Carmela Restaurant in Vieux Nice

An Italian food lover's delight.

Situated at the end of the Cours Saleya in Vieux Nice (3 Place Charles Felix, 06300 Nice France), just steps away from the building where the artist Matisse once lived and worked and literally one minute from the beach is Carmela. A fabulous Italian restaurant that must be experienced on your next visit to Nice.

Now, in no way would I consider myself a foodie. But I do know what I like and it’s rare I write about a restaurant unless I love it and I think other people should know about it so that they can discover the establishment.

As anyone who knows the area, the Cours Saleya in historic Vieux Nice is filled with a variety of restaurant choices, each offering its take on food and cultures in general. There are so many places to choose from that it can be confusing as to where to go so that you are not in yet another tourist trap.

The Carmela restaurant stands out on its own, not in a pretentious way, just confident enough in knowing that the quality and service they provide will speak for itself and it certainly does, every time.

Since we are part of an international travel destination, a region where one has so many choices when it comes to pretty much everything, the general rule of thumb is, that when you get a recommendation by a local, you take note. 

My first visit to Carmela was on the recommendation of one of my business partners, where, easily and without reservations, we were quickly seated on the outdoor terrace during the height of the lunch hour and taken care of by the waiters as though we were family. 

The menu was filled with an amazing array of choices (yet not too many leaving one confused). In the end, we both opted for the plat du jour which was beef tagliata, and roasted potatoes, all lightly enhanced with not only their juices but a delicate, tasty sauce, and included a side salad, which we paired, oddly, with mojitos but it worked. 

On another visit, with another business partner, we were accommodated quickly and had the choice of sitting on the terrace with the buzz of everyone enjoying their meal or sitting inside. Since we had some business to discuss, we went to a more quiet corner inside the beautifully designed restaurant so that we could both eat and discuss a work project. 

My associate loved her enticing fish plate and grilled vegetables and I had Tagliatelle al Ragù di Manzo which tasted out of this world and very filling, and although I felt fully satisfied afterward, my first thoughts were that I couldn’t wait to have this meal again with its homemade flair. 

It should be noted, that again, we had the most wonderful, attentive service, by some of the best-looking staff around, who are friendly, speak various languages and with not a hint of attitude in the least. 

Time and again I find myself going back to this restaurant. The food, drinks, and service at Carmela are divine. It would just take too long to describe every meal and experience I have had there with others but I already feel like the place has become a favorite that cannot recommend it enough, and at very reasonable prices as well. This means, that if you are a visitor, you won’t feel taken advantage of, instead, you will be made to feel most welcome. 

At Carmela, a balance can be found between the sometimes bustling location that captures the energy of the nearby crowds yet has a separateness that makes for a better dining experience. Here, you can relax or entertain with family and friends while seemingly watching the world go by while deciding on an array of freshly made Italian food choices that are most memorable. 

As a local, I highly recommend, Carmela.

Photos credit: Carmela Restaurant

Threesomes

Non-scientific. Just putting it out there. More so a curious sociological observation.

Ok, guys, we get it. You’re a couple looking for some extra fun on a Saturday night as a local or maybe during your vacation by having a third join you both for some sexcapades. Love it, can get into it, but hang on for a minute.

We’ve apparently come a long way as open relationships have been accepted for years. I’ve had my fair share of mutual fun with couples and am not against it in any way, but of late, it seems like there is something else going on. Basically, are you all ok?

While I was out with some buddies recently one evening, during one of our conversations, generally, about the increase in tourism we have seen with those coming into the region for their holidays this summer, we mentioned how great it is to see people showing up here after the pandemic and enjoying life again.

Naturally, one of the guys brought up the apps like Grindr and Scruff as this time of year as it changes the scene up from the usual round of locals, which is also refreshing.

What came next in the conversation surprised me, as I thought I was the only one that noticed this new phenomenon of sorts pertaining to the amount of couples (again, all good with couples), putting a list of perceived entitled demands of their expectations of others in the profiles.

I kept quiet so that I could hear my friend's conversations about this subject. The consensus was most of the couples were very good-looking, and seemed nice enough but then they would read the long list of expectations in order just to meet them or read about it through chat to perhaps move further, which tended to put most of my friends off a couple altogether.

Is this a new trend? 

From what I’ve seen on the apps and from what my friends told me, some of the profiles of the couples would only offer up maybe two or three pics, usually of their chests, sometimes their whole bodies with faces too, so it seemed like what one would expect in a profile.

But then their list would state, that they expected recent photos (understandable), that any action would happen at your place, (ok, cool), but that you are then to supply the booze, drugs (chems), sometimes all types of underwear, leather gear, uniforms, fetish gear, toys, lubes, et al. In a very expected manner and when the time is appropriate for them.

What was really off-putting for my friends, and personally I found a bit one-sided. Was how they then practically detailed and scheduled, if not in their profile, then most definitely in their chat what they expected of you.

Which one will do what with who first, or both at the same time, how long the sex position should take place, who then does whatever next, along with any other number of scenarios they have dreamed up and obviously agreed to amongst themselves without asking what you are into or expect.

Very premeditated.

Overall, seemingly a high degree of expectations, just for allowing you to come to fulfill their fantasies for the threesome, especially if it is part of their vacation plan.

There seems to be a lot of fantasizing going on, and we all love fantasy but realism in those situations tends to be something else.

We also tended to agree the biggest turn-off was the sense of entitlement on the profiles and how very rarely would there be a question either on the profile or in any of our discussions of what we, as individuals might like in return as our part of the fun.

Of course, this was then on my mind the rest of the week knowing that I wasn’t the only one who noticed what seemed to be going on and I wanted to possibly learn more.

I have read that in the past after a pandemic, history has shown that people, once they get a sense of their freedom again, tend to go all out and there will even be a degree of confusion for the first while, as people navigate and gain control of their lives again and eventually a new balance will be struck, so hopefully, this is one of those cases as the single men and their profiles seem to be more laid back, while it seemed a strong proportion of the couples profiles have increasing become intense.

Of course, since I’m a huge sociology buff. Yet knowing I will probably never get a clear answer, on occasion, while taking the risk of being blocked, I have messaged the couples on the apps gently, out of curiosity, how their list of expectations came about.

There was a mix of those who either ignored the question, answered or asked about something else, or were stunned to even be asked such a thing while stating this was how they assumed things were done from viewing other couple’s profiles, speaking with friends, or in their own country, and usually they had their own agreement put in place beforehand and didn’t think much more about it.

Fair enough.

When pressed (again gently) further, do they find their expectations become met? And have there been successes with this method? Obviously, not scientifically, it seemed half said their expectations couldn’t be met and they couldn’t understand why.

Others actually complained to me about the individual they have met up usually not having everything they expected. But are any of us 100% happy with an app hook-up?

They mentioned, for example, no booze and/or bad drugs. Or the person not looking like his profile pics (we’ve all been there) and/or not providing the lubes they liked, etc. Each answer was different and yet still seemed from the couple’s perspective.

I did push it further, which to be honest, did end up getting me blocked more than once - if that mattered, and asked if they too were given a list of expectations to be provided for a party-type atmosphere with them being a couple and that it had to be on the individual’s schedule.

Again they seemed shocked to even be asked that but most admitted they hadn’t thought about it that way while others stated they only generally get asked for more photos.

Some of the men did admit though to being told off in one of those, “Who do you think you are?!” moments. Some of the couples told me they are happy to also share and provide whatever might be needed to make for a fun evening, which was good to hear and should perhaps be mentioned in their profile or chat as well.

Now it seems some couples are looking for a needle in a haystack (so to speak) with a shopping list that needs to be fulfilled in order to meet up, on top of a model face and body.

A friend of mine laughed and said, “They are looking for a unicorn.” While other single men I know have said, “What makes them so special?” And tended to ignore them.

Which, I agree, to each their own, yet for some reason, a fascinating approach to hooking up.

I do think it is part of a healthy relationship, especially an open relationship if scenarios are discussed before any possible encounters.

Maybe it’s a way of protecting themselves? Maybe subconsciously they don’t want to have an open relationship so the expectations are high to make hookups harder to obtain? Maybe they add everything they expect and just hope for the best and still have fun? Maybe they are already in relationship trouble and think a threesome or full-on group sex can make things better? Or maybe, this is just what they consider to be a part of their lifestyle and fun?

There is a lot more I could say about couples and their expectations and what it might all mean but I also feel that I am pushing it with just posting my thoughts on the new dynamics of threesomes of late. And maybe it's not really a trend?

Through all of this, in my opinion, there is no real harm, and it all makes for an interesting discussion. I think people are just excited again to have a sense of freedom again and are not holding back.

I would suggest, no matter where you are if you are a couple, and maybe wondering why you aren’t both generating a lot of attention on your favorite gay hookup app, especially if you are traveling or live locally, go for a more realistic approach, short and sweet.

And even though chatting on an app can feel like a waste of time, it might make things move forward quicker, seem more balanced and bring together a better plan of action for everyone involved which can mean more fun.

I know my gay friends and I in the region love it when new men arrive in town for some both friendship and fun. And we know how some of you are looking to find that special person(s) you can tell stories about later once back home with friends about your European lover(s).

As they say, you’ll get more bees with honey.

A Facelift for the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco

 

If you know the Principality of Monaco, you know it’s an ever-changing place.

With the expansion onto the sea of the new eco-district of Mareterra, currently, under construction by the Monegasque government, it’s fitting that the Grimaldi Forum also be updated for the future ahead.

Twenty-five years after the initial completion of the Grimaldi Forum, in 2025 a new unveiling of a vast extension, boosting exhibition capacity by an impressive 50% will be ready for everyone to enjoy.

The new site, created as part of the land reclamation project, will add an extra 6,000 m2 to the current 35,000 m2 space.

It will consist of three zones: the Diaghilev Gallery, the Carré and Patio Rooms, and the Pinède Hall – the largest of the three spaces. Each will offer plenty of surface area to accommodate exhibition stands and meeting rooms, as well as catering.

In making the most of the Principality’s exceptional location and its 300 days of sunshine per year, 2,000 m2 of outdoor space will also be created, including the new Indigo terrace, the Emeraude Forecourt, the Patio, the Ravel terrace with a view of the open sea, and the covered Patio.

This new six-hectare extension of the Principality will offer housing, a car park, shops, restaurants, a pine trees forest, and a marina. All adhering to very strict environmental requirements as it is part of the Principality’s objective to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

In total, there will be 1,500 solar panels installed on the Grimaldi Forum’s roof supplying energy to the surrounding buildings and this new district.

With the recent renovations of the nearby Larvotto beach, containing its new shops and restaurants, the update to the Grimaldi Forum is an additional asset that will enable congress participants to enjoy all that Monaco has to offer close to the congress centre.

 

The expansion will allow the Grimaldi Forum to build upon its current ability to host an average of 100 events and 250,000 visitors per year and will also enable more events to be held simultaneously. 

 

Photo credits: Grimaldi-Forum Monaco

Monaco Celebrates Its First Pride!

For the first time in Monaco, Pride was celebrated on Thursday, June 2, thanks to Barclays Private Bank teaming up with Stars’n’Bars and Fight Aids Monaco.

The unprecedented cocktail party at Star Deck drew an amazing crowd of about 80 people who came together in support of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Marking this historic occasion were special guests Princess Stephanie, President of Fight Aids Monaco, and her youngest daughter Camille Gottlieb. Princess Stephanie’s presence alone makes all the difference for the Pride movement to go forward.

Since 2004, Fight Aids Monaco has been supporting those living with HIV, acknowledging each person’s sexual orientation and gender identity. The non-profit condemns any kind of inequality, discrimination, or violence against any person, including those identifying as LGBTQIA+, and believes that defending this principle “should be everybody’s concern.”

This ideology is shared with Barclays Private Bank, which has long shown its commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community. “Barclays understands that sexual orientation and gender identity are but a part of people’s identity and wants them to feel accepted in every way,” the bank said in a statement. “Through initiatives, activities, and networking for its employees, Barclays stands out and has already received nominations from organizations such as Stonewall and the Human Rights Campaign.

And at Stars’n’Bars, which has hosted small LGBTQ gatherings before stated, “Do what you love, love what you do. Make a difference.”

“Let’s be proud to coexist in diversity and state loudly that the freedom to be and love applies to all,” expressed the co-organizers of the Pride event.

In 2020, Monaco ranked 45th out of 49 European countries on LGBT+ equality by ILGA-Europe.

ILGA-Europe explained the score: “Although Monaco has legislation guaranteeing a civil society space for LGBTI people, there are no constitutional limitations on marriage, the law on hate speech covers sexual orientation and that from next month (June 27, 2020) same-sex couples will be able to benefit from cohabitation rights, it is necessary and desirable to take more legal measures to guarantee equality and non-discrimination of LGBTI people.”

It added that in Monaco homosexual couples do not have the right to adopt or have access to IVF and that discrimination based on sexual orientation is not protected by the Constitution. But hopefully, now this can start to change.

Since June 27, 2020, Monaco has allowed same-sex couples to sign a cohabitation agreement (contrat de vie commune), but the law considers same-sex couples living together on par with siblings for inheritance taxes and they are not eligible for the same legal protection (healthcare, retirement) available to married couples of the opposite sex.

Having the first Pride celebration in Monaco is a massive step forward, lets continue to work hard to continue to move all the equality efforts forward.