other places in the region, no special “Monaco surcharge” is applied to the menu prices.
La Note Bleue. Beach, Restaurant, Jazz Lounge in Monte Carlo.
Larvotto-Princess Grace Avenue-Monaco. Tel: 00 377 93 500 502.
www.lanotebleue.mc
