Thursday, October 11, 2018 - Monte Carlo

Ship's internet was down for almost three days, so am now playing "catch-up".

At 6:00 a.m was awakened by a shuddering of the ship and realized that the tugs were pushing us into place at the pier in Monte Carlo.   It is pouring rain - virtual buckets!   Perhaps it will clear before our tour this afternoon.   Hope so!

Time to go get my coffee - more later . . . .

The Principality of Monaco is the epitome of Riviera chic.  This tiny enclave of 370 acres surrounds a sheltered harbor that draws yachts from around the world to enjoy the beautiful scenery mild weather and elegant casino.  Glamorous Monte Carlo is one of Monaco's four quarters, which also include La Condamine, the business district; Monaco-ville, the capital; and Fontvielle, an area but on reclaimed land.  Ruled by Prince Albert II, Monaco has population of over 32,000, of which about 16 percent are citizens, or Monegasques.

It's also famous for its annual Formula 1 Grand Prix, held every year in May since 1929.

The rocky outcrop known as Le Rocher, which juts out on the south side of the port and is home to the total palace, is a rather charing little old town which feels a world away from Monte Carlo's skyscrapers and super yachts.

Wonderful afternoon!   Even though the rain continues to plague us – Monte Carlo and environs are beautiful.   The choice is whether we look at the scenery or the fancy yachts!

We boarded a small bus and began our trek to Chateau du Billet.   Billet is a very special wine area in France – not a lot of vines, not a huge production, but a favored region for wine drinkers.  The original family established the chateau somewhere in the 1600’s and began making wine in the 1800’s.  There is a beautiful stone chapel that was built in 1873 in which all baptisms, marriages and special sacramental events were held.  That was up until 2012 when the winery was sold to a French company.  The chapel now is the tasting room for the winery.   Ever been to a tasting chapel?!?!

      

        

                             

We toured a part of the vineyards on foot, then the wine making facility, and then to the chapel for local salumi, olive tapenade, and cheese while we sipped a favored white and one red wine.   These wines were not to my liking – doesn’t mean they weren’t of good quality, but just not for me.  Kids,  I didn’t buy any!!!

      

              

Photo of Eric Goldring Culinary and Cultural Group, 2018!!

Back to the ship we headed, while trying to see the beauty of Cap Ferret, Villefranche and Beaulieu – difficult with the pouring rain and the fogged up windows of the bus.

We were able to stop for one hour in Nice, and the rain even stopped for us!  Walked about looking at the restaurants, perfume shops, and souvenirs.  Stumbled upon a wonderful store that featured Provencal linens for kitchen and did some damage to my credit card.  Bought really pretty and colorful items that will enhance my Thanksgiving tables.   Can’t wait to use all of it.   It will be further special because it was purchased in the city of Mama’s birth!. . . . . and on a street where Henri Matisse lived!

                                      

During the afternoon Eric asked me if I’d like to join him in the Thomas Keller Grill for dinner.   Wasn’t that nice?  If only I could grab a nap beforehand!  Tried, but alas, could not sleep.   So, instead had a glass of wine and got myself ready.

The Thomas Keller restaurants on the Seabourn ships boast staff specially trained by Thomas Keller, with his specific recipes for anything prepared there.  When the Encore had her maiden voyage, he was aboard and could be seen often at patrons tables preparing the salads himself!   That would have been fun.  

The wine purchased in the Chateauneuf du Pape region had been picked up from my suite and stored in the main dining room.  Arranged to have a bottle of the white and one red brought up to the grill so that we might enjoy it with dinner.  The test for me once I buy wine is – will I like it as much as the day I bought it?  I did!   The wine was even better with a lovely meal.

One of the specialties for the evening was duck, which I love.   Eric ordered for us – we both wanted the duck, and then he proceeded to order every side they offered so that I could taste each!  That was fun! . . . creamy mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, creamed spinach, sautéed mushrooms, lovely caramelized carrots – all were tasty, but my roasted potatoes are much better. . . . and David’s mashed potatoes take the trophy!!

The duck was the best ever – I could eat it every night while on this ship – but won’t!   

We began the meal with the iconic TK caesar salad prepared tableside by one of the sous chefs.  And we ended the meal with the sundae – Eric said we couldn’t leave until we had it.   By this time we’d been joined by another couple so with four spoons, we devoured the dessert.  The bottom of the sundae container is filled with homemade marshmallow, then topped with vanilla ice cream, followed by both hot fudge and caramel sauces and topped with whipped cream and a cherry – pure decadence and so delicious!!

Almost forgot!  Eric’s favorite meal at the TK Grill is their whole roasted chicken which serves two persons.   After the duck, Eric insisted that we order the chicken – was he crazy?  He did that!    The chicken came to the table in a beautiful sizzling tray and was carved on the spot.   Could I eat still more?   Well, I barely tasted my portion, and though it was good, I found it way too salty. The chicken is brined three days prior to cooking – moist chicken is wonderful, but salty is not. 

What a delightful day!