Confusion over pole position

There are conflicting reports of what banks are bidding for HSBC and Lloyds, and after the Grand Prix on Sunday we might expect a clarification of the situation during next week. But in the meantime, two things are certain. Firstly, these banks, and a number of smaller ones, are up for sale. And secondly, we are witnessing the biggest upheaval in the banking sector ever-witnessed in the Principality. It is worth adding, too, that the move away from being a banking haven to a financial centre is good news for Monaco in the medium term, although in the meantime disruptive to the careers of many local bankers.

To read the previous Daily Comment, click on MORE, below

One-stop guide

CURRENT: Art exhibition by Irish painter Mark McFadden at the Hotel des Ventes, 10-12 Quai Antoine 1er, until May 26. Organised by Sabine Ferber.

British Association pottery outing: Thursday 30th May, a day spent with Dominique Allain in Roquefort les Pins learning all about Raku pottery has been planned. The day will start with a presentation, a guided tour of his workshop, a demonstration given by Dominique and also a chance to paint your own design on a cup/bowl, all of which will then be put into the kiln to be fired. A picnic lunch, weather permitting, will be provided in the garden. In the afternoon, the kiln will be opened, a demonstration on the 'raku' process while your cups/bowls become a unique 'Raku' masterpiece for you to take home! Price for members €25 and for non-members €35. Car pooling can be  arranged.  Booking form was sent out with the April issue of BAM News and can also be found on the BAM website:  www.bam-monaco.org  Limited space only, so book early.

Skin Society Open Evening: Skin Society Monaco invites you to an Environ Open Evening on Tuesday 4th June 2013 from 18.30 – 20.30. Demonstrations will be taking place by our highly trained Environ Therapists which will include: Peeling, Cosmetic Needling, Vitamin Induction into the skin via the advanced DFII machine. Dr Professor Aust will also be available to answer questions relating to non-invasive procedures and all aspects of cosmetic surgery. Come and join us for an informal evening and a glass of champagne. RSVP:  marketing@skinsocietymonaco.com, Skin Society Monaco, 33 Boulevard Princesse Charlotte, Monaco 98000. www.skinsocietymonaco.com. Tel: +377 9770 4699

Le Rosey showcased at CREM: The Swiss Boarding School Le Rosey and Carfax Education Monaco invite parents to CREM (Cercle des Résidents Etrangers de Monaco) on Wednesday, June 5, from 14:00 – 20:00. Interested families will be able to meet Admissions Officer Jacques Bounin and find out more about the opportunities afforded to pupils who attend Le Rosey summer camps and their year-long academic programmes. For more information on Le Rosey contact Jacques Bounin on: +41 79 776 85 25. To sign up for this event please contact Grisel Damgaard at Carfax Education Monaco on + 377 98 80 11 80 or send an email to: g.damgaard@carfax-monaco.com.

JCE Breakfast meeting: Monday, June 10. The Government has decided to create a free port in Monaco in order to promote and develop the market for art in the Principality. The Monaco Freeport will allow the suspension of duties and taxes on stored artworks from EU countries, including music instruments, collectibles and objets d'art,  and jewelry. The Junior Chamber of Commerce has organized a breakfast meeting to hear two speakers on the topic, Jean Castellini, Government Counsellor for Finance and Economy, and Claude Valion, Director of SEGEM. The breakfast will take place on Monday, June 10, 2013, at 8:15 in the Bellevue Lounge of the Cafe de Paris. To register, before June 7, email jcemonaco@jcemonaco.mc.

A Year of Reading the World: June 11. In 2012, the world came to London for the Olympics and Ann Morgan, a London based freelance writer and sub-editor, went out to meet it. She decided to read one book of each of the 196 independent countries - plus one extra territory chosen by her blog visitors, all in one year. A Year of Reading the World has created a storm in the literary world. This fascinating journey from one country to another will be presented by Ann Morgan herself at CREM on Tuesday, June the 11 at 19:00. A Year of Reading the World in Monaco is organised by www.monacolife.net, the number 1 source of news in Monaco in any language and CREM, the Foreign Residents Club. Members of CREM: free, non-members 15 euros. Soft drink included. Please, reserve your place asap at info@crem.mc. For more information, contact Martina at martinabrodie@gmail.com

Lunch with Daniele de Winter: Wednesday, June 12. Fairmont Monte Carlo, from 12:30. The three-course lunch is Daniele's own design, combining taste and healthy living. Daniele de Winter’s second book “Eat yourself beautiful” became a best seller in the USA with over 100.000 copies sold. In 2003, Daniele de Winter won the Monte Carlo Business Plan Competition and founded the company DANIELE de WINTER Monaco, launching her award winning product range in 2006. “deW” has since grown to become an internationally recognized, luxury brand and Daniele’s list of clients includes the Mandarin Oriental and Kempinski hotel groups. deW products are available all over the world from Paris to Tokyo. The rejuvenating effect of the DANIELE de WINTER Monaco INSIDEOUT beauty™ system has been endorsed by various anti-aging professionals and demonstrated in independent dermatological trials. To book, please email 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.

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

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MONTE-CARLO DIARY

Desk commandant goes berserk

On the bus. The driver took the wrong turning, following the route of the 1, and not the 4. A middle-aged lady with all the essential features of a commandant of a desk of great importance approached the driver at some speed and with brisk determination. But instead of smiling and saying bonjour before telling him that there was one vital piece of paper missing from his dossier, so au revoir, the battle-tank scolded him loudly for taking the wrong turning. He apologized and explained he had been on the same route for two months before being changed from 1 to 4, I am sure no reflection on his driving abilities, and for that reason he had made a mistake.

Yes, he admitted it. She would have none of this. He stopped at the next red and let her off, so she would not be too late for work and the opportunity to humiliate and snarl at whoever pushed the next dossier across her desk. We did a circuit of part of the Grand Prix, passing the Hotel de Paris, and within 5 minutes we were back on route. There was a general hubbub of 'c'est pas grave, monsieur,' and the driver - who had been receiving detailed instructions from bus HQ - looked quite relieved. There's never a dull moment on the buses of Monaco.

To read the previous Diary click on MORE, below

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

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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British-born Linda Brett moved to Monaco in 1994.  Her business, Skin Society Monaco, is a bespoke, state of the art Environ skin analysis and aesthetic treatment clinic located in the heart of Monaco.

1. What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word
Monaco?
Home! I have lived in Monaco for nearly twenty years now, I married here and also had my son. My businesses are also here so Monaco is really the centre of my personal and business life.

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

For me I would have to say Casino Square. This part of Monaco has all the glitz and glamour that you would expect to find when you think of Monaco. The Cafe de Paris is a great place for a glass of champagne and people watching!

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

Princes tea room on Boulevard Princesse Charlotte.  It's right next to my business and the cup cakes are amazing!

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

Beef Bar in Fontvielle. The truffle mashed potato is simply sublime!

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

I would have to say the concerts at the Sporting d'Ete. It's probably one of the few places in the world you can see the most talented artists perform in a small and intimate environment

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

Maya Bay. This restaurant serves simply excellent Japanese and Thai cuisine in a stunning background.

7. How is the Principality changing in your eyes?

Over the last 20 years I have seen  great changes, many building projects and infrastructure changes. Monaco is certainly busier than it was and some of the village atmosphere has gone but the positive is that there is now a far more cosmopolitain feel to the make up of the residents.

8. What would you like to see changed?

Traffic and tourists !!  Of course I appreciate that tourists represent income for the principality but at the height of summer  when the roads and pavements are blocked, making even the shortest journey takes forever!

 9. Who is the biggest star/personality/a person you admire the most?

I think Prince Albert. It sounds a cliche but the role he performs is often a thankless one. He appears to have taken up the mantle of his late father and continues his good works whilst putting his own stamp on Monaco with a quiet confidence and humility.

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

Who knows what the future holds but for the moment I cannot think of another place in the world where you can find the same blend of safety, weather, people and business opportunities.
 

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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Scots or British?

Dear Editor, Robin Morris with his rant about Andy Murray being British until he loses and then becoming Scottish comes some decades too late ! I remember the same "fate" for Mary Peters in the 70s. Maybe Mr Morris should get someone to help him down from the cross.....Easter was several weeks ago!
Danny Brown

Sangri-la

Dear Ian, Jeff Daniels' Sangri-La comment resonated with me in the sense of the cynical ways people use the gender divide. I had a similar reaction when I read in Monaco Today that the Gallery Carre D'Or seized on International Women's Day to open its Fashion Art exhibit and pay special homage to - a man!

Sincerely, Anne Dewez
 

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

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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)...