Review: The Niwaki Japanese restaurant

30/08/2022

Forget what you think you know about Japanese food. It is so much more than raw salmon and California rolls, well at The Niwaki anyway. Think hamachi sashimi with truffle ponzu, smoked Chilean seabass with yuzu miso, and melt in your mouth lamb chops… Japanese cuisine has made its mark on Monaco and its likely better than you could ever have imagined.

It’s safe to say that all eyes were on Samy Sass when he opened The Niwaki this summer. With a Portuguese background, the Monegasque national is more well known for welcoming celebrity guests at Sass Café than for his forays into East Asian hospitality.

But as I discovered on a recent summer’s night, The Niwaki not only lives up to expectations, it confidently exceeds them.

The Niwaki, located in the Palais de la Plage building at Larvotto, is a new signature blend of culturally-defining, luxurious, texture-fuelled design meets attentive, friendly service and exciting, modern Japanese cuisine.

The menu is sold as Samy’s love affair with Japan, having honed his taste buds during his many visits to the Far East, and perfected by Corporate Chef Shahar Dahan and Executive Sushi Chef Wagner Spadacio.

The enormous list of dishes is a veritable choose your own adventure of contemporary Japanese cuisine, some with a hit of Mediterranean influence, and all with extremely high-end ingredients and extremely high-end preparation.

*Be sure to start your meal with these shishito peppers with dry miso, photo by Monaco Life*

We start the adventure with morish shishito peppers blanketed with dry miso, and scrumptious crunchy tuna aburi with smoked mayo. As an appetizer, they pair perfectly with our Japanese-inspired cocktails prepared by the very-capable Head Barmaid Edwige Coulomb.

The sushi chef’s skills are perfectly displayed on a plate of salmon and tuna nigiri and traditional maki before the hamachi sashimi with truffle ponzu reaches the table to showcase how the worlds of Asian and Mediterranean cuisine can intertwine deliciously. The chicken yakitori is a sumptuous nod to the classics, while there is no doubt as to why the smoked Chilean seabass with yuzu miso is a reported favourite among guests. We finish the mains with spicy ginger marinated lamb chops with hatcho miso glaze, broccolini with lime soy, and baby bok choy with miso glaze.

A delicate apricot and sobacha sensation prepared by Pastry Chef Ilaria Viano finishes what can only be described as a delectable gastronomic journey to Japan.

*The sushi chef’s skills are perfectly displayed on a plate of salmon and tuna nigiri and traditional maki, photo by Monaco Life*

And to wash it all down? They’ve got an extensive sake list to match virtually anything you order. Just ask the well-versed sommelier for suggestions. In fact, ask all the staff for their suggestions. These are incredibly experienced professionals that hail from some of the biggest restaurants in Europe, and they will gladly guide you through The Niwaki experience.

The space itself is elegant, warm, contemporary, and feels like a small part of Japan has been lifted out and delicately placed opposite the Larvotto beach. Everything from the floor to the ceiling is made from precious wood, luxurious marble and onyx stone.

It is clear from the outset where The Niwaki wants to position itself in Monaco’s exclusive fine dining scene, and it is obviously capable of vying for a top spot.

Click on the gallery below to see more images of The Niwaki, photos by Monaco Life.

Photos of The Niwaki staff by Fabbio Galatioto, in order of appearance: Corporate Chef Shahar Dahan, Executive Sushi Chef Wagner Spadacio, Head Pastry Chef Ilaria Viano, General Manager Luca Fametti and Deputy Director Emeric Muller.

Marine Biodiversity Treaty drafted at UN

by: Stephanie Horsman

30/08/2022

Major progress has been made on a new marine biodiversity treaty known as BBJN, of which Monaco has been a key contributor.

According to the French government, the past two weeks has been a busy time at the fifth session of the intergovernmental negotiations on a treaty on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction, known as the BBNJ process, held at United Nations headquarters in New York.

A collective of countries had gathered to create the outline of a treaty that could have far-reaching impact on marine causes and conservation.

The basics of the treaty primarily address the creation of marine protected areas, the completion of environmental impact studies in the high seas, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits from the use of marine genetic resources.

France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and the Office of the Minister of State for Marine Affairs applauded the progress made in taking this important step which comes a few months before the UN Biodiversity Conference, more familiarly known as COP15, in December in Montreal.

During this year’s COP15, a legal framework is expected to be created for biodiversity, of which France and Monaco both are in support of, as evidenced by both Prince Albert II’s and French President Emmanuel Macron’s participation at the One Ocean Summit held in Brest earlier this year. Both countries were also active at last year’s COP15 conference.

“In this Year of the Oceans, which marks the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the international community must redouble its efforts to reach an agreement,” said the French government in a statement. “With its EU partners and the ‘Protecting the ocean, time for action’ coalition which it has initiated, France will continue to work so that an ambitious and universal treaty can be agreed in a few short months, which will strengthen governance of the high seas and create the necessary tools for the effective protection of the ocean and sustainable use of its resources.”

Furthermore, France is vying to be host, alongside Costa Rica, of the next UN Ocean Conference set for 2025.

Photo credit: Wexor Tmg on Unsplash

Back-to-back titles for Monaco Rugby 7s

by: Luke Entwistle

30/08/2022

The Monaco Rugby 7s have won consecutive titles, beating Section Paloise Béarn Pyrénées during Saturday’s final in Pau ahead of November’s grand final in Paris.

In the three tournaments in which Monaco have featured this season, they have reached the final every time, winning the last two, firstly in La Rochelle and now in Pau. It is also the Principality side’s sixth consecutive final.

Given their impressive record, Cecil Afrika’s men will certainly be ranked amongst the favourites to win the grand final in Paris on 19th November.

Whilst Monaco strode to victory last weekend, they didn’t have it all their own way this time around. Section Paloise Béarn Pyrénées ran Monaco close, finishing within three points of the eventual winners (24-21).

Monaco had enjoyed an easy ride to Saturday’s final, beating Victorieux de Brive (45-7), Bordeaux-Bègles (33-17) and most comprehensively, Racing 92 (34-0).

The squad will be teeming with confidence going into the finals, as they look to go one further than last year and win the title. On current form, it would be difficult to bet against them doing so.

Photo source: Monaco Rugby Sevens

Premier League Highlights: Liverpool score 9, Man City come from behind

by: Luke Entwistle

30/08/2022

In Monaco Life’s new feature, we round-up the Premier League action, including Liverpool’s 9-0 drubbing of newly-promoted Bournemouth and Manchester City’s remontada against Crystal Palace.

Liverpool 9-0 Bournemouth – Liverpool equalled the Premier League record for the largest win during Saturday’s fixture against Bournemouth. In the wake of that result, Cherries’ manager Scott Parker has been sacked. Liverpool pushed for a 10th, which would have beaten the Premier League record, but failed to do so.

Manchester City 4-2 Crystal Palace – Despite going two behind to Patrick Vieira’s side at the Etihad, an Erling-Bruut Haaland-inspired Manchester City fought back to claim the three points.

Arsenal 2-1 Fulham – Arsenal also came from behind as they continued their positive start to the season, whilst maintaining the feel-good factor at the Emirates. They left it late to grab the victory with Gabriel’s 86th minute goal completing the turnaround and return back to the summit of the Premier League.

Chelsea 2-1 Leicester City – Brendan Rodgers’ side’s miserable start to the season continued at Stamford Bridge. Despite going down to 10-men early on, Chelsea scored twice through Raheem Sterling, which was enough for the Blues to claim the three points.

Brighton & Hove Albion 1-0 Leeds United – Graham Potter continues to work miracles at the AMEX stadium. The south coast side were very briefly top of the league as they continue to surpass expectations. The club are nine unbeaten in the league, a record for the club.

Brentford 1-1 Everton – A late Vitaly Janelt goal salvaged a draw for Brentford in a game that they largely dominated. Anthony Gordon, who is heavily linked with a move away from Goodison Park open the scoring, but the Toffees couldn’t hold on.

Southampton 0-1 Manchester United – Erik Ten Hag’s men backed up their win against Liverpool with a narrow win at St Mary’s. Without overly convincing, a Bruno Fernandes goal was enough to give Manchester United the three points.

Nottingham Forest 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur – A Harry Kane double gave Tottenham the points at a bouncing City Ground. Newly-promoted Forest had their chances, but ultimately didn’t take advantage. Steve Cooper’s men will, however, still be happy with their positive start to the season.

Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-1 Newcastle United – A late Allan Saint-Maximin stunner salvaged a point for the away side. The former Monaco and Nice player has begun the season in scintillating form, proving decisive against Manchester City last week and again this week at Molineux.

Aston Villa 0-1 West Ham United – West Ham registered their first points of the season with victory over Aston Villa. Pablo Fornals’ finish midway through the second-half eased the pressure on David Moyes, whilst ramping up the pressure on Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa.

Monaco Life’s Premier League Highlights will be published every Tuesday. Make sure you’re signed up to our free daily newsletter so you don’t miss out on all the football news! Register by clicking here.

‘Son of Monaco’ celebrates 50 years on the stage

by: Stephanie Horsman

30/08/2022

Monaco-born Richard Lord is marking 50 years of music-making, as well as his 75^th birthday, with a live concert at the Opéra Garnier in September.

Richard Cavassuto, born in Monaco in 1947, was destined to become a musician. At the age of 12, for the children’s Christmas gift-giving at the Palace in 1959, the young Cavassuto was given a guitar by Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace, a present that would shape his future.

He was a fixture in several rock bands in the early 1960s, including as drummer for The Vampires, Bassist for The Yankees and The Ombres, as well as leader vocalist and bass player for The Outlaws.

In 1971, after recording sessions at the world-famous Abbey Road Studios in London, Richard Cavassuto became Richard Lord and made his debut as a solo artist, releasing the single ‘Everybody Loves a First Time’.

Abbey Road, the studios made famous by the Beatles, was clearly an inspiration for Lord, who returned to Monaco in 1983 to perform a show comprised of 15 Beatles songs, called Abbey Road Sixties, which he performed in front of Prince Rainier III. The music of the sixties has been the backbone of his career, with tribute concerts being regular occurrences.

Over the years, he has played several times in Monaco, and organised events such as the 1999 concert bringing together six bands from the 1960s who performed at the Sporting, and a 2005 concert where newly coronated Prince Albert II joined the band playing the drums. Additionally, he sang a ballad called Jacques and Gabriella at the baptism of the twins in 2015 in front of 400 assembled guests.

Now he is back on stage in the Principality for a concert celebrating his 75^th birthday on 10^th September at the Opéra Garnier with a new album called Best of 75. For more info on how to get tickets and on the event, email livre75@abbeyroadmc.com

“Hysterically funny” cabaret show Delirious

by: Luke Entwistle

29/08/2022

The Grimaldi Forum is playing host to a raucous circus cabaret that promises to be a “thrilling night” and is getting rave reviews from critics and audiences alike.

Monaco is getting Delirious!

The hit circus cabaret team has returned to Monaco from 26^th August to 4^th September with nine new performances, and two special nights dedicated to the sexually-charged comedy show Never Sleep Alone.

Delirious is the brainchild of the 8 Stars team, who in the midst of the pandemic brought a little light to the Principality in January 2021 with its cabaret, circus and artistic show Bohemia. It was a huge success and it spurred the creation of their latest endeavour, Delirious.

The new show combines dance, music, humour, acrobatics and special acts by an eclectic mix of performers such as the wonderfully monikered Kitty Bang Bang, a burlesque queen from England, Jarrod Bates, an American clown who worked for Cirque du Soleil, Maria Moncheva, a former Bulgarian classical dancer who excels in aerial disciplines, Daniel Sullivan, Irish dance expert, Soen Geirnaert, Belgian gymnast, the Venezuelan singer and dancer Michie Aranguren, and Sebastian Plester, a Colombian circus artist.

*Delirious, the show, by 8 Stars is currently on show at the Grimaldi Forum. Photo source: 8 Stars*

The show, designed by Artistic Director of 8 Stars Nicolas Jelmoni, has seen the artists preparing in Sainte-Maxime over the past several weeks to ensure flawless execution and if what audiences are saying is true, it was worth every second spent.

The last two nights of Delirious will have an additional performance by straight-talking sexual evangelist and best-selling author Dr Alex Schiller. His show, Never Sleep Alone, has been touted as “sexy live entertainmentwhere the audience experience laughs, learns and literally hooks up with each other!”

With that kind of a build-up, the night is bound to be something out of this world.

Click on the images below. Photos credits: 8 Stars Monaco

Review: The Niwaki Japanese restaurant

Marine Biodiversity Treaty drafted at UN

Back-to-back titles for Monaco Rugby 7s

Premier League Highlights: Liverpool score 9, Man City come from behind

‘Son of Monaco’ celebrates 50 years on the stage

“Hysterically funny” cabaret show Delirious

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