December 2010 by Thats Nice

FREE December 2010 No. 20

Features Christmas in the Riviera Ski Italy Fashion Festive Frocks Guides Restaurants, Pubs & Events

Entertainment New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve & Christmas Parties Art & Culture Local Exhibitions Lifestyle & Health How to survive the work Christmas Party

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Open 9am for Breakfast Heated Terrace Gourmet Burgers Guinness on Tap

Book Your

Christmas Party at Wayneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Menu 35 euros

NEW!

Brunch

12-2pm Weekdays 11-2pm Weekends

Live Acoustic 8pm-10pm Sundays

Foie gras with melba toast, redcurrent chutney & sour apple confit rich & creamy seafood chowder served in a toasted mini loaf melon rose with parma ham served with a sour cream & lime vinaigrette ************* lemon sorbet ************* Fillet rossinni with homemade chips, drizzled with a thyme & red wine jus paupiettes of sole stuffed with julien winter vegetables & topped with a rose peppercorn hollandaise panfried supreme of duck served with lightly braised fresh figs elevated on a bed of savoury noodles glazed with an orange & balsamic reduction mixed platter of stuffed baby vegetables with panfried tofu & a sweet & sour relish ************* traditional christmas pudding with homemade brandy custard raspberry pavlova with a chocolate & mango coulis winter berry cheesecake served with chocolate & hazlenut ice-cream

For reservations contact info@waynes.fr, call 04 93 13 46 99 or visit 15 rue de la Prefecture, Nice

Editor’s Welcome

Happy festive season everybody! We’ve come

to that time of year when we all sit back and say ‘whoa where did the year go?’. Then I remember. Climbing, rafting, wine tours, caves, castles, emerald green lakes, medieval villages, food, friends, beach, concerts, mountains … and voila, that’s where it’s gone! Hopefully you have been following us here at That’s Nice and taking advantage of our recommendations. If not, put them on your list for next year, because we have had some fun! So what does the last month of 2010 have for us? Well December is all about indulgence - eating, drinking, shopping and skiing. Powder hounds have no doubt been watching the weather forecasts eagerly, and so far so good – the season is kicking off nice and early! If you are looking for something a little different, why not head over the border and try Italy’s Milky Way – the home of the 2006 Winter Olympics? We give you the low-down on these no-frills super-slopes that are definitely worth a try. If you’re only up for day trips and you’re not familiar with the region, we’ve got that covered for you too! Meanwhile, Christmas Villages are springing up all across the Riviera, selling everything from Santa hats to Santons, and they really are perfect for inspiring the Christmas Spirit. So, for a heads-up on Christmas in the Riviera, check out pages 6 to 7. December is also a great excuse to stay indoors and cosy, but that doesn’t mean just staying at home! There are a host of world-class opera and ballet performances throughout the month, as well as an ice show for the kids, and plenty of concerts for the adults. There are restaurants to visit, and I guarantee you can’t go wrong with our Food Guide. Fashion gets fancy this month as we bring you a series of great festive frocks! And if you are wondering where to wear that dress this Christmas and New Year’s Eve, our Pub and Restaurant Guides will show you exactly where you need to be! And, as a great 2010 draws to a close, I would like to thank you all for a fantastic year. Keep reading the magazine and showing us your support - we feel the love! I hope we can all look forward to a successful year ahead, full of surprises, friends, family and above all … fun!

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Linda Pickering Book Reviews

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Blue Whales Pub/Bar

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Don’t go skiing without your Star-Ski’s! a pair

DECEMBER 2010 N°20 This month:

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

FEATURE ARTICLE

Christmas in the Riviera is a magical time of year! Here are the highlights.

Hit the slopes on the other side of the border for a nofrills, Olympic-class skiing holiday.

09 RIVIERA EVENTS

Take advantage of everything that’s happening on the Riviera this December.

10 RESTAURANT REVIEWS

We return to one of our favourite restaurants, Darlington, to see where they’re at 6 months after openening; Bienvenue welcomes us with traditional cuisine and a smile; and we highlight Christmas Day in Nice.

11 FOOD GUIDE

Your comprehensive guide to eating out in Nice. We only recommend the best!

12 THE FASHION PAGE

Fashion gets festive this season with fantastic party frocks!

ART & CULTURE, BOOK REVIEWS

Highlighting 3 top regional art exhibitions, and this month’s best reads.

14 MAPS OF NICE

Three detailed maps of the city plus directions to some of the best locations in town!

16 LIFESTYLE

How to survive the work Christmas party; NYE resolutions you can keep; and this month’s ‘Did You Know?’.

17 RECIPES

Indulge this festive season with a Seafood Trio Plate and a delicious apricot braised pork loin served with parsnip and white bean mash. Yum!

FUSION

Bringing you the not-to-miss gay parties of the month.

19 ESSENTIAL GUIDE

Dj Tris presents December’s hottest musical events.

PUB GUIDE

CINEMA

MUSIC NEWS

LIVE MUSIC & LIVE SPORTS GUIDES

A selection of the best bars in Nice, PLUS your New Year’s Eve Party Guide!

‘Tis the season to head inside a cinema, grab some popcorn, and watch some great flicks on the big screen! Bringing you the latest album & single releases this December, the Top 3 Christmas Songs of all time, and our fave local artist David Zincke records a follow up to his successful debut album.

There’s Live music every night of the week throughout Nice, so who are you going to see?

GAMES

HOROSCOPES

Take some time out with our NYE quiz, sudoku, word puzzle and spot the difference.

What do the stars have in store for you in December?

Traditional French Christmas

December Highlight

In France, Christmas goes by the name of Noël, which comes from the phrase les bonnes nouvelles, meaning “the good news” and referring to Jesus’ birth. Father Christmas is therefore Père Noël! The Epiphany - la fête des Rois - on January 6th is also a very important day. Like many countries in Western Europe, the Christmas season in France kicks off with Saint Nicolas’ Day on December 6th. In some eastern parts parents actually give children their Christmas gifts on Saint Nicolas’ Day, while December 25th is more for religion and dinner with family. In other parts of France, Santa arrives on Christmas Eve and places small gifts in children’s shoes left by the fireplace, while candy, fruit, nuts and small toys have been hung on the tree. The Christmas tree takes centre stage in many homes across the world, but in France it is the Nativity scene, or crèche. The Holy Family and saints (santons) make up the display, but it can also take on a humoristic note as local dignitaries and characters join in. It is quite an art to produce these miniature figurines, and often the moulds have been passed down the generations since the 17th century. The beloved Christmas dinner in France traditionally takes place after midnight mass on Christmas Eve, but popular tradition now has it on December 25th. Cuisine varies from region to region, but you’re sure to find oysters, salmon, turkey, goose, foie gras and bûche de noël – the Christmas log – on the table. In Provence, the Thirteen Desserts are also used in celebration, representing Jesus and the 12 Apostles. They are usually set out on Christmas Eve where they remain until December 27th. The exact items can vary from family to family, but it usually includes dried fruit and nuts, fresh fruit, and sweets like ginger bread and nougat.

Maison du Monde

So there you have it, Christmas in France! Jouex Noël!

Christmas

Christmas in the French Riviera is a magical time of year! So, enjoy the festive atmosphere and indulge in everything the season has to offer. GET IN THE SPIRIT

What better way to soak up the festive spirit than to experience the local Christmas Villages! In Nice, Place Massena is transformed into a winter wonderland, with a veritable forest of 600 Christmas trees and 50 chalets filled with traditional handicrafts, gifts and local specialities. You simply must indulge in a churros – a Spanish donut – decadently dipped in melted chocolate! The Big Wheel proudly takes its place on the Nice skyline, offering one of the most breathtaking 360° views of this beautiful city - as you can see by our front cover! Don’t forget to pack a warm coat, a camera, and hold on - the gondolas are open to the elements! Then it’s time to strap on the skates and hit the ice-rink. If you can’t muster the confidence to join them on the ice, it can be just as fun sitting on the side-lines (with your churros) and be entertained by everyone else’s attempts to be graceful. From the 20th of December, a live nativity scene will fill Place Rossetti in the old town of Nice, complete with farm animals, Christmas carols and shows. Meanwhile, if a December dip in the Mediterranean is your idea of fun, then head down to Plage Ruhl on the Promenade des Anglais for the annual Christmas Swim on December 19th! The swim kicks off around 11.45am, while entertainment for the kids start at 8.30am.

MULLED WINE 2 bottles red wine 1 orange stuck with 12 cloves 2 oranges, sliced 2 lemons, sliced 1/2 cup sugar 1 stick cinnamon 2 knobs ginger, peeled Melt sugar in 2 cups of water, add remaining ingredients keeping liquid at barely simmering point for at least 20 minutes - do not boil or all the alcohol will evaporate. Serve at will!

Monaco presents another delightful Christmas Village along the picturesque port, incorporating a large fair with rides and an ice-rink. Meanwhile Christmas Villages are springing up everywhere along the Riviera – in Grasse, Cannes, Théoule sur Mer, Vence, St Jean Cap Ferrat, Cagnes-sur-Mer & Mougin (18th – 20th).

EAT & DRINK

In a country that prides itself on its cuisine, it is no wonder that winter offers a host of delectable festive treats – foie gras, roasted chestnuts, vin chaud (mulled wine), chocolate truffles, clementines and fondue. If you’re spending Christmas with a French family, or would like to host a traditional dinner, then here’s an opportunity to be a little luxurious - raw oysters, snails, smoked salmon and foie gras are popular entrees, while chestnut stuffed turkey is a traditional main. For dessert, it’s the Bûche de Noël – chocolate log cake (which also comes in mini ice-cream logs!). Other winter dishes that are not particular to the region but must be tried are raclette – melted cheese, potatoes, gherkins and cured meats; and tartiflette – sliced potatoes cooked in reblochon cheese, cream and bacon. These are traditionally found in the Alps, but if you see it on a menu – order it – or make it at home! For one of the best mulled wines in Nice, visit Snug in the old town, with their permeating vat of freshly made, steaming hot wine. Meanwhile, details of our favourite fondue restaurants in Nice – Le Choucas and Bistro Fromager – can be found in the Food Guide on page 11. If you are away from home on Christmas Day, please don’t spend it alone. Many of our favourite bars and restaurants will be open and are happy to celebrate with you. For details, see our Pub & Food Guides.

in the Riviera

SKI

Just 90 minutes from Nice lay the famous French Alps – Auron, Isola and Valberg. And with great pre-season snowfall and early resort openings, this year’s ski season is getting off to a fantastic start!

For the pros it’s no secret that the off-piste skiing and snowboarding in France is world famous, thanks to a care-free attitude - ‘if you want to ski off-piste no worries, but it’s on your head!’ - of the French. The resorts are fantastic for intermediates and beginners too, with plenty of red and blue runs available. Even if you are completely uncoordinated, and the idea of hurtling down a mountain on fibreglass boards really doesn’t interest you, then a trip to the Alps is still a must. Plenty of fun can be had in one of the many chalet restaurants or bars perched on the mountain, where you can indulge in rich ski food – tartiflette – and hot wine until your heart’s content. Seriously, don’t let the fact that you can’t hit the slopes stop you from experiencing their overwhelming beauty. It truly is a spectacular drive to the resorts; the roads wind up through the steep river gorges of the Maritime Alps. And if you have some time on your hands there are worthwhile diversions including the Verdon and Cians gorges, and the fortress town of Entrevaux. Getting there is easy. Busses leave Nice, Cannes and Antibes every weekend stopping at Auron, Isola and Valberg. The cost – just 1euro! You can get a return trip and ski lift pass package for just 30 euros (35euros from Cannes and Antibes). What a bargain! You can buy tickets at the main bus station in Nice on Jean Jurès. SPECIAL! Every Tuesday, half-price passes go on sale on the Mercantour National Park website … check it out www.stationsdumercantour.com There will also be special express ski busses available to reserve from mid-December. It will attract an added express tariff but will have less stops in order to maximise time in the ski resorts. Online reservations can be made at www.lignedazur.com.

BUY A CHRISTMAS TREE The best place we have found to buy a Christmas tree in Nice is on the Promenade des Anglais. You can get a medium sized tree for around 35 euros. My advice - always by a Norman. They don’t loose their pine cones, so that’s less mess to clean from your apartment stairwell when it comes to disposal time!

GO SHOPPING!

Be it reproduced or original, retro and vintage products are filling the shelves of almost every store this season. Boom box bags with built-in speakers, vinyl records, mirrors designed as 60’s TV sets – consumerism is shunning contemporary for nostalgia!

If you are not into reproductions, then buy authentic vintage at quality boutiques (i.e. Caprice & Mademoiselle); the Monday Antique Market on the Cours Saleya; and the Saturday Book Market in front of the Palais de Justice. You can find timeless couture, nostalgic jewellery and cool retro pieces. They make for great Christmas presents!

Nature & Dècouvertes

Virgin

Maison du Monde

Virgin

SKI ITALY THE MILKY WAY

Via Lattea, or the Milky Way as it is known, spans two countries – France and Italy - and had the proud honour of hosting the 2006 Winter Olympics. It was also one of the first purpose-built ski resorts in the world. It combines typical Italian exuberance, affordability and hospitality, with a mighty 400 kilometres of skiable terrain. And it’s just 150 kilometres from Nice! A trip here means skiing on the same courses where the world’s top champions have skied. It’s a mecca for beginners and intermediates, while there are loads of off-piste possibilities and two snow parks for boarders. The best thing is you can wander every day from one scenic valley to another: Sestriere, Sauze D’Oulx, Sansicario, Cesana, and Claviere, as well as the French Montgenèvre. It’s a unique network linking ancient and traditional villages with modern, lively towns. What Via Lattea lacks in classic mountain charm, it gains in extensive north facing, wide-open and tree lined slopes. So, if you’re looking for new mountains to conquer this year at an affordable price, then head to the Milky Way! Sestriere is the capital of the Milky Way and has the highest lift at 2800 metres. It’s a good place to base yourself as it offers the best access to the rest of the Milky Way and has loads of accommodation, primarily in the old Olympic apartments. Here you’ll find the notorious Mont Motta black run and the Kandahar piste – a world-class downhill racing run. There’s also plenty of expert-level off-piste. If you’re travelling with intermediates or beginners don’t worry, they won’t be left sipping vin chaud in the local bar … the entire Milky Way is dominated by red and blue runs, and Sestriere is no exception. It is also the only village where you’ll be able to experience night skiing! The architecture may be a bit of an eyesore, but lets face it, your not here for the pretty buildings.

sunshine. It’s great for beginners and intermediates, while experts may find other resorts more challenging. Snowboarders will, however, appreciate the half pipe and the fact there are no drag lifts on the resort!

Sauze d’Oulx has been a hit with the brits for years now, and is thus a lively, popular resort with plenty of late-night entertainment. Complimenting this modern party district is a quaint little historic town centre dating from 1532, complete with a Romanesque bell tower, as well as wine bars and fine restaurants catering to the more elite. The resort enjoys plenty of sunshine, and long winding tree-lined red runs served by snowmakers.

How much is a lift pass? Depending on the resort, you will pay between 25€ and 41€ for a day pass. Beginners can buy point lift passes for individual rides on specific lifts, and there are village-specific day passes also available.

Food, glorious food! We all love rich, hearty Italian cuisine, and what better place to eat it than at the top of a mountain! The food here is typical of northern Italy – polenta, Bagna Càuda (a warm dip similar to fondue made with garlic and anchovies), local cheeses, truffles, salami and chocolate, as well as liquors made from herbs and locally made wine. It’s all very decadent, and cheap – you shouldn’t pay more than 10€ for a good meal, and even less for pizza!

A 6-day pass costs around 180€ - slightly more expensive than the French Alps, but it does give you access to over 90 lifts and seven resorts. A pass for around 120€ is available for Claviere/Montgenévre skiing only and is recommended if you are staying in Cleviere.

If you are looking for that alpine village charm, then Claviere is the place to be. It is Italy’s oldest resort and offers easy access to lifts, while being within walking distance of its French counterpart, Montgenèvre (for the snowboarders). This terrain “If you’re a primarily favours intermediate cruisers though. Sansicario is another purpose built resort, situated at the centre of the natural bowl between Sauze d’Oulx and Sestriere. This peculiar geographical position gives you the chance to ski slopes constantly exposed to the sun, all the way up to the 2700m altitude of Mount Fraiteve. There’s not much here in the way of après ski and entertainment, but it is within minutes of the other two major resorts.

powder hound & have some cash to burn, give heliskiing a go in Italy”

Cesana is another small, unspoilt ancient village with a very interesting history. The village was born in Roman times when commander Hannibal used the nearby Montgenévre Pass, along with his elephants and army, to invade Italy. Today, you can marvel at the 2000-year-old ruins. In terms of skiing, Cesana is best suited to beginners and it houses the lowest lift of the Milky Way at 1350m. Claviere is a blend of old and new, and locals claim it has the best snow conditions in the Milky Way. Advanced skiers have some good reds and inspiring off-piste; for beginners there is a pleasant flat area in the village and an enormous green-blue run which starts above the trees and goes to the village; and for snowboarders a half-pipe and snow park. And the final resort in Via Lattea is the French Montgenévre. It claims to be the oldest ski resort in France and is known for having plenty of

Heliski Heliskiing is illegal in France, so if you’re a powder hound and have got some cash to burn, then give heliskiing a go in Italy. It takes you to a height of around 3300 metres, with an average of 6 metres of fresh powder. Pureski Company is based in Ouxl and offers trips for 990€. Milky Way resort flights for 5 people cost 750€. Where do I stay? You can choose from the villages mentioned depending on what kind of holiday you’re looking for, i.e. quiet and relaxing or active and buzzing. Hotels in Via Lattea don’t have the best reputation, so be careful when booking. Otherwise, the Olympic village accommodation is a safe bet, as well as private villas for groups.

Why go to Via Lattea? The advantage of heading to Italy is the economics – everything is a fair bit cheaper than in France. Via Lattea offers a no-frills skiing and boarding holiday, with fewer queues than in France. There is some great off-piste terrain for the adventurous and a plethora of runs for beginners and intermediates. Getting there: Via Lattea is a little more than 2 hours drive from Nice airport. When driving from Torino there are two main roads to take one to Jouvenceaux- Sauze d’Oulx following the ancient Susa Valley route, and the second through Pinerolo via Chisone Valley route. The closest railway station is at Oulx where numerous high-speed trains stop daily. There is a frequent bus service operating between the various resorts.

RIVIERA EVENTS

December 2010

December 4th

Circus Nice

Pfffff is the latest creation from Company Akoreacro, a modern day fairy tale combining musicians and acrobats. One night only at Théâtre

Some of the world’s best performers descend on the region this December. There are spectacular operas and ballets, as well as mind-boggling circus acts. This is the month to be entertained and amazed!

December 11th - 12th

Scooby Doo & the Pirate Ghost Nice

The cartoon classic comes alive at the Palais Nikaia this December, featuring a full size Mystery Machine, comedy, popular tunes and special effects. Fun for parents who grew up watching Scooby Doo on TV! Tickets 30-34€

December 12th

December 5th

Rugby Nice

Nice go head to head with Aubenas, 3pm @ Stade des Arboras, 247 Route de Grenoble.

December 7th - 11th

Chicago Blues Festival Monaco

Moods in Monaco hosts the Chicago Blues Festival, featuring the likes of Eddie Shaw, Zora Young, Vastile Jackson, Maurice John Vaughn, Nick Charles & Willie Hayes. Entry 22€ includes 1st drink. Place du Casino.

17th Monaco International Judo Tournament Monaco

Salle Omnisports Gaston Médecin, Stade Louis II.

December 14th

1st International Gathering of historic Fiat 500’s

December 24th – 30th

Ballet Nice

Ballet’s performed to Don Quichotte, Eric Vu-An & Ludwig Minkus at the Nice Opera House.

December 25th – 2nd January

Christmas at Parc Phoenix Nice

A special Christmas celebration at the beautiful gardens of Parc Phoenix, 405 Promenade des Anglais. Open every day from 9.30am 6pm.

December 26th

6th Ice Hockey Tournament Monaco

December 18th

Four days of competition organised by the Monegasque Skating Federation. Stade Louis II, 7 ave des Castelans.

Monaco

December 28th – 30th

Monaco

Circus on Ice The Chinese Imperial Circus gives a performance on ice. Stade Nautique Rainier III, from 2pm.

STAR International Regattas Nice

This, the most important international sailing competition in France, unites 30 to 40 high level teams from 8 – 10 European nations.

December 10th

Symphonic Mania Cannes

The Moscow Opera performs an exceptional production with an orchestra of 60 musicians, 50 choir members and 40 dancers accompanied by aerial acts and video projection on a 240m2 picturewall. Tickets 25€-39€.

December 31st – January 3rd

La Belle, Ballet Monaco

After touring the world, Jean-Christophe Maillot’s La Belle returns to Monaco for this renowned performance. Tickets 16-38euros.

December 31st – January 1st 21st December

Cecilia Bartoli Opera Monaco

A night of opera dedicated to the German-British composer Georg Griedrich Händel and his contemporaries.

Cinderella Ballet Cannes

The Grand Theatre of Geneva presents this rereading of the famous Cinderella story, described as more Grimm Brothers than Charles Perrault. Hosted by the Palais des Festivals et des Congrés. Tickets 24€-50€.

Restaurant Reviews Darlington

When we discovered the Darlington in June it was a mere 6 weeks old, but with a veracious set of new owners and a quality cuisine, it was clear they were poised for success. Six months on, and the restaurant continues to impress, with seasonally adjusted menus and an attention to detail that is noted in everything from the dish to the service. The Darlington has been steadily drawing customers into its cosy dining room - an intimate space with warm violet tones and exposed brickwork – for the familiar classics that define the menu. The veritable cheeseburger, steak tartare and grilled beefsteak are, not surprisingly, always a hit with local French workers, and are great value at between 11€ & 15€. I, on the other hand, have been tempted by the braised pork cheeks with lentils and baked pumpkin pieces(17€). And, as I had imagined, it was a delicious melt-in-your mouth experience - a reminder of why I adore autumn cuisine. There are some notable twists on the menu – the goats cheese salad is treated to hints of honey and crusty bacon, and the foie gras is finished with prunes and red wine and sits atop a toasted brioche. The salads are available in medium and large sizes, depending on your appetite, and the smoked trout with potatoes and herbed creamy dressing is a personal favorite. The daily changing specials are also worthy of attention – for their value and difference. On this day, the stirfry was a successful medly of perfectly cooked noodles, a generous portion of prawns, colourful vegetables and the right amount of sauce. The plat du jour is another hit with the locals, and at 9.90€ it is no wonder why (15€ with dessert & wine/coffee). Chef Nixu Plummer is passionate about seasonal produce, so the menu changes every few months. Come January, the cuisine takes on a winter theme, and this time he has his sights set on game. Together with his wife Anne-Charlotte – the unfailingly gracious hostess – they succeed in creating a restaurant that promises solid, well-prepared food at reasonable prices, and staff that encourage you to linger. So I think it’s safe to say this restaurant is definitely a mainstay in the local dining scene.

Bienvenue

Bienvenue is a classic French restaurant, but with a charm and graciousness that is not so easy to come by in Nice. Delivering traditional Niçois cuisine in a cosy, romantic ambiance, Bienvenue is a pleasant choice for winter dining. Seafood is a standout feature on the menu, which is not surprising considering the restaurant is but metres from the city’s fresh fish market. Seafood hot pot, mixed seafood grill, Provençal prawns and scallop skewers with bacon are some of the tempting dishes on offer. And most importantly the chef, Frederic Quenard, knows how to cook the fish. Using a flame grill he also gives his dishes that delightful, smoky touch.

5 Place François, Nice. 04 93 79 84 40

Meanwhile, beef hounds will love the mixed meat grill, a plentiful plate of beef, veal, sausage and chicken, quite reasonably priced at 21€. There are a nice variety of pastas and risottos available as well. While the à la carte menu lends itself to the traditional, the specials board is where the chef gets creative, serving up delights such as sautéed beef with fresh goats cheese, vegetable and mozzarella tart, and sliced duck breast with a goats cheese and honey mouse.

There are some great ‘formulas’ available, and it’s hard to pass-up the 12.50€ lunch menu, which includes a plat du jour, glass of wine and coffee. For 16€, you can choose three courses, such as crushed goats cheese salad or hearty vegetable soup, grilled salmon or plat du jour for main. The desserts are a must, and if you ever see the coconut and rum crème brûlée on the specials board, I strongly suggest you order it! The 29€ menu offers more decadent dishes, including house-made foie gras, duck with honey and chocolate fondant. This restaurant sticks to its traditional roots, with the added bonus of an impressive daily changing specials board. If you’re looking for some flavours of the city, and appreciate friendly, attentive service, then you’ll enjoy Bienvenue. Find them at 5 Place François, Nice. Telephone:

Christmas Parties

Snug is offering a Christmas menu for 35 euros until the 24th December, featuring delights such as braised lamb and sundried tomato balantine with salsa verde, beef wellington & banoffee pie. A 65-euro 6-course Christmas Day feast includes scallops, home cured ham and traditional Christmas pudding. Wayne’s is proposing a great Christmas party atmosphere and 2 delicious set menus for 25 euros or 35 euros for the month of December mixing traditional and contemporary cuisine, such as foie gras with melba toast, duck with braised figs and savoury noodles, and winter berry cheesecake. The menu is also available on Christmas Day. And finally Ma Nolan’s has a three-course Christmas Day menu, each dish individually priced at between 5 and 15 euros, with classics like cream of vegetable soup, traditional turkey and ham and brandy soaked Christmas pudding with custard. Hmmm, I think I’ll try them all! Merry Christmas everybody.

Food Guide

Past Reviews l’Univers - Michelin Star 54 bld Jean Jeurés 04 93 62 32

Le Locale - Italian resto & deli 4 rue Rusca Nice Port 04 93 14 08 29

Cave de l’Origine - Wine Bar -

Snug & Cellar

3 rue Dalpozzo - 04 83 50 09 60

Nice’s only gastronomic pub has established a strong reputation for it’s dynamic changing tapas and quality à la carte menu. This is creative cuisine where every dish shines.

Nice’s only Gastronomic Pub

Rossetisserie - Roast meats 8 rue Mascoinat 04 93 76 18 80

Mangez Moi - Garden Restaurant 9 rue Blacas 04 93 87 54 71

Zen - Japanese -

27 rue d’Angleterre 04 93 82 41 20

Food served every day, 12pm - 11pm Corner fur Droite & rue Rossetti Tel: 04 93 80 43 22

Bistro Fromager - Fondue -

29 rue Benoit Bunico 04 93 13 07 83

11e Art - Contemporary -

11 rue Meyerbeer- 04 93 87 57 15

Cave Wilson - Wine Bar -

Darlington

16 rue Gubernatis - 04 93 85 33 10

The Darlington is a chic, relaxed and fun bistro restaurant, morphing French and world cuisine. The emphasis is on fresh flavours, creatively delivered, and finished with a smile.

Darlington - Modern Bistro 11 rue Dellile - 04 93 87 92 32

Les Jardins du Capitole - French 52 Prom. des Anglais 04 93 44 78 81

Le Choucas - Fondue -

3 rue Place Vielle 04 93 62 13 44

Darlington www.darlington-bistro.com

Open Mon - Sat lunch, Fri - Sat dinner 11 rue Delille, Nice Tel: 04 93 87 92 32

Chez Juliette - French 1 rue Rosetti - 04 93926847

Le Pain à Table - Bakery Restaurant 1 rue St. François de Paul 04 93 62 94 32

Delhi Darbar - Indian -

14 ru Abbaye 04 93 01 45 68

Adonis

Authentic Lebanese

frog fresh & natural

www.frog-restaurant.fr to read the reviews visit: w

Bellota House - Spanish -

Situated on the picturesque rue Saint François de Paule, Adonis is an authentic Lebanese restaurant that combines the sophistication of European cuisine with the excitement of eastern spices.

19 rue de la Prefecture 04 93 68 61 83

Le Virginie - Seafood -

Place August Blanqui 0493551007

Snug - Gastro Pub -

Corner rue Droite & rue Rossetti

Giuseppe & Peppimo - Café/Resto Place Garibaldi

Open lunch & dinner Mon - Sat 12 rue St François de Paule, Nice Tel: 04 93 62 30 88

La Pierre Bise - Pierrade Restaurant 5 rue Barillerie 0493 53 44 94

Le Tire Bouchon - French -

rue de la Prefecture 04 93 92 63 64

Frog

The cuisine at Frog is an impressive show of beauty colliding with texture. Think organic, fresh produce meets refined, comfortable dining. Throw in delicious cocktails and hand picked wines, and you have one of Nice’s most established and respected restaurants.

La Chaumiere - A-list Restaurant 384 bld de L’Observatoire 04 93 01 77 68

Adonis - Lebanese -

12 rue St Francois de Paule 04 93 62 35 02

Frog - Modern French -

65 rue Milton Robbins 04 93 85 85 65

Gloss - World Food -

16 rue Delile 04 93 81 71 87

Open Tues - Sun, 7pm - 12am 3 rue Milton Robbins, Nice Tel: 04 93 85 85 65

L’Ybane - Lebanese -

1 rue de la Liberté 04 93 16 26 26

ww.thatsnicemagazine.com 11

Caffé dell’ Arte - French Cours Saleya 04 93 62 30 37

The

Fashion Page

Time to Party!

Whether it’s Christmas dinner with the family or New Year’s Eve with friends, this month is all about festive fashion!

WORK PARTY

NEW YEAR’S EVE

“Sexy & Sophisticated.”

“Sparkle on NYE in vintage beeded tops matched with funky leather pants.”

Shirt 19€ (Zara) Skirt 30€ (Zara)

Top 110€ (Mademoiselle) Pants, 14€ (Jennifer) Shoes, 50€ (Guess)

ANY EXCUSE “Find any excuse to dress up in gorgeous 60’s cocktail dresses!”

CHRISTMAS

“Make a grand entrance this Christmas in retro, highwasted taffeta skirts and bold jewelry.”

COCKTAIL PARTY “The difference is in the detail.”

Dress 65€ (Mademoiselle) Model: Kelly McClain, Location: Kult, Benoit Bunico Nice.

Dress 80€ (Mademoiselle)

Skirt 50€ (Caprice), Shoes 39€ (Bershka), necklace 15€ (Accessoriwe)

Art & culture

FRANCISCAN MUSEUM, CHURCH AND MONASTERY OF CIMIEZ Open 10am to 12pm and 3pm to 6pm/closed Sundays MATISSE MUSEUM 164 Avenue des Arènes de Cimiez Open 10am to 6pm, closed on Tuesdays

Kupka, deux visions du cantique des cantiques Chagall Museum, Nice

MARC CHAGALL NATIONAL BIBILICAL MESSAGE MUSEUM Closed on Tuesdays Cost: 6.50 Euros www.musee-chagall.fr

This unique exhibition gives visitors a chance to see the Canticle of Canticles painted by Marc Chagall between 1955 and 1966 in perspective of another interpretation of the text by Franz Kupka, illustrated for a book betzeen 1905 and 193. There are also rarely seen Chagall prepatory drawings on show. Kupka’s work, meanwhile, shows his ties with the Vienna Secession, sometimes inspired by archaeological research in the Middle East.

ASIAN ARTS MUSEUM 405, Promenade des Anglais Arénas www.arts-asiatiques.com

Bronze Art Exhibition

Bourbon Gallery, St-Paul-de-Vence

60 Chefs-d’oeuvre de l’ecole Russe Malmaison, Cannes

As part of this year’s France-Russia celebrations an exhibition is being held at the Malmaison in Cannes, featuring Russian art with a focus on the nude. The collection is provided by a Russian couple living in Monaco, and is a wonderful expression of the marriage of both Russian and French cultures.

BookReviews

MUSEUM OF ART AND HISTORY (Palais Masséna) 35 Promenade des Anglais

MUSEUMS

A permanent exhibition of bronzes at this delightful, contemporary gallery in the heart of medieval St-Paul-de-Vence. There are pieces by Dardek who creates work using glass & bronze; Lother, who manages to soften the bronze and create figurative sculptures and realistic coloured fruit; Sergent with her emphasis on the feminine; and Pelissier’s delicate ‘dancing’ sculptures. Find them at 35 rue Grande.

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY AND MODERN ART (MAMAC) Promenade des Arts Open from 10am to 6pm/closed Mondays www.mamac-nice.org FINE ARTS MUSEUM 33, Avenue des Baumettes Open 10am to 6pm/closed Mondays VILLA ARSON 20, Avenue Stephen Liégeard, Closed Tuesdays www.villa-arson.org

Linda

It’s that time of year again - Christmas presents (did I hear a groan?). I don’t know about you but when I’m trailing around the shops looking for inspiration I come across loads of things that I’d like. Well, it’s the same with books so here’s a mixed Santa’s bag!... For the kids, this is my favourite: Winnie the Witch. And this time, Winnie and Wilbur blast off into outer space for an adventure with flying saucers, shooting stars and hungry extra-terrestrial rabbits illustrated by Korky Paul’s extraordinary imagination - magic! Another book that caught my attention is 10 Little Penguins, a pop-up counting book where children have to keep track of the penguins that keep disappearing from the ice floe. Meanwhile, Diary of a Wimpy Kid – The Ugly Truth is the biggest Wimpy Kid book so far for older readers. A number of publishers bring out old favourites (like films on TV), so there’s Babar, Rupert the Bear, Pippi Longstocking, The Wombles and, of course, Harry Potter: all seven books with new covers in a boxed set and the complete audio collection. Good old Ernest Hemingway was a man after my own heart when he said, “Wine is the most civilised thing in the world”. And John Varriano gives us Wine: A Cultural History, tracing wine’s role through civilisation as inspiration for poets and lovers, it’s role in religious ceremonies, and as medicine. Other safe bets are Paul Auster’s new book Sunset Park; Armistead Maupin is back with the latest book in the hilarious Tales of the City series, Mary Ann in Autumn. Bestselling author Joanna Trolloppe has a new book The Other Family; the much-maligned Catherine of Aragon gets another look by Giles Tremlett, no doubt a follow-on from Philippa Gregory’s books and the TV series on Henry VIII’s marital problems. Stephen Fry’s autobiographical Chronicles is a delight in book form or on cds. And, having started with wine, its seems only logical to tie up with food: Jamie and Nigella are the big sellers this (and every) Christmas. The Cat’s Whiskers Bookshop, 04 89 03 79 91 or 06 23 48 97 43, catswhiskersnice@aol.com

Maps of Nice

lp oz zo

la Bu ff a

R ue R

o y a le

R ue Da

R ue de

Me ye r

be e r

Rue

PUBS & BARS RESTAURANTS ACTIVITY PROVIDERS

Les Jardins du Capitole

RETAIL/CUSTOMER SERVICE TRAM LINE

Bains Douches

TOURISM OFFICE

MADEMOISELLE VINTAGE BUY & SELL Original French Designs

Clothes, Shoes & Accessories

Unique Pieces

Designer Brands

41 RUE DE FRANCE, NICE Tel: 06 88 54 22 20

Darlington

Checkpoint

Old Town

frog

fresh & natural

t in

rue Bonaparte

Lifestyle & Health How to survive the work Christmas party How you behave at a Christmas party will determine how your colleagues and superiors see you and distinguish you from the pack. Be confident, pace yourself and remember, above all, that the party is a business function. It should be a career building, not career destroying, experience!

1 2 3 4

Make sure that you turn up! Many of us dread the office party; after all we already spend around 40 hours a week with our work colleagues. But it looks good to be a team player. Check the dress code. Unless it’s fancy dress, don’t go crazy. Especially women, credibility can be lost through bad wardrobe choices and perhaps a little too much bra-show! Check who’s invited. Are partners allowed? Bringing people who are not expected can be very awkward, no matter how casual you think the party will be. Eat first. Unless it is a sit down meal, those little canapés are not going to soak up the champagne.

5 6 7 8 9

Know something about your boss - their hobbies, children, sport interests etc. Being able to make non-work related talk will impress and help avoid those awkward silences. Network. Use the opportunity to schmooze with the big guns and get on their good side – it’s an important part to growth in a company. Don’t spend all night talking to your friends, put yourself out there. This doesn’t mean, however, that you should talk work all night. Control the booze intake. There is nothing worse than waking up the day after a Christmas party and remembering you made out with the boss or the intern. Alcohol may loosen the nerves, but it’s best to throw in a few glasses of water. You don’t want to become the subject of office gossip! Say thank you. It is important to appreciate the party your work has put on for you. Prepare your escape. Have a good excuse ready in case the party is a flop, but avoid being the first to leave. Similarly, if you are drinking, make sure you have transport organised. Losing your license on your way home from the Christmas party doesn’t look good.

N e w Ye a r R e s o l u t i o n s , y o u c a n k e e p . . . Another year, another host of resolutions: give up smoking, exercise more, write a book. It’s all quite dull, which is why we rarely ever achieve them. So how about setting a New Year resolution you can keep:

joining a class isn’t cool, order a DVD online and get practising in your living room! Your girlfriends will definitely encourage you to keep this New Year’s resolution!

Eat More

Have better sex

A recent study presented in The Journal of Sexual Medicine found that men who practiced yoga performed better in bed. Meanwhile, it has been widely reported that women experience higher arousal and better orgasms because of yoga. After all, yoga techniques do have their origins in the Kama Sutra! The most recent study found that men who participated in a one-hour long yoga session each day for 12 weeks were 25% more satisfied, 21% more ‘in control’, and 11% more confident in their staying power. How does it work? Well, quite simply, yoga reduces stress and anxiety and tones pelvic muscles. There are some great English yoga classes in Nice, check them out at www.learnpoweryoga.com and www.anuttara.com. Guys, if you think

French Diabetes Drug Linked to Deaths

French Health Officials are advising people who used the diabetes and weight loss drug Mediator to see their doctor for possible heart valve problems.

Mediator – the brand name for benflourex has been used for 33 years in France to treat weight problems in diabetics. It was pulled off the market in 2009 and recent research suggests it may have caused the deaths of around 500 people. In September, European regulators pulled another diabetes drug, Avandia, off the market because of its alleged links to heart attacks. Servier, the drug maker, says heart valve problems naturally affect some 2.5 per cent of the population and Mediator should not be held solely responsible for the deaths in the study. It does, however, encourage former users to see their doctor. 16

… fresh ingredients. Think of your food in terms of colour, variety and freshness. Introduce change gradually, and focus on foods that you love with easy recipes that incorporate a few fresh ingredients, for example add a salad (full of different colour vegetables) to your diet once a day, or switch from using butter to olive oil when cooking. Make your shopping basket less plastic and pre-prepared and more raw and fresh. And ultimately, learn how to cook! What you eat can determine your risk of illnesses such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes, as well as defend against depression.

Study Something Esoteric

Expand your mind and have something interesting to talk about at the next dinner party. Study online whatever takes your fancy – psychic skills, paranormal studies, ancient religions, secret societies, ancient civilizations, energy medicine and more. Actually, it doesn’t have to be esoteric - just choose something you normally wouldn’t, that is interesting, fun and will help expand your mind!

Go to the Toilet More

Make the conscious decision to eat healthy carbs and fibre. Good carbs: whole grains, beans, fruit & vegetables. Bad carbs: white flour, refined sugar, white rice and pasta. Healthy carbs are digested slowly, make you feel full longer and keep blood sugar and insulin levels stable. They also clean out your colon helping to prevent a host of other illnesses!

Did you know?

The obesity epidemic in the United States has now extended to cats and dogs. Around 90 million pets – half of the nation’s companion animals – are tipping the scales at an unprecedented level. It’s costing a fortune in veterinary insurance, because obesity in pudgy pets leads to similar medical problems as in humans – arthritis, diabetes, kidney and heart disease and many forms of cancer. Efforts are now underway to teach the similarly over-fed owners to – suprisingly – avoid giving their pets fatty treats, exercise them regularly and control their calorie intake!

Recipe’s from the Riviera By Chef Tania Tanti

Trio Seafood Plate Serves 4 2 dozen cooked medium prawns, peeled 6 tbs mayonnaise 2 tsp tomato sauce 1 tsp crushed chilli (sambal oelek) 1 tsp tobasco sauce 1 tsp worcestershire sauce 1 cos lettuce 1 small pack smoked salmon 1/2 bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped 1/2 bunch fresh basil, finely chopped 16 oysters 1 lemon, cut into wedges 1/2 bunch fresh chives, chopped 1 small tub cream cheese

Method

First make the cocktail sauce for the prawns by combining the mayonnaise, tomato sauce, chilli, tobasco and worcestershire sauce and mix thoroughly. Finely shred the lettuce. Mix the sauce with the prawns and set aside in the fridge. To make the herbed cream cheese, combine the chopped herbs with the cream cheese and blend with a wooden spoon until mixed through. To assemble, on individual plates or a platter place prawn mixture on top of the lettuce in one corner of the plate, place the salmon topped with the herbed cream cheese in another corner, and place the fresh oysters in the middle and garnish with a lemon wedge.

Braised Pork Loin with Creamed Parsnip & Beans Serves 4 1 kg rolled and boned pork loin/shoulder 250g tin apricots & juice 5 clementines, peeled and separated 1 bunch fresh sage 10 shallots, peeled & left whole 1/2 cups white wine 1/2 cup chicken stock 3 bulbs garlic, peeled & whole 8 parsnips, peeled & chopped 1 tin borlotti beans, drained 4 tbs cream Salt & fresh black pepper 3 tbs butter 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped

MARKETS

Method

Pre-heat oven to 180 degrees celcius. Put the pork in a deep casserole dish with the fruit & juice, sage, garlic, shallots, wine and stock. Cook uncovered for 30 minutes, then cover with foil and cook for a further 45 minutes. When ready, let it rest for 5-10 minutes. While that’s cooking, boil the parsnip for about 30 minutes or until tender. In the last 5 minutes add the beans to warm. Drain and add the butter and seasoning. Mash to a smooth consistency, then whisk in the cream and parsley. Slice the pork into 1 cm pieces and place on top of the creamed parsnip, drizzle a little sauce from the pan, and serve!

NICE

CANNES

ST LAURENT DU-VAR

Provençal Market, Place Paul Roubaud Every day in the mornings

VALBONNE

Marché Forvillen (Provençal Market), market square Fortville, Suquet district Tues-Sun: 6am – 1 pm

Flower Market, Cours Saleya Tues & Thurs Fish Market, Place St François Tues-Sun, mornings Provençal Market, Cours Saleya Every morning except Monday

GRASSE

Provençal Market Libération Fruit & Vegetable Market, Avenue Wed: Place du Mail, Thu: Place St Fainéant, Malausséna Sat: Capitou. 7am - 1pm Tues - Sun, 7am - 1pm

MENTON

Antibes

Artisan Market, Cours Masséna Thu: 3pm, Fri: 6am-1pm, Sat: 4.30pm Provençal Market, Cours Masséna Sat-Sun: 6am – 1pm

CAGNES-SUR-MER

Fish Market, Port abri du Cros-de-Cagnes Tues-Sun: 7.30am – 1pm Cagnes-sur-Mer Market, Cité Marchande Tues-Sun: 7am – 1pm

Flower Market, Promenade des Flots Bleus Saturday

Local Market, Place Belmond Tues, Thur & Fri

VALLAURIS

Local Market, Place de l’Homme aux Moutons Tues-Sun

Menton Market Mon: Gare Routière & Port, Tues: Gare Routière, Sat: Prés du Port. 7am - 1pm

Fish Market, Old Port Every morning

MONACO

Local Market, Place de Grand Jardin Tues-Sun: mornings

Place d’Armes Market Ave St-Charles Market, every morning

SOPHIA ANITPOLIS

Market, Place Joseph Bermond Tues: 9am - 2pm

VENCE

FUSION In the Spotlight It’s that time of year again! From cheesy Christmas classics and glittery bows and ribbons galore, to decadently dressed fairies atop the tree! There’s no denying it; Christmas IS camp, allowing us, in turn, to be as camp as Christmas. Most gays are in their element at this time of year – after all, it includes shopping, interior decorating, dressing up, cooking and entertaining – an ensemble of festive frolics which is guaranteed to tempt even the straightest of straights into the world of whimsy. With your days filled with gift wrapping, decorating and entertaining, you’ll surely need something to help you unwind. So continue the festive cheer right through the cold December nights with these upcoming Christmas Play Dates:

December Play Dates KLUB

6 rue Halevy, Nice Saturday December 11th

Glam 6 rue Eugène, Nice

Sunday December 26th

Retro House & Pop by Lady Power

90 Mega Sound Sister Queen

Sunday December 5th

Rainbow Power Delice Dream

Featuring Guena LG DJ, offical remixer for Lady Gaga.

RESTAURANTS

La Pierre Bise 5 rue Barillerie Les Jardins du Capitole 52 Prom. des Anglaise Les Maori 15 rue Massena

SHOPPING

Vog 2 rue Mascoînat Urban System 1 rue Françis Gallo Way-In 4 rue de la Loge Un Monde à Part 12 rue Alexandre Mari

HAIR DRESSER

Impact Coiffeure 39 rue Droite & 8 rue Francis Gallo

Saturday December 4th

Karaoke

Mathieu Bouthier

Le Crazy 21 rue Droite Glam 6 rue Emmanuel La Civette 1 Cours Saleya Le Smarties 6 rue Defly Le Fard 25 Promenade des Anglais Le Klub 6 rue Halévy

Azur 4 quai Papacino Bains Douches (gay) 7 rue Gubernatis Du Château 17 rue Ponchettes

Friday December 3rd

Saturdays

45 Prom. des Anglais, Nice Friday December 3rd

BARS

SAUNA

House Master

HIGH

Gay Friendly Listings Nice

Le crazy

LE FARD

25 Prom. des Anglais, Nice Saturday 4th

Retro-Tech by DJ ARKITEK Sunday December 5th

Before Party for Rainbow Power

21 rue Droite, Nice Mondays

Pop Academy Karaoke Tuesdays

Mister Crazy Pizza Wednesdays

Diva Gay

Les Jardins Restaurant

du Capitole

7 rue Gubernatis, Nice Tel: 04 93 80 28 26 18

Men only

Place Massena Sun bus Station, Félix Faure

Open every day 7.30am - 12pm 52 Promenade des Anglais, Nice Tel: 04 93 44 78 81

Pub Guide Authentic Irish Bar/Restaurant Vieux Nice & Nice Port

Vieux Nice 2 rue Saint François de Paule Tel: +33 (0)4 93 80 23 87

Nice Port 5 Quai de Deux Emmanuel Tel: +33 (0)4 92 27 07 88

www.ma-nolans.com

Pub Quiz - Mon @ 8pm - Vieux Nice - Thurs @ 8pm - Nice Port Food served all day, Wifi, Terrace Happy hour 5pm-8pm NEW: Riviera Comedy Club @ the Port Live music most nights Jazz Sundays, Karaoke Fridays - Nice Port

International Bar & Restaurant

15 rue de la Prefecture, Nice www.waynes.fr

Blue Whales

Pub/Bar

Food served non-stop 12pm-11pm Live international bands from 10.30pm DJ until close - 2am Terrace, Wifi, Big Screen TV’S & Projector Happy hour 5pm-8pm NEW: Brunch everday, Acoustic 8-10 Sundays Tel: +33 (0)4 93 13 46 99

Late Night Music Bar Happy Hour 6.30pm-12am Pool table Big screen TV’s Live Music every night till late Open until 4.30am

1 rue Mascoinat, Vieux Nice

Check Point Irish Disco Pub 2 rue Desboutin, Nice open 4pm - 2.30am www.checkpointpub.com

Irish Disco Pub Monday: Ladies Night Tues & Thurs: Happy Hour all night Wednesday: 2euro shots Sunday: Cocktail night & Karaoke Happy Hour: 4pm-9pm Live music every Tues, Thur, Fri & Sat DJ, Wifi, Live sports

American Bar/Restaurant Live music Open-Air Cocktail Bar Terrace Open 7/7, service non-stop Wifi 8, place Charles Felix 06300 Nice Tel: +33 (0)4 93 80 00 50

Gastro Pub

Open everyday 12pm-12.30am Kitchen open until 11pm 4.50euro pints all day Happy Hour 8pm-10pm Fresh menus changed daily Corner of 22 rue Droite & 5 rue Rossetti Tel: 04 93 80 43 22

Where will you be when the clock strikes midnight? Snug

Celebrate the new year in style with a canapè evening at the Snug. The cost is 25 euros per person. For details and bookings, ask the friendly staff.

Blue Whales

Rock the night away at Blue Whales. There’s free entry all night!

Ma Nolan’s

Nice Port See in the new year at the port! For 10 euros, you receive a free glass of champagne and a night of Irish inspired rock bands and celebratory revelry. Free entry into Ma Nolan’s old town.

Wayne’s

Enjoy an atmospheric, 3-course menu for 49 euros in Wayne’s restaurant, bookings are essential. Then it’s a night of music madness, with a live acoustic set at 8pm, live band at 10.30pm, and a DJ till late! 10-euro entry (if not eating).

Checkpoint

If it’s a disco you’re after then join in the celebrations at Checkpoint. For 10 euros, you can dance the night away with 2 DJ’s!

Blast

Hit American bar Blast on the Cours Saleya for a special NYE package deal! Details at the bar.

Frog

Let this New Year’s Eve be a night of great food and gorgeous cocktails! And there’s no set menu or price! For details on how to reserve a place, visit our Food Guide.

Darlington

Want to escape the crowds but still feel the ambiance? Then join in the celebrations at the Darlington restaurant. But be quick - places are limited!

CINEMA RELEASES From the mind behind Shrek comes Megamind – an animated superhero comedy featuring an all-star voice line-up. Megamind (Will Ferrel) is sent to earth as his home planet is destroyed by a black hole. At the same time, another infant alien is sent from another planet, who eventually becomes the superhero named Metroman (Brad Pitt). When Megamind eventually manages to overcome his nemesis, he realises his life as a super villain has no meaning without a superhero to fight. Tighten (Jonah Hill) reluctantly takes on the role as hero, but soon realises being a villain is a much more fun. Also featuring the voices of Tina Fey, Ben Stiller, Tom McGrath, Justin Theroux and David Cross. Megamind is due for release on December the 15th.

DECEMBER 8

THE NEXT THREE DAYS

Unlikely comic hero Scott P

Life seems perfect for John Brennan (Russell Crowe) until his wife is charged for a murder she says she didn’t commit. After the final appeal is rejected, John decides his only option is to break his wife out of prison, despite the impossible odds and his own inexperience.

ilgrim (Michael Cera) likes the new girl in town, but to win her heart he has to defeat her seven evil ex-boyfriends. Based on the award-winning series of graphic novels by Canadian cartoonist Bryan DECEMBER 1 Lee O’Malley.

THE TOURIST

Life as we know it A classic romantic comedy putting two unlikely individuals together and forcing them to get along. After a disastrous first date, the only thing Holly (Katherine Heigl) and Eric (Josh Duhamel) have in common is their dislike for each other and their love for their goddaughter. But when they are forced to become parents to the orphaned girl, the pair must put their differences aside. DECEMBER 8

DECEMBER 22

Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp unite for The Tourist, a story about a man who heads to Europe to mend a broken heart. Enter Elise (Angelina Jolie), an extraordinary and flirtatious woman who unwittingly thrusts them both into a deadly game of cat and mouse. An action thriller set against the breathtaking backdrop of Paris and Venice. Released December 15.

LOVE

Little Fockers

& OTHER DRUGS

In the third instalment of this blockbuster series Laura Dern, Jessica Alba and Harvey Keitel join the returning all-star cast for a new chapter of comedy. This time Greg Focker (Ben Stiller), now father of 2 little focker’s, must prove that he is fully capable as the man of the house, as his in-laws and Pam’s lovelorn ex (Owen Wilson) descend for the twins’ birthday party.

Looking for a good love story? Then this is it. Maggie (Anne Hathaway) is an alluring free spirit and Jamie (Jake Gyllenhall) is the ultimate ladies man. Together they are taken on the rollercoaster ride that is a relationship, and find themselves under the influence of that ultimate drug: love.

DECEMBER 22

DECEMBER 29

The biggest selling Christmas No. 1 ever, Bob Geldof’s brainchild to raise money for famine in Ethiopia brought together some of the biggest selling British and Irish musicians of the time. The single outsold every other song on the chart put together, and raised $14 million for famine relief in Africa.

1818 Silent Night is performed for the first time at the Church of St. Nicholas in Oberndorf, Austria. 1923 Radio City Music Hall opens to the public in New York City’s Rockefeller Centre. 1967 The Monkees set a record by achieving four Number One albums in the same year. 1968 Led Zeppelin begins its first U.S. tour. 1973 Australian band AC/DC make a live debut appearing at Chequers Bar in Sydney. 1980 John Lennon is shot in front of his New York apartment after returning from a recording session with Yoko Ono. 1981 Epic Records releases Thriller, Michael Jackson’s first solo album in three years. 1995 The Guinness Book of World Records confirms that Ace of Base’s “The Sign” is the best-selling debut of all time, with 19 million copies sold.

Bohemiun Rhapsody

L i ve M u s i c G u i d e BLUE WHALES

The Music: Kyana - Blues & Soul Nadia Scaillet - Jazz Brigitte Dumas - Jazz Pete & Folks - Acoustic Pop Rock Sandrine Destifanis - Latin Jazz Whiskey Finger - Rock Aquarella - Rock Nulber 9 - Rock B Siders - Rock Karma - Rock Bronson V12 - Rock Running Birds - Rock Millionaire - Rock Kevin Joseph O’Hara - Acoustic Pop Rock Awake - Rock Breathe - Rock Fourplay - Pop Rock 222 - Pop Rock Tony - Acoustic Pop Spacecats - Pop Rock Paper Planes - Pop Rock Cabine 13 - Rock

01-04 ........ F Machine Sundays ..... Millionaire Mondays .... Whiskey Finger Tuesdays .... Aquarella 08-09 ........ Acid Rain 10-11 ........ Bronson V 12 15-18 ........ Reset 22 - 23 ...... Running Birds 29-31 ....... Cabine 13

MA NOLAN’S NICE PORT

Sat 04 ..... Sun 05 .... Sat 11 ..... Sun 12 .... Sat 18 ..... Sun 19..... Sat 25 ..... Sun 26 .... Fri 31 ......

WAYNE’S

CHECKPOINT Wed 01 .. Thu 02 ... 03-04 ..... Tue 07 .... 08-09 ..... 10-11 ..... Tue 14 ... Wed 15 .. Fri 17 ..... Tue 21 .... Wed 22... Sun 26 .... Tue 28 ....

Kyana Nadia Scaillet Kyana Markorie Martinez Kyana Nadia Scailet Kyana Sandrine Destifanis Band The Buccaneers & The Porters

01- 04 ..... Sun 05 .... 06-11 ...... Sun 12 .... 13-18 ...... Sun 19 .... 20-25 ...... Sun 26 .... 27 - 30 .... Sun 31 ....

Space Cats John 222 John Space Cats 222 John Didier Didier John Space Cats Space Cats John

Fourplay Pete & Folks + Fourplay Breathe Pete & Folks + Breathe Awake Pete & Folks + Awake Breathe Pete & Folks + Breathe Paper Planes Pete & Folks + Paper Planes

MA NOLAN’S VIEUX NICE Every Fri - Sun ... Kevin Joseph O’Hara

Live Sports FOOTBALL Fri 03 Sat 04 Sun 05 Mon 06 Tue 07 Wed 08 Sat 11 Sun 12 Wed 15 Thu 16 Sat 18

Lazio v Inter Milan Aberdeen v Celtic Blackpool v Manchester Utd AC Milan v Brescia West Bromwich v Newcastle United Sunderland v West Ham Utd Catania v Juventus Liverpool v Aston Villa Napoli v Palermo UEFA Champions League UEFA Champions League Newcastle United v Liverpool Genoa v Napoli Bologna v AC Milan Juventus v Lazio UEFA Europa League Liverpool v Utrect UEFA Europa League Liverpool v Fulham

CRICKET 01 – 19 Sri Lanka v West Indies 01 – 10 India v New Zealand 02 – 17 Australia v England

TENNIS 03 - 05 Serbia v France, Davis Cup Final

SWIMMING 24

15-19

Swimming World Championships

RUGBY UNION

Heineken Cup Fri 10 Glasgow v Toulouse Sat 11 Ulster v Bath USAP v Leicester Saracens v Racing Metro Castres v Edinburgh Northampton v Cardiff Sun 12 Munster v Ospreys Newport v Wasps Clermont Auvergne v Leinster London Irish v Toulon Fri 17 Racing Metro v Saracens Sat 18 Bath v Ulster Benetton Treviso v Llanelli Toulouse v Glasgow Ospreys v Munster Toulon v London Irish Leicester v Clermont Auvergne Sun 19 Wasps v Newport Cardiff v Northampton Leicester v USAP

GOLF 03-04 03-05 02-05 09-10 09-10

LPGA Tour Championship Nedbank Golf Challenge Chevron World Challenge Alfred Dunhill Championship Dubai Ladies Championship

BOXING Fri 26 Matthew Hatton v Roberto Belge

Games

New Year’s Eve Quiz

1. What does “auld lang syne” mean – ‘times gone by’, ‘for the future’, or ‘old gang sign’? 2. During fireworks shows, is it the amount of gunpowder, timing or arrangement of star pellets inside the shell, that determines the pattern of a firework explosion? 3. Which was the last place to celebrate the new millennium on January 1st 2000 – Antarctica, Russia or Hawaii? 4. What fruit do New Year’s revellers in Spain eat at the stroke of midnight? 5. Which of the following is not eaten to symbolise a financially prosperous new year – cabbage, lentils or pork? 6. Which country rings in the new year by burning effigies called Jack Straw – Czech Republic, Romania, Hungary? 7. Which country refers to New Year’s Eve as Hogmanay? 8. At Hogmanay, there is the “creaming of the well.” The person who drinks from the well will – find someone to marry, find money, find good luck? 9. Which ancient civilization was the first to celebrate the new year? 10. New Year is the oldest of holidays. How long has it been observed –

SUDOKU

Every row, column & square must contain the numbers 1 to 9. You may not duplicate numbers in any of these configerations. LEVEL: Medium

6 4

Can you find all of the words related to CHRISTMAS in the box? They may be horizontal, vertical or diagonal, forwards or backwards.

3 8 3

3 9

8 5

9 7

1 5 4

W O R D

7,000, 4,000 or 2,000 years? 11. Who is responsible for standardising January 1 as the beginning of the year – Julius Caesar, Nero, Jesus, or Augustus? 12. In the ancient Roman calendar, when did the new year begin? 13. What happens shortly before midnight on NYE in Japan – Buddhist temples ring their bells 108 times, wash their steps or light their candles? 14. Rosh Hashanah is the beginning of the new year for what religion? 15. In the US, the coming of the New Year is celebrated by the lowering of a gigantic crystal ball. Where does this event take place? 16. In ancient Egypt what event dictated the timing of new year celebrations – flooding of the Nile, solar eclipse, or exact alignment of stars with the great pyramid? 17. Thailand was the last country to adopt January 1 as the first of the year. It happened in 1879, 1901, 1941? 18. In which country do people who want to travel take a suitcase and carry it around the house on NYE – Venezuela, The Phillipines or Japan? 19. Under which calendar is New Year’s Day classified as January 1st? 20. New Year’s Eve celebrations in which city are usually shown onTV’s across the globe because it’s one of the first to be celebrated?

6 9

Spot the difference!

Can you find the 6 mistakes in the second picture?

ADVENT, BETHLEHEM, CANDLE, CHIMNEY, CHRISTMAS, CAKE, CARD, TREE, CRACKER, EGGNOG, FRANKINCENSE, HOLLY, JOSEPH, MARY, MISTLETOE, MYRRH, ORNAMENT, REINDEER, SANTA, SLEIGH, TINSEL, TURKEY, WREATH, XMAS, BELLS, ELF, JESUS, DECORATIONS, CHRISTIANITY, CHURCH, GIFTS, NATIVITY, MASS, SHEPHERDS, ANGELS, GOLD, EPIPHANY, CAROLS, STOCKINGS, HOLIDAY, SNOWMAN, LIGHTS, STAR, CHRIST, MANGER, TINSEL

Games answers page 26

S E A R C H

ARIES

HOROSCOPESDecember 2010 LIBRA

With such avant-garde energy in your chart right now, it seems appropriate to live a little more daringly. Be passionate about love and life, don’t fear your restless, demanding, theatrical side, but instead do something with it. This December, you’re experiencing a new sense of self. You’re realising that the theatre of life is in you. You can be the freedom-loving nomad, the eternal romantic, the escape artist, or the dreamer, and by taking on all or any of those roles you’ll find the kind of love you’re looking for.

TAURUS

Oh, oh! The little voice inside says, ‘hey, I must learn to ask for what I want, to establish boundaries, retain a sense of independence.’ And then another little voice questions and worries and fears, saying ‘but can I do it?’, ‘How strong am I?. Well, you know that you’ve picked partners in the past who end up disappointing you. And it’s hardly surprising because you’re a secret romantic. And when someone needs you, you think its love. But take care in the darkest days of winter that you really do know what and who you want.

GEMINI

You might well identify with a quality of life that is encapsulated in that old nursery rhyme ‘Row, row, row, your boat … gently down the stream, merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, life is but a dream’. Not because it necessarily fits your relationship world right now, more that it’s missing. Harsh reality clutters our hearts with its emotional bric-a-brac like an over-filled kitchen cupboard. This is an analogy for clinging to other people’s invested emotions in our life. However, this month, the dream that life is, will take you down the stream of boundless true love.

CANCER

Shall I go, or shall I stay? A question that might crop up a lot this December. It’s not that you don’t want to be with the one you’re with; you know if you gave them up you’d feel terrible. But you have itchy feet. Luckily the planets come to your rescue and put you in touch with individual power, both your own and that of others. So think of this as the power of your own inner self bursting into life and through the doors of love. Then see that the one you are with or the one you long for, is just who you need right now. LEO No one is crazy enough to sell their soul to the devil these days, but there is someone who’s demanding a high price to be number one. And it may feel as if you’re being asked to condone their behaviour. But how to tell them that no one can buy love? Saturn, known for realism, comes to your aid. In fact, thanks to Saturn’s influence, this rather self-centred admirer, or even lover, decides to head off to some exotic shore, and saves you the trouble of saying anything. Oh, and don’t feel obliged to go find them.

VIRGO

What is it that the partners in your life love about you? Your cooking? Your fine looks? Your ability to do three things at once? Well, they’re all much appreciated, but what they truly love is your enthusiasm and your ability to be thrilled rather than terrified when they come up with the latest scheme for mutual excitement. So why is it that your partner or lover isn’t enthusing about your schemes and getting excited about your suggestions to embark on a new adventure together? Some people just aren’t as ferociously determined as you are, but be patient.

This December’s planetary line-up is giving you the acumen to be allpowerful and super-organised. But stop and view things from your lover’s perspective. How does it look? Are you confident, self-assured, in control and going places? And now think how that makes your partner feel? A tad dispensable perhaps? It’s much easier to get someone to do what you want with warm, gentle persuasion, than by stirring up a storm and bullying them into submission.

SCORPIO Time to step out into the festive limelight and take your pick of the best when a rush of dates seems longer than a piece of string. If attached, your partner’s planning a New Year campaign to take on the world, or up for moving to a different part of it. And you, discontent with your lot, may be a little more eager than ever before to try something new. With the changing planetary energy, this is your opportunity to sort out those swings and roundabouts, delve into each other’s heart and intentions, and come out with a positive plan for the year ahead.

SAGITTARIUS We all have resolutions as we surge on towards the coming year. We are all wanting, hoping, dreaming or planning something. There’s a kind of belief that if we promise ourselves we’ll give up this or that, change our behaviour, love better, then we’ll be happier, brighter stars in the dull winter sky. Realistically, all the above is possible. And you can change those habits, and change a little piece of yourself, and then you truly live out your potential.

CAPRICORN This month’s planetary activity reminds you that many of us are in search of other’s approval to feel loved. But the truth is you have to love yourself first, treasure your individuality, nurture your autonomy, and free yourself from the chains of other people’s expectations. With a stunning line-up in your chart, you can open a new dialogue with the one you love, or if single, be hunted by true admirers. And with Venus’s influence, you can also start to negotiate and make the necessary moves towards living the kind of love life you want. Wrap up those presents if you must, but wrap someone in your arms and be loved for being you.

AQUARIUS

You can, and will have your way, and if you feel like experimenting with your partner, then be more honest and open about your sexual needs. With the sun’s influence this December, this is the beginning of a chance to revise your love script and make one more promise to you. Remember that love isn’t just romance and fairy-tales, it requires work and respect. Turning the life-changing corner now, you’ll discover that the most important part of any love relationship is about friendship and equality.

PISCES

Out there are some global pals, contacts, or even lovers. The ones you know only by their e-mail address or an internet chat site, all with similar plans for festive spirit, good will and bright intentions. But they seem to think of you as some kind of oracle. They expect you to know all the answers, or help them choose the best road to travel. Wisely inform them that the road they seek is known only to them. And follow that advice yourself too. No hangers-on, no freeloaders. Its time to be a bit more discriminating.

Sarah Bartlett

One of the U.K’s leading psychic astrologers & best selling author Private consultations available Tel: 06 24 60 65 50, sarahbartlett043@gmail.com, www.rivierapsychic.com

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