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Day: 11 December 2023

Princess Charlene presides over iconic Bal de Noël in the gilded Salle Empire

by: Cassandra Tanti
11/12/2023

Princess Charlene was the belle of the Bal de Noël on Friday night, as the highly-anticipated charity gala gathered more than 240 prestigious guests in the glamourous Hôtel de Paris for a festive evening that raised over €150,000 for the Princess’s Foundation.

The Bal de Noël, now in its 18th year, is a highlight on Monaco’s festive social calendar. It was celebrated on Friday 8th December at the stunning Salle Empire of the Hôtel de Paris under the theme ‘Bal de Nöel Centenaire’, in honour of Prince Rainier III, and in support of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation.

Bal de Noël organiser Sandrine Knoell with Princess Charlene at Friday night’s event. Photo credit: Eric Mathon, Prince’s Palace

Princess Charlene, her brother Gareth Wittstock and his wife Roisin, and Italian Ambassador in Monaco Giulio Alaimo joined around 240 privileged guests, who were welcomed into Monaco’s most iconic gilded hall by Santa Claus and a glass of champagne, before being entertained by a circus cabaret and live music.

Fine wine and Champagne by La Scolca and Poggio Dimadis flowed all night, while guests enjoyed a delicious three course meal prepared by Michelin star chef Dominique Lory and his team at the Hôtel de Paris.

Another highlight was a fashion show by haute couture fashion house Sabina Bilenko.

The Bal de Noël was themed in honour of Prince Rainier III. Photo credit: Eric Mathon, Prince’s Palace

While the magical gala is renowned for bringing the spirit of Christmas to life, the Bal de Noël also raises significant funds for the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, and this year there was plenty of support.

An auction organised by Sotheby’s raised more than €153,000 for the Princess’s Foundation and its projects for the prevention of drowning and the education of children through the values of sport.

Guests were treated to a circus cabaret show. Photo credit: Eric Mathon, Prince’s Palace

The Bal de Noël is organised by Sandrine Knoell, the founder of Five Stars Events, and was supported this year by Julius Baer Bank, Boghossian Jewellery, Moretti Fines Arts and Xerjoff Perfume. Monaco Life was proud to be a media sponsor of the emblematic charity event.

See more in our Instagram video here.

Sandrine Knoell and Maria Eugenia Rubinelli, Julius-Baer Managing Director. Photo credit: Eric Mathon, Prince’s Palace

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Main photo: Princess Charlene with Sandrine Knoell (left), Italian Ambassador in Monaco Giulio Alaimo, Gareth Wittstock and his wife Roisin. Credit: Eric Mathon, Prince’s Palace

Carols, cheer and the finest Swiss chocolates enjoyed at the Club Suisse de Monaco’s Christmas party

by: Elsa Carpenter
11/12/2023

Nearly 100 members and friends of the Club Suisse de Monaco gathered at One Monte-Carlo in early December for a festive evening of live music and great food, including chocolates brought all the way from Zurich by a visiting Father Christmas.

On 1st December, the Club Suisse de Monaco convened for its annual Christmas party at One Monte-Carlo along with friends from the Club Allemand International de Monaco, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.  

Music punctuated the evening, with Christmas carols from the Monaco Choir Belles creating a “warm and inviting” atmosphere and a set from the Goldsingers getting guests up and out of their seats for a dance.  

“A highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the unexpected yodelling interlude by Monika Kälin, a new member of the club,” said Clara Bombari, the secretary for the club, following the party. “With her performance, she brought a unique Swiss tradition to the festive evening and earned thunderous applause.” 

Another joyful moment came when Father Christmas, “who had travelled all the way from Zurich to sweeten the evening”, also provided a special surprise by handing out Swiss chocolate to all of the guests. 

“All in all, the Club Suisse de Monaco’s Christmas party was a complete success, ringing in the festive season in style and providing all guests with unforgettable moments,” added Bombari.  

The Club Suisse de Monaco was founded in 1949, making it one of the oldest associations in the Principality. Its aim is to maintain social and cultural relations between Swiss and Monegasque people, as well as other nationals living in or visiting Monaco, by organising informative events in the fields of economics, politics and health with high-level personalities. 

For more information about the Club Suisse de Monaco and its upcoming events, click here. 

 

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Photo (left-right: Mireille Müller, Club Suisse de Monaco President Arik Röschke, Vice-President Silvia Mischler and Monika Kälin) courtesy of Club Suisse de Monaco

 

More than 1,500 scam phone calls reported in Monaco in 48 hours

by: Niki Borisova
11/12/2023

In the past 48 hours, more than 1,500 reports of a malicious phone call scam have been logged in Monaco. Now the government has issued a warning to all residents regarding the deceptive campaign that is targeting unsuspecting and predominantly elderly victims.  

Following a surge in the number of concerning incidents related to the scam, the Monegasque government is seeking to warn all residents in the Principality about a wave of malicious phone calls originating from foreign operators.  

More than 1,500 such calls from scammers posing as law enforcements officers and lawyers have been logged in the last 48 hours, and many victims have been repeatedly targeted. 

The perpetrators allege that a family member of the respondent has been involved or implicated in a serious traffic accident. They then try to coerce victims into gathering a significant sum of money or personal items such as jewellery to supposedly aid their loved one. 

Vigilance urged amid escalating phone scam threat 

Monaco residents are strongly advised to exercise heightened vigilance in the face of this scam. Residents are urged to resist responding to these calls and to refrain from complying with any requests made by the callers.  

Those who receive such a call should block all associated phone numbers in an effort to prevent any further contact.  

All calls should be reported to the Police Department. Contact information can be found here. 

The Monegasque authorities say they are actively investigating the incidents to ensure the safety and security of Monaco’s residents.  

 

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Photo source: Jae Park, Unsplash

Sports round-up: Battles on court for the Roca Team, a win against Rennes for AS Monaco

by: Niki Borisova
11/12/2023

Three closely-fought games last week earned AS Monaco Basket a win in the Betclic Elite, but a rollercoaster experience in the EuroLeague. The Principality’s football team, meanwhile, secured a landmark 300th victory since Dmitry Rybolovlev took over as President in 2011.

A contest in the Serbian capital of Belgrade between Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade and AS Monaco on 5th December saw the home team emerge as victors, with a final score of 89-85.  

AS Monaco put up a strong fight, however, and Donatas Motiejunas led the team in scoring with 23 points, closely followed by Mike James with 16 points and eight rebounds.

In another EuroLeague pitting held on 8th December between Zalgiris Kaunas and AS Monaco at the Zalgiris Arena in Kaunas, Lithuania, AS Monaco secured a victory with a final score of 83-79.

Key contributors for AS Monaco included James, who led the team with an impressive 25 points and eight rebounds, and Elie Okobo, who added 12 points and contributed significantly with four assists. Alpha Diallo also played a pivotal role, contributing 11 points and five rebounds. 

Mike James is pictured in the game against Zalgiris Kauna on 8th December. Photo credit: AS Monaco Basket

Closer to home, a thrilling Betclic Elite match-up between AS Monaco and Le Portel on 10th December saw the Monegasque side take the winning position, with a final score of 74-67.  

The game unfolded in the north of France, where AS Monaco displayed a well-rounded performance, clinching crucial statistics with 35 total rebounds, 17 assists and five interceptions. Regarding their shooting accuracy, they achieved a 48% success rate. 

Okobo was a stand-out player, with 16 points, as well as Petr Cornelie, who contributed nine rebounds. The team’s defensive efforts were highlighted by Matthew Strazel, who achieved six interceptions.  

Resilient triumph over Rennes marks 300th win and second-place position 

In a resilient performance against Stade Rennais on 9th December, AS Monaco secured a crucial 2-1 victory in the Ligue 1. It marks the 300th win for the football team since President Dmitry Rybolovlev’s arrival in December 2011.  

The recent win against Rennes is the 300th since Dmitry Rybolovlev took over as the president of the club. Photo via AS Monaco Foot, Facebook

Despite facing a well-organised Rennes team, AS Monaco’s patience paid off with a first goal by Vanderson de Oliveira Campo. Despite Vanderson’s later red card, Monaco showcased determination, doubling their lead through Youssouf Fofana in the 85th minute. Rennes earned a late penalty, converted by Bourigeaud, but AS Monaco were already ahead and have now climbed to second place in Ligue 1 with 30 points in the 2023/24 season. 

 

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Main photo credit: AS Monaco Foot, Facebook

Where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Monaco: a restaurant guide

by: Niki Borisova
11/12/2023

From Mayabay’s spell-binding Lantern Night to haute cuisine experiences at Monaco’s finest dining establishments, New Year’s Eve revellers in the Principality are set to be dazzled this 31st December. Read on to discover Monaco Life’s top recommendations for end-of-year celebrations.  

Let’s kick things off with Monaco’s most iconic dining institution: the Hôtel de Paris’ Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse. This three Michelin-starred restaurant is promising a New Year’s Eve experience like no other, with an exceptional menu priced at €1,200 per person excluding beverages. The menu with wine pairing costs an additional €500. 

There are three other options for dining on New Year’s Eve at the hotel too: Le Grill is offering a menu for €990 per person excluding drinks, while the Salle Empire will be hosting dinner with a show for €1,200 including wine. Dinner à la carte can also be enjoyed at the Bar Américain, where a minimum spend on beverages has been set at €750 per person from 10pm onwards.  

There are plenty of New Year’s Eve options to choose from at the Hôtel de Paris this year. Photo credit: Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer

Over at the Hôtel Hermitage’s Pavyllon Monte-Carlo, a one Michelin-star restaurant from Chef Yannick Alléno, a six-course menu has been created specially for New Year’s Eve. It costs €990 per person. While a glass of champagne is included in the menu, wine pairing is at an additional cost. 

The hotel’s Salle Belle Epoque will also be providing a dedicated dinner experience: a five-course dinner priced at €700 for adults, including half a bottle of champagne, and €350 for children. Dinner à la carte can also be had at the Limùn from 7pm, and the Crystal Bar will be serving cocktails and canapés from €40 per person from 7pm.

Just across the square, the Café de Paris is also set to host the inaugural New Year’s Eve celebration in its newly revamped locale. The evening will feature a curated menu priced at €450 per person, excluding drinks, and a special rate of €225 for children under 12. Click here for reservations.

Ring in the New Year at the revamped Café de Paris from €450 per person. Photo credit: Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer

The party atmosphere will also be alive and kicking at the Hôtel Métropole’s Les Ambassadeurs, where there will be dinner with a show for €975, excluding drinks. Yoshi has a special menu planned too, called the Menu Nenmatsu 2024, which is priced at €350 euros per person, not including beverages.  

See also: Fine dining reaches new high at Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac

Down in Larvotto, the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort will host a €610 per person occasion signed by Chef Marcel Ravin at the L’Orange Verte that includes half a bottle of Taittinger Comtes de Champagne. The hotel’s Calypso also has a €395 per person menu planned that includes champagne and live music. 

A little further along the beachfront is The Niwaki, which is presenting two dining options for New Year’s Eve: à la carte with a minimum spend of €250 per person or an indulgent seven-course set menu priced at €350 per person, including a glass of champagne. Click here for more information. 

Our final recommendation for New Year’s Eve 2023 is Mayabay, transformed into a luminous haven for ‘Lantern Night’ on 31st December. Enjoy innovative cocktails, creative cuisine, and a lively atmosphere. The minimum consumption is €400 per person, featuring a DJ party lasting until the early hours of 2024.

Geishas will enchant with singing, and live performances will escalate in festivity as the night progresses. The evening unfolds in two parts starting at 7:30pm, and continuing with a DJ and dancing from 10pm onward to celebrate the clock striking midnight and beyond. 

For more information, click here. 

Mayabay will be hosting ‘Lantern Night’ on 31st December, with an à la carte menu from €400 per person. Photo credit: Mayabay

 

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Main photo credit: Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer

Monaco’s Sass Café recreated in dramatic setting of Saudi Arabian desert

by: Stephanie Horsman
11/12/2023
sass cafe al-ula

Sass Café’s indominable style has been transported to the magical Saudi Arabian oasis of AlUla, where guests can enjoy a fine dining menu cooked nomad-style above an open flame and a glitzy décor juxtaposed with the stark desert landscape.  

The ancient oasis town of AIUla dates back millennia, with archaeological finds suggesting it was inhabited as long ago as 5,000BCE. Situated in the north-western part of the country, it is known for being an important heritage and archaeological site, with one of the big attractions being the ‘Elephant Rock’, an imposing 52-metre-high rock formation.

AlUla is in its infancy when it comes to modern tourism – the French government signed a 10-year collaborative deal in 2018 with Saudi Arabia to develop the region – but it certainly knows how to provide quality hospitality.  

Now this traditional desert locale is adding a very glamourous vibe to its exquisite setting with the launch of a new address straight out of Monaco: the legendary nightclub and restaurant called Sass Café.  

STYLE AND FLAMBOYANCE 

Aside from the visual attributes of the luxe hotspot, Sass has also imported its “signature sense of style and flamboyance” to AlUla with a menu featuring a blend of Mediterranean and South American cuisines that come together with a dash of live, open-fire cooking. 

Starters include taste temptations such as a burnt orange salad with quinoa, granola and parmesan, the iconic truffle pizza also served up in the Principality’s original address, and pasta dishes hailing from Southern Italy, like a tagliatelle al limone.  

Mains cooked on the open flames include a black cod dish with yuzo miso sauce and baby broccoli, and a “butcher’s selection of the day” adorned with a chimichurri sauce and fire roasted potatoes.  

Desserts are indulgent: a smoked banana with dulce de leche and light cream; date ice cream; and a smoked pineapple sorbet.  

A live DJ accompanies the vibrant atmosphere of the place, which is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 8pm to 2am.   

Reservations are not required, but are recommended. For more information on the pop-up, click here.  

 

Join the Monaco Life community – the largest English media in the Principality.   

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Photo via Sass Café