As the owner of an established Monegasque enterprise, Riccardo is involved in importing and exporting of high-end meats from around the world, handling the many restaurants in Monaco and abroad, and is even a consultant himself, building new restaurant concepts. In this exclusive interview, Benoit speaks with Riccardo to find out about his special connection with Monaco and how it has helped him to create one of the most popular restaurants in the Principality today.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE GROWING UP IN MONACO.
I was born in Genoa but my parents were already residents of Monaco. So I am lawfully a child of the country. I did my schooling at the international school in Monaco and then my university studies in London right at the time when restaurants became lifestyle brands. First I created a company dedicated to public relations for the world of gastronomy. Then, I chose to move back to Monaco since I grew up here. It was a great opportunity to run a large company here because Monaco is extremely cosmopolitan. In the restaurant business, this multinational and multicultural customer base has made people identify better with the brands and products I have created.
IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT HAS CHANGED IN MONACO SINCE THE NEW MILLENNIUM?
Monaco has changed enormously since the beginning of the new millennium. In the world of Food and Beverages not so long ago there were only Michelin-starred restaurants or family trattorias. So I founded my own segment by creating concepts in between the two, a kind of modern luxury that is international and open to the world.
HOW HAS MONACO HELPED THE DEVELOPMENT OF YOUR ESTABLISHMENTS?
The prestigious image of Monaco has been crucial for my luxury brands. Monaco creates dreams. My restaurant business would never have seen this momentum without Monaco, and vice versa. I am now also trying to promote Monaco in capital cities around the world. The Beefbar motto is well and truly “Born in Monte-Carlo”.
THROUGH “SONG QI”, YOUR GASTRONOMIC CANTONESE RESTAURANT, YOU ARE ALSO ONE OF THE PROMOTERS OF ASIA IN MONACO. OTHER THAN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE GIRAUDI GROUP IN ASIA, WHAT WILL BE YOUR NEXT VENTURES ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD?
I have always had a soft spot for luxury Asian cuisine, which is often overlooked in Southern Europe. So “Song Qi” was a creation out of passion, but it was also the most difficult venture! Fortunately, I live in the condominium just upstairs from it, so I could supervise it well.
I am excited for 2018 as it is going to be huge for us internationally ! Beefbar is opening in Dubai, Budapest, Rome, Paris and Beijing! Back in Monaco, I have just opened an Italian restaurant, Cantinetta Antinori, and I will soon open two fast food pizzerias. I will also move my small Indian restaurant, Indochine, to a larger location, due to its success. In 2019, I think I will open just as many new restaurants!
CAN YOU SHARE SOME INSIDER’S TIPS ON MONACO WITH OUR READERS?
When I’m not working, I like to go to Les Perles de Monte-Carlo for some fresh oysters on a sunny Sunday afternoon, perhaps some snacks and pastries at Cova, or even a glass of champagne at the bar of Metropole Monte-Carlo. For a romantic dinner, Le Train Bleu will be ideal. It’s rather understated at the Casino de Monte-Carlo, but it brings you back in time.
BEEFBAR
With an unpretentious flair of sophistication, Beefbar Monaco sits along the Port de Fontvieille serving all meat lovers since 2005. Beefbar evokes the new luxury restaurant concept, breaking the traditional codes of rigid and high-end cuisine, without compromising on exquisite quality and service. Beefbar boasts the best cuts and origins – Black Angus from Argentina & USA, Australian Wagyu, Japanese Kobe – all specially selected by Riccardo Giraudi, creator of Beefbar and owner of the Giraudi Group, which also owns other well-known restaurants in Monaco such as Mozza and Song Qi. Following the success in Monaco, Beefbar is now in cities around the world including Cannes, Mexico City and Hong Kong.
42 Quai Jean-Charles Rey Monte-Carlo
T. +377 97 77 09 29
W. http://monaco.beefbar.com