Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou was honoured by the Monaco Ambassadors Club last night receiving, the Goodwill Ambassador of Monaco Award for 2011 at a cocktail function at the Salle Belle Epoque at the Hermitage Hotel. The Monaco Ambassadors Club serves to promote the image of Monaco abroad. Already a noteworthy ambassador for Monaco, Stelios, in an amusing address, pointed to a number of reasons why he thought Monaco a desirable place in which to live including: security, lifestyle, cosmopolitan population, weather and tax benefits, where revenue from the Principality comes largely from VAT and property taxes. Noting that we are all lucky to be living in Monaco, he said he thought it our duty to give back to society….

In one project, in his native Cyprus, his Foundation has been working for many years to promote goodwill among its inhabitants. Every year, it gives five awards of €50,000 to each of one Turkish Cypriot and one Greek Cypriot who do business with each other, an example of the unbridled comeraderie upon which he has built his businesses. It is with his philanthropic activities that Stelios was particularly preoccupied this evening, proposing that Monaco develop its conference activities by becoming the new focal point for International Philanthropic Conferences. A fine idea and one which could be able added to the existing conference activities for which Monaco has now become so well known. Let’s hope that this initiative, proposed by Stelios, will be infused with the same energy and charisma carried by his more than generous personality. If so, it should be a resounding success indeed.  MC

Special and unique

The visit by leading Monegasque political figures to the session of the Venice Commission last Friday must be counted a major success. It appears that the Commission is backing down from its critical stance on the unique nature of Monaco's constitutional make-up. In particular, the Commission had expressed concerns that the powers of the elected National Council were limited, but on a number of occasions, and again last Friday, Monaco's representatives have been adamant in saying that the highest authorities in the Principality, and the general population, are happy with the present division of powers and see no reason to change those arrangements. Now it is to be hoped that the Council of Europe will turn its attention elsewhere, to more pervasive democratic deficits - which might include the lack of power of the European Parliament - and leave Monaco alone to enjoy its special place in the sun.

Daily Comment is published every weekday. To read the previous Daily Comment, click on MORE, below

One-stop guide

Auction of 20th century art: Accademia Art, the Monaco gallery and auction house, will hold an auction of 20th century art later this month. The sale will be in the Hotel de Paris on Saturday, June 22, starting at 16:30. MORE details at: www.accademiafineart.com

Business Lunch: Carl George, head of Pivot Capital in Monaco, will address the topic: "Investment in an era of Ponzi finance" as the guest speaker at the next Monaco Life Business Leaders' Lunch on Wednesday, June 26, at the Pacific Restaurant, ave des Spelugues, Monte-Carlo. Places: 95 euros, including a welcome drink, three courses and wines, followed by coffee. Please email Ian Brodie at monacotoday@gmail.com

An opportunity to expand horizons: Outward Bound Monaco still have places available for the summer courses in the UK during July and August.  If you would like your son or daughter (aged between 13 and 16) to benefit from this exceptional experience with an emphasis on English, please contact Vanessa Ilsley for further information. The courses are open to all nationalities and for students living in and around Monaco. Please email vanessa@outwardboundmonaco.com or visit: www.outwardboundmonaco.com.

Creative programme for teens: With summer fast approaching and thoughts turning to holiday activities, Paparazzi Parties have a great idea suitable for teenagers aged 11-18. Would-be fashionistas can enrol on a 5-day ad campaign project, that will give teenagers a taste of the world of advertising and modelling. Participants work on a photographic shoot, from both sides of the camera and take part in: casting models and modeling, art direction and set design, hair, makeup, costume design and styling, photography and post production.

The week provides an introductory experience in advertising and film production. In addition, attendees will have the makings of a model book, incorporating advertising campaign photographs, individual portraits and a model card that can be used in presentations for future employment in fashion and media. Courses run weekly throughout July: The cost is 695 euros for the 5-day course, which runs daily, 9:00 until 16:30. There are discounts for groups. For more information contact info@paparazziparties.com or phone 06 03 02 42 37. www.paparazziparties.com

Listings are free for non-profit associations, charged for commercial events. To place listing email monacotoday@gmail.com

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It is already June but the air is still unseasonably cold, so I decided to meet Vasily Klyukin in the lobby bar of the Metropole Hotel in Monte-Carlo for an interview. His claim to fame is as the first Monaco resident to sign up for a Virgin Galactic trip into space with the famous actor Leonardo DiCaprio, when he made the highest bid of € 1.2 million at the recent amfAR auction during the Cannes Film Festival.

Vasily was born in Moscow in the late seventies. His father, a writer and history professor, had moved there with his wife to work in the University. He is married to Anna Vishnevskaya, an ex TV-presenter with whom he has a young son. He also has two other children from a previous marriage living in Cannes. Vasily pursued his studies in finance and as a true entrepreneur started his own company with a few of his schoolmates. They even managed to buy a small regional Bank and developed it to become one of the top hundred, that they later sold partly to a large Dutch-Israeli conglomerate. Being a banker enabled him to borrow money to invest in personal projects mainly in real estate reconstruction and development. He moved to France in 2012 and in March of 2013 he became a Monaco resident while keeping secondary properties in both France and Russia.

A man of diverse interests he counts architectural design and modern art as his passions and he recently bought a building on the Rue de Portier in the Principality that he plans to redesign. He is also working on an architectural book specializing in avant-garde exterior design to be published this summer. Among his favourite sports he cites football and poker. He constantly craves for extreme adventure and recently visited the Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica. Vasily enjoys ice driving and bobsledding, has explored the deep caves in Belize, gone on helicopter tours in Salto Angel, made jungle trips and more. So it is only fitting that he will now go into space, the next frontier...

MONTE-CARLO DIARY

French state contributions

Went to the airport to meet a fellow-journalist who has read a book from every country in the world. She was going to talk about it to 40 people at the Foreign Residents' Club. I was very much looking forward to meeting Ann Morgan, and so were our guests. After five hours the excitement started to wear off, which was hardly Ann's fault. She called to say she was able to work quite well on the aircraft parked somewhere on the tarmac at Gatwick. At least I could walk around, and I have to say that I find Nice Airport's Terminal 2 quite a pleasant place to spend half an hour. The pleasure was wearing thin after five. Then I received instructions to give up the hopeless wait - the French ATC boys had won the day and the event would be cancelled.

I was very relieved to get back to Beausoleil, my family and terrarse and was relaxing with a glass of wine when the doorbell rang. This is never a good sign. Our charming neighbour - also a reader - had not come to ask us, again, to take off our high heels, a request he always makes in a very pleasant manner, but to tell me that the local police were inspecting my voiture. It's an English-registered model. I went down. "Ah monsieur, you have not moved your car for a long time." Ten days. "Ah, but monsieur, you must move it after seven days." Nowhere is this written so I asked about the small black beetle of a car that hasn't moved for three months. "It will be taken away by the ironmonger." Aha. "And so will yours, if monsieur doesn't move it."

I thought I might tell him I had had a very bad day at the airport, but thought better of it. Instead I asked him about the youths who throw bottles off the 10-storey high balcony, and who will no doubt kill someone in the very near future. He wasn't very interested, because there is no money for the bankrupt French state in actual hands-on policing. But by leaving my car in one place for too long I will now be able to make a contribution of 35 euros to help out, the size of the fine attached to my windscreen.

The Jeff Daniels Diary column is published in the interests of editorial diversity and independence. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of the publisher of monacolife.net

Daniele de Winter has lived in the Principality for more than 10 years and has her own range of beauty products. She is a best-selling author - Eat Yourself Beautiful - and recently teamed up with the Fairmont Monte Carlo by designing her super-healthy Joie de Vivre Lunch. Readers have the opportunity of trying the Lunch and hearing from Daniele on the topic: 'Insideout Fabulous: LOVE the skin you're in,' on Wednesday, June 12, at the Fairmont Monte Carlo.

1. What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word Monaco?

Glamour, great parties and comfort: even though I have lived here for over ten years I still feel so very privileged to be a part of it all.

2. What is your favourite part of the Principality and why?

Larvotto beach: because I feel I'm on summer holiday 9 months of the year ;)

3. Where will we most likely see you having your morning coffee?

Constantine, Gerhards or Casa di Gelato – I love all three, everyone is incredibly friendly and as I live in Fontvieille I literally just fall out of bed…

4. What place you would recommend for a good lunch?

The Fairmont Horizon of course (must be trick question..) You can try the DANIELE de WINTER "joie de vivre" menu, which über-chef Philippe Joannes of the Fairmont perfected with me: it keeps you zinging with positive, happy energy all afternoon (ok ok, enough of the marketing… :) )


5. What was/is your favourite cultural event in Monaco and why?

The Radio NRG open air concert on port Hercule a couple of years ago. The atmosphere was amazing, the music brilliant and the fact that we have such cool, free events in Monaco as well as the wonderful balls and Sporting shows is one of the things I love most about Monaco.


6. Where would you like to be invited for dinner?

La Vigie in July: the location is so gorgeous, I feel as though I am on a teak deck in Bali - and chef Paolo Sari's food is wonderful!


7. How is the Principality changing in your eyes?

It is becoming younger and more commercial

8. What would you like to see changed?

I wish that every single new building, without exception would confirm to the highest architectural standards of beauty and mediterranean elegance. No concrete bunkers please, not in Monaco!

9. Who is the biggest star (personality) a person you admire the most - did anybody like that cross your path in Monaco?

I have to say Prince Albert (even though he's been mentioned before). He combines being a ruler with a wonderful informality and kindness that helps everyone who lives here to feel "at home". When I first launched DANIELE de WINTER Monaco he made the effort to come to every party we organised – and as you know, when 'He' is there, everyone else wants to be there too.

10. Is Monaco your home for the rest of time?

For a good part of each year I hope yes, definitely!

PHOTO: Daniele with Pastry Chef Claire Verneil and Head Chef Philippe Johannes
 

To read the previous 10 Questions, with Linda Brett, click on MORE

Dear Editor,

I write to complain about the quality of English in today’s edition of Monaco Today (May 27).  Could you help your readers understand the meaning of “a friend’s terrarse” in Jeff Daniel’s piece entitled “Just give me a fag”?  This sounds like a very interesting place to watch the Grand Prix from.  Similarly, could we have a verb in the headline “Everyone a winner”?
Having described certain billboards in your paper with phrase “The English is a little suspect” (23 May), I suspect these advertisers may have taken a position in your editorial department.

Regards, Clyde

PS: This aside, keep up the great work.  I enjoy reading your articles.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CAN BE SENT TO monacotoday@gmail.com. Please include a telephone number.

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TRIED & TESTED

Castleroc...
It could be voted as the restaurant with the most romantic little terrace on the Rock, having the Palace on one side and the beautiful sea view on the other. Especially now, at the beginning of the summer season, when Castleroc opens for fine dining in the evenings a well as for lunches.

Yes, candlelit dinner on the Rock with your loved one could be quite sensational there… But so can lunch. Especially when the person who invited you is dressed as if she has just come from a photo-shoot with Elle, Cote d'Azur edition, and who moves around with the confidence and pride of someone who is a part of this family business, knows just about everybody in town, as a Monaco socialite would, and leads the conversation with ease and such an intelligent interest in her guest, you may wonder if she has something to do with Psychology. Now, I promised no names. But did I give you enough clues?

                      

It has been exactly 60 years this year since the Castleroc restaurant on the Rock opened its doors to diners for the first time. Always in the hands of one of the oldest families in Monaco, the family Bonafede, the restaurant prides itself in offering truly Monagasque traditional food. Well, nobody loves Barbagiuans more than me.

Since February this year the Castleroc has been operating fully under the supervision of Philipe and Marc Bonafede, brothers of the latest generation. In this romantic set-up they might appear as knights in armour ready to guide you through the mouth-watering menu and recommend their specialities of the day.

If you love fish, this is the place to eat. The restaurant has its own "Fisherman Corner" with fresh fish (seabream, sea bass, John Dory, turbot and sole) picked up from the fishermen early in the morning - the price depends on the morning market and may slightly vary. The fish of your choice is then baked on the grill in a rock salt a la Riviera style… But I highly recommend the stockfish, the restaurant's speciality and Monaco national plate. It takes four days to prepare and is available only on Fridays and Sundays.

There is a selection of meat dishes on the menu, like veal, lamb, beef prepared "on the grill" with fresh herbs, but before you wonder about the main meal, tease your palate with a starter. This is a must. Either warm, my choice, as the selection of Monegasque appetizers that include their own signature Barbagiuans - truly divine, or cold, my hostess's choice, artichokes and crab salad in orange sauce, also divine. As the second course, we both agreed on steamed cabillot fish in green tea emulsion and sauce with red wild rice on a bed of vegetables.

Accompanied by my favourite white wine, this lunch in the breeze from the Mediterranean, next to the Palace high on the Rock makes one want to share the experience. An idea where to take your visitors but also a great place for any family celebration, like weddings. Yes, the pictures would look stunning.

The Grand Prix starts Castleroc's evening openings, so a romantic or family-friendly ambience, either on the terrace or inside space, with beautifully-laid round tables, is now available for lunch or dinner. I opted for cafe gourmand for dessert with a selection of three mini options of sweet creations from the menu.  Next time I may just go for their citrus tiramisu. Hard to forget that one…

Martina Brodie

Castleroc Restaurant
Place du Palais, Monaco Ville
Reservations +377 93 30 36 68
www.restaurant-castelroc.com

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Nice may not be as bad as Marseille for street crime, but recent figures show an alarming increase in thefts and muggings, up 20 percent on last year. The authorities are unable to cope with it, and the danger for the regional economy is that the bad news will filter back to Britain and other countries and the tourists will stay away, further damaging the trade on which so many people depend for a living along the Riviera. Then, according to conventional wisdom, street crime will increase again. There is a very real danger that matters will spiral out of control. In the meanwhile, it is not a good idea to walk the streets of Nice at night, and even in the day it's a bit of a gamble.
Very little help in this matter can be expected from Paris, where the most unpopular President for very many decades is concentrating his efforts on pushing a policy of social inclusion for homosexuals and easier abortion, with the Malian adventure thrown in to show he's serious, at least about something. This week Hollande made a couple of token attempts to improve the economy by revealing plans to attract more foreign investment as the country struggles with the threat of recession and joblessness of over 10 percent.  He said a new "entrepreneur visa" would be created for foreigners seeking to set up an innovative business in France, if they were prepared to invest a "sufficient amount” of money, reported France24. Hollande also announced a long-anticipated reform of the capital gains tax — on the sale of company stakes or entire firms — which the government had wanted to raise as part of plans to reduce the public deficit before backtracking on the proposal last year following a revolt by entrepreneurs. He said that business owners would now qualify for an up to 85 percent exemption if they held the stake for at least eight years. Smaller rebates would be offered for shorter periods.
All this is fiddling while Paris burns, as well it might this summer, thanks to the 'disaffected' and unemployable youth of the suburbs. The problem of this administration is that it is pseudo-Communist. No-one can do anything, as an entrepreneur, without the permission of the state, and the state takes taxes and other impositions upfront, before the would-be businessman or woman has made a euro-centime. That is not going to change, unfortunately, and until one day it does France will continue to decline. This is very sad for a country that remains so wonderful in so many important ways.

To read the last entry in Meanwhile in France, click on MORE, below

FOR SALE: Get around town with style and ease this summer! For sale 2009 Vespa 125, 11700 km, in great condition. Moss green with brown leather seats. Helmet case with backrest and lock included. 2000€ or best offer. 06 42 74 08 64

RENTAL WANTED: 1 bedroom, preferably 2 bedroom apartment.  Monaco area anywhere.  Prefer sun outlook and sea if possible but flexible.  Price up to 2,000 euros a month.  Either furnished or unfurnished ok.  Looking to start rental anytime from 22nd April. Call 06 80 86 63 19

POSITION WANTED: Jennifer, 32 years-old, responsible, honest, trustworthy, patient, optimistic and with a passion for children. I have recently moved back to Monaco from New York, where I was working as a nanny for a wonderful family with two young children (boy 1 and girl 3). I am looking for a full/part-time nanny position in the Monaco area. Working with children is something I have been doing for a long time. I started babysitting at a young age and have experience babysitting children of all ages. Overall, what keeps me going is the ability to work and care for children, whether it be through encouragement, affirmation, teaching, guiding, helping, and loving them, it all impacts some of the most significant years of their lives. It is my greatest desire to see children have confidence to be themselves and encourage them to become who they dream to be. Please email me or contact me on the following number: 06 80 86 75 45 References upon request.

REAL ESTATE: Aspen, Colorado USA: World Class Luxury Estate. Total privacy on 8 acre setting with ski-out access onto slopes. 10 minutes from downtown Aspen. https-//www.dropbox.com#114BEAA Contact:  lwhipple@elliman.com Jo Paolucci 0678635709

FOR SALE: 1 Habitat "Dublin" oak dining table base in black with glass top (purchased separately). Asking: €250. 6 Habitat "Jak" dining chairs in white wood asking: Asking €30 each. As new condition. Purchased from Habitat Monaco six months ago and hardly used. Will consider selling individually or as a set. Pictures available on request. Pick up only. Contact Melissa 06.43.36.51.27.

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“The integrity of an artist is key to the value of his or her work” - Mary McGuckian

Meet filmmaker Mary McGuckian from Northern Ireland and learn about her current production 'The Price of Desire.'

By Celina Lafuente de Lavotha, freelance journalist & photographer (Monte-Carlo, Monaco)

It is mid April and the air is finally getting warmer, we are in the villa of Eileen Gray E1027 in Roquebrune Cap Martin with filmmaker Mary McGuckian for an exclusive interview. Mary McGuckian was born and brought up during the troubles in Northern Ireland. Bizarrely she studied engineering at Trinity College in Dublin but spent more time with the university Players, graduated as an engineer and then headed to drama school. Mary says life seems to have come full circle now that her engineering background is on call for the first time as she sets out to make a movie about Ireland’s most famous architect...

La Maison D’Ecosse in partnership with the Monaco Wales Association has commissioned a limited edition blended Scotch whisky of 120 bottles, all individually numbered. This whisky has been selected by Charles MacLean to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the British Lions Rugby team. Proceeds are in aid of the Princesse Charlene Foundation for Children in Sport. Bottle No 1 was presented to HSH Prince Albert an a further 17 to VIPs. The remaining 102 bottles are now available, at €125.00 per bottle (free delivery or collection in Monaco)...