Enjoying life in Monaco and Monte Carlo
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January 26th Newsletter
Stars n Bars, we must say our goodbyes. (1)
Today is Australia Day, but whether it's a day of celebration, reflection or mourning will depend on your cultural background.
There's no doubt tho' that tonight will be a celebration for Monegasques and residents. It's Saint Devote's Eve and tomorrow is a public holiday. If you're going to attend the procession and boat burning there'll be bag checks in and around Place St Devote. At 8.15pm there's an eight-minute drone display above the Palace and tomorrow morning at 10am there's a mass in the Cathedral. If you don't fancy being out in the cold, you can watch it all live on MonacoInfo.
Competitors in the Monte Carlo Historic Rally set off from Oslo, London, Bad Homburg, Turin and Reims at the beginning of the week. They're expected to gather at Port Hercule tomorrow afternoon.
If you're not able to take a winter break in the Swiss Alps this year, you don't need to miss out on a cheesy Swiss fondue. Novotel has installed a Tradiswiss pop-up restaurant where you can indulge in either a Vacherin and Gruyere fondue, or a traditional raclette. Open daily, 7.00-10.30pm, until 28 February, phone +377 99 99 83 20.
At Monte Carlo Bay Marcel Ravin is closing his 2-star restaurant Blue Bay after dinner on Valentine's Day. The terrace will open again from 1 April with a new menu for the summer season. Then in September work will start on refurbishing the dining room in time for the end of year celebrations. In the meantime, you can dine Thursdays-Saturdays, or reserve your Champagne brunch on Sundays. +377 98 06 03 60.
Further to the news last week that Monte Carlo SBM's President Jean-Luc Biamonte is stepping down, Stephane Valeri, ex-President of the Conseil National, has been named as his successor.
And finally...
Our good wishes go out to Prince Albert who's tested positive a 3rd time for Covid. Get well soon!
What's in the diary...
Thursday: French theatre.
Friday: Organ recital.
Saturday: Early rally departure.
Sunday: Last 3 circus shows.
(1) This week's quote is the first line of a farewell limerick marking tomorrow's closure of Stars n Bars, written by our reporter Cabbie Monaco.
