New businesses to liven Larvotto district

The new commerce selected for the Larvotto complex have been revealed, and they include an Italian restaurant, a decoration store and a gym.
Despite its inauguration in July, the new Larvotto complex still had vacant spaces and the government put out a call for interested parties.
On Tuesday, Domaine Administrator Elodie Kheng revealed the names of some of the selected companies due to set up residence in the new beach complex to government channel Monaco Info.
Big Mamma, a French restaurant franchise selling Italian food, Sexy Tacos, a Mexican restaurant native to Monaco, and a “healthy option” eatery will offer new catering options to beach goers and residents.
Other selected businesses include a decoration shop, a Costa bakery and a beauty institute/gym.
The new traders are due to start work on their spaces by the end of the year for an opening in spring or summer of 2022.
“This very diversified offer will likely get people used to coming to Larvotto, not only for the beach but also for shopping, going to the gym, to the crèche … This is the challenge and what we all want: to make Larvotto a place of life all year round,” said Elodie Kheng.
Full renovation of the site will be completed by 2022 with further public spaces designed by architect Renzo Piano, including pergolas on the upper promenade.
 
 
 

Monaco tames the red star

Faced with a strong Serbian team, the Roca boys had to wait until the end of the match to regain the taste of victory in the Euroleague, balancing the books ahead of their game against Moscow on Friday.
AS Monaco donned their dark blue kit for the home game against KK Crvena Zvezda Tuesday night, snatching the victory 70to 62.
After three consecutive defeats, the Roca team stumbled for a long time on the Serbian defense, one of the best in Euroleague.
Mike James missed a few shots, but the American scorer ignited pleenty of sparks. His first basket, a nine-meter shot just in front of the club logo, broke the energised Serbian dynamic after returning from the locker room, while his second three pointer gave the Monegasques the leg-up.
Struggling offensively after their good first quarter, the Roca boys returned the favor to the Serbian defense, forcing 19 losses. Aggressive and focused, Alpha Diallo led this collective effort by signing his best match so far.
The young American winger finished with 19 points, seven rebounds and three interceptions. Diallo also punished the Serbians by snatching two decisive offensive rebounds in the money-time.
“It was not a good game, it was a 40-minute fight but we expected it. It’s not like against Barcelona (81-85) when we had played very well, but we take another victory in the Euroleague and it’s very good for us,” said Monaco coach Zvezdan Mitrovic after the game.
Monaco has an even score card with three wins and three defeats. The Roca team have the opportunity to bring down another great European on Friday, CSKA Moscow.
 
 
Photo source: AS Monaco Basketball
 
 
 

Last days to get tickets for National Day events

As National Day fast approaches, Monaco City Hall has released its line-up of free family shows for the celebrations as well as information on how and where to get tickets.

Residents of the Principality and Monegasques are in for big treat this year, as National Day is once again being celebrated in full force after a year’s delay caused by the pandemic.

First up is a show aimed toward Monaco’s younger inhabitants. Called Gainsbourg for Kids, the musical trio Wanted Joe Dassin will perform songs by Serge Gainsbourg in their own indomitable style, bringing the legend’s music to life for a whole new generation. The show is on 10th November at the Espace Léo Ferré at 3pm. This show is for kids six years and older and an adult must accompany them.

For the slightly older crowd there will be two musical comedy shows performed on the 18th November at 9pm and on 19th at 3pm also at the Espace Léo Ferré. Ten professional artists are being brought together to put on a live musical spectacle. The interactive show allows the audience huge participatory rights, including the choice of title and location of the action. The actors then take the ball and run, using the title and location as a theme to create a new story on the fly. Theatre, music, song, dance and visual arts come together in a unique show that will delight lovers of musical comedy and improv. This event is geared for those aged 10 and older.

The events are free of charge to all residents and Monegasque nationals, but space is limited so tickets are required. Monegasques, their spouses and children can collect their invitations from the Espace Léo Ferré on Wednesday 27th October from 9am to 4pm. Residents and any nationals who were unable to come the previous day are welcome on Thursday 28th October at the same place and times. Proof of residency is essential, so bring along a passport, residency card or a Livret de Famille for any children.

Health measures will be in place for all events. Free parking will be offered at the Fontvieille and Papalins Shopping Centre for ticket pick-ups. 

A bus service will also be set up free of charge on Thursday 18th November at the end of the show, departing from the Fontvieille Shopping Centre. The shuttle will serve the various stops in the Principality according to demand.

 

 
Photo of The Improvised Musical by Eric Bongrand
 
 
 

The Princess will return for National Day, says Prince Albert

Prince Albert has revealed that Princess Charlene will return to the Principality “very shortly” and is anticipated to be on the scene for this year’s National Day festivities.
After months of rumour and speculation, Princess Charlene’s return to Monaco now seems all but imminent.
Speaking to People this week, the Prince said he expects doctors to give her the all-clear in a matter of days, with her homecoming set within weeks.
“She’s in good form and much better spirits. She will be here way before National Day, 19th November. WAY before,” he told the publication.
The Prince is also hoping Charlene will be fit enough to join him on a trip to Dubai’s World Expo on 13th November, where the Monaco Pavilion 360º has attracted plenty of positive attention, but said “we’ll make that decision at the last minute.”
Princess Charlene has been in her native South Africa since mid-May after falling victim to a nasty ear, nose and throat infection that has caused months of complications and required numerous surgeries, that last being performed on 8th October. The infection and subsequent treatment left her unable to equalise pressure in her ears, leaving her unable to fly above 20,000 feet.
In September, just ahead of her return to the Principality, she had a relapse that sent her to hospital, again delaying her arrival back in Monaco.
“Obviously she misses the children,” said Prince Albert in his latest interview, “and they miss her. We all miss her.”
On Tuesday, Princess Charlene shared some sad news on her Instagram page, revealing the death of one of her chihuahuas.
“My little Angel died last night, she was run over. I will miss you so much, Rest In Peace,” she wrote, adding a broken heart emoji along with a photo in which she is cuddling her little friend.
There is no doubt this latest news from the Prince will be well received by Monaco and its population.
 
 
Photo of National Day 2020 celebrations by Eric Mathon, Prince’s Palace
 
 
 

Save the dates: two fun December events

Local charity Les Enfants de Frankie will be organising back-to-back events in December to benefit sick and disadvantaged children, including the popular Kids Nite and Day.
Formerly known as Kids Nite, the event being held on 5th December is now called Kids Nite and Day. The festivities start with a Brunch Party that runs from noon until 4pm at the Salle Empire in the Hôtel de Paris. Guests will be entertained with activities, a dance floor and a show.
Held under the patronage of Caroline, Princess of Hanover and supported by G&M Design, the event will raise money for the 24th annual Frankie’s Christmas day on 22nd December, when gifts will be distributed at the Palace to hundreds of children in difficulty, giving sick kids or those from underprivileged backgrounds a dose of proper holiday cheer. Additionally, a screening of the best moments from the past decade will be shown for added fun.
Tickets for Kids Nite and Day are €150 per person and the dress code is chic. Spots must be reserved in advance as space is limited.
The following day, Monday 6th December, is the association’s 17th annual Monaco Red Nose Day. Les Enfants de Frankie has teamed up with Smiley World Limited for the sixth time to organise the event, which also shows support to children in difficult circumstances.
The funds raised from the Red Nose Day allow these children to take educational, cultural or therapeutic outings they may not otherwise be able to do. A portion of the donations also goes toward medical or transport equipment to make the daily lives of these kids easier.
For just €2, a red foam ball, or “nose”, can be purchased from one of several vendors in the area. On the 6th, all those who bought a red nose are asked to display it on their vehicle in a show of solidarity.
The red noses can be purchased at Carrefour Commercial Gallery sales stand on Wednesday 27th October, at the Carrefour hypermarket from 29th October to 19th November, and at the post office, pharmacies and participating companies from 2nd November to 6th December.
Created in November 1997, Les Enfants de Frankie supports sick, disabled or disadvantaged children living in Monaco and the Provence-Alpes-Côte d´Azur region by bringing them comfort and cheerfulness. The charity works with hospitals, social services, care homes, childhood aid facilities and over 200 other organisations that touch the daily lives of children in need.
 
 
Photo source: Les Enfants de Frankie