Most people think of Monaco as a rich men’s playground. Who would deny it when rows of Ferraris, Porsches and Bentleys lined the streets of Monte Carlo. Many tourists go to this country just to visit the iconic Casino of Monte Carlo – a place of glitz, glamour and opulence.

I visited Monte Carlo on the recent cruise trip that I took. I was at Nice, France, when I have about four hours to spare. My partner and I decided to visit Monte Carlo, which is about a 45-minute bus ride away. Instead of visiting the casino, we decided to lunch and people watch at the adjacent Café de Paris. You know that this is a great place to look out for celebrities and well-known figures when you spot paparazzi camped just outside the café with their long-range cameras.

Frankly, I wouldn’t recommend anyone to waste his money to dine at the café. We ordered one soup, one appetiser, two main courses and a bottle of still water. The food was substandard and it costs a bomb for them, a hefty €97 (abt S$166) to be exact.

The French onion soup is definitely too salty. The Cassolette d’escargots de Bourgogne (escargots) has a muddy taste and the cod fish main course, J. Pave Cabillaud, is stale and disappointing too. The only consolation is the Provencale et tagliatelle (beef stew provencal-style with pasta) which fares slightly better with its tender beef. Unfortunately, it’s a tad too salty. If you want to rest your feet or hang out with the paparazzi, order some hot beverages and linger at the al fresco area of the café. But remember, it wouldn’t come cheap.

Café De Paris, Monte Carlo, Monaco
Place du Casino, Monte-Carlo 98000, Monaco
www.montecarlosbm.com