Plage Keller Restaurant - Cap d'Antibes

Last week after a property viewing with a client, we decided to discuss the estate further at a local restaurant. Fortunately close by for us was Plage Keller, an incredibly well-known seaside restaurant on the beautiful and historic peninsula of Cap d’Antibes.

For all the years I have lived in the Cote d’Azur, I was surprised I haven’t visited the establishment sooner. It was by luck we happened to be there on opening day for the season, and from the minute we stepped down the few steps onto the main terrace, we were graciously welcomed by the staff, and the restaurant, having only opened two hours before, was already buzzing with activity which says two things - they were missed throughout the winter months and this is definitely the place to be.

We had the choice to sit inside or outside next to the sandy beach, but since we were still in business mode, the small group of us chose to sit inside, where we were given a table by the large windows offering us spectacular, panoramic, Mediterranean Sea views with parts of the peninsula on either side of us.

In the far background of the sea were the still snow-capped mountains, along with the seaside city landscapes of Nice, the Saint Jean Cap Ferrat peninsula, and beyond that the Tête de Chien above Monaco. It was breathtaking and added something really special to the restaurant environment, allowing one to relax, no matter if you were talking business or also just enjoying lunch with friends and family.

The employees of Plage Keller were certainly on top of their game, and if there was anything perhaps going wrong for them with it being opening day, you definitely didn’t pick up on it as we had numerous attentive waiters taking care of our every whim, and with us at the table speaking a variety of languages, they could without hesitation switch it up to whatever language the client spoke to them in.

The menu has a wide variety of food, drink, and dessert choices, very much in sync with not only the stunning beach location but also in refined rhythm with the character of the French Riviera.

Our small, group, being of different nationalities ordered, fresh seafood, and Italian pasta, and I had the French version of tartare de boeuf with accompanying side dishes. Even though this was a business meeting, the ambiance of the restaurant helped to quickly soothe our work thoughts and define us more as friends, soon we were all taste-testing each other’s dishes, in full agreement that it was all delicious.

Plage Keller has ample space both inside and outside on the terraces at the beach, and although the restaurant was busy when we arrived, we did not feel rushed in the least, in fact, the opposite, we were encouraged to relish this established restaurant by staying for as long as we would want.

Those who know me, know I don’t often write about restaurants, but if I do, that means it is highly recommended.

Plage Keller is very reasonably priced for the array of mouth-watering, fresh food items available and overall, the experience alone in such a unique, wonderful natural setting is something you would want to write home about.

I cannot wait to visit again this season, and I suspect once the height of summer arrives, and given the prime location, the restaurant will be bursting so I would advise you to book your reservation ahead of time with Plage Keller.


Photos credit: Plage Keller

Monaco & Wealth

Not surprisingly, it has been recently noted in a new report by the human data agency Altrata that more ultra-high-net-worth individuals have chosen to make Monaco their home, by population density, than anywhere else, with one in every 39 homeowners being classed as a UHNWI.

UHNWI is an acronym used quite frequently in the region due in part to the lifestyle.

UHNWI is the term ultra-high-net-worth individual. It describes people with investible liquid assets of at least US$30 million (around €28.5 million), excluding personal assets, property, collectibles, and consumer durables.

Although used often to describe and promote a luxurious way of life, it is actually a strict definition that excludes most of the world, but there are a few enclaves where people in this category are highly prevalent and the Principality of Monaco is undoubtedly one of them.

The study, entitled ‘Residential Real Estate 2023: Spotlight on the World’s Leading Markets for the Wealthy’, took a “holistic view” of properties owned by these individuals, noting that many in this category own multiple homes and that the report is not focused solely on primary residences.

This study also showed that the top three main residence cities for this group are Hong Kong, New York, and London. With New York, London, and Miami being the top choices for UHNWIs to buy second homes. 

 
“As we emerge from years riddled with uncertainty around a historic pandemic, social unrest, political discourse, and natural disasters, regardless of your age or demographic, luxury has made a monumental shift in the minds of the global population,” said Julie Faupel, Founder and CEO of REALM, which sponsored the report. “We are excited to partner with Altrata for a second time to examine how this shift is influencing how and where the world’s wealthiest individuals choose to reside.”

Analysis used in creating this report was done with Altrata’s Wealth-X Database, the biggest collection of focused research and intelligence on the world’s wealthy, as well as with their recently updated Wealth and Investible Assets Model, which launched this past December.

One thing you notice as a local in Monaco is there tend to be three primary camps. Those who flaunt their wealth, those who don’t, and those that are trying to achieve it.

“To Catch a Thief” Villa For Sale in Saint-Jeannet

For all you cinema buffs out there, a local villa from the movie, To Catch a Thief is now on the market.

With stunning views towards the Mediterranean Sea, Nice, and the Baou de Saint Jeannet, this villa would certainly be a keepsake to any buyer seeking something truly memorable in the Côte d’Azur, and the property’s unique history that is grabbing headlines.

In 1954, celebrated filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock selected the French Riviera as the location for one of his most famous films, “To Catch a Thief” and this particular property provided the stunning backdrop to some of the most iconic scenes in the movie starring Grace Kelly, as many will recall it was featured as the hideaway for Cary Grant’s character. 

During this time, it was while on the set of the film that Kelly met Rainier III of Monaco. A year later the Prince and the movie star married, changing the Principality forever.

The film hit the silver screen in 1955 to high acclaim. “To Catch a Thief” would go on to win an Oscar for Best Cinematography in 1956 and was also nominated for Best Set; a nod to the beauty of the location chosen for the film.

This 400m2 property includes a main house and a guest house, both carefully preserved to maintain their authenticity while inconspicuously featuring modern comfort. And offers seven bedrooms and eight bathrooms.

The two buildings sit on a 5000m2 plot, with splendid panoramic views, a meticulously maintained garden, and a swimming pool.

This cinematic piece of history is listed at €3.6 million.

Connect with Experience The French Riviera for more information.

Monte-Carlo Summer 2023 Festival

While the full schedule of the 16th edition of the Monte-Carlo Summer Festival is still to be announced, organizer Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer recently revealed the list of international celebrities that will be in concert this summer in Monaco.

So far, these music superstars will entertain us in the open-air settings of the Place du Casino and Salle des Étoiles.

Superstar Sting will make his appearance on July 23rd with his ‘Sting, My Songs’ tour at the Place du Casino.

Princess Stephanie’s charity, Fight Aids Monaco chose Michael ‘The Magic of Michael Jackson’ as an ambassador for its cause this summer, with a concert on July 21st.

The dynamic musician and singer-songwriter Mika, known for his hit song, ‘Grace Kelly’ will also return to the Sporting Monte-Carlo on August 4th.

Tarkan, the ultra-talented star of Turkey, will close the Monte-Carlo Summer Festival season on August 19th.

 

SBM will soon release the full schedule of performers for this year’s biggest music festival in the Principality so stay tuned.