Running out of ideas for decorating the base of the tree? Readers from the Riviera or from further afield (thanks to the magic of the Internet), if you are looking for Christmas gifts produced locally or to live in the area, 20 minutes spotted some ideas. Follow the leader !
Learn to bake from a chef
Nicolas Dolbeau has worked with the greatest: Alain Ducasse, Yannick Aleno and more recently Cyril Lignac. And in some of the most prestigious establishments, in France and internationally, particularly in China. At 35, the pastry chef who trained at Negresco in Nice is back on the Côte d’Azur for a brand new adventure, as a couple. Far from the big starred restaurants and with “more human contact”. With his wife Sophie, who plays clerk – after putting his job as an architect on hold – he has been offering classes since this week in the kitchen of their own apartment in Juan-les-Pins.
On the program, four hours in a small group (six people maximum) to learn as much as possible about the secrets of dessert making. “We want to demystify baking and for our visitors to leave with techniques that will allow them to be comfortable and dare to try all the recipes,” explains Nicolas Dolbeau. For this launch, and until December 10, it is offering its workshops, to treat yourself or as a gift voucher, with a reduction of -35%: count on €78 per person instead of €120. For the next dates, the pair has concocted a special end-of-year holiday program: vanilla log from Madagascar and exotic fruits, irresistible chocolate and hazelnut log from Piedmont and other soft gingerbread .
Information on www.nicolasdolbeau.com
“Will you take a Little Pebble again?” »
Have you had enough of macaroons? Is chocolate overdose close? What if, for Christmas, you offered Little Pebbles instead? In Nice, these smooth pebbles do not only make the beaches of the Promenade des Anglais famous. Now they can also be enjoyed. Born from the imagination of Riviera pastry chef Julien Layrisse, these trompe-l’oeil cakes, with a gourmet financier base covered with a thin layer of tinted white chocolate, are already available in twelve flavors. Menton lemon, olive jam, clementine, pistachio, salted butter caramel… there is something for everyone.
“There are nougats from Montélimar, calissons from Aix… Julien Layrisse’s idea was to finally bring their iconic product to Nice and the Côte d’Azur,” says entrepreneur Fabien Zanini, with whom the leader joined in. Already present online, they will open their first physical store on Friday December 9, 8 rue Saint-Gaëtan, in Old Nice. Les Petits pebbles can be purchased individually (2 euros, only in stores) or put together in boxes of four (12 euros).
Information on www.les-petits-galets.com
Château de Crémat wine in a candle
The warmth and aromas of AOP Bellet wine, without the intoxication. The legendary Château de Crémat, in Nice, asked Maison Tchin Tchin, a wax maker established on the Côte d’Azur, to imagine its own candle in the base of a recycled bottle. In the end, the bouquet cast in European soy wax is woody, floral and amber with notes of rose, raspberry and violet. A very elaborate assembly as for the rest of the range.
“The idea was not at all to design room fragrances that smell like a full-bodied red or, worse, vinegar,” explained Guillaume Etienne, the founder of Maison Tchin Tchin, to 20 minutes. I went to meet perfumers in Grasse, Switzerland and Paris. It took nearly fifteen months to develop the formulas that tell what is happening in each grape variety. » The Château de Crémat candle is available directly from the winery boutique, 442 chemin de Crémat, in Nice (€43).
Information on chateaucremat.com
Give your Apple Watch a facelift
In Saint-Tropez, Noreve celebrated its twenty years of existence in 2023. The leather goods manufacturer, which began its activity with phone protections, has since expanded its high-end, made in France offering, available in different colors. Its Apple Watch straps (€175) are available in ten shades of leather and two insert finishes, steel and black. A good opportunity to upgrade your small connected device.
For watch lovers, the French brand has also launched a whole range of cases, equipped with small cushions, to protect them. They are also available in different colors and types of leather, including synthetic leather or vegan texture. And for one, two, three, four or six units.
Information on www.noreve.com/fr