Monaco Life

Interview: ATP Top 10 tennis pro Grigor Dimitrov

As the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters kicks off this weekend, Monaco Life talks to Grigor Dimitrov to discover the man behind the tennis player. From his favourite pastimes in Monaco to his dedication to family and fitness, Dimitrov shares his perspectives on life, career milestones, and the advice that continues to guide him.

After a stellar performance to reach the finals in the recent Miami Open, Grigor Dimitrov has returned to the ATP top 10 in great form, ready to battle it out at this year’s Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters from 6th to 14th April.

It is an exciting time for Grigor Dimitrov, a Monaco Resident. Born in Haskovo, Bulgaria, in 1991, Dimitrov was introduced to tennis when he was just three years of age. He was barely able to hold the racquet given by his mother, Maria, a sports teacher and volleyball player. Still, the young Dimitrov started to play tennis every day, coached by his father Dimitar.

As Grigor Dimitrov tells Monaco Life, his family has been a constant support throughout his career – emotionally and financially. After becoming a professional at age 16, Dimitrov achieved a career-high singles ranking of World No. 3 in 2017 at 27 years of age.

Dimitrov’s style and skill on the court make him a captivating player to watch, earning him widespread acclaim as one of the most entertaining athletes in the Top 20. Despite media attention often focusing on his personal life, Dimitrov, characterised by his wisdom, candor, respect, and resilience, the ATP No. 9 says he is able to block out the noise and focus on his game, and life.

Grigor Dimitrov with the runner-up trophy at the Miami Open 2024. Photo credit: Elsa / Getty Images

Monaco Life: Let’s get personal. What do you like to do when you are in Monaco?

Grigor Dimitrov: To be honest, I like spending time with my family at home. We have a natural connection, and we all take pleasure in reliving moments of simple sharing by cooking together, for example. We can also meet up with family and friends in some of the many restaurants in Monaco.

How do you spend your free time off the tennis court?

I am trying to live my life to the fullest. I spend as much time with my family and friends and try to get home to Bulgaria as often as possible. Being with my family is incredibly precious because, in the end, I only see them a few times a year. We are constantly in touch by telephone or message, but there is nothing like the real moments spent together.

Fitness and staying in shape are constants, so even in my downtime, you can still find me in the gym or even taking yoga classes.

You are a jet setter. What is your advice for people who are constantly on the go?

Always have your basics prepared. There’s a core set of things you need, no matter the season, the weather, or the type of place you’re going. Always pack those first and then focus on the location-specific items.

What kind of traveler are you?

I love to explore when I have the opportunity. Whether in museums, visiting historical sites, or natural wonders; I love discovering and enjoying what the world has to offer.

What is your favourite cuisine in the world? Do you like to cook?

I am indeed lucky to have discovered a considerable number of types of cuisine during my travels. Last year’s Asian season was very interesting, and I admit to having made the most of the culinary discoveries possible. I rarely have time to cook, but when I have the chance, I really enjoy it!

What other interests do you have apart from tennis?

I love art and take great pride in my art collection. I also like design and am currently renovating my home. I’m also a big runner; even in the winter, you can find me trekking in the snow.

Grigor Dimitrov wearing Lacoste in Bulgaria. Photo credit: Laclef Production

You are the face of Lacoste. What appeals to you about modeling?

I love fashion and the ability to be involved in living art. It has many opinions and viewpoints, and it is an exciting contrast between sports and my daily life. Fashion has always inspired me creatively, and I am blessed to be able to live out that passion in colour!

Let’s talk about tennis. You are back at the top of your game; what drives you, and what are your goals going forward?

The motivation remains intact and changes over the years. I now have more experience, and physically working with my team allows me to always be very efficient. Thanks to all this, I can say that my best career years have arrived.

My main goal is to keep the momentum going and continue down the path of success I have worked so hard to pave for myself.

They say the 30s are the new 20s. What is your outlook on the game now that you are 32?

The game has evolved enormously over the last 10 years. The players who arrive on the circuit are already physically fit, and everybody is faster and stronger. You must move forward simultaneously and adapt quickly.

What inspires you to keep going and get better?

The desire to win!

Grigor Dimitrov, the Face of Lacoste, in Bulgaria. Photo credit: Laclef Production

Which significant advice did you get that still guides you to this day?

One of the most important pieces of advice I received from my mum is to be a good person, authentic, compassionate, and without making hasty judgments.

You made a new addition to your coaching staff ahead of the 2023 season: Jamie Delgado, former coach of Andy Murray, who now collaborates with your longtime coach Daniel Vallverdu. How is that collaboration going?

Jamie and Daniel have different approaches but a common goal. It’s a great collaboration with many complementarities. Everyone’s objective is to work with me on essential and specific points to meet my overall objectives.

What is your competitive edge when playing against younger players?

The experience gained over the years is undeniable, as is my ability to adapt to the modern game. I believe that I can always hinder these young players in their desire to impose their rhythm on the court.

What kind of counsel would you give a player just turning professional?

Keep your eyes open for all avenues of opportunity and take advantage of the time you have as a professional to push yourself to your full potential. Stay confident, and there’s always the next match.

 

SEE ALSO:

Interview: Conductor Kazuki Yamada, Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra

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Main photo: Grigor Dimitrov at Miami Open 2024: Credit: Peter Staples / Getty Images

 

 

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Roca Team strengthens position in EuroLeague Top 4 with victory against Zalgiris Kaunas

In a crucial EuroLeague clash on home turf, AS Monaco’s Roca Team edged past Zalgiris Kaunas to secure a narrow won victory on Thursday 4th April.

The tightly contested game, which ended 69-66 in Monaco’s favour, has propelled the team to second in the EuroLeague standings, making a finish in the Top 4 ever more likely.

Missing key player Terry Tarpey due to surgery, the Rocas still fielded a strong lineup, with Donatas Motiejunas and Mike James making important contributions to the overall score.

From the outset, AS Monaco demonstrated a dominant defensive strategy, aggressively halting Zalgiris Kaunas’s attempts to establish their game. Motiejunas’s scoring and James’s strategic plays quickly gave AS Monaco an early lead, which influenced the rest of the game.

Coach Sasa Obradovic commented on the significance of the victory, saying, “This match and the fact that we played like this is very important for the team going forward. It’s too early to congratulate the team, but it’s one more win towards securing our place in the Top 4. Home-field advantage is important, we know that”

This victory sets the stage for Monaco’s final EuroLeague game against Bayern on 11th April at Salle Gaston Médecin, where a win would solidify their position and secure a considerable home advantage for the ensuing playoffs.

 

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Photo credit: AS Monaco Basket Facebook

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Past achievements and future successes toasted at the General Assembly of the Monaco Economic Board

320 business leaders and local officials turned out for the Monaco Economic Board’s General Assembly meeting at the Hôtel Hermitage on 28th March, which championed the “better and better, and more and more” successes achieved by the Principality’s business scene over the last year. 

The meeting is the 48th such event to have been held by the MEB since its inception in 1999 and while it provided a platform to congratulate the businesses present on their achievements, the focus was clearly on the future.  

MEB Chair Michel Dotta opened the meeting with words of praise for the MEB and those gathered before introducing Monaco’s new Minister of Finance, Pierre-André Chiappori. 

See more: Pierre-André Chiappori becomes Monaco’s new finance minister

So far in 2024, representatives of the MEB have embarked on a trade mission to the Saudi capital of Riyadh and another similar venture in Morocco will be taking place between 15th and 18th April.  

The MEB’s agenda is also packed with a range of upcoming local events on topics such as macroeconomic forecasts, sport business, artificial intelligence and intellectual property in conjunction with the group’s sponsors and partners, which include the likes of Banque Populaire Méditerranée, BNP Paribas Wealth Management, Gramaglia, Jutheau Husson, Monaco Asset Management and, new in 2024, CFM Indosuez Wealth Management, the Monterra Wealth Management Investment Fund and the Ordre des Experts Comptables de Monaco. 

From left to right: Guillaume Rose, Executive General Director of the MEB; Pierre Dartout, Minister of State; Michel Dotta, President of the MEB; Pierre-André Chiappori, Government Advisor and Minister of Finance and the Economy. Photo credit: Monaco Economic Board

Collaborations, notably with Monaco’s diplomatic and consular corps and the Attractiveness Unit headed up by Frédéric Genta, will continue throughout 2024 as part of an economic development strategy aimed at attracting ever more investors and wealthy residents to the Principality.  

Additionally, Team Monaco, the entity responsible for uniting the efforts of public and private sector companies in the international promotion of Monaco, will be very busy over the next few months with various missions and projects in the works.  

Minister Chiappori closed the meeting with a speech on Moneyval progress and praised the Principality’s reactiveness, saying he was “dazzled to see the strength and speed with which we have been able to respond to these new imperatives”. 

Read related:

Economy: Revenues exceed €20 billion for the first time in Monaco 

 

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Photo credit: Monaco Economic Board

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Coming soon: Unlimited monthly train pass for France’s under 27s that costs just €49

By the summer, under 27s in France will be able to enjoy unlimited rail travel on the nation’s TER and Intercités lines, outside of the Île-de-France area, thanks to a new train pass.

Back in September, French President Emmanuel Macron proposed the creation of a discounted rail pass for the country’s youth at the Congress of Regions of France in Saint-Malo.  

Although not all of France’s regions were initially convinced by the idea, the concept will soon become a reality, with plans to roll out the €49 per month pass for those under the age of 27 by the start of the summer. 

See more: Trenitalia announces plans for two new train lines through the south of France

Minister for Transport Patrice Vergriete is leading the charge in favour of the new pass, which will allow unlimited travel on all TER and Intercités lines outside of the Île-de-France region, home to the capital of Paris.  

The pass is currently be trialled in certain parts of the country and the authorities have pledged to reconsider the exemptive status of the Île-de-France by 2025.  

For more information on the pass, click here

Read related:

Renewed Paris-Berlin night train hailed as “greener” alternative to air travel

 

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Photo source: Nabih el Boustani, Unsplash

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“My body won’t allow me”: Injured Rafael Nadal pulls out of Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters

Rafael Nadal, the five-time world men’s tennis champion, has announced that he will not play at the upcoming Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters tournament due to a muscle injury sustained at the Australian Open in January.  

The 37-year-old tennis star has had a spate of injuries that have forced him to withdraw from tournaments over the past few years, the latest of which being the 2024 Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters.  

See more: Monaco to run free shuttle service during Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters

Nadal’s frustration was palpable in his social media post on X: “These are difficult times for me sportingly speaking. Unfortunately, I inform you that I am not going to play in Monte-Carlo. My body just won’t let me… And even if I am working hard and making the maximum effort every day with all the will to play and compete again at tournaments that have been very important for me, the truth is that I can’t play today. You have no idea how hard this is for me to not be able to play these events.” 

His indomitable spirit was evident in the post, as was his disappointment, with the legendary player sharing, “The only thing I can do is to accept the situation and try to look at the immediate future, keeping the excitement and will to play in order to give me a chance for things to get better. Thanks again to all, as always, for all the support and best wishes!” 

A perennial crowd-favourite, Nadal has won the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters tournament a stunning 11 times.  

The Monte-Carlo Masters, now in its 117th year, will take place at the Monte-Carlo Country Club from 6th to 14th April. 

Read related:

Tennis: the 2024 Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters line-up is revealed

 

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Photo source: Rafael Nadal, X

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Marché de la Condamine to host authentic British-themed party

On the back of the success of the recent Saint Patrick’s Day event and a special Moules et Frites celebration commemorating the 60th anniversary of the twinning of Monaco with Ostend in Belgium, the next big occasion to take place at the Marché de la Condamine will be a British-themed party.  

Set to take place on Tuesday 16th April, the British soirée will feature an array of Great Britain’s cultural quirks, from music to traditional dishes.  

The event, which is being organised by the Mairie de Monaco, will get going at 7.15pm and last well into the evening.

To reserve a seat in the covered market’s communal seating area, speak with one of the shopkeepers or traders working in the Marché de la Condamine.  

For more information on the upcoming British Party, click here.  

Read related:

Getting to know Monaco: The lively La Condamine, a favourite with locals

 

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Photo source: Unsplash

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Monaco’s Carlo shopping app continues enormous success

Since its launch at the end of 2020, the Carlo shopping app has gone from strength to strength. More than 1,000,000 purchases were made by the app’s 65,000 users last year, creating cause for celebration and commendation among its designers and backers, namely the Monaco Government. 

On 28th March, the Monaco Government and the company behind the Carlo app invited their more than 650 partners, from retail shops and restaurants to opticians and wellness centres, to MonacoTech for a review of the successful implementation of the digital system. 

The Carlo concept is to encourage users, whether they are residents of the Principality, people living near to Monaco or tourists, to shop local by rewarding them with financial incentives, such as cashback and special offers. 

More than 1,000,000 purchases were made via the app in 2023, which has 65,000 registered users. It is estimated that 2,000 people use Carlo each day.  

On top of that, there are now more than 650 local businesses that offer customers the opportunity to use the app when shopping or paying for a variety of services, up from 500 a year ago. 

See more: How to use the Carlo app and what are the benefits?

Among the positive facts and figures, it was also announced at the meeting that the Monaco Government has decided to prolong its financial backing of the app until the end of March 2025. 

This means that, in a bid to continue its support for local businesses, the government will extend its offer to cover the platform fees. Without this assistance, local businesses who feature on the app would otherwise have to pay 1% of the purchases made through Carlo to its developers.  

In a statement released following the meeting, the government said it is “delighted with this collaboration with Carlo and partner traders, which contributes to the economic dynamism of the Principality”. 

The team behind Carlo, which was created by engineer-turned-entrepreneur Antoine Bahri and established itself as a MonacoTech-backed startup, also unveiled the app’s new sponsorship programme.  

New users referred to Carlo by an existing user will instantly receive €5 cashback, while those who recommend the app will earn a special one-off reward.

 

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Photo credit: Monaco Communications Department / Stéphane Danna

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Nine surveillance cameras installed in the Louis II tunnel

In a bid to improve safety and clamp down on speeding, a series of nine surveillance cameras now line Monaco’s Louis II tunnel.

One year ago, three men in their 30s lost their lives when the car they were travelling in crashed and burst into flames in the Louis II tunnel, which runs from the Port Hercule area of the Principality to the Larvotto neighbourhood.

Drugs and alcohol contributed to the crash – the driver’s blood alcohol level was 1.76 grams per litre while the legal limit in Monaco is 0.5 grams – but the man behind the wheel had also reached at least 148km/h in the moments before the fatal event.

See more: Drugs, alcohol and high speed blamed for fatal Louis II tunnel crash

Due to the lack of public surveillance in the tunnel at the time of the incident, the investigators of the case were forced to rely on a string of privately-owned cameras in order to better understand what exactly had happened.

The Monaco Government recently decided to rectify this absence and a new network of public surveillance cameras have now been installed in the Louis II tunnel, which forms part of Monaco’s iconic Grand Prix circuit.

According to Monaco locals, it is commonplace to see cars and other vehicles travelling at dangerously high speeds in the tunnel, so it is hoped that this new surveillance network will help deter drivers from going too fast and prevent any tragedies similar to the 1st April 2023 crash from happening in the future.

Read related:

Record road deaths force Monaco Police to get tough on drink driving, but how?

 

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Photo by Monaco Life

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Monaco to run free shuttle service during Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters

With the 2024 Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters due to begin in a matter of days, the Compagnie des Autobus de Monaco has confirmed that a free shuttle service to and from the Monte-Carlo Country Club will be up and running again this year. Here are all the details. 

Kicking off the Masters 1000 clay court season on 6th April is the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, which will run until 14th April. 

The event has long had a special place in the annals of tennis and the biggest names in the men’s tennis world always show up to play at the legendarily beautiful site that is the Monte-Carlo Country Club. 

Upwards of 140,000 visitors are expected to attend the tournament over the course of its nine days and in order to facilitate their arrival and departure from the sea-facing venue, Monaco’s government recognises the need to provide reliable and convenient services to and from the event. 

As such, the Compagnie Autobus de Monaco will be providing free shuttles, including the popular “bateau bus”, to all valid ticket holders. 

The buses will run morning and evening, and will accommodate those arriving by car, by coach or by other means.  

See more: Tennis legend Henri Leconte to hold booking signing event at Metropole Shopping Monte-Carlo on 6th April

Morning shuttles will be picking up passengers from stops along the seafront route that runs from the Kennedy carpark at the northeastern tip of Port Hercule. The limit of the evening shuttle will be the Portier carpark.  

The pick-up and drop-off spot for coach travellers will be at the Chemin des Pêcheurs car park. 

For more information, click here.

Read related:

Tennis: the 2024 Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters line-up is revealed

 

 

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Photo credit: Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, 2023

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International School of Monaco prepares for third TEDxYouth event

The International School of Monaco’s upcoming TEDxYouth event, set for 6th April, is presenting itself as a ‘reality check’ on pressing global issues.

The International School of Monaco (ISM) is gearing up to host its third TEDxYouth event on 6th April, continuing its tradition of engaging young minds with powerful ideas. As a local iteration of the global TEDx initiative, the event showcases the establishment’s dedication to encouraging young people’s interest in learning and discussion.

Scheduled to start at 2pm at the school’s harbour-side location, the two-hour session will showcase a mix of 11 young speakers, ranging from 10 to 17 years old, alongside two adult speakers: a parent, Filippo Ghirelli, who is the founder and Executive Chairman of Genera Group, and a teacher from the school community, Katie Lattik.

Filippo will be bringing his expertise in energy transition and sustainability to the event, and says, “Participating in TEDxYouth in Monaco is not only an honour, but it gives me a chance to combine my passion for mentoring the next generation with a reflective examination of our roots.”

This diverse line-up is aimed at broadening the perspective of discussions, embracing topics from the implications of fake news and the role of Artificial Intelligence in modern settings to the nuances of social media impacts and climate change awareness.

This year’s theme, Reality Check, means that the event will be exploring modern topics important to both the speakers and listeners. By discussing cyberbullying, dreams, reality TV and more, it is clear that the event’s focus is on tackling today’s challenges from a young perspective.

Adding to the event’s appeal is the introduction of a new immersive and interactive experience linked to the Pelagos Sanctuary, brought to life by Manila Di Giovanni, CEO of DWorld. The event also promises to entertain attendees with musical performances from the ISM Year 4 Choir and the band Exodity.

See more: Pelagos Sanctuary goes digital with new immersive conservation experience

Co-curator Alicia Sedgwick says, “TEDxYouth events, organised for and by young people, present a combination of live speakers and TED Talk videos to inspire curiosity, ignite new ideas and empower young leaders.”

The presentations will be recorded and uploaded to the TED YouTube channel, making them accessible to a wide audience. The TED Youtube channel can be found here.

Tickets, priced at €10, are available at the main reception or on the event day, with payment due upon collection. For more information, click here.

 

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Photo credit: ISM, Facebook

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Filming of new Michael Jackson biopic, A Gift from God, underway in Menton

A Gift from God, Liana Marabini’s new biopic exploring the spiritual life of Michael Jackson, is currently being shot on location in Menton. It is hoped that filming will be complete by mid-April, just in time for a grand reveal at the Cannes Film Festival.  

In the new movie, Monaco-based writer, director and filmmaker Liana Marabini will be lifting the veil on a side of the King of Pop, who died at the age of 50 in 2009, that not many people know a lot about.

His life has been raked over a thousand times before – and since – but his deep religious connections and spiritual side are lesser known.  

Read more: Monte-Carlo Summer Festival unveils its spectacular line-up

Revealing his fascinating diverse views and beliefs is a challenge that Marabini has decided to take on, and she is currently on location in Menton to shoot a portion of the new biopic. 

The aim of A Gift from God is to consider the man apart from his music, and to guide viewers on a journey through the years of 1982 to 1989, an era that saw the release of some of his biggest hits, such as Thriller and Billie Jean 

Having shied away from the religion of his youth, the Jehovah’s Witnesses denomination, Michael Jackson, also known simply as MJ, sought spiritual guidance by immersing himself in religious texts such as the Torah, the Koran and several Eastern philosophies. He also toyed with Catholicism, and had such a deep admiration for Pope John Paul II that he dedicated a painting he made to him. That painting that will be revealed for the very first time in A Gift from God.

The film will star Italian-American actor Joshua Consigli in the title role. 

“I am happy that Joshua is playing Michael with sensitivity and respect because, for me, it is important to show the spiritual aspect of this very special artist, who spent much of his life suffering, but who gave so much beauty, harmony and joy to people,” says Marabini.  

She continues, “A Gift from God takes the audience across continents, showing Michael’s interactions with different spiritual practices and his genuine respect for different religions. The film highlights his love of art, culture and books, illustrating how these experiences influenced his art and his outlook on life. His love for classical music is also expressed through the film’s soundtrack, which features a mix of opera, Bach concertos and the innovative pop symphony of French composer Jean-Marie Benjamin, who wrote it specifically for this film.”  

Filming is anticipated to be complete by mid-April, with the goal of presenting the biopic at the Cannes Film Festival in May.  

 

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Photo source: Canmandawe, Unsplash

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NASA awards €1.75 billion Artemis contract to Venturi Astrolab

Venturi Astrolab, Inc. has been awarded a major NASA contract worth up to €1.75 billion. The US company, which famously developed the FLEX rover alongside its Monaco-based strategic partner, the Venturi Group, will now play a crucial role in the development of the Artemis campaign’s next-generation lunar terrain vehicle.

The project, which comes with an overall budget in the region of €4.2 billion and could last as long as 13 years, will be a collaborative affair, drawing on the expertise of Venturi Astrolab as well as its “teammates”: Axiom Space, Inc., and Odyssey Space Research.

Together, they will be tasked with “advancing the development of the Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV), which will help Artemis astronauts explore more of the Moon’s surface on future missions”.

New era in space exploration

Gildo Pastor, the president of the Venturi Group, said of the news: “To be a part of this monumental phase in lunar exploration, with our technology being validated by NASA, is incredibly fulfilling. It’s a momentous leap from our historical focus on terrestrial mobility to now contributing to the Artemis missions… Through our strategic partnership with Astrolab, I am proud to see the Venturi Group’s know-how validated by NASA. After 20 years of innovation and world records in the field of terrestrial electric vehicles, we are now involved in an adventure that will go down in the history books: when Man returns to the Moon! When I see this rover, equipped with our wheels and batteries, operating up there I will have made my greatest dream come true.”

Meanwhile, Jaret Matthews, the founder and CEO of Venturi Astrolab, has emphasised the importance of collaboration and partnership in achieving NASA’s lunar ambitions: “Our selection by NASA highlights the capability of our FLEX rover and the strength of our collaboration with Venturi Group. We are fully committed to delivering an LTV that will be a critical asset for establishing a long-term human presence on the Moon… Our entire team, together with our business partners, including our strategic partner Venturi Group, are committed to delivering to NASA an LTV that serves as a critical tool in the agency’s efforts to establish a long-term human presence on the Moon.”

Read related:

Video: From Monaco to the Moon, Venturi FLEX Rover joins SpaceX mission

 

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New restaurant: Relaxed luxury at Le Deli Robuchon Monaco

In the bustling streets of the gastronomic capital that is Monaco, where every corner holds the promise of culinary delights, Le Deli Robuchon stands out as a new gastronomic drawcard, reflecting the lasting influence of legendary Chef Joël Robuchon. 

“You can’t cook if you don’t love people!”

This is one of my favourite Joël Robuchon quotes and it aligns perfectly with the concept of Le Deli Robuchon Monaco.

This new intimate eatery on Avenue Saint-Laurent is a bustling hub of delicious activity, from the smell of freshly ground coffee and flaky French pastries to the meticulously crafted dishes and finely-tuned servers. Everything about Le Deli Robuchon Monaco screams haute cuisine, but in the most fantastic, relaxed way.

Le Deli Robuchon Monaco in Avenue Saint-Laurent

A gastronomic legacy

Joël Robuchon, often hailed as the “Chef of the Century”, left an indelible mark on the world of gastronomy. With a staggering 32 Michelin stars under his belt across the globe at the time of his passing in 2018, Robuchon’s culinary prowess and dedication to perfection were unparalleled.

People in Monaco will associate the Robuchon name with the famous two Michelin starred restaurant at the Hôtel Metropole that unexpectedly closed in 2020 after his passing (now replaced by the two-starred Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac).

See more: Michelin Guide 2024: Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac earns two stars in its first year

With the new Le Deli Robuchon, the challenge therefore is to uphold the coveted Robuchon reputation in Monaco while identifying wholeheartedly as something different yet equally enticing.

Taking the deli concept to a new level

Le Deli Robuchon is a casual, sophisticated restaurant with a small terrace that also serves as a grab-and-go. It is an all-day affair, open from 8am to 8pm, offering fresh meals, amazing coffee and bread, and the famous cube-shaped croissants that have kicked-off a new global food trend.

At the core of Le Deli Robuchon’s philosophy lies the art of simplicity, drawing inspiration from classic French cuisine and utilising beautiful fresh ingredients from neighbouring Italy.

The delicious truffle croque monsier

Gourmet breakfast delights

The menu at Le Deli Robuchon caters to all moods, so breakfast or brunch can be as simple as fresh pastries, eggs cooked to your liking, granola, rice pudding or fruit salad.

But it can also be elevated to new heights with poached eggs and blue lobster confit, scrambled eggs with truffle, or the ultimate indulgence – boiled eggs with Oscietre Caviar.

Quick lunch or long lunch? You choose

Lunch in this district of Monaco is likely to be fast-paced for suited-up workers, who will appreciate the perennial favourites like Caesar  salad, beef carpaccio and the Deli Burger.

But this is a Robuchon restaurant, and we are in Monaco, so the rest of the menu is rich and extravagant: mac and cheese with smoked duck and black truffle, duck broth with vegetables and poached foie gras, Mediterranean sea bass with oysters, croque-Caviar and the most delectable black truffle croque monsier that I have ever tasted.

I also recommend the aubergine salad with olives, a flavour-bomb of a dish that instantly took me back to my childhood days in Tasmania, Australia, where my mother would pickle fresh eggplants from the garden. Here, at Le Deli Robuchon, their tangy, bity texture pairs perfectly with a simple creamy dressing finished with pine nuts.

Note: the dishes here are large, so either come hungry or order a few to share!

Apple tart with vanilla ice-cream

Desserts to die for

The desserts are equally generous and impossible to surpass, particularly the giant Clafoutis with caramelised pear. Meanwhile, the apple tart with vanilla ice-cream is a mouthful of magic with every bite. If you haven’t tried them already, now is the time to taste the selection of pastries.

The deli side comes into play with fresh baked breads, charcuterie, cheeses, caviars and condiments that are all on display and can be conveniently picked-up and taken home for a more casual gourmet experience.

While the vibe in the eatery is relaxed luxury, the service is Michelin-star, and it is the profound feeling of hospitality, warmth and commitment to excellence exhibited by every member of this restaurant that not only honours the Robuchon legacy, but firmly establishes Le Deli’s presence in Monaco’s culinary scene.

It’s a must-try for everyone.

 

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Photos by Monaco Life

 

 

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Conseil National de Monaco: Brigitte Boccone-Pagès ousted from presidency

Barely weeks after Thomas Brezzo put himself forward as a potential candidate for the presidency of the Conseil National de Monaco, he has been voted in. The 44-year-old will be taking over from Brigitte Boccone-Pagès, the first woman to have ever held the position of President at Monaco’s parliament. 

On the evening of Wednesday 3rd April, during a live broadcast, came the confirmation that Brigitte Boccone-Pagès has been usurped by Thomas Brezzo.

The elected members of Monaco’s National Council, the Principality’s equivalent to a parliament, had convened at their headquarters to renew the members of the Board of the National Council. 

It was in this context that Boccone-Pagès, who succeeded the outgoing Stéphane Valeri as the leader of the elected body in late 2022, has been replaced by Brezzo. 22 votes were cast in his favour, while one ballot paper was left blank. 

Tensions have been bubbling for some time at the National Council, but as recently as Tuesday 12th March, in an interview published in the Monaco Matin, Boccone-Pagès assured the electorate that she was feeling “relaxed, unfazed” by the dissent among her fellow members. 

See more: Interview: Brigitte Boccone-Pagés, President of the Monaco National Council

Then came a heavy blow. 22 of the National Council’s 24 members wrote a letter supporting Brezzo, a 44-year-old lawyer, in his candidature for the presidency. He would go on to announce his intentions to run against Boccone-Pagès in the columns of the Monaco Matin newspaper. 

Boccone-Pagès remained silent, continuing on with her official duties, but it became increasingly clear that her status as president was untenable, and that she was very likely to lose the titular role. 

On Tuesday 2nd April, the day before the deciding vote was cast, Boccone-Pagès published an open letter to Brezzo, addressing him as the “self-proclaimed president”. 

With words rich in historical and literary references, and full of metaphorical imagery, Boccone-Pagès counselled, “Revolutions are always made in the name of admirable principles, formulated by so-called great men, dissatisfied with their fate and who have not been covered with honors as they wished.” 

“You rallied the wolves by uttering wild cries, but the wolves did not respond, since there can only be one and it is you,” she continued. “So it was only lambs and vipers who followed you, and if as the rumour claims, you seek honors and gold, well I offer you the honour of taking my seat, and I leave it to you to look for the gold, where it shines.” 

After comparing Brezzo to the controversial Pope Sixtus V, while noting his “dream of being a modern-day Cincinnatus”, her stinging letter presses on. 

“I do not hate you and if that were the case you would have noticed it. At least promise me not to bite your tongue, I would be terribly sorry to see you suffer by poisoning yourself.” 

The letter, which was published on social media, concludes with a weighted warning: “Teaching others lessons is good, but above all being an example is better.” 

SEE ALSO:

Interview: Brigitte Boccone-Pagés, President of the Monaco National Council

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Photo source of Brigitte Boccone-Pagès: Conseil National de Monaco

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Monte-Carlo Summer Festival unveils its spectacular line-up

The curtain has risen on the line-up of the 2024 Monte-Carlo Summer Festival, revealing a diverse and star-studded roster of celebrated artists from a whole host of genres. Here are the highlights.

The eagerly anticipated line-up of the Monte-Carlo Summer Festival was revealed on 3rd April at a well-attended press conference held at the Sporting venue.

Featuring an array of renowned artists, the festival’s six-week-long schedule promises a diverse spread of performances in the Opéra de Monte-Carlo’s Salle Garnier and the Salle des Étoiles between 6th July and 16th August.

Kicking off the festival on 6th July is the Fight Aids Gala at Salle des Étoiles, which will welcome a host of artists to the stage in the name of a great cause. Tickets are already available for the event. For more information, click here.

On 9th July, Grammy Award winner Sam Smith, whose most well-known hits include Unholy, Too Good at Goodbyes and Stay with Me, will perform at Salle des Étoiles.

Then, on 16th July, Diana Krall, celebrated for her timeless jazz repertoire, will be gracing the stage at the Salle Garnier.

The festival’s line-up was revealed at a press conference at the Sporting venue on 3rd April. Photo by Monaco Life

Jamiroquai, the British funk and acid jazz band fronted by eclectic dresser Jay Kay, will headline the Gala de la Croix-Rouge on 19th July at the Salle des Étoiles, although this is a strictly invite-only affair.

On 25th July, the iconic Duran Duran will be performing at the Salle des Étoiles.

Stand-up comedian Trevor Noah will be making history as the first act of this kind to feature at the festival with a much-anticipated show on 29th July.

Lebanese singer Myriam Fares will be enchanting audiences with her Middle Eastern pop hits at the Salle des Étoiles on 2nd August, while Italian operatic pop trio Il Volo are set to claim the stage the following day on 3rd August.

The soulful Jorja Smith will captivate audiences at the Salle Garnier on 14th August, preceding two very special concerts by the epic American rock icon Lenny Kravitz on 15th and 16th August at the Salle des Étoiles.

Tickets for the majority of the events are still under lock and key, but Monaco Life will be sure to keep you updated as and when they become available!

Read related:

Stars 80 Encore! to headline Fight Aids Monaco charity concert this summer

 

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Photo credit: Monte-Carlo SBM

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