February 2011 by Thats Nice

s ’ at

NICE

FREE February 2011 No. 22

Features Nice Carnival 2011 Valentine’s Day Special Alpha Wolf Park Food Restaurant Guide & Recipes Entertainment Win 2 Tickets to the UK Festival! Music February’s Hottest Concerts www.thatsnicemagazine.com

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

Editor’s Welcome

Hi everybody! Welcome to the February edi-

tion of That’s Nice magazine. If you’ve got a case of the winter blues, then you are going to love what we have in store for you this month. It’s festival mania here on the French Riviera … there’s the Nice Carnival, Menton Citrus Festival, Antibes Chocolate, Bread and Love Festival, and the Games Festival in Cannes. Wherever you go this month, you’re going to be surrounded by happy, sugar-munching tourists and locals. So make sure you join at least one of these festivities! It’s also the month of love with Valentine’s Day on February 14th. Guys, you know it’s an overcommercialised day of clichés, but the truth is the chicks dig it, so why not surprise them with something truly unique this year? Our new writer Oliver Duncan has come up with a host of ideas to make the day memorable, no matter what your budget. So come on gentlemen, indulge us. And ladies, if he’s not reading this, leave it some place he will! If you’ve got some time left on your busy calendar, I strongly suggest a visit to the Alpha Wolf Park. What an amazing experience it is coming eye to eye with this beautiful creature. The drive to La Boréon offers spectacular views, and while you can visit the Alpha Park at any time of year, there’s something magical about the snow covered hilltops during winter. There are some fantastic art exhibitions this February, so if you are in need of a bit of culture then designate some time to one, or all, of our top three picks. Meanwhile, there’s a host of excellent films hitting the cinema, including TRON: Legacy, and Black Swan, featuring the recently rewarded Natalie Portman. The world of music also holds some exciting new releases: Pearl Jam fans will love the announcement of a new documentary box set!

THE TEAM Introducing the dedicated group of people that bring you That’s Nice magazine every month... Cassandra Tanti Director, Editor Journalist

Oliver Duncan Sub-Editor Writer

cassandratanti@gmail.com

Nicole Aspradakis Digital Artist

David Winch Photographer

Nico Timmermans Cinema Releases Music News

Tania Tanti Recipes from the Riviera

Tris Kayo Essential Guide

Stéphanie Ardimanni-Maria Fashion

Fiona Chan Health & Lifestyle

Sarah Bartlett Horoscopes

www.nikkismind.com

www.myspace.com/triskayo

feechan@gmail.com

www.cheftaniatanti.com

www.psychicriviera.com

Linda Pickering Book Reviews

Chef Tania Tanti brings us her last Recipes from the Riviera, as she heads back home to Australia to pursue her culinary career (we will miss her). But don’t fret, beginning in March, we will be showcasing recipes from a selection of the city’s best chefs. And don’t forget, you can find all of our recipes on the website: www.thatsnicemagazine.com! So you see, there’s plenty to entertain you this month! I hope you enjoy our suggestions and reviews, and if there is anything you would like to see included in That’s Nice magazine, send me an email at thatsnicemagazine@gmail.com. Enjoy, and see you next month!

Cassandra Tanti, Editor

Find “That’s Nice Magazine” on Facebook! www.thatsnicemagazine.com thatsnicemagazine@gmail.com

Join our Team! Want to write for Nice’s leading entertainment magazine? Want to get your photo’s published? Well, we’re looking for more contributors! Get your work published and gain great work experience in the process. We also need a sales team to lead us into the new year. Think you got what it takes? Email Cassandra at thatsnicemagazine@gmail.com! 3

Blue Whales Pub/Bar

Open until 4am - Happy Hour 6pm-12am - Live Music til late - Pool table

Go where the locals go ... Blue Whales. Find us on the map: 1 rue Mascoinat, Vieux Nice

New Spring Menu Coming March 1st

Food served every day, 12pm - 11pm Corner of rue Droite & rue Rossetti, tel: 04 93 80 43 22 www.snugandcellar.com

FEBRUARY 2011 N°22 This month:

06 NICE CARNIVAL 2011

If you think Carnival is not for you, then read this!

07 TRAVEL HOTSPOT

The Alpha Wolf Park in La Boréon gives you a rare opportunity to come eye to eye with this legendary animal.

08 FEATURE ARTICLE

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about boring dinners at stuffy, over-priced restaurants. Here’s a host of different ideas to make this year’s event a memorable one.

10 RESTAURANT REVIEWS

How does one of Nice’s best, and most expensive, Japanese restaurants stack up against the plethora of sushi restaurants springing up all over town? We also review Vin sur Vin, a nice suprise in the busy shopping district.

11 FOOD GUIDE

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

12 THE FASHION PAGE

Wanna woo that special someone this Valentine’s Day? Check out our Kiss me Quick fashion ideas!

13 ART & CULTURE, BOOK REVIEWS

Highlighting this month’s top 3 exhibitions, and some exciting February reads.

14 MAPS OF NICE

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

16 LIFESTYLE

Healthy hangover cures, busting the myth about the contraceptive pill, and urban tantra - go on, try it!

17 RECIPES FROM THE RIVIERA

Add some spice to your life this month with these delicious dishes. And you won’t be able to resist what’s for dessert!

18 RIVIERA EVENTS

Time to beat those winter blues and enjoy all the festivities on the French Riviera.

19 ESSENTIAL GUIDE

Local DJ Tris Kayo brings you February’s hottest concerts.

20 PUB GUIDE

A selection of the best bars in Nice.

22 CINEMA RELEASES

What’s hitting the big screen in France this month?

MUSIC NEWS

Bringing you the latest news from the world of international music.

24 LIVE MUSIC & LIVE SPORTS

There’s live music every night of the week in Nice. Who are you going to see? Plus, a guide to this month’s televised sporting events.

GAMES

HOROSCOPES

Take some time out with our Carnival quiz, sudoku, word puzzle and spot the difference. What do the stars have in store for you in February?

17 7 2 Free Tickets to the UK Festival in March! WIN

Scottish post-rock band Mogwai will be performing songs from its latest album at the UK Festival in Nice. What is the album called? Send your answer to concours@ukfestival.fr PUBLISHER: Cassandra Tanti, SARL Tanti cassandratanti@gmail.com, tel: 06 37 72 85 97 PRINTER: Petrilli Group International Print, Ventimiglia + 39 0184 352 483/4 Photo’s: fotolia.fr

5,000 copies of That’s Nice are circulated monthly at all leading tourism venues, hotels, bars, restaurants, retailers & holiday apartments. If you’d like the magazine delivered to your business, email the address above. All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced (including advertisements) without written consent of That’s Nice. That’s Nice accepts no responsibility for the contents of the advertisements or contributed articles in this magazine.That’s Nice is published by SARL Tanti ISSN: 2101-5368

Nice Carnival 2011

Carnival Calendar

Revive the Carnival Spirit!

Opening Festivities

8:30pm Friday 18th February, Prom. des Anglais

very year, thousands of people travel to Nice to experience Carnival … the biggest party on the winter calendar. Italians come en mass over the border, Nice Airport is occupied with families travelling in from throughout Europe, and Frenchies converge with their costumed-up children bearing countless cans of silly spray. Yet, for the people of my demographic (25-45 year old English-speaking people) the Nice Carnival appears to hold less charm. So, I figured that perhaps it’s time we revive the Carnival spirit and take advantage of everything this ancient festival represents.

Flower Parades

2.30pm: 19th, 23rd, 26th, 2nd, 5th

Carnival Parades

2.30pm: 20th, 22nd, 27th, 1st, 6th 9pm: 19th, 26th, 5th

Carnasocca (local brunch) 11am every Sunday

Winter Dip

First, a bit about the Carnival:

The Carnival theme this year is the Mediterranean Sea, hence the little orange octopus logo. Over 20 days the Mediterranean’s history, nature and astounding diversity will be explored. The Carnival will also have a guest of honour, Italy, in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the unification of the Kingdom of Italy. So we can expect even more visitors from our border country this year! Each parade will include groups from Italy and special events will be held in their honour. As well as being an ecologically sensitive carnival, this year’s event is also now politically correct, with the all-important Carnival King welcoming his Queen by his side as they make their grand entrance on the Promenade des Anglais.

Everything else that’s fun:

While we are not a particularly religious bunch nowadays, we can take advantage of the revelries. Carnival traditionally signals the last opportunity for indulgence and excess before the forty-day fast of Lent. For hundreds of years, people indulged in rich and fatty cuisine during this two-week period. So, why not put that calorie counter aside and start eating! Use this opportunity to indulge in rich French cuisine, particularly that which you have never tried before – raclette, fondue savoyarde, foie gras, duck confit, tartiflette, andouillette, French cheeses, crème caramel, macaroons, soufflé, and tarte tartin. Splash out and purchase a good bottle of French wine or champagne. After all, this is all about indulgence!

11.00am Sunday 20th February

Closing Night

Tuesday 8th March 8pm - Incineration of the King 10pm - Fireworks Coinciding with Carnasocca on February 20th is the Carnival Dip at Ruhl Plage, where decidedly daring (or dim-witted) folks take to the water for a winter dip in the Mediterranean. Grab some friends and head to the shore and see who is brave (or still intoxicated from the previous night) enough to hit the water first! The Carnival itself may be popular with families, but anyone with an interest in the arts will find the street parades fascinating. The giant papier mâché figures are created using ancient techniques, and some of the finest artists and costume makers are called in to bring them to life. The floats’ designs can vary from contemporary to downright bizarre, like a giant flying Obama superman or a planet-hugging frog. This year you can expect to see a gun-wielding, cigar smoking, Sicillian godfather octopus; a few interpretations of the tourist; the balls of Picasso; and a long-legged, big-headed blonde from Saint Tropez. The floats and big heads are only on public show during the parades, so why not fork out the 10€ entrance fee and see for yourself why this is considered one of the top carnivals in the world.

Carnival was also a time when all excesses were authorized by the church; when people could mock everything and everybody behind the safety of a mask. What a wonderful excuse to host a masquerade party! Masks can be purchased from a variety of stores throughout Nice, including Festival on rue du Lycée.

The Carnival ends in a spectacular show of flames and fireworks on March 9th. It seems quite a dishonourable end to the Carnival King, being incinerated just metres from where he made his almighty entrance. Even more impressive is the Château, illuminated by numerous flashing red and white lights, and strategically placed smoke machines, creating the illusion that Nice is under attack! And of course the fireworks are fun, no matter what your age.

Every Sunday throughout the Carnival at 11am, there is a local brunch called Carnasocca. There’s no entrance fee, just an abundance of this Nice speciality, made with chickpea flour and olive oil. It’s a unique opportunity to ‘tear bread’ with the locals and carnival crew.

The Nice Carnival is one of the largest, most respected festivals in the world. So why not take one, or all, aspects of this celebration and have some fun? You’ve got 20 days to be true to the Carnival spirit! By Cassandra Tanti

Alpha Wolf Park

Spend a day with the wolves in the snow covered mountain range of Le Boréon.

olves – they’ve been a part of legend since the dawn of time. Once the dominant mammal in Europe in the 18th century, wolves were subsequently exterminated throughout much of the territory just one hundred years later. Then, in 1992, they were re-introduced to the Mercantour. Today, the Alpha park gives us a rare opportunity to come eye to eye with an animal that both fascinates and frightens us in the same moment. Set in the breathtaking mountains of Le Boréon, the Alpha park covers 10 hectares within the magnificent Mercantour National Park. Cross-country skiers come to enjoy the snow covered terrain and a handful of maintained trails. Other adventurers travel here to experience horseback riding in the picturesque countryside. But the most unique expedition this environment affords is the wolf park. Aided by a map and a few signposts, visitors are left to wander through the open park at their will, visiting six different observation huts and three packs of wolves.

Once abundant throughout France and much of Europe, the wolf became extinct to the area in 1930. This had as much to do with the destruction of its habitat as it did with hunting. Then, sixty years later, the wolf crossed the border from Italy and started to re-establish itself in the French Alps, most notably the Mercantour National Park. It is now a protected species, and by 2008 there were 26 different packs identified in the western Alps.

The park is open all year, but it is particularly striking during the winter months. Trudging through two feet of snow and over slippery, icy paths, you feel more like an imposter in the wolves’ domain than a visitor to a zoo. Admittedly, there’s been an attempt to ‘touristify’ the park somewhat. Old cowsheds have been converted into sensory cinemas that poetically explain the relationship between man and wolf (quite honestly, it was 20 minutes I’d have rather spent with the wolves); and a barn filled with sculptures and old pine trees signalling the entrance to the park, again begging the question: “was that really necessary?” But what you come here for is the wolves, and in that respect, they certainly don’t disappoint. There are 18 wolves in the park, separated into three different enclosures – including four cubs that were born here. The others were brought in from parks in Italy, Denmark, Czechoslovakia and Lithuania. They’ve all been raised by human hand. If you time it right (around 2.30pm) you can watch as the caretakers feed the Boréon pack of two wolves in the first observation hut. From behind glass, you can see the animals pacing back and forth metres away in the pine forest. With much willing on your part, the wolves eventually approach, so cautiously and slowly that it makes you wonder if they really were raised in captivity. Eventually, you come eye to eye with the magnificent creature; it’s stare so mesmerizing it stays with you for days. Within a matter of minutes, a carcass is snatched and taken back to be consumed in the woods. It’s a brief, but memorable, encounter. Another feeding takes place at an open platform, beneath which the Pélago pack roams – an intimidating group of 10 wolves. Here, you can observe wolf pack behaviour - the alpha male, the unique body language, the haunting howl. They’re also out in the open for much longer. The fact that they’ve been hand raised allows and encourages them to exhibit their full range of behaviour in front of humans. Wild wolves are generally less accommodating, they tend to run away once aware of human presence. You will see that the wolves’ appearance and behaviour is not that dissimilar to domestic dogs, which makes sense considering they are the exclusive ancestral species to dogs. Still, there is no denying that this is a wild animal, one to be revered, and feared.

For disgruntled farmers, who have maintained traditional farming practices in the absence of wolves, there is now compensation for sheep losses, prevention tools and other assistance. There is also a plan for the natural expansion of the wolf beyond the Alps. Mountain lovers need not fear, however. Despite common belief, the risk of a wolf attack on humans is extremely low, in particular because rabies is no longer present in France. They are more likely to run away from humans, than advance. Though wolves do become aggressive if they are starving or protecting their young. It takes about 2.5 hours to complete the Alpha park tour. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and warm clothing, as you are out in the elements the whole time. The Alpha park is open every weekend in February, and the whole last week of February. Check the opening hours on the Internet for other months of the year. Getting there: The car journey takes about 1 hour 15 minutes from Nice. Take the D6202 exit from Nice and head towards Digne. As you come out of the village Plan du Var, turn right onto RD2265 to Vallée de la Vésubie. You will go through a number of villages, the last being Saint Martin Vésubie. Alpha is located in Le Boréon and the park is well sign posted from here. By Cassandra Tanti

Valentine’s Day on the Riviera You’re in one of the most magical places in Europe, and it’s Valentines Day. What a great excuse to delve into the clichéd world of romance. From spicy dance venues to intimate spa hotels, we’ve got a host of ideas to help you make this Valentine’s Day truly memorable. By Oliver Duncan

As with many things in our beautiful region, outstanding experiences are accessible to the tightest of budgets, while those feeling extravagant will easily find ways in which to indulge. We have suggestions for delightful, romantic experiences, catering to both the frugal and the frivolous, and everyone in between, whilst keeping in mind the flavour and the fragrance of the French Riviera.

Outdoors

Le Massif du Tanneron, a range of hills 15km north of Cannes, offers lovers the chance to share an exceptional Riviera experience - a walk through mile upon mile of brilliant yellow mimosa flowers in full bloom, just in time for Valentine’s Day. The Circuit du Grand Duc is a clearly defined trekking route, and is the ideal way to enjoy this rare sight. The walk offers incredible views from the heights of the Tanneron, taking in endless fields of mimosa, the Lerins islands out to sea, the bay of Cannes, and the red-tinged volcanic Esterel Mountains. On a warm day, the minuscule flowers fill the air with a delightful fragrance. From Mandelieu, take the D92 road, and park in the Grand Duc car park. Full details of the route available at www.randoxygène.org, yet any visit to the area will offer great views at this time of year.

Aphrodisiacs

Antibes is traditionally celebrated as a romantic idyll for lovers. With small intimate streets, its secluded location, the ramparts and castle, it is easy to see why. This February, the town welcomes the annual Bread, Love and Chocolate festival from the 11th to the 13th, with free chocolate and pastry tastings from some of the region’s best culinary artisans, all based on the theme of love. Entry is free, and tastings are held in the afternoon. Considering chocolate is a powerful aphrodisiac, you can

sweet Antibes also head to the confectioners Aux Chocolats du Vieil Antibes (6 rue Thuret) - celebrated for its excellent produce - and enjoy the generous tastings on offer before choosing your favourites. Couples seeking a drink in an intimate and peaceful setting should head to rue du Migrainier, just off the Place National, where the aptly named Café Cosy awaits. This snug little venue has delicious drinks, most notably cocktails, and a warm atmosphere away from the busier bars near the port.

Dining

For the all-important dinner, Nice offers an incredible choice of restaurants. Here are a few suggestions for your romantic evening:

Le Rubis at 36 Boulevard Risso offers an exceptionally intimate atmosphere and quality cuisine. Les Pecheurs is an excellent seafood restaurant on the Quai des Docks by Nice harbour. With outstanding food, understated yet elegant décor, and a prime location overlooking the harbour and the castle, this is an obvious choice for a stylish yet informal meal. The port is beautiful by night, offering the chance for a picturesque stroll afterwards. Le Tire Bouchon on rue de la Prefecture, with its red décor, makes for a truly romantic setting. Le Grand Balcon on rue Saint-François de Paule is a beautiful restaurant with gastronomic delights. If you’re looking for new taste sensations in a sophisticated environment, you can’t go past Aphrodite on 10 bld Dubouchage. And finally the most luxurious wine bar in town has to be Cave de l’Origine on 3 rue Dalpozzo. Impeccable service, delectable wine and a memorable meal are to be had here. “Calling ten different restaurants at 6 o’clock on Valentine’s Day doesn’t set the right mood for a romantic evening.” Remember that it is absolutely essential to book your restaurant in good time to avoid disappointment. Calling ten different restaurants at 6 o’clock on Valentine’s Day doesn’t set the right mood for a romantic evening.

cabaret in monte carlo

Music

Music plays a central role in seduction, so if you are looking for a passionate and exciting evening with your partner, you could head to Le Bodeguita on 14 rue Chauvain. This is a restaurant, lounge bar, and live music venue well known to Salsa enthusiasts. Le Bodeguita is full of character, and let’s you can dance the night away or simply relax in the lounge bar with a cocktail. If you are looking for a more elegant musical experience, then head to the breath-taking Château Grimaldi in Cagnes-sur-Mer on Saturday, 12th of February at 8pm. The operatic troupe “Great Voices of Tomorrow” is performing a special Valentine’s Day medley of the great operatic love scenes from various arias. This promises to be an outstanding event in a truly remarkable venue. Sitting atop the Hautde-Cagnes, the castle boasts beautiful views of the coast. Note that this is the medieval hilltop village a few kilometres inland, not the coastal resort. Reservations on 0877 630 746. The refined surroundings of the Monte Carlo Cabaret are home to the surprisingly steamy musical show Spice. Billed as sexy but chic, the show is an exploration of the art of seduction and sensuality. Not for the faint hearted, but not vulgar either (this is Monte Carlo after all), the show will certainly raise the temperature and put you in the mood for love. Entry is 50€ and includes a drink. After the show, the Casino de Monte Carlo, just next door to the Cabaret, offers a supremely elegant venue to continue your evening. But as the French proverb warns, “Lucky in cards, unlucky in love”, so try not to catch too many cards if you want your Valentine’s Day to be a success.

Luxury

If you are looking to really impress, stay at the extravagant Cap Estel Hotel. Certainly not for those on a budget, this secluded, luxury “private mansion” and spa is perched along the breath-taking coastline of Eze. With sumptuous gardens, a sublime restaurant, and a tranquil spa, this most indulgent of retreats makes for an unforgettable lovers’ weekend. Some rooms literally overhang the private beach below.

INTERVIEW/ 3RD ARTICLE

luxury spa getaways The area around Eze is itself truly spectacular, with mountains rising steeply from the coast allowing for the most incredible vertiginous views. Eze village is legendary, and a walk around its medieval streets is hard to beat for romance and a sense of escape. February is a great time to enjoy the spectacular scenery without the crowds that flood here in the warmer months. For an authentic meal in a genuinely welcoming and intimate atmosphere, head to the Taverne d’Antan at 6 rue Plane. Great food without the exorbitant prices of other Eze venues, this is a highly recommended address. But space is at a premium so book early. If you simply must dine with the magnificent panorama and don’t mind paying for the privilege, then Le Château Eza restaurant is a happy compromise that guarantees great food and service. “Supremely tranquil and relaxing, Le Mas Candille let’s you enjoy your partner’s company undisturbed by the realities of everyday life.” Another excellent choice for a short break is the luxurious yet relaxed Le Mas Candille, a spa hotel just outside the beautiful village of Mougins. Set in 40,000m² of parkland, the hotel offers wonderful views, world-class spa services, and a fantastic restaurant. Supremely tranquil and relaxing, Le Mas Candille let’s you enjoy your partner’s company undisturbed by the realities of everyday life. Near the hotel lies the gem that is Mougins, offering an intimate setting for no charge at all. The old town is a romantic spot if ever there was one, with delightful architecture, narrow winding streets, and wonderful views thanks to its hilltop location. Celebrated and visited by artists and celebrities for decades, Mougins is renowned as an artistic and gastronomic hub. Restaurant Le Moulin de Mougins offers an elegant setting for a gastronomic meal, with art of all types dotted throughout the property and the gardens. This famous venue is full of character and is ideal for a stylish yet unpretentious evening. Le Moulin de Mougins is owned by Roger Verge, a chef and writer who has made food

INTERVIEW/ 3RD ARTICLE

gifts from the region

glorious food

from this part of France so famous around the world. The restaurant is very pricey and it is essential to book well in advance. A less expensive option is Mr Verge’s other restaurant, L’Amandier.

Gifts

Gifts are an important part of Valentine’s Day, and combining traditional romance with local flavour is a great way to add some originality and authenticity to the classic romantic offerings. Chocolates are almost de rigueur, and the Florian chocolate shop on Nice harbour offers a nice selection of produce with a local feel. Florian also has its main workshop in the picturesque setting of Le Pont du Loup, just 30 minutes from Nice. Here, you can test and buy gifts, take a guided tour of the workshops, and visit the mountains and the nearby perched village of Gourdon with its beautiful views over the countryside and coast. Instead of a simple box of chocolates, you can add style and local colour by giving your loved one crystallised flowers (sugared rose petals) - an authentic regional speciality. Le Bistrot des Fleurs, at Florian, also offers unusual dishes involving a mixture of savoury ingredients and flowers.

Don’t forget your Star-Ski’s! a pair

Flowers are also of the essence at the Fragonard perfumery in Grasse, the worldfamous centre of perfume making. Here you will find the Fragonard original workshop, including a museum, and a modern flower-processing site. Perfume boutiques are also to be found in St-Paul-de-Vence and Eze, where you can purchase gifts such as Orange Blossom essence and the perfume Billet Doux, or Love Note. These are just some suggestions for ways to spend this Valentine’s weekend, but the greatest proof of love is to be attentive to the other’s wishes. If you care about your partner, or indeed anyone in your life, then you will know best what they like. So indulge them, and do what makes them happy.

MARCH 27-30 JUNE 5-8

Restaurant Reviews Kamogawa

With a passion for sushi and all things tempura, I thought it was time to try one of Nice’s most respected Japanese restaurants, Kamogawa. Boasting a reputation for authenticity, quality, friendliness and, well, price … Kamagawa is the first choice for many seeking this simple, yet specialised cuisine. So how did it stack up against the other, less expensive sushi restaurants popping up all over the city? Well, let’s just say you don’t go to the Italian border for Prada now, do you? Kamogawa is a cosy, unpretentious restaurant in the Musicians’ district, full of Japanese businessmen and people dressed in black. Unlike other Japanese restaurants in Nice that treat food as a prop in a steaming theatrical production (as much as I love Tepanyaki), Kamagawa focuses your attention squarely on what’s on the plate. And what’s there – fluffy light tempura, melt-in-your mouth sashimi, tasty grilled fish – is indeed very satisfying. The highpoint of the meal is always the sushi and sashimi, and the master here delivers up well-sourced, nice-sized morsels. 18 rue de la Buffa, Nice

Kamogawa is not your average ‘let’s go out for dinner on a whim’ venue, unless you’ve got some cash to burn. Tel: 04.93.88.75.88 You can easily spend 50€ a head at this restaurant. If you’d like to enjoy the Kamagawa experience however, I suggest a trip here for lunch. For 15€-16€, you can have a 4-course meal including amuse-bouche (pickled vegetable salad), delicious miso soup, a choice of grilled fish, beef or a sushi, niguiri & sashimi plate, dessert and green tea. You pretty much roll out of here after that. For 28€, you can add tempura, yakitori (chicken skewers), tsukune (meatball) and rice to the list. The restaurant has about one staff member for every two customers, which is impressive but a little puzzling given the size of this place. Nonetheless, the friendly ladies briskly ferry dishes to and from the kitchen, ensuring your tabletop is never, ever barren. Sushi is undoubtedly a crowded genre in Nice, and you may question why you would pay such high prices for uncooked food (and rightly so). But Kamogawa does serve up superbly fresh, quality cuisine. And, save for those adorable French/Japanese accents, this is one of the few sushi restaurants in Nice that does make you feel like you’re on the other side of the equator.

Vin sur Vin

Vin sur Vin is a popular gourmet bistro, where creative cooking is combined with carefully selected wines. The vibe is spirited and the cuisine a cut above what you’d expect from this line of restaurants in the busy shopping district. The dining rooms downstairs and up eschew the classic bistro tones of darkened wood and red walls. Menus written on wine bottles denote the obvious undertones of Vin sur Vin, while the large ‘specials’ chalk board signals the kitchen’s preference for seasonal, market-fresh produce. The wine list plumbs unfamiliar regions for little-known gems, while the food menu is interesting and lively. Lamb is rolled and served confit, delivered with a clementine ‘ratatouille’ and a meaty jus. The steak, albeit on the small side, comes with a delicate creamy potato mash, mimicking polenta. The tiramisu is large enough to share, and is rich in cream and liquor, as it should be. The bill at the end of lunch comes to 70€ for two mains, a 50cl bottle of wine, a dessert and two coffees. It’s a bit pricey for lunch but not particularly extraordinary for dinner. Sip-and-graze enthusiasts will enjoy the quality charcuterie and cheese plates (14€) to be consumed with wines by the glass. The boutique also offers tastings and the sale of around 300 different wines. 9 rue Chauvain, Nice.

93 13English-speakers 45 12 The service at Vin sur Vin is enthusiastic and professional, with a few04eager lightening the mood. This is a real neighbourhood bistro with enough class to warrant higher-end prices, but an attitude that is decidedly casual. A recommended stop at any time of day.

18 bis rue Biscarra Tel: 04 93 92 93 20

Editor’s Note: Our restaurant reviews are not paid for. The restaurants do not know they are being reviewed so we can give an honest assessment without bias. I hope you enjoy my recommendations as much as I enjoy discovering them! Cassandra Tanti

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

Snug & Cellar

Nice’s only Gastronomic Pub

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

www.snugandcellar.com

Cave de l’Origine - Wine Bar 3 rue Dalpozzo - 04 83 50 09 60

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

Caffé Bianco - Modern French 9 rue Chauvain 04 93 13 45 12

Zen - Japanese -

27 rue d’Angleterre 04 93 82 41 20

Bistro Fromager - Fondue -

29 rue Benoit Bunico 04 93 13 07 83

11e Art - Contemporary -

11 rue Meyerbeer- 04 93 87 57 15

Darlington 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.

Cave Wilson - Wine Bar -

16 rue Gubernatis - 04 93 85 33 10

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 -

Adonis

Authentic Lebanese

frog fresh & natural

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

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.

14 ru Abbaye 04 93 01 45 68

Bellota House - Spanish -

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

Place Garibaldi

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

Le Tire Bouchon - French -

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

ww.thatsnicemagazine.com

rue de la Prefecture 04 93 92 63 64

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

L’Ybane - Lebanese -

1 rue de la Liberté 04 93 16 26 26

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

Fashion

The

Page

Kiss me Quick...

Vixen

Valentine’s Day Fashion

Vintage red leather jacket: 180€ Mademoiselle Black dress: 120€ (sale price), Maje

Classy Playful Combination Shorts: 145€ (sale price), Milton Rose Leather jacket: 145€ (sale price), Milton Rose

Dress: 80€, Mademoiselle Belt: 60€, Mademoiselle

Full-piece trouser combination: 130€ (sale price), Milton Rose Jacket: 139€ (sale price), Milton Rose

Don’t forget, sales end February 15th!

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

Infernal Machines, Jean Cocteau Jean Cocteau Museum, Menton

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

Jean Cocteau was a French poet, novelist, dramatist, designer, boxing manager, playwright, artist and filmmaker. This exhibition presents some 60 works including his drawings, illustrated books, photographs, ceramics and tapestries. One section unveils the primordial importance of the theatre in Jean Cocteau’s works, still little known to the general public. Entry is 3€, closed on Tuesdays.

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

Painters of the Transatlantic

Chapelle Saint Elme, Villefranche-sur-Mer

Musée International d’Art Naïf Anatole Jakovsky Museum of Modern Art, Nice

MAMAC is hosting three exhibitions devoted to young artists of different origins: Paris, New York and Berlin. Ganivet has developed an artistic practice of the absurd and ephemeral, turning raw materials and objects of everyday life into works of art. Sarah Sze’s sculptures are a conglomeration of small-scale household items that respond to and infiltrate the surrounding architecture. And Assan Smati’s work exudes technicality while remaining sensitive and poetic, and includes drawings, paintings, sculptures and writing.

BookReviews

MUSEUMS

Organised by the Association French Lines, this unique exhibition brings together a host of maritime paintings, photographs and furniture from the past century. Displayed in the charming Saint Elme church, this exhibition is free to the public.

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

I have to admit that the choice of books was difficult this month. There were just too many attracting my attention and I was somewhat doubtful that my request for a double page would be accepted. There was no other way out than to make that choice – so I plumped for adventure, heroes and escapism to exotic destinations. One often needs a bit of escapism in February.

Linda

In Shackleton’s Footsteps by Henry Worsley

Shackleton is one of the figures of the heroic age of Antarctic exploration when expeditions were feats of endurance, when men went to physical and mental limits and sometimes well beyond. In this book, Henry Worsley tells how he and a team that included descendants of that original party retraced the steps of Shackleton who, in 1908, set out to reach the South Pole. Just 97 miles from his destination, Shackleton turned back. In Shackleton’s Footsteps is a unique story of adventure, pioneering spirit, settling old family business and man’s triumph over nature.

To a Mountain in Tibet by Colin Thubron

Colin Thubron is a travel writer who needs no introduction. He has joined pilgrims on an arduous trek from Nepal, through the high passes of Tibet, to the magical lakes beneath the slopes of Kailas - a mountain that has never been climbed. This haunting and beautiful travel book links Colin Thubron’s sympathetic intuition with the force and poetry of his descriptive writing. He talks to secluded villagers and to monks in their decaying monasteries; he tells the stories of exiles and of eccentric explorers from the West.

Double Comfort Safari Club by Alexander McCall Smith

Botswana’s Okavango Delta is the setting for this new novel - a paradise teeming with wildlife, majestic grasslands and sparkling water. However, it is also home to rival safari operators, fearsome crocodiles and disgruntled hippopotamuses. Precious Ramotswe knows that with patience, kindness and tolerance every problem can be solved, bringing her delicate mission to an end. As always, this is a lesson in humanity.

Can we save the Tiger? by Martin Jenkins

This is a visually stunning and informative picture book about the world’s endangered animals, the threats which mankind has created, and the need to prevent their extinction. Yet again, another lesson that adults would do well to learn.

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 RETAIL/CUSTOMER SERVICE TRAM LINE

Darlington

TOURISM OFFICE

MADEMOISELLE VINTAGE BUY & SELL Original French Designs

Unique Pieces

Clothes, Shoes & Accessories

Designer Brands

41 RUE DE FRANCE, NICE Tel: 06 88 54 22 20 14

Checkpoint

frog

fresh & natural

Old Town

t in

rue Bonaparte

Lifestyle & Health Healthy Hangover Cure

Urban Tantra “Tantra is not, as many people believe, beyond the reach of ordinary people. “ Tantra is an ancient Eastern science of spiritual enlightenment (born in India around 5,000 B.C.) that sees sexuality as a doorway to ecstasy and enlightenment. However, tantric methods are very ritualistic and often require time, tranquility and a setting in nature. All of which we have little of in the modern 21st century. So what can we do? I suggest urban tantra. This is modern day tantra, which can be learnt and practiced in the time that you actually have. It still requires breathing, meditation and touch, but you don’t have to wait for your “free” 5 hours to practice it, all you need is 20 minutes.

While we are quick to reach for the painkillers when suffering from a hangover, a much healthier cure can be found in essential oils. All you need is a handful of these little bottles filled with nature’s medicine, and you may find it helps a whole lot more than what’s in your medicine cabinet! Shopping list: juniper berry, bergamot, peppermint, basil, lavender, lemon and rose. 1. Combine juniper berry and bergamot in equal proportions and add this to a bathtub of warm water. Soak in the water with your eyes closed for at least 15 minutes and inhale the vapours deeply. This will help get rid of a bad hangover. 2. Mix a few drops each of basil, lavender, peppermint and lemon in equal parts. Pour a few drops of this blend on a tissue and inhale for about 10 minutes. Basil helps to ease irritability, peppermint fights tiredness and lavender calms the nerves and eases headaches. 3. Add a few drops of rose to a vegetable oil such as sunflower oil and rub it into the temples. This soothes headaches. Remember to always mix essential oils with water or oil before using. As you only use a few drops, your essential oils will last a long time, so it’s worth the initial investment!

Busting the Pill Myth For year’s, there’s been a common belief among women that taking the birth control pill leads to weight gain. But, according to new research, that’s a complete myth. A recent study, conducted by the Oregan Health & Science University and to be released in the journal Human Reproduction next month, suggests that oral contraceptives have nothing to do with expanding waist lines, and can in fact lead to weight loss in obese cases. For their study, the team looked at a group of normal weight and obese rhesus macaque monkeys – whose reproductive systems are almost

“The obese group actually lost weight and body fat.” identical to that of humans. Monitoring weight, food intake, body fat, activity level and lean muscle mass, the researchers found that the normal group retained a stable weight, while the obese group actually lost 8.5 per cent of their weight and 12 per cent of their body fat. Birth control pills are used by more than 100 million women worldwide and are more than 99 per cent effective if taken correctly. Concern over weight gain is one of the main reasons women avoid or discontinue the pill.

If you think of sex as an art, and becoming accomplished in any art takes regular practice, then practice the following daily and call it your 20 minute urban tantric quickies.

Set the stage: Make a space sacred with lights, music, costumes,

and props (massage oil, feathers, food, ice). Ensure the area is clean of clutter and dirt.

Get present: Empty the day’s physical and mental gunk (bathe,

scream into a pillow) and chill out. Come to the present moment and with a quiet mind focus gently on what’s going on with you and your lover.

Connect: Sit opposite each other and gaze into each other’s left

eye (considered the gateway to the soul), put your right hand, palm down, onto your partner’s upturned left hand. Put your left hand, palm up, under your partner’s downturned right hand. Let your energies flow. Sit for 5 minutes and breathe together.

Leg Wrap: One partner sits in an easy cross-legged posture and the other sits in their lap, with legs wrapped around their waist and soles of feet touching. Both partners place their right hand at the back of their partner’s neck and their left hand on their partner’s tailbone. Allow the sexual energy to move up from the genitals and add some kegels (see January article). Allow the energy to circulate up to the top of your head and down back to your genitals. Breath together for 5 minutes and let the energy build. Make Love: Need I say more? After Sex Hold: Lie on your backs next to each other with your heads in opposite directions. Your partner should be on your right side. Bend your right leg and place your right foot on your partner’s heart. Stretch your left leg out along your partner’s right side. Place your right hand on your partner’s left foot. Breath together. Now remember to have fun and keep it sexy! By Fiona Chan If you have a sexy topic you wish me to write about feel free to send your requests to feechan@gmail.com

Did you know? Have you tried to quit smoking, only to fail … again? Don’t give up. Research shows that people normally try seven to twelve times before successfully kicking the habit!

Recipes from the Riviera By Chef Tania Tanti

entrée

COCONUT SPICED SWEET POTATO ON A BED OF COUSCOUS

Serves 4 600g sweet potato, peeled & cut into bite size pieces 1 small cinnamon stick 2 large red chillies, deseeded & finely sliced Zest of 1 orange, finely grated ½ tsp ground nutmeg 400ml coconut milk Cooked, buttered couscous Fresh coriander Smoked paprika

main

Method Put the sweet potato, cinnamon, chillies, orange zest, nutmeg and coconut milk in a large saucepan with 250ml of water. Bring to the boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 30 minutes or until the sweet potato is soft and cooked through. Serve on a bed of couscous and garnish with coriander and a sprinkle of paprika.

“If you like, you can add cooked meat to this dish and make it a hearty main meal.”

WHITE FISH IN A SAFFRON BROTH Serves 4 10g butter 1 large pinch of saffron threads 1 onion, finely diced 2 large cloves of garlic, diced 1 tsp finely grated fresh ginger 6 ripe roma tomatoes, diced 2 tbs tomato paste 4 spring onions, sliced 8 x approx. 115g pieces of firm white, sustainable fish Salt Fresh coriander

“This is a simple and elegant dish with the exotic flavour of saffron.” DESSERT

Method Put the butter, saffron, garlic, onion and ginger into a large deep frying pan and cook on a medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Add 500ml of water, the tin of tomatoes, tomato paste and salt to taste. Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. Add the spring onions and fish pieces into the broth and cook, covered for 7 to 8 minutes. Finish with the fresh coriander and serve.

Deep Fried Ice Cream with chocolate sauce Serves 4 Vanilla ice cream 250g biscuits 2 eggs 1 tbs milk Oil for deep frying 250ml cream 200g chocolate, chopped into small pieces

“A retro dessert that is deceptively easy to make and worthy of a resurgence!” Method Firstly, crush the biscuits to fine crumbs and put them in a shallow bowl. Then, working quickly, scoop the ice cream into 8 balls (use your hands if you have to) and coat each with a layer of biscuit crumbs. Place on a tray and freeze for about an hour. Lightly beat the eggs and milk in a bowl, remove the balls from the freezer, and again working quickly, dip each ball into the egg mixture followed by the biscuit crumbs. Return them to the freezer for another hour. Put the chocolate in a mixing bowl. Bring the cream to the boil and pour it over the chocolate, then whisk until the chocolate has melted and is smooth. Fill a large pot with enough oil to cover the height of the balls. The oil should be hot enough that a biscuit crumb sizzles straight away. In 2-3 batches, fry the balls until golden. Remove carefully, drain lightly on a paper towel and serve on top of the chocolate sauce. 17

RIVIERA EVENTS February 2011

4th – 20th February

15th – 17th February

Nice

Cirque de Venise Named in recognition of its Italian ancestors, the Circus of Venice offers a two-hour show filled with traditional circus entertainment including clowns, acrobatics and animals. It will be held on the Esplanade Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny, just off the D2202.

4th & 6th February

Classical Concert, Bach Nice

The Ensemble Baroque de Nice perform J.S. Bach at the SaintSuaire church at 8.30pm on the 4th, and 4.30pm on the 6th. Located at Place Charles Félix in Vieux Nice.

5th & 19th February

Football Nice

Nice take on Sochaux at the Stadium du Ray, followed by PSG on the 19th.

10th – 12th February

Nice Jazz Orchestra Nice

Performing a night of jazz at the Francis Gag Theatre on 4 rue SaintJoseph in Vieux Nice, starting at 9pm.

11th – 13th February

Bread, Love & Chocolate Antibes

Indulge your sweet tooth at this annual trade fair in Antibes. Gathering the best Italian, French and foreign producers of bread, pastry, chocolate, sweets and gifts – all under the theme of love. Free entry, at the Port Vauban.

February is fun on the French Riviera! From carnivals in Menton and Nice, to the incredible Festival of Games in Cannes, there’s a host of things to help kick the winter blues this month!

ITCA

The International Travel Catering Association fair is an opportunity for people to enjoy workshops on the subjects of wine, products of Provence and perfume.

15th February

Naval Battle of Flowers Villefranche-sur-Mer

Celebrating Carnival Monday, a fleet of traditional fishing boats are decked out with locally grown flowers, including carnations and mimosa, for a series of parades in the port of Villefranche-sur-Mer.

25th – 27th February

International Games Festival Cannes

Gaming enthusiasts, be it dedicated or curious, are invited to attend this unique festival, where hundreds of games are to be played – for free! From the traditional classics to simulation games, the festival says it has something for everyone. Authors, illustrators and publishers are also on hand for signings, tournaments and demonstrations. Held at the Palais des Festival et des Congres. Free entry.

17th February

Ballet Monaco

Deca Dance by Ohad Naharin performed by the Batsheva Ensemble & organized by the Monaco Dance Forum.

18th February - 9th March

Féte du Citron Menton

Be amazed at what local artists are capable of creating from oranges and lemons! On Sunday February 20th, 27th & 8th March there are the float parades; on Thursday 25th February and 3rd March at 3.40pm there features the evening parade of lights, ending with fireworks at the Bay of the Bastion at around 10pm; and throughout the entire festival, the Biovés garden is filled with interesting compositions made with lemons and oranges. Parade tickets cost 17€ for sitting, 9€ for standing, entry into the Citrus exhibition is 12€.

26th February

Opera Monaco

Gluck’s ‘Iphigenia in Tauris’ performed by the Metropolitan Opera, New York, will be broadcast on a giant screen at Salle Garnier de l’Opéra de Monto-Carlo.

27th February

Rugby Nice

Nice go head to head with Valence d’A at the Stade des Arboras on the route de Grenoble. Kick-off at 3pm.

28th February

Classical Concert, Mozard & Bruckner Nice

Performed at the Chagall Museum auditorium at 8pm, Cimiez. 18

Hey Party people, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m back again with another guide to help you plan your nocturnal outings. Make sure you check out next monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Essential Guide with all the info. on the UK Festival. Already confirmed are Fabio & Groovrider, Mogwai, Andreya Triana, Pete Tong, Erol Alkan and many more! And tune into to my radio show, now at 10pm every 2nd Friday on Radio Monaco 95.4FM, and every Thursday on Frequence K 103.4FM. You can find me on Facebook for more info! .... Tris.

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

Blue Whales

Pub/Bar

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

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 & Karaoke 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 rue Droite & 5 rue Rossetti Tel: 04 93 80 43 22 20

Through the Lens Were you snapped by our photographer while out and about at one of our favourite pubs?

Night Clubs High 45 Prom. des Anglais

Pink Room

11 rue Alexandre Mari

L’Etoile

8 passage Emile Négrin

La Panthera 4 rue de la Tour

Jazz Bars Shapko’s 5 rue Rossetti

Le Sezamo

32 ave Fontaine de la Ville

Salsa La Bodéguita 14 rue Chauvain

La Havane

23 rue de France

L e Sansas

4 ave des Phocéens

DJ Bars Bar’Oc

10 bis rue Bavastro

Gossip

7 rue Bonaparte

Smarties

10 rue Defly

Ghost

rue Barillerie

La Perle

26 Quai Lunel (port)

Piano Bars Kosma 8 Rue Sacha Guitry

CINEMA RELEASES TRON If you were thrilled by the ground-breaking, 80’s cult oddity TRON, then you’ll be excited about Walt Disney’s TRON: Legacy. Boasting new technology and the return of the original lead character, the long-in-the-works sequel is a surprisingly bleak depiction of a corrupted cyber-utopia. Jeff Bridges, who plays both hero and villain in the film, returns as the powerful ENCOM CEO Kevin Flynn, a man who we learn has disappeared on the night he tells his young son Sam that he’s discovered a miracle within his new creation. Twenty years later Sam, a rebellious young gamer, falls through the digital rabbit hole and emerges in a dazzling, 3D enhanced world that his father created, known as The Grid.

February 9 With a very retrospective introduction and various flashbacks, you don’t necessarily have to watch the original film. But comparing advances in technology is always fun. In Legacy, Jeff Bridges plays his younger self, CLU, with the aid of motion capture technology and a body double. While critics say the technology isn’t quite there yet, it does suggest that in the not-too-distant future, dead movie stars – Marilyn Monroe, Humphrey Bogart, Elvis – will once again grace our screens. George Lucas is reportedly buying up the rights to dead movie stars already, a claim Lucasfilms denies, though the public isn’t convinced. It’s remarkable when you consider that 20 years ago TRON was disqualified from the Oscar special effects consideration because using computer technology to enhance a movie was then considered cheating!

No Strings Attached February 16

Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher team up for this non-romantic, romantic comedy exploring the idea: can you really have sex with no strings attached? Adam (Kutcher) is disillusioned with the idea of love after his dad starts dating his girlfriend of four years. Emma (Portman), a young doctor in training, is equally cynical about love. What you see is the beginning of their friendship as teenagers, to the ‘friends with benefits’ relationship, followed by the inevitable. The film has been criticised by some as a predictable, run-ofthe-mill romantic comedy, and praised by others as a lighthearted and witty exploration of gender role reversal.

February 23

The Coen brothers have won plenty of praise for their 15th feature True Grit - a remake of the 1969 western classic and their first collaboration with Jeff Bridges since The Big Lebowski. The original film, based on a Charles Portis novel, earned John Wayne his only Oscar. Today, it is newcomer Hailee Steinfeld who’s the star. She plays

Director Darren Aronofsky trades the grungy world of broken-down fighter (Wrestler) for the more upscale, but no less brutal, life of a professional ballerina. Black Swan is the story of Nina Sayers (Natalie Portman), a psychologically fragile, dangerously ambitious young woman who dreams of playing the lead role in Swan Lake. When Beth (Winona Ryder) is ousted for lacking the right magic, Nina has her chance. But ballet director Thomas (Vincent Cassel) needs a Swan Queen who can embody both the light and dark aspects of the

Mattie Ross, a pig-tailed 14-year-old hell-bent on avenging her father’s killer. She chooses the meanest US Marshall, Reuban “Rooster” Cogburn (Bridges), to help her and La Boeuf (Matt Damon) comes along for the ride. Together they plan to ditch the girl and split the reward. But Mattie won’t be overcome so easily.

lead role, and while Nina is technically brilliant, she lacks the wildness and passion of fellow dancer Lily (Mila Kunis). What ensues are the internal struggles of a clearly troubled young lady. Part drama, part thriller, part 80’s horror film, Black Swan has received mixed reviews, but nonetheless earned Portman a best actress award at the recent Golden Globes.

February 9

DECEMBER 29 22

February 2

February 16

February 23

MUSIC NEWS ALBUM RELEASES

PEARL JAM February 14

PJ Harvey “Let England Shake”

PEARL JAM ANNIVERSARY BOX SET TO BE RELEASED This year marks Pearl Jam’s 20th anniversary of the release of their Ten debut album. And they’re planning their own, self-curated, two-day festival extravaganza, with the band headlining both days. If you can’t make it over to the U.S. mid 2011, then you can celebrate by buying a new box set of Pearl Jam’s 1993 Vs. and 1994 Vitalogy albums, due to be released later this year.

February 8

Motörhead “The Wörld is Yours”

INTERPOL DIGITAL DOWNLOAD ‘LIGHTS’

Recording in Hollywood Amy Winehouse

Fans have had to wait almost five years for the album, but as the saying goes, ‘better late than never’. The much-awaited fourth album of the Strokes is expected to be released this March and, according to Rolling Stone magazine, it’s the bands best album since Is This It?. Frontman Julian Casablancas admits his solo activities are partly behind the delay. The band is happy to say the album is their first collaborative effort, instead of letting Casablancas take most of the creative control like he did for their previous works.

Marcus Miller “A Night in Monte Carlo”

INTERPOL

ARCTIC MONKEYS

THE STROKES

Finally, a new record

February 1

The Arctic Monkeys are back in the New album for studio with James Ford (who did the January band’s past three albums), but this time they’ve set up camp in swanky L.A. The Sun reports the band is staying in a £3 million luxury villa in Hollywood Hills, with Jennifer Aniston and porn-maker Larry Flynt as neighbours. The new album is expected to be released before the end of the year.

Interpol is set to release its new single ‘Lights’ on March 21st as a digital download only. It’s the third single from the band’s fourth, selftitled album. The accompanying video, directed by visual artist Charlie White, bizarly explores the release of pheromones within the unchartered world of the three-horned rhinoceros beetle. The film clip is as decidedly black as the band itself.

HIGHLIGHT

PETE DOHERTY Solo tour

Pete Doherty has announced details of a large UK and Ireland tour which is due to kick of this May. It is unclear if he has any new material to road test since his debut solo album two years ago, but you’d hope so. Tickets are on sale now.

Formed from the ashes of Oasis and led by Liam Gallagher, Beady Eye has established a cult following in just a few short months. Thousands of fans rushed to grab the band’s free download last year and, ahead of their debut album Different Gear, Still Speeding to be released in spring, a new track, ‘The Roller’, is set to be released on February 21st. So great is the band’s success,

the initial spring concert dates sold out within a matter of seconds. They’ve now added several more dates to their UK and Ireland tour schedule. With Gem Archer, Andy Bell and Chris Sharrock by Liam’s side, Oasis fans are right to be excited. Beady Eye will also be joined on the jaunt by Matt Jones on keyboards and bassist Jeff Wootton.

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

The Music: Kyana - Blues & Soul Nadia Morie - Jazz Amaury Filliard - Jazz Pete & Folks - Acoustic Pop Rock Sandrine Destifanis - Latin Jazz Whiskey Finger - Rock Aquarella - Brazilian Number 9 - Rock Happy Hour - Rock Karma - Rock Bronson V12 - Rock John Teck - Pop Rock Millionaire - Rock Kevin Joseph O’Hara - Acoustic Pop Rock Awake - Rock Breathe - Rock 222 - Pop Rock Tony - Acoustic Pop Spacecats - Pop Rock Cabine 13 - Rock

MA NOLAN’S NICE PORT Karaoke Kyana Denia Ridley Trio Kyana Nadia Moori Quartet Kyana Amaury Filliard Trio Kyana Marjorie Martinez Quartet

Fridays .... Sat 05 ..... Sun 06 .... Sat 12 ..... Sun 13 .... Sat 19 ..... Sun 20..... Sat 26 ..... Sun 27 ....

Tue 01........ Aquarella 02-05 ........ Cabine 13 Sun 06 ....... Whiskey Finger Mon 07 ...... Millionaire Tue 08 ....... Aquarella 09-12 ........ F Machine Sun 13 ....... Whiskey Finger Mon 14 ..... Millionaire Tue 15 ....... Aquarella 16-17 ........ Barbie Bandage 18-19 ........ Bronson V12 Sun 20 ...... Whiskey Finger Mon 21 ..... Millionaire Tue 22 ....... Aquarella 23- 26 ....... Happy Hour Sun 27 ...... Whiskey Finger Mon 28 ..... Millionaire

CHECKPOINT

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

Tuesdays ....... John Wed & Sun ... Karaoke Thursdays ..... Spacecats Fridays .......... Tony 04-05 ............ John Teck 11-12 ............ 222 18-19 ........... 222 25-26 ........... John Teck

Live Sports

FOOTBALL Tue 01 Wed 02 Sat 05 Sun 06 Tue 08 Wed 09 Sat 12 Sun 13 Sun 13 Mon 14 Sat 19 Sun 20 Sat 26 Sun 27 Mon 28

Aberdeen v Celtic West Bromwich Albion v Wigan Athletic Fulham v Newcastle United Stoke City v Sunderland Newcastle v Arsenal Wolverhampton Wanderers v Man. Utd West Ham United v Birmingham City Liverpool v Chelsea FA Cup – TBC Republic of Ireland v Wales Scotland v Northern Ireland FA Cup – TBC Liverpool v Wigan Athletic Manchester United v Manchester City Bolton v Everton Fulham v Chelsea FA Cup – TBC FA Cup – TBC Tottenham v Arsenal Wigan v Manchester United West Ham United v Liverpool Manchester United v Fulham

CRICKET 01-04 Tue 01 Fri 04 Sun 06 24 24

New Zealand v Pakistan Australia v England Sri Lanka v West Indies Australia v England Sri Lanka v West Indies

RUGBY UNION

Fri 04 Sat 05 Sat 12 Sun 13 Sun 26 Sun 27

Wales v England Italy v Ireland France v Scotland England v Italy Ireland v France Italy v Wales England v France Scotland v Ireland

GOLF 03-06 10-11

Commercialbank Qatar Masters Omega Dubai Desert Classic AT1T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am

TENNIS 08-13 14-20 21-26

Paris Open Dubai Tennis Championship Qatar Ladies Open

MOTOR SPORTS 26-27

Superbike World Championship

WINTER SPORTS 01-13 02-05 03-27

Biathlon World Cup Freestyle Skiing World Cup Alpine Skiing World Cup

Games Carnival Quiz

1. Carnival is a festive season traditionally occurring just before which religious event? 2. Within which religion is Carnival traditionally held? 3. In which country is the most famous Carnival held? 4. At the end of the carnival ceremony, what is burned during the purifying ritual? 5. The wearing of which facial attire is synonymous with carnival? 6. Carnival traditionally ends on which day? 7. Mardi Gras literally means what – fun Tuesday, free Tuesday or fat Tuesday? 8. In which is city is France’s 2nd most famous carnival? 9. The Nice Carnival dates back to which century? 10. What is the theme of this year’s Nice Carnival? 11. The word Carnival comes from the Latin ‘Carne Vale’, meaning what?

SUDOKU

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

4 7

9 3

W O R D

5 4

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

6 9

8 1

12. In Spain, the end of Carnival celebrations is marked by what – a giant tomato battle, the burial of a symbolic sardine, or the running of the bulls? 13. Why does il dottore, the popular doctor mask in Italian Carnivals, have a long nose – in medieval times it signified a wealthy doctor, a lying doctor, or protected doctors against fatal fumes during the plague? 14. Under the Roman Empire, there existed a Carnival called – Jupiteralia, Neptunalia, Saturnalia? 15. What sweet food is traditionally eaten during Mardi Gras? 16. Purple, gold and what are the official colours of Mardi Gras? 17. The Carnival in which country is so violent, the government was forced to make a carnival law in 2010? 18. This year’s Nice Carnival will celebrate which Italian milestone? 19. The Nice Carnival runs for how many days? 20. What was last year’s Nice Carnival theme?

3 7

Spot the difference!

LOVE, CHARM, DEVOTION, HAPPINESS, RESPECT, CHOCOLATE, AFFECTION, VALENTINE, HEART, CUPID, FRIENDSHIP, SWEETHEART, FEBRUARY, ADMIRER, ARROW, CARD, FLOWERS, GIFT, HOLIDAY, PARTY, AROUSE, BEAUTIFUL, CAPTIVATING, CUDDLE, FLIRT, HANDSOME, HOT, LUSCIOUS, STEAMY, DATE

S E A R C H

Can you find the 6 mistakes in the second picture?

Games Answers Page 26 25

ARIES

HOROSCOPES February 2011 LIBRA

There’s a feeling that you’re being let down. When love is alive and fresh in our hearts, we don’t need to make an effort. It’s magical. But as we get used to it in our lives, we panic about making it work for us, and we envy other couples and their ‘in-loveness’. Why has romance deserted me? What did I do wrong? This month, feelings wax and wane, events and people eclipse the joy of intimacy and quite frankly, you feel a little lost. Time to find yourself in the place you least expect - your own creativity.

TAURUS Suffering from self-neglect in the career department? Well this month, your mind is trying to deal with practical issues, or learn to communicate differently, more wisely, less frantically. At last you can walk free from the shadows of disappointed dreams; watch the sun set over the sea, or dip your toes in champagne with the one you love. Your sensual nature demands some space, and while work may be dull for now, your personal direction is at last certain.

GEMINI

You don’t have to run away with the fairies, but don’t chain yourself to the rulebook either. Haven’t you had enough of routines and assumptions? Don’t you think it’s time to do things your way? In fact, it’s time to give yourself more freedom in mind, body and soul. This month’s planetary activity not only helps you understand your own individual professional needs, but the planets bring new, transformative and electrifying love for you and your partner or new admirer.

CANCER

Mercury’s influence sparks off a battle of minds, wit and logic in the home front this month. Perhaps you could remind a loved one that there are three kinds of people you have to worry about in life: those you can count on, and those who can’t. Seriously, what you’re going to be counting in the months to come are your blessings. So find a new lifestyle, a new love or just a little bit more of yourself, or your own spiritual home. LEO

It’s been said, quite wisely, that the search for happiness is one of the main sources of unhappiness in the world. So this February, find joy through your life and love relationships. Take control of your pleasure principal and those things that bring you joy. Whether it’s fun with the one you love, or with someone new, whether it’s laughing in the rain, or setting off in the sunset, there is an adventurous air to all you do and say.

VIRGO Aristotle said that a life truly worth living, is one where we feel ‘watched over by a good angel’. In the sense that we can live well, we can flourish, we can learn from our mistakes because our guardian angel or inner voice always reminds us that love is something that holds no guarantees either. This month, you may get to know your guardian angel a little better. Now you can recreate romance and simultaneously show that love is a vessel, not a ‘fait a accompli’.

There’s a gnawing hunger to be the best of yourself, and you can and will invoke the kind of belief in your long-term professional plans this month. And that belief will bring you much-valued rewards in the future. Yet what you see and what you get may be incompatible with each other. Take care when putting forward creative messages to colleagues or friends that you don’t pass on an idea of the century to someone who is a rival in disguise.

SCORPIO

This February, look at changing things. Perhaps it’s about time you spoke up about your personal desires? Whoever we are, whatever we think ourselves to be, there’s always a bit of us we don’t really know. We project this on to others, then accuse them of all kinds of faults in an attempt to shake off our own personal shadow. Yet the cosmic energy is giving you a very clear mirror of yourself. Polish it well. Then you can fashion your love life and yourself into what you truly want.

SAGITTARIUS Some people aren’t very good at adapting. You, on the other hand, adapt efficiently and successfully to circumstances and people. Maybe you occasionally say ‘I change my mind too easily.’ And then you get lost in the endless possibilities that ‘could be’. So it seems with a multitude of choices about your destiny, you have to wrestle with the side of your self that would like to go down every road. Yes, you’re up for new horizons or adventure. In fact, whatever comes to mind seems worth exploring. So this month, “seek and ye shall find.”

CAPRICORN Sometimes you have to reach down into your personal underworld and take a good honest look at your own needs. This February, your partner seems to be in another world. They talk less of what you will do together and more of their own future. It worries you, could you be doing something wrong? No, it’s just that they need their own direction too. I suggest that you find the love you seek within yourself first and accept your separateness. Then the rift narrows and love truly can grow.

AQUARIUS

Like Hermes who, in Greek mythology, stands on the threshold between the visible and invisible worlds, creating and uniting the opposites, you’re trying to create a lifestyle that unifies two different principles. The ability to maintain your freedom and yet be part of humanity. This month, you have the chance, luck and willpower to make impressive changes in your life. Remember, belief in yourself doesn’t rely on other people’s expectations, but on being true to who you are.

PISCES

It’s funny how you’ve become much more self-aware over the past year. To push a few boundaries and do something different. And those conventional ways of behaving seem to be less crucial than they used to be. But why this change? It’s not like you, or is it? The planets are giving you a taste for self-approval, self-starting and any other positive ‘self’ word. Make the most of this vibrant, delightful energy.

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

USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS AND ADDRESSES EMERGENCY NUMBERS General Emergency 112 Riviera Medical (English) 04 93 26 12 70

AIRPORT Nice-Cote d’Azur Airport Switchboard: 08 20 42 33 33 Lost & Found: 04 93 21 31 11 Nice Airport busses & shuttles 08 20 42 33 33

24-HOUR PHARMACIES (Closed Sundays from 7pm) Pharmacy Massena, 7 rue Massena MECHANICS/BREAKDOWN SERVICE Pharmacy Riviera, 66 av Jean Medecin Help Dépannage +33 (0)4 93 89 80 89 Nice Dépannage + 33 (0)4 810 06 24 24 TAXI 04 93 13 78 78 HANDYMAN/ELECTRICIAN Kari Kapola, Tel: 06 61 85 52 25 QUIZ 1) Lent, 2) Roman Catholic, 3) Brazil, 4) King Carnival, 5) Mask, 6) Shrove or Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras 7) Fat Tuesday, 8) Paris, 9) 13th, 10) Kind of the Mediterranean, 11) Farewell to meat, 12) Burial of a symbolic sardine, 13) Protected against fatal fumes, 14) Saturnalia, 15) Donuts or Beignets de carnival, 16) Green, 17) Peru, 18) 150th anniversary of the Unification of the Kingdom of Italy, 19) 20, 20) The Blue Planet. SPOT THE DIFFERENCE 1) Pink boot, 2) Ladder, 3) Branch above head, 4) Pole above tail, 5) Pattern on top of carousel, 6) Bracelets

MONEY EXCHANGE American Express, Nice Airport Change Méditerranée, 17 ave Jean Médecin Confima, 2 rue de France Travelex, 13 av Theirs PUBLIC UTILITIES France Telecom Domestic - 1013, Business - 1015 English service Mon-Fri 08 00 36 47 75

EDF (Electricity) 08 01 13 11 33 GDF (Gas) 08 10 09 36 63 Water 08 10 76 97 69 ENGLISH SPEAKING GP Dr Chawki Elias Centre Medical 7 bd Pierre Sola 04 92 00 44 00 ENGLISH SPEAKING DENTIST Dr Nicolas Colson 4 ave de Verdun 04 93 87 86 69

FASHION PAGE & Cover Stores: Mademoiselle, 41 rue de France, Nice Milton Rose, 5 rue Longchamp, Nice Model: Francesca Sadd Photographer: David Winch Locations: Caffé Bianco, Carousel Albert 1er Garden.

“The times, they are a changing!” Bob Dylan

Indeed they are, and holiday apartments are fast becoming the most popular form of accommodation! Go Nice is the city’s largest and most experienced specialist holiday rental agency. We offer quality apartments at value for money, with professional and conscientious service. Come by our office at 11bis rue Congres, or consult our website for a full listing of our properties.

www.go-nice.com Tel: 0033 (0)4 93 87 71 80

Un Homme et son Groupe

vers un seul objectif : la perfection