The iconic “Pirate” of Cap Martin
Between Monaco and Menton, Loulou took over the reins of the iconic “Pirate” located on Cap Martin and revives the mythical reputation of the place – between relaxing with your feet in the water and a celebrity refuge.
It started on a beach inhabited only by fishermen on Cape Martin. Charles Albert Viale, a former dealer, then decided to open a small shed there in the 1950s, the walls of which he built himself. His friends at the Hôtel du Cap-Martin enjoy seeing him serve shirtless and nickname him “ The Pirate ”.
Joseph Joffrida is his comrade in arms, his friend and his first employee, the atmosphere there is lively, warm and good-natured. The first musicians hired were Antoine and Loulou Stella. Artists like Manitas de Plata will follow. It was in 1953 that the restoration began in earnest. “The Pirate” often goes to the Principality to seek out high-end clients and will meet Henri Astric, then artistic director of the Société des Bains de Mer. Henri Astric will take the pirate under his protection and invite all the stars passing through Monaco at the restaurant. The following year, you have to book months in advance to dine at “Le Pirate”. Alain Delon , Jane Fonda , Sean Connery, Gina Lollobrigida, Frank Sinatra, Kirk Douglas , Horst Buchholz, Onassis, Borghi, De Laurentis or King Hussein of Jordan. Everyone comes to taste simple cuisine made from seafood but above all the folklore of the place: cooked meat skewered on a sword and grilled over enormous flames, glasses of champagne broken on the ground and a wild atmosphere, punctuate the dinner.
Time passes but the mood remains
The authentic state of mind of the Pirate , bringing together groups of friends as well as families, is the one that Loulou wished to resurrect for the summer of 2023. The Loulou group invested in the Pirate , after Paris, Ramatuelle, Val d 'Isère . This fisherman's cabin is open from lunch until late at night, accessible by car or boat access.
