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Day: 4 November 2024

Top spots in Monaco for Happy Hour and after-work drinks

by: Niki Borisova
04/11/2024

As the sun goes down on the Principality, Monaco is transformed into a vibrant nightlife hub full of great places to unwind and catch up with friends after a day of work or sightseeing. Here is the Monaco Life guide to the best spots for after-work drinks and Happy Hour specials, all with a laid-back atmosphere.

One of our favourite places with a casual vibe is the Trinity Cocktail Club and its sister venue, Trinity Pub, on the Rue du Portier. Both are popular among locals for the friendly atmosphere and well-crafted cocktails. There are some delicious gourmet offerings on the menu too, so be prepared to settle in for the evening!

With two Monaco locations—one on Boulevard des Moulins and another in Palais de la Plage—Cova is a more elegant place to head for after-work drinks. Every Thursday, starting at 5pm, Cova hosts an aperitivo hour featuring live music.

An iconic Monaco staple is the Café de Paris. This legendary address in the heart of Monte-Carlo is always abuzz with activity and should be high on your list if you’re wanting that classic Monaco experience.

The Café de Paris bar area is a show-stopper. Photo credit: Monte-Carlo SBM

The Bar Américain at the Hôtel de Paris takes it up a notch again. This glamorous locale is known for its old-world elegance, and the bar offers expertly crafted cocktails, an upscale ambiance and live music to complete the refined experience.

Located a stone’s throw from the Casino de Monte-Carlo, Buddha Bar runs a ‘Spicy Hour’ from 6pm to 9pm every day of the week, except Mondays and Sundays. During Spicy Hour, much of the menu is offered at a lower price than usual. Buddha Bar combines an Asian-inspired food and beverage selection with an eclectic music mix, offering a laid-back atmosphere in a stylish setting.

Spicy Hour at Buddha Bar runs from 6pm to 9pm. Photo credit: Monte-Carlo SBM

For a more scenic option, Blue Gin is hard to beat. Set right by the seafront on Avenue Princesse Grace, this stylish bar offers stunning views over the Mediterranean. Known for its inventive cocktails and trendy ambiance, Blue Gin is a go-to spot to relax and take in the sea air after a long day.

Meanwhile, down in the Port Hercule area, wine lovers will find their haven at Wine Palace, a sophisticated address near the Yacht Club de Monaco that boasts an impressive wine selection and a large terrace overlooking the marina.

Newly opened this summer, the Bar du Quai des Artistes is another inviting spot to enjoy a drink along the port. The marina sparkles with the lights of the many yachts moored here by night, and the bar and its terrace are ideally situated to make the most of this unique setting.

Nearby is La Brasserie de Monaco, which offers a 50% discount on beer and drinks by the glass from 6pm to 8pm daily, except during special events. Known for its relaxed and casual atmosphere, the venue is home to a microbrewery that produces a range of craft beers. The pub-like space also shows major sporting events on big screens, including AS Monaco matches, making it a favourite among sports fans in the Principality.

La Brasserie de Monaco offers a 50% discount on beer and drinks by the glass from 6pm to 8pm daily. Photo credit: La Brasserie de Monaco

Also on Port Hercule, La Rascasse runs a daily Happy Hour from 6pm to 8.30pm, with 50% off all drinks.

And finally, if your office is located in Fontvieille, the Ship and Castle is a welcoming pub option for those seeking a relaxed, after-work setting. Known for its easygoing environment and classic pub drinks, it’s an inviting spot for unwinding with colleagues or friends over a beer.

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

 

Main photo credit: Monte-Carlo SBM

Countdown on to Monaco’s ‘Take Care of Wonder’ pavilion at Osaka Expo

by: Cassandra Tanti
04/11/2024

As the countdown to the 2025 Osaka Kansai World Expo begins, Monaco is preparing to captivate visitors with a pavilion dedicated to environmental conservation and cultural exchange.

With just six months remaining until the Expo opens on 13th April 2025, Monaco has revealed new details about its pavilion, which will align with the Expo’s overarching theme of ‘Designing Future Society for Our Lives’. Monaco’s participation will focus on the sub-theme ‘Connecting Lives’, presenting a unique fusion of nature, culture, and technology.

At the heart of Monaco’s pavilion, titled Take Care of Wonder, visitors will experience the harmonious blend of a traditional Japanese garden and a Mediterranean garden, symbolising the Principality’s commitment to environmental protection both at home and globally. The pavilion will feature three distinct buildings designed to engage visitors on multiple levels.

See also: The wonder of nature: Monaco unveils its plans for 2025 World Expo in Osaka

The first building will offer an immersive sensory journey, celebrating the beauty of everyday life while allowing visitors to virtually explore iconic locations in Monaco. The second building will chronicle Monaco’s environmental history and initiatives through interactive books and digital consoles. In the third and final space, guests will dive into the marine world, with an underwater experience showcasing the wonders of the oceans.

In a statement by the government on Friday, it was also revealed that the pavilion will introduce Leeloo-san, a virtual mascot designed by Lilou Braiech. Leeloo-san, a character inspired by traditional Japanese dolls but dressed in Monaco’s traditional attire, is designed to symbolise the cultural connection between Japan and Monaco.

The timing of the Osaka World Expo, coming so soon after the last Expo in Dubai, is due to the Dubai event being delayed by a year because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Originally scheduled for 2020, Dubai’s Expo was pushed to 2021-2022, but the normal five-year cycle for World Expos remains in place, with Osaka set to host the next edition in 2025.

Related article: 

Monaco celebrates National Day at Dubai Expo

Image source: Pavilion Monaco

 

Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival: Global talent and compelling cinema at the Opera Garnier

by: Niki Borisova
04/11/2024

A vibrant mix of artists from across the globe will descend on the Principality of Monaco this autumn for the highly anticipated Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival. With the programme now revealed, here’s a look at some of the standout performances you won’t want to miss. 

The programme for the 2024 Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival, now in its 18th year, was unveiled at a press event attended by Monaco Life on 12th September. Artistic Director Alfonso Ciulla and his co-programmer, Reno di Matteo, were given the honour of announcing the diverse line-up, which features solo artists, bands and ensemble from around the world, as well as two dramatic film screenings.  

Around 30 young musicians from the Académie Rainier III’s Jazz and Modern Music departments will open this year’s event on 20th November at the Opera Garnier. The venue will be the main site of action during the festival, while the Rotunda in the neighbouring Casino de Monte-Carlo will be playing host to the various before and after events. 

Next up is an evening with The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra, directed by Scotty Barnhart, and the Dal Sasso Big Band on 21st November. They will be followed by two sets of soloists: Dee Dee Bridgewater and Stefano di Battista will be performing on 22nd November, with AYO and Mayra Andrade lined up for the next evening.  

British band Level 42 and the French Emile Londonien trio are set to play on 27th November. Three distinctive acts are on the bill for the following night: Afro-Cuban artist Cimafunk and Seun Kuti, the son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, who will perform with his father’s former band, Egypt 80.  

Guitarists Matthieu Chedid, also known as -M-, and Thibault Cauvin will present their co-signed record L’Heure Miroir at a concert on 29th November, ahead of a performance by singer and harpist Sophye Soliveau later that night.  

The final evening of music, on 30th November, will feature two superb singers: Italy’s Mario Biondi and American Stella Cole.  

As a complement to the musical event, this year’s festival will showcase two compelling film screenings. The first is Louis Malle’s Ascenseur pour l’échafaud (Elevator to the Gallows), with music by Miles Davis in collaboration with the Monaco Audiovisual Institute, on 24th November. The second cinematic event on the programme is Damien Chazelle’s Whiplash, with music by Justin Hurwitz, on 1st December.  

Ticket prices range from €12 for the cinema events up to €90 for a seat at one of the concert dates. Advance bookings are now open.  

For more information about the event and its programme, click here. 

Read related:

Grimaldi Forum’s homage to Turner draws 65,000 visitors

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

 

Main image of Reno di Matteo (left) and Alfonso Ciulla (right) at the unveiling on the Monte-Carlo Jazz Festival programme

Photo by Monaco Life

 

 

Originally published on 12th September 2024

Monaco vs. the US: Political participation and governance at a glance

by: Cassandra Tanti
04/11/2024

As millions head to the polls in the United States, we take a closer look at Monaco’s political structure, its head of state, and how citizens participate in shaping their government within this unique principality. We’ll also explore how voter participation rates in Monaco compare to those in the US and what time we can expect to see the results here in Monaco. 

While millions across the United States head to the polls on Tuesday 5th November to elect their president, Monaco follows a very different political path. The Principality of Monaco, led by Prince Albert II, has neither a president nor a king. Instead, as a constitutional monarchy, it maintains a distinctive structure where the Prince is both head of state and a unifying figure for its citizens. This system is a deep-rooted part of Monaco’s history, as the title of “prince” dates back to the 13th century when the Grimaldi family first took control of this Mediterranean enclave.

Monaco’s small size and long-standing heritage have allowed it to remain a principality, and not a kingdom. Monaco has maintained the Grimaldi family’s rule for over 700 years, contributing to a sense of continuity and tradition. Prince Albert II, as the latest in this lineage, fulfills not only ceremonial duties but also plays an influential role in guiding Monaco’s modern vision.

Although Monégasque citizens do not elect a head of state, they do participate actively in governance through the National Council, Monaco’s parliament. Every five years, citizens vote for members of the National Council, which collaborates with the Prince and the government that he appoints to develop and enact policies. The National Council holds an advisory and legislative role, working in concert with the Prince on matters concerning Monaco’s future, economy, and social programs. 

Voter comparisons

In the latest National Council elections held in February 2023, Monaco saw a turnout of 57.26%, with 4,348 of the 7,594 registered eligible voters participating in the vote. In contrast, the United States saw a turnout of around 66% of eligible voters in the 2020 presidential election. In U.S. midterm elections, turnout drops substantially, with only 52% participation in the 2022 midterms.

For Americans living abroad, including those in Monaco, the process of voting in U.S. elections remains accessible through absentee ballots.

When will we know the results in Monaco?

For those in Monaco eager to follow the U.S. presidential election results, initial outcomes will begin as U.S. polling stations close on the evening of November 5th. With East Coast polls closing around midnight Monaco time and West Coast polls wrapping up by 8am Monaco time, a clearer picture of results should emerge by early morning in Monaco on November 6th. If the election is close or delayed due to mail-in ballots, a final declaration may not come until later in the day or even days following.

 

Prince Albert sends condolences to King of Spain following devastating floods

by: Elsa Carpenter
04/11/2024

Monaco’s Prince Albert II has reached out to Spain’s King Felipe VI in the aftermath of the devastating floods that have claimed more than 215 lives in the region surrounding Valencia. 

On 29th October, unprecedented rainfall hit southern Spain. In just eight hours, the region surrounding the city of Valencia experienced more rain than it usually records across an entire year. 

Streets were turned into rivers, homes and buildings were submerged, vehicles were swept away, and at least 215 people have lost their lives. Many more are still missing, feared dead among the debris. It goes without saying that the trail of destruction and devastation left in the wake of the overwhelming deluge is the most harrowing in living memory for local populations. 

In a gesture of solidarity, Monaco’s Prince Albert II has sent a letter of condolence to the Spanish King, Felipe VI, extending his sympathies to those affected. 

“It is with deep sadness that I learned of the terrible floods that have struck your country, causing so much loss of life and destruction. At this difficult time, my thoughts are with the bereaved families and the injured, as well as with all those affected by this tragedy,” reads the Prince’s personal letter. 

It continues, “On behalf of the Principality of Monaco and on my own behalf, I would like to express my solidarity with the Spanish people and our compassion for the ordeal they are going through. We salute the courage of the rescue teams and all those who are coming together to help the victims.” 

Prince Albert concludes, “Please accept, Your Majesty, the expression of my sincere condolences and support in this painful ordeal.” 

Almost a week on from the terrible event, local citizens, rescue workers, and the thousands of military and police personnel drafted in to help from other parts of the country are continuing their efforts to clear the affected areas and restore some level of normality to the region’s devastated communities. 

Read related:

Lebanon: Monaco-based charity Amis du Liban issues urgent appeal for aid

 

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

 

Photo source: Red Cross Climate Centre

99 Sushi Bar reveals plans to open new restaurant in Mareterra

by: Stephanie Horsman
04/11/2024

The haute cuisine Japanese-style eatery brand 99 Sushi Bar has been a hit everywhere it has landed, with the Abu Dhabi location even receiving a Michelin star. Now, this high-end restaurant is set to open a new branch in Mareterra’s Le Petit Portier marina.

99 Sushi Bar was founded in 2005 by Spanish brothers Fernando and Pedro de Leon, who were keen to introduce the cosmopolitan people of Madrid to high-quality, high-end sushi. Since then, the eatery has expanded worldwide with locations in Barcelona, Bilbao, Marbella, Dubai, Rabat and Abu Dhabi. The latter was distinguished with a Michelin star in 2023.

Now, 99 Sushi Bar is coming to Monaco, where it will make its home in Le Petit Portier, the lifestyle marina located in the new Mareterra district of the Principality.

“We are thrilled and honoured to have been selected for this project,” Jaime Castañeda, CEO of Ninety-Nine SB Investment, the company that owns and manages the 99 Sushi Bar brand outside Spain, said in an interview with Caterer. “This new adventure pushes back the frontiers of 99’s commitment to higher taste and allows us to be part of an extraordinary endeavour.”

The Principality is a natural fit with the luxury restaurant brand, which boasts “unique experiences catering to the most exquisite palates”.

Its eclectic and creative menus feature the likes of toro tuna maki with avocado, red tobiko and shiso leaf; grilled scallops with mentaiko and ume sauce; turbot flambé nigiri with coriander oil; and Momiji oroshi. Meat eaters also get a look in with delicacies such as roasted suckling pig toban jan with pistachio and bacon rashers and Mont Royal young pigeon with crystallised pumpkin. The Monaco menu is yet to be revealed.

When complete, the new neighbourhood is likely to become the new hotspot of Monaco

Some details about the interior of the new restaurant have been confirmed, and the space will reportedly boast a spectacular bar and lounge running the length of the site—a new concept for the brand—a glass floor, a sushi bar made of stone, and a rock wall feature. The location in Monaco’s new Mareterra neighbourhood will be the brand’s first waterfront address, and it is very likely that the restaurant will also include outdoor dining with sea views.

“The Principality is famous for its high-end economic fabric and pronounced taste for luxury, and 99 has earned its stars in the landscape of world-class establishments,” said Castañeda. “With our award-winning cuisine, impeccable service, overall finesse and refinement, we hope to bring a new concept to Monaco whilst spearheading the Japanese food and beverage offering at a very opportune time.”

The Monaco restaurant will soon be followed by an outlet in London, with plans in place to expand to Miami, New York and Singapore also in the works. As of now, no confirmed launch date for the Monaco address has been announced.

Read related:

SBM teases new quintessentially English restaurant for Mareterra district

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

 

Photo via 99 Sushi Bar Madrid, Facebook