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Day: 3 December 2020

Third Covid screening test now in action

by: Cassandra Tanti
03/12/2020

Rapid antigen tests are being rolled out throughout the Principality, with results obtainable within 30 minutes.
As reported in Monaco Life in late November, the Principality had acquired the rapid antigen tests and was awaiting a ministerial order to allow health professionals to administer the tests.
Now, pharmacists, doctors, nurses and medical labs in the Principality have received training to be able to offer the new screening option for Covid-19.
The rollout comes as welcome news to the National Council, which pushed for the rapid antigen tests to form part of Monaco’s screening capacity.
“Elected officials are delighted that many pharmacies, doctors and nurses in town can now perform these tests and thus meet the demand of many Monegasques and residents, relayed by the national council advisers,” it said in a statement.
The rapid antigen test involves taking a nasal swab, the same required for a PCR test. However, rather than the sample being sent to a laboratory for testing, a few drops of reagent are mixed with the sample and placed on a strip that shows one line for negative, two lines for positive, much like a home pregnancy test. A positive result means that the virus is active in the patient’s body.
Results can be obtained within 30 minutes and the test has a sensitivity rating of between 84-98%, according to the Centre for Disease Control (CDC).
Unfortunately, rapid antigen tests perform best when the person is tested in the early stages of infection when viral load is generally highest, therefore they often fail to identify people who are positive but are in the later stages of infection.
As a result, people who have Covid symptoms but receive a negative antigen test should still take a more sensitive PCR test.
But the new tests do allow health authorities to better manage cases by isolating patients quickly to prevent further spread and to begin treatment immediately.
The fee for the antigen test is around 50€ and reimbursable with Monaco health insurance.
Some people will be able to use their antigen test results to enter a country with travel restrictions, such as Italy. However, rules vary depending on the country.
The rapid antigen tests brings to three the number of Covid-screening options currently available in Monaco.
For more information, read our article ‘Guide to getting tested in Monaco’.
 
Photo credit: Government Communication Department / Manuel Vitali
 
 

Christmas fun at the Hôtel de Paris

by: Cassandra Tanti
03/12/2020

In the elegant setting of the Hôtel de Paris courtyard, amongst giant palms and sparkling firs, winter “greenhouses” are offering a unique and charming experience this winter.
From now until 10th January, the ‘Christmas garden on the patio’ will feature a creative programme of activities headed by skilled professionals who are sharing their precious knowledge for this festive event.
Workshops are being held on everything from ceramics and illustrations, floral door wreaths and natural candles, to culinary lessons on making gingerbread and galette des Rois – all to be enjoyed afterwards at home.
Monaco Life was invited to a workshop for the press on Tuesday, led by the very talented SBM Pastry Chef Cédric Campanella.

Creative workshop in the Hotel de Paris, photo by Monaco Life

Inside a cosy glasshouse, with rain falling gently outside, we were instructed on how to make a beautiful chocolate Christmas tree, using a mixture of ébéne dark chocolate and bio ceiba milk chocolate, decorated with festive dried fruits and nuts.
Everything was provided, including our very own Monte-Carlo Catering aprons, while the highest health standards were maintained. It was surprisingly easy and incredibly satisfying to return home to my two young girls with my creation.
My (slightly wonky) handmade Christmas tree

But the kids don’t have to miss out. There are specific workshops designed for parents and their children.
And the best part? If your chocolate Christmas tree is too topsy turvy, or your galette de Rois is a little flat, you can just pop over to the “chalet” next door and pick up some treats that have been prepared by Chef Philippe Joannes and his team at Monte-Carlo Catering!

The 1.5-hour workshops cost 75€ per person, or 120€ for an adult and child.
There is also the possibility to reserve the greenhouse for private dinners with a 4-course Winter Gourmet Menu from 180€ per person excluding drinks.
For more details and reservations, call +377 98 06 71 71.
 
Main photos credit: SBM Monte Carlo
 
 
 

Grimaldi Forum inaugurates new terrace

by: Stephanie Horsman
03/12/2020

Monaco’s main congress and culture centre, the Grimaldi Forum, has inaugurated its new Ravel Terrace, giving extra room to visitors in a beautiful open air setting and sea views that can’t be beat.

The Ravel Terrace, Grimaldi Forum’s latest addition, was officially opened on Tuesday 1st December, adding 600m2 of space to the convention centre and giving clients an outdoor venue option for upcoming events.

Prince Albert II was on hand for the event. He was joined by Pierre Dartout, Minister of State, and various authorities, as well as Patrice Pastor, representing the new Mareterra extension project.

This single level platform has direct access to the adjoining 4,000 m2 Espace Ravel exhibition hall, as well as access via an external staircase from the 590m2 Le Genois space located on the second level of the complex.

With magnificent sea views and access to the promenade that runs along it, the terrace can accommodate up to 800 mingling guests. The Grimaldi Forum says it can be used as a dedicated lounge for cocktail or networking events, as well as an extension for overflow guests from the indoor halls.

“It seems to have always existed as it has found its place naturally,” said Sylvie Biancheri, Managing Director of the Grimaldi Forum. “It is a very beautiful present for our 20th birthday, its assets are multiple and offer us great prospects.”

Architect Frédéric Genin one of two of the original architects of the Grimaldi Forum, took special care to ensure the look of the new terrace was in keeping with the existing building. The project was completed using eco-labelled wood to meet environmental standards in the Principality as well as to comply with their own objective of limiting environmental impact.

 

It's all happening at the Opera

by: Stephanie Horsman
03/12/2020

It’s a weekend of fantastic musical choices as the Opera de Monte-Carlo is set to host Verdi’s I Due Foscari with legendary tenor Placido Domingo and broadcast a concert marking the Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival’s 15th year.

Music will be everywhere in Monaco this weekend, starting on Saturday 5th December with L’Opera de Monte-Carlo performing Verdi’s I Due Foscari featuring Placido Domingo. The celebrated tenor first sang in Monaco 40 years ago and will be stopping in Monaco as part of his triumphant European tour.

Grammy Award-winning Domingo, who has played over 150 roles and performed 4,000 times on stage, will be joined on stage by fellow tenor Francesco Meli, who has performed at the Metropolitan Opera, the Salzburg Festival and the Vienna Opera. Also on stage will be soprano Anna Pirozzi, applauded in Salzburg and the Verona Arena, and who sang I Due Foscari at La Scala in Milan.

After the excitement of the opera, Sunday will bring another wonderful musical event. The Monte Carlo Jazz Festival, which was cancelled last month due to the pandemic, will be part of a televised broadcast featuring 13 of the most talented French jazz musicians on the scene today.

The broadcast, a co-production by Mezzo, Monaco Info and Culturebox, will be at the Opera Garnier and will include performances by Thomas Dutronc, Robin McKelle, Hugh Coltman, Célia Kameni, Sly Johnson, Charles Pasi, Sophie Alour, Airelle Besson, Anne Paceo, Manu Katché, Thomas Bramerie and Rocky Gresset who will share the stage of the Opéra Garnier under the musical direction of Eric Légnini.

The concert is by private by invitation only starting at 5pm on Sunday, but for those who cannot attend, they can enjoy the music from the comfort of home.

 

Photo credit: SBM Monte Carlo

 

 

New construction ideas for Monte-Carlo

by: Stephanie Horsman
03/12/2020

The Municipal Council is considering plans to replace old buildings to the west of the Monte-Carlo district with more modern facades, replete with covered gardens at street level.

On Tuesday evening, a public session of the Mairie de Monaco was held where town planning was at the top of the agenda, notably in the iconic Monte-Carlo district. The area has seen a huge amount of change with the revamping of the Casino Square as well as with many buildings bordering it.

Now, there is a proposal on the table to pull out the wrecking ball in the areas west of the Casino, known locally as Les Fleurs and L’Hermitage.

The historic area has seen quite a number of contemporary buildings going up in recent years, notably One Monte-Carlo, the revamped Hôtel de Paris, la Petite Afrique and 26 Carré Or. Now the town planners are pushing for more modern edifices to replace ones that have lost their lustre.

In the meeting, Councillor François Lallemand made note of the “major divide” between the new or renovated buildings and the older ones, whose best days have passed. He specifically cited the shops and apartments of the Palais Saint-James, Avenue Princesse Alice and three buildings on Avenida de la Costa as being in the crosshairs for renovation.

New construction will not necessarily come at the price of losing heritage, however. The council agreed that some aspects must be preserved whilst renewing public spaces, and voted unanimously in favour of opening up the idea of the proposal.

There would be a focus on “vertical town planning with buildings built on a system of pilings making it possible to limit the footprint of the buildings for the start of an urban park.”

Such urban parks would be lined with tower blocks on stilts fifteen or so metres high to both optimise outdoor space as well as create modern structures. This would allow for street level gardens with low-light loving flora.

“These gardens would extend the already existing gardens and this reflection of an urban park and plants entering the heart of the islet could be extended,” said Lallemand, “in a second step, to the restructuring of the Palais de la Scala and to the future of the former local from the post office.”

The officials have decided, but the proposal has yet to be put forth to residents and owners. Whether or not they will be enthusiastic is yet to be seen.

 
Photo by Cassandra Tanti for Monaco Life, all rights reserved