A glittering night at the Hotel de Paris to celebrate
100 years of Martell Cordon Bleu

Hello friends

Last night at the glamorous Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo, Martell gathered 300 guests from around the world.

Son e lumière on the frontage of the Hotel de Paris in Monaco

Yesterday afternoon we were flown to Monaco, courtesy of Pernod-Ricard and Martell.

Monaco as ever, was the exciting and party city which delivers fun and glamour - and certainly it is the very best place to throw a serious party!

The weather was everything you would expect from the south of France: fabulous sunlight, warmth, clear blue skies and a light breeze on one's face.


Self portrait in white tie!

Tonight at the glamorous Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo, Martell gathered 300 guests from around the world. Le son et lumière and the magnificent story of Martell thrown onto the white walls of the Hotel de Paris. Cocktails and canapés: perfect.


Sitting down for a superb dinner

James Robinson, Martell Brand Ambassador & Senior Brand Manager, was the perfect host to this elegant party. Martell represents many values and the first is longevity: we were celebrating the centenary of the great brand Martell Cordon Bleu. Martell Cordon Bleu is the cognac for true connoisseurs and has acquired legendary status since its creation by Edouard Martell in 1912. Its distinctive taste, characterised by a predominance of eaux-de-vie from the Borderies growth, and its timeless bottle design make it a classic unequalled in the world of cognac.


A special centenary edition of Martel Cordon Bleu has been released

Since 1715 when Jean Martell founded the first Cognac house, Martell have exported their brand accross the world. Tonight we were celebrating it: so much so that half the guests came from south east asia, Singapore, China, Vietnam and Malaysia… the diminutive Chinese friends came out with their trophy wifes, all enjoying the wonderful evening. Prince Albert with his wife Charlene, Princess Caroline, one of my favourite actresses, Juliette Binoche, and Li-Bing Bing a famous Chinese actress.


Glamorous guests from the far east!

More glamour

Beautiful ladies queuing for dinner

For me, this is perhaps the most elegant outfit of the evening: simple but stunning!

On this night there was no wine to go with food; instead only the best eaux de vie from Martell will do! I will tell you later how I feel, and if the "water of life" had miraculous properties!

Warm congratulations to Martell on this marvellous achievement - a superb brand and a supreme celebration!

Best RB

Raymond Blanc's new book, Kitchen Secrets, featuring recipes from Kitchen Secrets Series 1 & 2 and many more, was published by Bloomsbury on 14 February and is available to buy online from Amazon, from Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, Brasserie Blanc, Maison Blanc, and from online and retail bookstores.

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