Monaco, The Capital of Arts

Truly marvellous and culturally rich: Monaco (Click on the pictures for a higher resolution)

Monaco is one of the world's most desirable destinations with over 300 days of sunshine a year and mild temperatures, it celebrates with enthusiasm the arts, culture, sumptuous cuisine, spas, beautiful surroundings, spectacular landscapes and high-adrenaline activities like the Formula One Grand Prix, casino gaming, land and water sports and exciting nightlife.

True to the tradition of artistic patronage practised by the Princes of Monaco, through the Department of Cultural Affairs, the Prince’s Government pursues an active cultural policy. It promotes the development of the Arts in the Principality and helps to disseminate culture to a wide audience.

Culture is a vehicle for the Principality's influence abroad and a major sector of local policy. It benefits from 5% of the State budget. This is mainly devoted to supporting organisations and artists, developing a high-quality artistic programme, developing heritage projects and financing appropriate cultural facilities.



The Principality of Monaco hosts an array of cultural events throughout the year

The Principality of Monaco hosts an array of world-renowned cultural events throughout the year. Its prestigious festivals and shows - where people come to see and be seen - are all part of Monaco’s constant quest for beauty and make Monaco a compelling and fascinating participant on the world stage on which its artists perform each year. 

From sea-view to under-the-sea 

The 2015 season promises a rich and varied calendar of cultural and artistic events of international renown. The cultural ambassadors of the Principality pride themselves in putting together a highly imaginative programme of artistic productions worthy of the world’s major capital cities, playing on the synergies between the Arts. Monaco boasts many prestigious venues that offer an exceptional backdrop to each event, including the splendid Opera Garnier, where superb acoustics allied with views of the sparkling Mediterranean inspire performers and audiences alike.

The grandeur of Monaco Ballet (here) and Monaco Theatre (below)

Cultural institutions such as the Monaco Philharmonic Orchestra, the Monaco Ballet, the Monaco Opera, the Monaco New National Museum and the Printemps des Arts concert hall organise major cultural events both in Monaco and abroad, spreading the artistic influence of the Principality around the world.

The Grimaldi Forum – 50% of it, astonishingly, located below sea-level -  plays a major part in the cultural life of the Principality: themed exhibitions are organised each summer, for example, the exhibition, dedicated to the Grace Kelly years on the twenty-fifth anniversary of her death, has been voted a huge success by visitors.

The Monte Carlo- Société des Bains de Mer has a major influence on the cultural life of the Principality, with a year-round programme of artistic events that reaches the pinnacle of artistic achievement.

From high-flying ballets to the magical Circus Festival, Monaco always brings a fresh approach to the Arts and offers a feast for the senses to all visitors, year-round. The Prince’s Government is committed to offering a high-quality international programme, worthy of a cultural metropolis. It therefore supports the major cultural entities:

·         The Company des Ballets de Monte-Carlo  which is internationally renowned for the quality of its work and its ongoing policy of creating new works

·         The Monte-Carlo Opera,  which offers a prestigious season of performances, with a varied repertoire

·         The Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra  which celebrated the 50th anniversary of concerts given in the main Courtyard of the Prince's Palace in the summer of 2009

·         The Theatre Princesse Grace  which offers a season of high-quality

·         The Printemps des Arts de Monte-Carlo Spring Arts Festival, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2014. Its new formula was very successful with the audiences.

Shankar Mahadevan and other Indian classical artists performing at a cultural event

Tourists will be more than happy enjoying luxurious accommodation, family restaurants and exceptional landscape in Monte Carlo. This charming destination adds that magnificence experience to your holiday which everyone dreams for. The place is gorgeously clean, the hotels are a marvel, the people are beautiful and the food is delicious. There are wonderful restaurants, shops, attractions, coast, nightlife, sports facilities and culture all within walking distance. You can have a fulfilling romantic experience with the world class spas, set in gorgeous surroundings and offering a variety of therapies and treatments from around the world.

No more getting ‘bill shocked’

Dreading using your smartphone or laptop abroad for fear of landing with enormous, unexpected roaming bill? Follow these simple tips on how to avoid getting ‘bill shocked’ even while staying connected with your friends and family during travel...

Don't let huge phone bills ruin your holiday

 

You probably have heard horror stories from either your friends or relatives who have returned from a trip abroad with a crazily huge, unexpected and unexplainable phone or tab/ laptop bill. This is a common occurrence among those who tend to use their smartphone or tab to look up travel information, send digital postcards, or even do routine things like check and send texts and emails. Such humungous bills often end up acting as a downer on your happy post-holiday vibes. To avoid getting such an expensive yet unpleasant souvenir in your phone bill, whenever you travel (especially abroad), here are some super smart ways of using your smartphone.

Make sure it will work

The first and most important point is to check, whether your phone will work in your intended travel destination or not? This is essential while travelling abroad, as cell phone providers around the world use various technologies and frequencies, and there’s no assurance that your phone will work with all of them. If you are not sure if your phone will function abroad, it is always a good idea to contact the mobile phone company’s customer support and ask for details. Once it is confirmed that your phone will work in a particular destination, contact your service provider to enable roaming on your phone. You will have to check this beforehand, as most service providers don’t enable roaming automatically, owing to the high costs involved.

Turn it off

Not your phone silly, we are talking about your data roaming. Turn off your mobile data before you board the plane to your destination, and let it remain that way until you get home. Simply switching off your phone won’t help, as smartphones tend to update apps, even when switched off. So, the best way to avoid getting slapped with huge phone bill is to limit your data downloads by opting for Wi-Fi only. Most holiday accommodations now offer Wi-Fi – free or at a relatively small cost – while cafes and eateries can fill in the gaps when you’re on the move. This would help save you a lot of money, especially if you have a habit of checking your emails on the go.

Go local, buy a temporary local number to cut phone bill costs

 

GSM VS CDMA

If you’d prefer to avoid roaming charges entirely, it’s possible to do so with an unlocked GSM smartphone. GSM phones offer you the freedom to replace your existing SIM card with a local number from your destination. These local numbers are relatively cheaper while making calls or sending texts.

Apps for calls

Since you have already put your phone on a Wi-Fi mode, consider using apps like Skype, BBM, Facetime or Google Voice when you need to stay in touch with friends and family back home. Rather than paying high international calling and text rates, these apps let you talk and send texts for free or cheap to anybody around the world.

Kids will be kids, and they will use their phones on holidays, so you better prepare yourself for it

 

Keep the kids in mind

If you are taking your kids along on your holiday, do keep in mind that kids will – despite you telling them not to do so – play games on their phone, message friends or check Facebook, almost every day. While you can’t stop them from playing games on their phone, you can certainly limit their usage by giving them a pay-as-you-go SIM. This way, they won’t be able to turn data roaming back on and spend your money on downloading or playing games.  

Use a payphone

If you have to make local calls like booking a restaurant or calling a cab service, the best way (and the cheapest) to do is by using a payphone. This will save you plenty of cash, especially during international travels. For example, a four-minute call to book a local restaurant in London could cost as much as £5 (Rs 500) from your mobile (depending on your operator), compared with around 15p (Rs 15) from one of the city’s payphones.

Keep these tips in mind and enjoy your holiday, sans any shockers.

Happy travelling and Happy 2015 :)

 

 

Milan restaurant, Birmingham – review

Milan Restaurant, Birmingham

 

You say Birmingham, I say Food.

With such variety, from Thai to Italian, American to Greek, Indian to Caribbean, Birmingham is a foodies paradise. No wonder, I went foodalistic (food + ballistic) trying various cuisines and soaking in the flavours of the world. However, my heart beats the fastest for Indian food (not because of the spices, I genuinely love Indian food) and that’s the reason I’m writing this post. I want to share with all my readers that I’ve found one of the best Indian restaurants in Birmingham, and that restaurant is Milan.

Considered to be a dining institution, Milan is tucked away nicely at the outskirts of Birmingham city centre on Newhall Street. The entrance and the interiors are inviting, with a modern setting coupled with an old world charm, low lighting, soft Bollywood music and fresh flower arrangements. As soon as we (me and my husband) entered the restaurant, we were greeted with a nice, big smile by the Head Chef of the restaurant, Parvinder Singh Multani. Ushered in to our seats, we were attended to immediately by the waiting staff. Drinks and Poppadoms (£1) followed soon after.

The restaurant has classy and inviting interiors

Milan offers an impressive and expansive menu, with a lot of vegetarian options. Innovation, it seems is the key word at Milan, as the dishes on offer are a unique fusion of East and West flavours. One look at the menu and the dishes with its innovative names, and you can see how much love and effort has gone into designing the menu for this place.   

To kick start, I ordered Almond Pears (£3.95), while my husband went for Naram Dill Tikki (£3.95). True to its name, the Naram Dill Tikki was super soft, with melted cheese oozing out from the heart-shaped dumpling. Almond Pears were served over sweet yogurt and were a delight. 

Almond Pears

Naram Dill Tikki

For mains, I ordered Bhindi Mushroom (£6.95) and Tadka Dal (£6.95) with Naan (£1.95). My husband went with Chicken Mirch Masala (£8.95) and Tandoori Roti (1.95). Flavoursome food with artistic presentation is how I would like to describe the mains. Naan was soft and chewy, and the Rotis were perfectly layered. The portions were just right as they arrived in cute little copper kadhais. No overpowering smells or spices, just amazing taste.

Bhindi Mushroom with Tadka Dal

Tandoori Roti

For desserts, we went with the highly recommended Rasmalai (fresh cheese dumplings cooked in milk) and Gajar Ka Halwa (a carrot based sweet). The desserts didn’t disappoint either, however, the star among the two was Rasmalai that was served with a strawberry decoration.

Gajar Ka Halwa with a dollop of Vanilla ice cream and Rasmalai with strawberries

Because of the reasonably priced menu, we could eat to our hearts content and still manage to keep our bill under £55. The ever friendly and smiling staff made the experience even more wonderful. Without doubt, I can say that this restaurant is sure to impress both the pocket-friendly crowd, as well as the most passionate North-Indian food aficionados. If we lived locally, Milan would have been my food mecca.

London Street Brasserie, Reading – review

What a view! London Street Brasserie

The thing that amazes me most about London Street Brasserie (LSB) is how insanely popular it is, even after almost 14 years in business. While all the other restaurants that opened at or around the same time in 2000 have either shut down or made way for fast food joints, LSB, interestingly, has not just survived, it has thrived over the years. Reason? It comes from a rich pedigree. Paul Clerehugh, the man behind the ultra-famous The Crooked Billet is the owner of LSB. Needless to say, I was super excited to dine at a restaurant that has been recommended in the prestigious Michelin guide every year, since 2002.

My gourmet experience started as soon as I entered LSB with my husband for a Monday night dinner. A lady with a warm and friendly smile greeted us from behind a bouquet of fresh flowers. Quickly confirming our booking, she ushered us into the dining area, where our table was beautifully lit and laid out.

Given the fact that Reading has so many eating out options, LSB was unusually packed for a Monday night, which I believe, speaks volumes about how good the food is and how well it is received. The restaurant offers an eclectic selection of dishes, both in a la carte and set menu. The wine list too is expansive and impressive. The place offers more than 60 options, including a lot of award-winners, with as many as 20 that are available by the glass.

Marvelling at the eclectic selection of dishes, I went with Garlic & Herb flatbreads, hummus, baba ganouj, green olive tapenade & tomato chilli chutney (£7.90) for my starter, while my husband kicked off with Chicken liver parfait, rhubarb compote, toasted sugar dough (£8.50) from the a la carte menu.

Scotch and Eggs

The starters arrived soon enough and I have to say, the green olive tapenade was out of this world. A soft punch of garlic and a whisper of thyme, gave it such delicate flavouring that I wished I had some more on my plate. Garlic & Herb flatbreads were well toasted and baba ganouj had the perfect taste and texture. My husband’s Chicken liver parfait arrived in a neat little Kilner jar. He described it as, “velvety, smooth and tasty, with a hint of fruity”. Head chef Sam May had worked his magic.  

More than content with the generous starter portion, I ordered Moroccan spiced baby aubergine & butternut tajine, yellow lentils & chickpea, yoghurt sauce& lavish flat bread crisp (£16) for my mains. My husband went with Roast halibut, salt cod brandade, broad beans & peas, lemon butter sauce (£20) with chips (£3.25).

The mains took some time to arrive, but it was worth the wait as the food looked spectacular. True to its name, my dish arrived in a colourful earthenware saucer. Gently simmered baby aubergine and butternut, sitting pretty on a bed of yellow lentils, chickpea and yogurt sauce. A simple dish, with very little spices, so as to allow the flavours of all the ingredients to come through. On my right, I could see the look of satisfaction on my husband’s face, as he digged into his delicious white-fleshed flatfish. “What a classic, deep taste of the sea,” he exclaimed. Head chef Sam May had worked his magic. 

After all this, going for deserts was the like a Man vs Food moment for both of us. Nevertheless, we decided to have a look at the desert menu; after all, no harm ever came by just looking.

Chocolate Nemesis

With such an amazing choice on offer, from sorbet to crème brulee, it was hard not to order something. Within a couple of minutes, Tiramisu, biscotti (£6) appeared on my right, and a lime & ginger cheesecake (£6) was placed in front of me. If there is ever something that defines Death by Deserts, this was it. One bite into the succulent cheesecake, and I was transported into a desert heaven.    

To reiterate why LSB has not only survived, but thrived over the years, is undoubtedly owner Paul’s vision and his fabulous food, but it is also because of his carefully selected team of chefs and a polished and friendly staff. The place is like a happy home, where the staff is proud to serve and take care of its guests. Take a look at the huge picture collage right outside the women’s loo on first floor and you’ll know what I’m talking about.

My last thought as we got up to leave was, ‘What a lovely, romantic place. Perfect for celebrating special occasions. Should come here for Valentine’s. Or maybe for our anniversary!’ Well, I think, I’m coming back for both.

Au revoir!

Name: London street brasserie

Website: http://www.londonstbrasserie.co.uk/

Location: Riverside Oracle, 2-4 London Street, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 4PN

10-15 minute walk from Reading train station

Accommodation: Ground and first floor as well as outdoor seating. Accommodates up to 80 people at a time.

Menu:

A la carte - http://www.londonstbrasserie.co.uk/a-la-carte-menu

Set menu - Set menu offers 2 courses – starter and main for £16.50 pp. Deserts are all £5

http://www.londonstbrasserie.co.uk/set-menu

 

Foxlow: Nice n sweet

Foxlow, Clerkenwell

Foxlow, the steak-themed restaurant, comes from a rich pedigree. It is the latest venture from the guys behind Hawksmoor, but thankfully, this venture is extremely affordable. Termed as the “new neighbourhood restaurant”, Foxlow can be spotted in all its glory on St. John Street in Clerkenwell.

Serving up slow-smoked and charcoal grilled dishes, Foxlow offers a menu that is imaginative and skilfully executed. One can enjoy specials like Eight-hour Bacon rib with maple and chilli, Ten hour beef shortrib with kimchi or Skin on fries with chicken salt.

 

The expansive setting @Foxlow

Those with a sweet tooth can try various options, including Caramel popcorn, Bourbon caramel and Apple crumble, all between £3-6. Just like Hawksmoore, Foxlow too has an impressive drinks menu, offering twists on classic cocktails and wines from independent producers.  

The two floor Foxlow is a warm and friendly eatery, with a relaxed atmosphere. Farringdon Tube Station is a 5-minute walk away.

Deborah Brand couture corsets up for sale

Deborah Brand's luxury corsets are up on sale at 43 Face on 43 All Saints Road, Notting Hill, London

 

Here's some good news for all those who like the finer things in life, like luxury corsets. Personally speaking, corsets are my 'not-so-secret' weapon to manage my bulge and flaunt a lovely hourglass figure. Naturally, I get super excited when their is any news about corsets, more so, when it is about corsets on sale. So, here I am, sharing this super good news for everyone who loves luxury corsets.

Deborah Brand, a London-based luxury womenswear designer and corsetiere, has announced three of her original couture corsets up for sale. The exquisitely handcrafted corsets are being exhibited at 43 Face on 43 All Saints Road, Notting Hill, and will be on display from September 24, 2014.

During her twenty five years as a designer, Deborah, who runs her fashion label under her name, Deborah Brand, has had the pleasure of dressing a wealth of celebrity clients including Adriana Lima, Bjork, Chloe Sevigny, Davina McCall, Demi Moore, Fay Dunaway, Kylie Minogue, Naomi Campell, Oona Chaplin, Penelope Cruz, Tess Daly and more.

Sculpted wonders: Deborah Brand's luxury corsets

 

Using simple and unusual lines, Deborah’s corsets improve your posture, aids your quest to shed the pounds and are perfect for all body types. Lined with butter silk duchess satin and soft precise padding, they are the perfect garment to flaunt and enhance your curves.

Here’s a sneak peek at the three stunning Deborah Brand couture corsets that are on sale right now. What’s more, each of these corsets are custom made, which means, only one of each of these corsets were ever made, so the owner of these corsets, will be the only one in the world to enjoy these handcrafted design. So, grab this chance to include these exclusive and stunning corsets in your wardrobe as your prized possession…



Angel in White: Karen K Bridal corset

Karen K Bridal corset

This rare bridal corset is magnificently hand detailed and embroidered with rhinestone, sequins, beads and fine lace. The bust is embroidered with a Maria Elena couture piece. Originally designed for a photo shoot with the couture shoe designer Karel El-Khazen, this corset has also been worn by Oona Chaplin (famous for Game of Thrones and The Hour), and featured in editorials worldwide. It is constructed of 45 metal and hand folded polymer bones, and lined in sumptuous French silk duchess satin. Fits standard size 10.

Samara Hand Beaded corset

Black Magic: Samara Hand Beaded corset

Adorned with a rare 1940s embellishment on the bust, the entire corset has been hand beaded. Lined with sumptuous French silk duchess satin and adorned with premium ostrich feathers, this corset is constructed with 45 bones in a mixture of steel and hand folded polymer. Fits standard size 10.

Gisela Bespoke corset

Owing to the rare nature of this fabric, which was taken from a garment made for Shirley Bassey (famous Welsh singer), only one of this corset was ever made. This Elizabethan flat fronted corset has been entirely encrusted with crystals. It is constructed of 45 bones of steel and hand folded polymer. Fits standard size 10.

Crystal Beauty: Gisela Bespoke corset

 

For more information, visit: http://deborahbrand.com/. For bespoke service, call: 00443335770250 or email: info@deborahbrand.com

For social media updates, you can also follow Deborah Brand on Twitter, @DeborahBrand or like her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deborahbrand2.

Corsets and You: Corsets by Deborah Brand for that perfect hourglass silhouette

 

You can also follow her designs and updates on Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/deborahbrand/ and Instagram: http://instagram.com/deborahbrand

Company: Deborah Brand

Email: info@deborahbrand.com
Company Website: http://deborahbrand.com/

RIP Joan Rivers

Joan Rivers

Came home to a shocking news a few days back. Joan Rivers died, during a surgery on her vocal cords. How bizarre and shocking is that? I mean, I love watching Fashion Police, but I loved it because of her. Without Joan, fashion policing wouldn't have any of the punch, the humour, the playfulness or the critique that she brought with her unique personality. No matter what or how she decoded a celebrity attire, no matter how she poked fun at a stars dressing sense or their look, her comments were said in a way that no one could have ever hated her.

Her critiquing too had an underlining sense of humour and that made her a beloved being among the stars, designers and fashion editors alike. Owing to her frank and outspoken nature, Joan was almost always in the news. She faced criticism and stirred controversies because of her outspoken commentaries on celebrities and politics, but her gregarious nature and her ability to poke fun at herself sort of diluted the impact of her statements, in a sense that nobody could have taken her critiquing to the heart.

I might be wrong. Many might not agree to what I'm saying here, and I too am not speaking from experience. I was never at the 'other' end of her jokes, so I would never know. But I have watched Joan for all these years, and I have always loved her enthusiasm, her comic style and her grasp on fashion. For me, she was more alive and kicking that any of her co-hosts on Fashion Police, and I am going to miss her badly. Fashion Police will not be (read can never be) the same without Joan Rivers.

RIP my fashion yoda.