From exquisite takes on the traditional Yule log to Cova’s beautiful Italian offerings, here are the finest desserts and treats on sale for Christmas in Monaco.
Whether it’s a big family gathering that you’re hosting this year or that you’ve been invited along to a sophisticated dinner among friends, there will be something on this list of delightful desserts to impress all around the table.
Let’s start with the limited edition Yule log currently on sale at the Hôtel Métropole. The fruit of a culinary collaboration between by Chef Christophe Cussac and Pastry Chef Patrick Mesiano, this festive treat captures the essence of Christmas in the Mediterranean with its locally sourced ingredients. It costs €75 and can serve between four and six people.
The Hôtel Métropole’s adorable Christmas cracker of a Yule log. Photo via Instagram
Next up are a range of creations from Chef Gianluca Giorgeschi of the Rampoldi. First is the glorious Bûche Miel et Amandes: a white chocolate mousse and a vanilla sponge layered with honey-almond cream, crispy feuilletine and glazed with honey and pollen.
The Rampoldi’s inspired take on the traditional Yule log: the Bûche Miel et Amandes. Photo via the Rampoldi
Another favourite is the Gateau Noël with its Italian-style sponge, crunchy meringue, chestnut heart and vanilla Chantilly, while the Gateau Horologe will certainly go down a treat with chocolate lovers. It boasts a 55% chocolate cream, criollo mousse, cocoa sand and hazelnut praline as well as an intricate clockface design.
Chef Gianluca Giorgeschi of the Rampoldi’s Gateau Horologe for Christmas 2023. Photo via the Rampoldi
Over at The Niwaki, the restaurant’s brilliant chefs have put their heads together to come up with a selection of stunning mignardisesthat will make the perfect gifts or small servings. The range embodies The Niwaki’s fusion of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and contemporary innovation, and can be picked up directly from the restaurant.
Finally comes Pasticceria Cova, the beloved Italian bakery brand. Top of our list here is the Milanese masterpiece of a Panettone with its light, fluffy texture and tantalising fruity aroma.
You could easily spend a small fortune on the Pasticceria Cova range this Christmas! Photo via Cova
But there are plenty of other options here too, such as the elegant marrons glacés, which are individually wrapped glazed chestnuts that make a delicious alternative to chocolate truffles.
Cova’s incredible range of gem-like pralines will always please a crowd and there’s a flavour for everyone, from pistachio to Arabica coffee, but for real chocolate enthusiasts, the gianduiotti are miniature edible masterpieces. These velvet-textured chocolate and Piedmont hazelnut ingots are carefully wrapped in golden paper and presented in their unique geometric shape. They are a must-try this Christmas!
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Monaco Life meets Erika Sheramin Sora Torres de Beauseigneur and her team to learn about AMI, the Monegasque Ibero-American Association that is bringing the best of Latin America, Spain and Portugal to Monaco.
Erika Sheramin, or Sheramin as she rather be called, was born in Peru and then moved to Venezuela to study paediatric nursing. She happened to arrive in Monaco in 2003, the same year my husband and I did. She is married to French born David Beauseigneur, and they have three adorable children. She currently works for the Direction de l’Action et de l’Aide Sociales in Monaco (DASO) and is president of AMI.
In 2021, Sheramin and a group of close friends, who share the same vision and are passionate about Latin culture, decided to create AMI to strengthen cultural ties between Latin America, Spain, Portugal, and Monaco. AMI’s close knit team is comprised of Susana Perdiguero de Segovia (Spain), Vice-President; David Beauseigneur (France), General Secretary; Lourdes (Lulu) Pages (Venezuela), Treasurer; Luisa Morales (Colombia), Secretary; Samira Irakelle Bezerra Nicacio (Spain/Brazil), Administrator and Public Relations Manager; Sarah Rivera de Bolonotto (Dominican Republic), International Cooperation Project Manager and AMI representative in Latin America; and Celine Guitard Torres (France/Spain), Administrator. They form a great team and are all actively working on organising events to raise funds for their solidarity projects for the most deprived. Due to their typical long last names, we will be addressing them by their first name.
Samira’s fluency in Portuguese, Spanish, French, English and Italian make her a great asset in her PR position. She explained the mission behind AMI.
“AMI is a non-profit association that aims to promote cultural exchanges between Latin America, Spain, Portugal and Monaco,” she told Monaco Life. “We organise events and activities in the fields of gastronomy, fashion, music, and art to share the traditions and know-how of these countries. We also support international competitions and seek to publicise the historical, musical, sports and gastronomic culture of these regions.”
Sarah added: “The association began to promote Ibero-American culture to awaken the curiosity of the principality. But it became much more as we realised we could help with small gestures that gave great results. By showing who we are in a cultural way, we create awareness of our existence and our countries’ needs.”
Prince Albert with Sarah, Sheramin, Luisa, Marta and Lula at the YCM in May 2022. Source: Prince’s Palace
Collaboration, creativity, and working together for a common cause
Since a young age, Sheramin had a particular interest in humanitarian and charitable actions, and for this reason she became a nurse so she could help others, and continued working on solidarity and social projects. In creating AMI, she has pooled the qualities, values, and skills of the group to promote the culture of their respective countries of origin. “The objective is to lead several battles in different fronts against malnutrition of children and the elderly, the defence of the right of access to teaching and education, and the protection of the ecosystem, plus the strong desire to strengthen alliances between communities,” said Sheramin.
Meanwhile, Samira is “motivated by my passion for the culture, gastronomy, fashion, music and art of Latin American countries, Spain and Portugal. I want to discover these cultural riches and generate funds to support actions in these countries and help disadvantaged populations.”
Building a two-way bridge between Monaco and Ibero-America
AMI facilitates the connection between Ibero-American cultures and Monaco through the organisation of gastronomic, cultural events or educational exchanges, thereby promoting meetings, creating, or strengthening links between the different communities, the governments of Monaco and countries in the spotlight. AMI works closely with the local governments, businesses, and reputable personalities.
“We seek to promote exchanges between different regions, inviting artists, chefs, fashion designers, musicians, and artisans from these countries to participate in our events. This allows residents of Monaco and neighbouring countries to discover the richness of these cultures and support actions in these countries,” explained Sheramin.
As Susana also explained, the association helps Ibero-American countries by opening ties between the embassies and Monaco, and does so through events related to the culture of the countries. They also help country associations financially, so that they can carry out projects for disadvantaged communities.
“Spain and Portugal are the homelands of Latin America, we have very close and strong ties, so learning from their culture, gastronomy, history, and language, we get to know that of Latin America,” said Sarah. “When we carry out our negotiations, we always work with the official support of the embassies and governments, thus bringing them closer to Monaco and creating interest in the Principality.”
Prince Albert II with, from left to right: Christophe Prat – General Director Monaco Interior Dept., Luisa, Susana, Mrs Oscar Orrantia, Oscar Orrantia – Ambassador Ecuador, Sheramin, Yolanda Rodriguez, Lula, Sandra Murcia Robert. Credit: Alex Nicola Siffredi
Events organised by AMI – diplomatic gastronomy dinners
Their most notable events are the diplomatic gastronomy dinners scheduled annually at the Yacht Club of Monaco, putting in the spotlight different countries and organised in partnership with the Monaco Department of National Education, with a focus on the students from the Technical and Hospitality School, where the guest chef of the honoured country works alongside students. The objective is to promote understanding, respect, and appreciation of cultural heritage and gastronomy of each country, thereby helping to improve international interaction and cooperation as well as raise funds for their projects in Latin America, Spain, and Portugal.
The first event was held in May 2022 and honoured the Dominican Republic. It was attended by representatives from that country and Prince Albert II of Monaco, accompanied by the Minister of Culture and Education.
The second gastronomy dinner honoured Ecuador on 9th May 2023, in the presence of Prince Albert II of Monaco, Ambassador of Ecuador in France and Monaco Oscar Orrantia, Christophe Prat, General Director Monaco Department of Interior, and distinguished guests.
AMI’s third gastronomy dinner is scheduled for 16th May 2024, and will focus on Honduras, inviting members of the diplomatic corps, and working closely with the Ambassador of Honduras in Paris and Monaco.
First Ibero-American Junior Festival. Photo supplied.
Sponsored competitions
AMI also organised the Ibero American Junior Festival on 15th October 2022, with the best dancers in the junior category judged by a Latin American Jury, composed of Enrique vargas Flores (Mexico), General Secretary of the Ibero-American Cultural Space); Sandra Murcia Robert (Colombia), AMI Ambassador; and Alejandro Corcuera (Peru), Marinera World Champion. It was an imaginary voyage to Peru through their typical dance representing their national identity with rhythm, elegance, force, and joy. On that festive occasion AMI celebrated their first anniversary of the association.
Meanwhile, AMI is sponsoring the participation of an Ecuadorian team that will play in the Sainte Dévote rugby tournament, in Monaco, next April. The team is made up of children aged nine to 12, and is the representative of the association’s rugby schools project, developed in collaboration with the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation.
The Ecuadorian team with Princess Charlene, and her children Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, in 2022 at the Stade Louis II for the Sainte Dévote Rugby Tournament. Photo supplied.
AMI celebrated its 2nd anniversary in October 2023 with a private party celebrating its members and events.
AMI’s goals
As Sheramin told Monaco Life, “We aim to become a positive and lasting force in seeking and achieving effective cooperation in the humanitarian field. We have opened the doors of Monaco wide to our countries of origin with a mission that requires our love and dedication. We are determined to continue our efforts to increase cooperation and help eradicate poverty.”
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A car carrying five students from the International University of Monaco was involved in a serious accident on the Boulevard Charles III over the weekend. A young woman died at the scene and the four other individuals are understood to still be in hospital.
Tragedy has struck the Principality after five of its young students, all believed to be enrolled at the International University of Monaco, were reportedly involved in a fatal car crash in the early hours of Sunday 17th December.
The incident occurred close to the border with Cap d’Ail and near the exit of the Millennium tunnel closest to the cemetery at 4.30am.
Five people are thought to have been travelling in the Audi RS24, but the identities of those involved have not yet been publicly confirmed.
Some details have, however, been revealed by the Monaco Public Prosecutor’s Office to Monaco Matin.
“The driver and the four passengers, all students at the International University of Monaco, were quickly taken care of by the emergency services,” the Public Prosecutor’s Office told Monaco Matin. “However, they confirmed the death of a passenger at the scene of the accident and evacuated two others, whose vital prognosis was in jeopardy, to the Pasteur hospital in Nice. The driver was transferred there the same day and the last passenger remains at the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace.”
An investigation is currently underway to determine the exact circumstances of the accident.
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Just in time to welcome the club’s growing member numbers for its end of year festivities, AS Monaco Rugby officially inaugurated its new clubhouse over the weekend.
On Sunday 17th December, AS Monaco Rugby opened the doors to its brand-new clubhouse at the Stade Prince Héréditaire Jacques in Beausoleil, and players, members and fans turned out in droves to explore the pitch side facility.
The day kicked off early at 9am with the Rugby Challenge Solidaire before Father Christmas emerged to greet the youngest players as the clock struck 12pm. All were then invited to enjoy a festive buffet inside the new clubhouse ahead of two scheduled games against Saint Marcellin Sport.
Both the home youth side and AS Monaco Rugby’s senior side secured healthy victories. For the flagship team, the 33-13 win now puts them at the top of the standings, tied with the US Montmélian in the Fédérale 2 French rugby union club championship division. As they headed off the pitch for some much deserved refreshments, the players and coaching staff received praise and applause from all who had gathered on the grand opening day.
Lessons have been learnt following the COVID-19 pandemic, say two new reports commissioned by the European Union, which put preparedness against “cross-border health threats” and the state of EU health care systems under the microscope.
The European Union is determined to not be caught off-guard by any potential future pandemics in the way it was during the COVID-19 crisis, and, to that end, recently commissioned two complementary reports into the State of Health Preparedness and the State of Health in the EU.
STATE OF HEALTH PREPAREDNESS
The State of Health Preparedness is to become a yearly report with the purpose of mapping “EU actions taken since the pandemic to address cross-border health threats”, such as the Regulation 2022/2371 on Serious Cross-Border Threats to Health that was enacted last year and has become “the backbone of the EU’s health security architecture”.
This initial report covers in detail the nearly €100 million of investment made in the EU4Health programme to improve “national surveillance systems” in member states as well as vaccination programmes, antimicrobial resistance, which “causes over 35,000 deaths a year in Europe”, threats from animal diseases, and the rising health impacts of climate change.
The report, which can be found here, also includes information on the EU’s efforts to establish an “international agreement on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response”.
This report’s mission is to “look at how health systems across the Union are performing, and highlight three key findings that need to be addressed in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic”. These are mental health, health inequalities and the “importance of continued investment in health”.
On the topic of mental health, the report recommends that reforms that “cover de-stigmatisation, prevention, treatment and reintegration are needed across all member states”.
Regarding health inequalities across the EU, the report acknowledges that not all countries in the bloc are able to provide the same level and quality of care, with particular reference to cancer “as a key priority area to address”.
One area covered by the investment section of the report is the European Health Data Space, a concept proposed by the European Commission in May 2022 that could “help to unleash the full potential of health data and empower EU citizens through better digital access and control of their health information”.
“ESSENTIAL TOOLS”
“The COVID-19 pandemic put unprecedented strain on our societies, economies and health systems,” said Stella Kyriakides, EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, following the release of the two reports. “Our response to it was the foundation of a strong European Health Union that is better prepared for future health crises and delivers high quality healthcare for every citizen. It is vital that we continue to regularly monitor our progress on health preparedness and building resilient health systems. The State of Health Preparedness and the State of Health in the EU reports are essential tools to do exactly that, and provide important guidance for our health policy, with the priority goal of protecting our citizens.”
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Marc Anthony, the chart-topping, award-winning, highest selling salsa singer and minority owner of the NFL team the Miami Dolphins, is adding a new title to his trophy cabinet: owner of the new E1 Team Miami, as part of the UIM E1 World Championship.
Anthony’s E1 Team Miami will be on the startline at the first ever E1 event next February in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, alongside other teams owned by some of the world’s biggest celebrity names, among them Tom Brady, Rafael Nadal, Steve Aoki, Sergio Perez, Didier Drogba, and Virat Kohli.
Beyond the excitement on the racecourse, E1’s commitment to sustainable marine practices, says Anthony, aligns with his dedication to preserving Miami’s waters for future generations.
“I have always been fascinated by all things nautical,” said Marc Anthony in a statement. “Water is the essence of life, and as the human population approaches the limits of what the planet can sustain, it is time to cherish water for the essential value it has as an enabler of life. I am thrilled to join forces with E1 to welcome to the dawn a new era of competition and a new standard of race excellence, and I am looking forward to embarking on a journey that has never been witnessed before, an era where passion is a given and winning is a must.”
Up to 10 teams will compete in the inaugural UIM E1 World Championship season, each battling it out to secure the coveted E1 title of Champions Of The Water. Each team will choose two pilots to share driving duties throughout the event, with regulations mandating each team to select a mixed gender pilot line-up to ensure equal opportunities in the sport.
Marc Anthony and his company Magnus are not just entering the racecourse for season one; Magnus is also set to host E1 in the United States in season two, with a dazzling event scheduled for Miami that includes a fan village, and a star-studded concert featuring prominent artists.
Monaco is set to host the UIM E1 World Championship in July 2024.
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