Monday, January 29, 2024

Pink Ribbon Monaco 2024

 

Established in 2011, Pink Ribbon Monaco holds a special place in the hearts of many, being the pioneer association in the region to illuminate buildings in pink during breast cancer awareness month.

Under the leadership of Natasha Frost-Savio, the organization is dedicated to early detection and awareness, organizing impactful events like the Pink Ribbon Walk in February and the annual Pink Lights in October.

These events serve as powerful messages of support, urging early screening and striving to save lives. As a member of the Committee for the Protection and Promotion of Women’s Rights (DFM), Pink Ribbon Monaco actively works towards enhancing gender equality. Collaborating with key entities like the Princely government, National Council, Ministry of Health, and Princess Grace Hospital, the association has been a steadfast advocate for awareness, health, and unity for over a decade.


Excitingly, Pink Ribbon Monaco proudly announces that Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene has embraced the role of Honorary President. This endorsement solidifies her dedication to women’s health and the fight against breast cancer, aligning seamlessly with the values of the Principality's most prominent association dedicated to the cause.

Princess Charlene’s role as Honorary President will play a crucial part in advancing Pink Ribbon Monaco’s mission of raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research and prevention. This announcement gains significance just weeks before the highly anticipated fundraising gala and auction at the prestigious Monte Carlo Casino.

The timing coincides with the beloved 12th annual Pink Ribbon Monaco Walk at Port Hercules, in partnership with the Monaco Run, on Sunday, February 11th. This event continues to symbolize community support for those affected by breast cancer.
 
Natasha Frost-Savio, President and Founder of Pink Ribbon Monaco, expressed her gratitude, stating, “HSH Princess Charlene’s involvement as our Honorary President adds immeasurable strength to our cause. We are honored to have her support as we approach these significant events, and her commitment reinforces our wish to encourage critical research and support our local community.”


Under the High Patronage of Prince Albert II, Pink Ribbon Monaco invites you to an extraordinary evening on February 2nd, 2024, at the exclusive Salle Médecin within the iconic Casino de Monte-Carlo. The gala promises an elegant blend of music, and philanthropy, dedicated to supporting lobular breast cancer research at the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace.

With the generous backing of the Societé des Bains de Mer and its dedicated teams, the Pink Ribbon Monaco Gala presents an exclusive chance for attendees to engage in pre-dinner entertainment, including French Roulette and blackjack. While there won't be any cash rewards, fortunate participants stand a chance to win enjoyable prizes, enhancing the overall experience of the evening.

Every guest will receive an initial chip, and extra chips can be acquired for 100€, with all proceeds dedicated to advancing lobular breast cancer screening study led by Dr. Hugonnet at the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace.

Award-winning musician, author, and philanthropist Zhang Zhang and her 7-piece orchestra will set the tone for the evening, performing timeless classics. The gala, supported by the Societé des Bains de Mer, also offers guests the chance to engage in pre-dinner games like French Roulette and blackjack, with proceeds supporting breast cancer research.

The auction boasts luxury fashion items, high-end interior design, art, jewelry, art, and exclusive VIP and sports packages provided by top brands such as Versace, Chanel, Vitale 1913, Zegg & Cerlatti, Rinck, Boghossian, and many more.

As a private event, the Pink Ribbon Monaco Gala provides a unique bonus – guests are permitted to capture special moments at the roulette and blackjack tables on film, creating memories in the historical venue.

To be a part of the Gala on February 2nd, 2024, and an unforgettable night at the Casino de Monte-Carlo’s Salle Médecin, visit the official website at www.pinkribbon.mc or office@pinkribbon.mc.
 
Images courtesy of Pink Ribbon Monaco

Friday, January 26, 2024

The Taste in Nice

A recent addition to the charming Vieux Nice district in Nice is a must-visit restaurant aptly named, The Taste. Nestled in the historic area of the city, this establishment, owned by the enterprising Alexander, is located at 3 rue Colonna d'Istria and has started to capture an impressive following simply by word of mouth.


Boasting an LGBTQ+ community member as its proprietor,
The Taste offers an ideal setting for a romantic dinner, or gathering with friends and family. The restaurant caters to diverse preferences, making it the perfect spot for delightful aperitifs, elegant dinners, or relaxed terrace lunches that capture the essence of the Old Town surroundings.

 

What sets this place apart is its commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients and unique delicacies, ensuring an experience that already has patrons coming back for more. The menu is diverse, and moderately priced while offering an amazing array of options that elevate any occasion.


The Taste ambiance is characterized by chic, simple, and stylish decor, with ever-changing local artwork, creating a cozy and casual atmosphere. It's an excellent choice for both visitors to the city and locals seeking to explore new culinary delights and innovative cocktails while enjoying a sense of familiarity.


Step into this amazing establishment for a memorable experience that combines tasteful menus with a welcoming atmosphere.

Come visit The Taste to see what all the talk is about.

Monday, January 22, 2024

New for Monaco 2024

 


Exciting developments are on the horizon for Monaco in the coming year, ranging from the unveiling of Amazónico and a sophisticated Japanese dining experience to the anticipated relaunch of Moods and a rejuvenation of Hôtel de Paris' wine cellars.

 
Deputy Chairman Stéphane Valeri of the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer shared insights at a press gathering held in the Crystal Bar of Hôtel Hermitage, reflecting on a successful 2023 and unveiling a series of compelling projects slated by Monaco's prominent employer.
 
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Monsieur Valeri announced the debut of a new restaurant here within the current Crystal Bar. This forthcoming gastronomic destination, curated by the renowned multi-Michelin-starred Chef Yannick Alléno, will introduce an intimate, fine-dining Japanese experience to Monaco's esteemed Hôtel Hermitage.

Featuring Chef Alléno's winning formula, the restaurant will bring two Michelin-starred sushi Chef Yasunari Okazaki from L'Abysse in Paris to recreate their award-winning Japanese cuisine. The opening is anticipated in July, with plans for a new location for the Crystal Bar underway.

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Amazónico
, a long-awaited addition situated above the redesigned Café de Paris, will open its doors on April 4th. With its South American energy and a menu inspired by Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine, the restaurant aims to captivate locals and tourists alike, leveraging its prime location overlooking Casino Square.

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By possibly late autumn, the completion of the Monte-Carlo redevelopment will introduce seven luxury boutiques near Café de Paris, including prestigious brands like Tag Heuer and Tiffany & Co.

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The reopening of the Michelin-starred Blue Bay restaurant in mid-February at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort is highly anticipated, showcasing a complete makeover under the direction of chef Marcel Ravin.

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October 17, 2024, marks the triumphant return of Moods, an iconic Monaco nightspot, to its original Monte-Carlo location. Offering live music, and comedy acts, the new ‘Moods' will feature finger-food catering by the acclaimed Michelin-starred Chef Marcel Ravin.

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Monaco's hidden gem, the extensive wine cellars beneath Hôtel de Paris, will undergo renovation and transform into a public museum. Open for guided tours and exceptional dinners in collaboration with leading wine brands, these cellars house over 350,000 bottles of the finest wines.


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Sporting Monte-Carlo, the epicenter of Monaco's major concerts, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. With a history of hosting entertainment legends from Frank Sinatra to Elton John, the venue is set for grand celebrations, with anticipation building for SBM's plans for this iconic landmark. Celebration announcements for the venue will hopefully be made soon.

Thursday, January 18, 2024

Lou Queernaval 2024


Anchored in the rich heritage of carnival festivities in Nice, Lou Queernaval, the inaugural gay carnival in France, has become a beloved event that embraces inclusivity and unity for all.

For those that may not know, "Lou" translates to "the" in Nissart, the regional dialect of Nice and Queernaval is self-explanatory.


Lou Queernaval stands out as a unique spectacle, featuring a dazzling array of drag queens and other various talented artists primarily from the region, and together, they convey a powerful universal message of love, sharing, and kindness.

The event is filled with an array of sights and sounds, a testament to the commitment of over 150 volunteer carnival workers, with many wearing extraordinary costumes, setting the stage for an exceptional evening centered around this year's theme of the King of Pop Culture.

Since its inception in 2015, Lou Queernaval has garnered attention from spectators across France and around the globe. This one-of-a-kind event is free and offered by the Nice LGBTQIA+ community, in collaboration with the City of Nice and the Nice Côte d'Azur Metropolis.

Open to all, Lou Queernaval has rapidly evolved into a cherished tradition within the broader framework of the Nice Carnival that has been a part of the city’s history for the past 150+ years.

Lou Queernaval also serves as the kickoff to a weekend filled with sensational festivities as LGBTQ establishments hold various themed events and are filled with locals mingling with international visitors.

This year, the Queernaval celebration is scheduled for February 23, from 8:00 pm to 10:30 pm ending with a party on the parade route.


Book early for your free tickets here:
Lou Queernaval
Photo credits: Guillaume Eymard