Hitting the low and high notes...

Last Saturday morning, we were lucky enough to be part of the Community Chest Fund event with the jurade of Saint Emillion which started off with mass at St John's Co-Cathedral with Joseph Calleja singing. We cut short a trip to London to be present, and though amazing to be part of it, I was more than miffed to have the service ruined by 3 individuals (all of whom you would expect to know how to behave) videoing the tenor singing with their iPhones, arms stretched out like a Nazi salute, DURING the mass. Lucky for me to be in the right place to ask for forgiveness for my thoughts about them. They cemented my desire to start on my next business venture though - a school for etiquette - and I shall be contacting them directly to graciously invite them to book their places.


Last night saw the 17th edition of LOL's Stand Up at the Dolmen Resort in Qawra. We left it to our friends to pick a table which, when we saw where they had picked, thought it was dangerously close to the stage. It took the compare about 5 minutes to start on Nigel, which started the laughter off.

The first act wasn't my cup of tea, but he was on the same wavelength as one half of the room and did have some funnies up his sleeve. The second act, Junior Simpson, was hilarious. He picked on Nigel's wife, Jan, and the joke carried on through his act and after the show..... As is normal with these events, you think you will remember the jokes, but they seem to dissolve by the time you reach the car.

Join in the fun, join the mailing list and get to hear about Laugh Out Loud's events.

Christmas shopping - I have the BEST online site for you

Having spent a week in London where I came back within the baggage limits, I still need to shop. Being strict with myself due to an imminent house purchase, I am not buying things I have something remotely similar to and decided I am making foodie gifts for those deserving enough for such effort......

An ad on the tube stuck in my mind and browsing it on my return am overjoyed that I have the opportunity to do some guilt free, selfless shopping. Have a look at Good Gifts and tell me there isn't something you want to buy. 

There are turkeys for just 6 euro for an African widow to help earn the few cents they need to survive, dresses for destitute war widows, shoes for kids to avoid disease and singing lessons for shoolkids, hampers for neglected elderly people, trees to protect woodland and beer! There is something for everyone, that awkward aunt, the secret Santa.

Please have a look, please.

Seriously, book to see this...

We had a hoot last night at Love, Lust & Lynching at MITP (St Christopher Street, Valletta). The cast, directed by Wesley Ellul, didn't miss a beat. The delivery punchy, the management of the audience timely and the energy level of the whole cast, like a quality control meeting at a Red Bull factory. Even the prompts were enjoying themselves.
The play is about a Spanish village and its struggle against a tyrant - where's the humour you ask? Go see. But don't think you will just be rolling around laughing. They have you on your feet, at a lynching and a few members of the audience on the stage. Indeed, one last night, didn't want to leave!
But it's not just well done, there are actors who make you sit up and take notice of them; Jo Caruana's delivery in a certain scene made my eyes well - she was so passionate. And the gorgeous Julia Calvert and Jean-Pierre Busttil are a combo that should be paired up for a lead part. At one point in the play, Jean-Pierre was alone, on stage and in the dark, waiting  to start, but he already had the audience laughing. And had us laughing all the way home.

Tickets are available for shows on :
Saturday, 26 Nov, 2011
Sunday, 27 Nov, 2011
Friday, 02 Dec, 2011
Saturday, 03 Dec, 2011
Sunday, 04 Dec, 2011

Book yours now: www.ticketline.com.mt

Change of scenery

I took the day off yesterday and spent it with a friend hoping to go up to Gozo and pretend to be shepherd for a day....but as with too many companies, the contact made via the form/email on theIr website was ignored so we had to create our own adventure.

We started off in St Paul's Bay for a chocolate and raspberry donut at the new donut factory - which deserves a story of its own - and then headed towards the red tower to walk it off. We came across a few other walkers, firework 'shells' and hunters cartridges and the chameleon in the picture.

We headed to Rabat for a well deserved lunch but were horribly disappointed by la grotta. The beaujolais was anything but neauvous - in fact was acidic and had definitely been in the bottle for way longer than its name suggests. It remained in the glass having had just one sip sipped. We ordered a Nero d'Avola to accompany our bunny and chips, which we are sure the chef added the 'sent back' Beaujolais to and so that remained largely untouched. Had it not been for the rain, we would have left, but still being hungry, had a cheese platter which we figured would be safe before taking a nice scenic drive home (house hunting again thanks to random nonsensical Maltese house laws).

We'd booked to see 'if I were you' at the Manoel, and even my Italian friend got it that it wasn't executed brilliantly. The second half was better, and we left with smiles on our faces and off to the ubiquitous leglegin for a post theatre supper.

Need a good laugh?

No, I haven't had one of my incidents, LOL are holding one of their Stand Up comedy nights on  12/12/11 (eve of a public holiday) featuring 3 hilarious award-winning comedians:

Tony Law, (watch this at work without laughing out loud....) Stephen Grant  and Tim Fitzhigham  at the Dolmen Resort in Qawra. Doors open at 19.30 and it is advisable to be there then.

 

Don't go for the food, but the quality of the comedians is always high. You'll enjoy their brilliance and quick wit - their observations of what's happening locally woven in to their sets. Don't think you can replicate their jokes the next day, somehow, like the apparent memory of childbirth, you forget everything as soon as you are standing up again. 

 

 

Bookings are now open.... purchase your tickets online and collect at the door OR reserve  and collect from one of their outlets within 3 days! Take a gang .....  www.laughoutloud.com.mt/bookings

 

See you there.....?

All that jazz.....

My job is great. I get invited to many events, some which I have to attend and some I want to. This week, the Manoel Theatre hosted a night of Jazz with Dominic Galea and Friends. I hadn't had the pleasure of hearing them before and being a bit of a jazz fan, was very happy to be in the aficionado's crowd.



The set started with a couple of numbers that were of that jazz that can irritate people - you don't know where its going and cant tap your feet / nod your head to it... then, a young chap, Carlo Muscat walked on looking very pleased with himself - you knew it was going to be  a Susan Boyle type moment.

I wanted to close my eyes and kick off my shoes and be on a lounger at Baia with a cocktail in hand. Carlo's saxaphone was like the sun warming my skin and the breeze was the percussionist sweeping the drums. This guy is one to watch - even with your eyes closed.


Doreen Galea was introduced and her big voice needed no backing music. She sounds like Julie London, velvet smooth, penetrating and uplifting. An agile xylophonist came next and was follwed by veteren, Sammy Murgo, took the stage with more pizzazz and energy than I can muster at half his age.
 
The music just got better and better and eventually the whole band played together, speaking to each other with their eyes and playing pinball to pass the tune around so each could have a solo. The pianist and leader of the pack, Dominic Galea, played the piano and the depth of sound vibrated to my core. What would I have changed? I wished I hadn't been alone and I wished there was a second half.

Lesson 1....

So today was my first (but the rest of the group's second) pastry making lesson at ITS and puff pastry - which takes some muscle and a lot of waiting around time and short pastry - which takes less time to make than it does to defrost - were on the menu. The puff pastry is on the agenda for next week as this needs to rest for a while - a little like the 'owner' - while the shortcrust pastry was made into the casing for a quice lorraine. Not my favourite filling - for my homework version I'll opt for fig and gorgonzola - or roasted vegetable and pesto egg...
Good mix of people on the course, young and older, male and female and enthusiastic homes cooks to pro chefs are amongst the mix.
Didn't take any pictures but am loving the outfit... let's see if the drawstring waisted trousers will stretch far enough by week 14. You should see what's coming in a couple of weeks..... I'll share some recipes as I go along on www.indulge.com.mt/foodanddrink

Kids Under 16 FREE at the Manoel this weekend

What do you get when you combine wacky juggling, creative balloon sculptures, a live bunny rabbit, audience participation and jaw dropping miracles of magic? You get Teatru Manoel’s Magical Variety! Teatru Manoel in collaboration with BLEEP Entertainment presents a weekend of astonishing magical fun this Saturday 5th of November at 7.30pm and Sunday at 6th November at 4.00pm. Prepare to witness jaw dropping acts and colourful performances by some of Malta’s finest talent including Alfred Mifsud - The Balancing Magician, Robert Ellul – The Balloon Man, Lorenzo
Brincat, Vanni Pule and Brian Role

As part of Teatru Manoel’s ongoing campaigns to encourage more families to include the theatre as part of their jam packed weekend full of outings and events, Teatru Manoel is inviting all kids under 16 to enjoy both performances of ‘The Magical Variety’ for free. ‘We believe that The Magical Variety is a great opportunity for families to enjoy quality time together and have an enjoyable evening or
afternoon together in one of Malta’s most prestigious landmarks. We are proud to host an evening presented by Malta’s finest magicians, Alison White Dancers and work with members of The Magician’s Society to create what we consider to be a great family outing’ Ray Attard, Teatru
Manoel’s CEO

Bookings for this unique promotional offer directly from the Teatru Manoel box office, Monday to Friday between 10.00 and 13.00 and 17.00 – 19.00, Saturday’s between 10am and 13.00pm or one hour before the performance. The Magical Variety will be performed on Saturday 5th November at 19.30 and a matinee show at 16:00. For more details call 21246389 email info@teatrumanoel.com.mt

New beginnings....

I'm rubbish at desserts. Yes, I can make cup cakes, but so can 4 year old's and like my marvellous macrons, you can't really serve these for dessert. So, having read my star sign (I only do it when my birthday is approaching) and it told me massive change was on the way, I took this to be me getting around to doing something about this shortcoming. So, I have enrolled at ITS and am starting a part time pastry course next week! I'm very excited. Yesterday, I picked up my chef outfit from The Catering Centre and I feel a bit like Mr Benn

I even have an apple ready for the teacher.....wish me luck and follow my progress here - I will share any successes in the food & drink pages of indulge....

EVEN MORE FOUR PLAY - NEXT WEEKEND

They're back! Sassier, Brassier and sexier then before! Alan Montanaro, Isabel Warrington, Louiselle Vassallo and Alan Paris are all preparing to rock Sir Temi Zammit Hall with riotous Laughter in EVEN MORE FOUR PLAY! All your favourite characters are back, including the Basss Driver, Defsa Garuana Malizia, but will also be joined by some new friends your bound to love! With sketches written by Malta's best comedy writers Malcolm Galea, James Calvert and Alan Montanaro, and directed by the likes of Denise Mullholland, Herman Grech, Chiara Hyzler and Wesley Ellul, expect audiences to be LOLing until the cows come home! Its all happening at Sir Temi Zammit Hall, from the 21st - 23rd of October 2011 for THREE Nights ONLY! Buy your tickets now before its too late! You can buy your tickets online from http://www.ticketline.com.mt/ now!

“E lucevan le stelle…” and the stars shone!

Borrowing one of the most famous lines of Puccini’s Tosca, the (opera) stars shone last Saturday 15th October 2011 as the 3-act opera returned for the third time at the Teatru tal-Opra Aurora. What was being referred to as arguably the best combination of singers ever to appear together on an opera stage in Malta, was definitely no let-down to neither producers nor audiences. The cast included an encouraging dose of local talent with established household name Noel Galea (Cesare Angelotti) as well as up-and-coming baritone Louis Andrew Cassar (jailer) and treble Annabelle Zammit (shepherd) who enjoyed their debut at the Aurora. Other secondary roles were those interpreted by the Italian bass Cosimo Arena (Sciarrone), tenor Costantino D’Aniello (Spoletta) and baritone Alessandro Busi (Sacrestan). They mixed and blended together with quite a skill (and pride) to accompany Neil Shicoff, Michele Crider and Juan Pons who have been brought in to give the show star appeal and raise the overall quality of the performance.
Women arrived at the Aurora decked in flowing gowns, flashing jewels and patrician smiles trying to forget the heavy downpour by not looking at their accompanying males, some of whom were literally soaking. However, it did not take much time for the audience to forget the hassle of wet feet as patrons were whizzed right away into the plot, so impressively set in context with Novella Tabili’s scenography. In fact, the audience felt compelled to applaud as the curtain opened for the third act. And that was not a round of applause for just the Vatican cupola or for the image of the Archangel Michael. It was a compliment to the whole concept of the set, designed by Novella Tabili, painted by Paul Falzon, constructed by Teddy Mizzi and Anthony Buhagiar, lit by Donald Camilleri, and enhanced by professional photography by Sandro Di Salvatore.
As the music unfolded, with Colin Attard at the helm of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, or his 17th opera, the audience met the main protagonists, starting from tenor Shicoff who albeit falling ill, did his best to honour his commitment. He simply reached superior heights with each aria. His “E lucevan le stelle” was noted to be amongst the best he has ever performed, which is much more than what anyone can ask from a tenor who might have, at times considered himself too ill to sing. Soprano Michele Crider proved to be a very convincing Tosca. Expectations from the audience were quite high, considering there were foreign fans of hers who attended purposefully to watch her perform in our theatre. She definitely won the hearts of all those present with her dramatic presence enhanced with compelling acting in key points. Her stage presence and her imposing voice in the final scene were enough to fill a stage, which, save for an angel and a cupola was bare. She cried that Scarpia will answer before God and hurled herself over the edge. Yet the stage was surprisingly still full with her presence bringing the opera to a dramatic, and no-less-than-grand, finale. She surely was a glowing star of the night!
Baritone Juan Pons was the true Scarpia. Credible in his acting, sure and unfaltering in his voice, the Spaniard gave what the audience expected from a man who has been a household name and a constant guest of the most important theatres all over the world, including a remarkable 25 years at the MetOpera of New York. The only difference between the authority of his voice and that of his acting part was that the latter was corrupt and tainted by carnal lust and betrayal. His voice, on the other hand, remained loyal to his reputation and experience. Tosca forcefully and poignantly asserts "E avanti a lui, tremava tutta Roma", "All Rome trembled before him", just as it can be said that before his voice, the entire Aurora trembled with awe and wonder.
The Aurora Opera Chorus, coached by conductor Colin Attard, as well as the supernumeraries (under the direction of Novella Tabili, assisted by Maria Buttigieg) had a lesser role this year, when compared to the past productions of Carmen and Aida. Yet, their input, especially in the Te Deum scene which rounded off the first act was top-notch. True to the age in which it was set, only a hundred years before Puccini wrote it, the Aurora’s interpretation of Tosca was one of the best the theatre has so far put up, and according to opera patrons, one of the best Toscas ever produced, comparable to those in any of the world’s major theatres.

White Chateauneuf-du-Pape anyone?

I haven't been to the Xara Palace since my very first review which was for MaltaToday a couple of years ago. This week I was invited to attend a dinner organised by M. Demajo  where a white Chateauneuf-du-Pape, which was fresh and interesting for me - usually a red drinker, I'm always on the look out for a good white. This will be added to the list - though not many bottles of this variety by Clos de L'Oratoire de Papes are produced. This was served with a tuna and swordfish terrine.

The big red brother came soon after which smelled of toffee apples, which are one of my favourite foods, and given a little time, was lovely and heavy. Served with a duo of lamb, it spelled the end of Summer for me, and about time too.

Even better was the Chateau de Triniac 2007, which was perfect just poured and with a selection of  cheeses which were devoured with a second glass. I could have had a third but dessert were on the way..... a trio of vanilla crepe, cinnamon meringues and a mini chocolate coulant were offered with Cazes Grenat, Ambre and a Tuile. I whipped of the neck tag of the Ambre - so  much more discreet than taking out my phone to take a picture of the label hoping I will come across it again! This time at least I know where to go to get it.

Piano players do it with their eyes closed

The last pianist I saw in action was Burt Bacharach, crooning away to songs I grew up on, indeed molded my morals on in the Royal Albert Hall.

More handsome in real life than depicted by his publicity materials, Roberto Cominati, thrilled a crowd at the Manoel Theatre on Tuesday evening with his recital of Schumann’s Op 9, Giovanni Sgambati’s piano transcription of the Dance of the Blessed Spirits from  Orfeo ed Euridice and Liszt’s transcription of the Sarabande and Chaconne from Almira and climaxed with Moszkowski’s Chanson Bohème from Bizet’s Carmen.

It was as if he were possessed by the music, his whole body immersed in each piece. This was obviously rehearsed but not effortless, you could see his emotion, feel his passion. I closed my eyes to listen, he closed his eyes to play.

Gadget takes me to dinner

When in Leicester, as I was last week, food choices are quite wide as long as they include curry. Lunch and supper were definitely curry and I swear the scrambled eggs and bacon at breakfast time smelt of curry.

Not so the evening meal. After a long day at a conference with my work colleague in a room full of people you would not want to spend New Year's Eve with, out came the gadget of choice: iPad and the Michelin app.

A search for the closest restaurant by stars lead us to a choice of 3, one of which was full, the other had an incorrect number and the third sounded promising, if for no other reason that the village in which it was situated had the quaint name of Woodhouse Eaves. It conjured up thoughts of a wood fire on what was a stormy night of torrential rain. Google Earth confirmed it was in a side street of a tiny village in the middle of the countryside.

The Woodhouse in Woodhouse Eaves was a cosy, small restaurant with a décor a bit too far to the modern side for my liking but with what can only be described as a compact but very interesting menu. I could easily have chosen 3 or 4 of each of the items offered at each course. The service was impeccable yet on the right side of friendly.

A cauliflower and fennel soup was served as an amuse bouche. A bit salty but palatable. I had 3 small but delicious scallops served on a bed of watermelon for starters followed by a very tasty pork belly. My colleague had rabbit for starters followed by duck A pre-dessert sorbet was served followed by Apple Crumble for him and cheese for me (no I did not go for Leicestershire). Coffees, petit fours, half a bottle of Fleurie Domaine Gry-Sabon (OK, I was driving) and a bottle of water.

This was effectively a 5 course meal for two people with excellent food, reasonable wine (half a bottle) and fine service with a bill of £90. Not bad for a night out.

L'Ghanja tal Cinju - Manoel Theatre

What a fantastic performance!. I am not a great follower of Maltese theatre but decided that this year I should spread my net further and go and see allot more theatre than I usually do. So I went to see the first Maltese play on at the Manoel Theatre and was very glad that I did.

I did not know what Cinju meant and found out that it was a Swan. (Socrates Swan Song) The play was in two acts , written by Joe Friggieri and won First Prize in the Francis Ebejer National Play writing competition. It is all about Socrates ' Trial and Death in 399 B.C. Sounds heavy but time just flew!.

The show was directed by Albert Marshall,choreographed by Mavin Khoo and a whole lot of good actors, many friends of mine which all did an outstanding job!. Scenery , sound effects the lot were fantastic...

I was at the same party as Gaddaffi when.....

Elvis, in Jailhouse Rock outfit stopped to ask to have his photo taken with me. It was last night at Boogie Nights with Owen B and his crowd in charge of the event.


Apart from John Travolta and The Jackson 5, I didn't recognise anyone else that wasn't in our gang. Whoever the people were that went, are fun. All apart from about 6 dressed (and they looked stupid.....) I did have afro envy a few times though, there were some shoulder width ones about. Mine did fly a few times - purely through my speedy dance moves. Teach me for showing off! My D.I.S.C.O routine hasn't altered since the track was released and my tasseled flares and I gave the rest of the songs a good go. I left when the 70's rock came on, the wig just wouldn't have been able to take it.

My feet ache from dancing, my voice is hoarse from singing and my cheeks are sore from smiling. I had a blast and I can't wait for the next Boogie Nights.

Concerto Per L'unita D' Italia

Opening night at the Manoel Theatre on Friday the 30th September 2011 was a most enjoyable evening and a fantastic concert. The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Brian Schembri and featuring soprano Lucia Aliberti ware all outstanding and the audience wanted more and more.
On a hot humid evening where the temperature was in the late 20s and the entire audience except for me was wearing a jacket, was I wise or was I inappropriately dressed ? The answer is I was feeling very out of place as although I like to be different deep down I like to conform. I had not seen an audience at the theatre so well dressed for a long time !. Is this the new trend or are music lovers better dressed than drama lovers ?. Well I will check it out as I am off to the theatre this Saturday to see a Maltese play called L- Ghanja tac-cinju.

Everything plus the kitchen sink....

I had a lovely day yesterday. I took the 7am catamaran by Virtu Ferries to Pozzallo using their September special offer met my interior design god friend and whizzed up to IKEA in Catania to buy a kitchen for almost complete house renovation project I'm working on. My Italian was almost up to scratch, I've been having the most fun taking lessons so it was really good to have to use it. There was just one misunderstanding, but turned out to be a funny one....

I managed to buy everything I needed except one door which I ordered (oh damn I have to go back next week to collect it....), and fit it in my pretty car before we headed into town to visit Cafe Prestipino in the main square for one of their delightful pasticci. Stopped for a quick coffee with a friend and then on into Modica for a mammoth cheese buying session. Well, it's red wine o'clock and one needs a decent cheese to accompany it hey?

Had a terrible salad on the cat on the way back - I'd have thought this is the ideal opportunity for a Maltese and Sicilian company to join forces and do specialties of each island rather than Coronation chicken wraps and microwavable pasta? What do you think? 50% of the passengers are tourists... be a great way to promote ourselves.

Every cloud has a silver lining...

If you look up and see these clouds, commonly known as Mackerel, be warned, there is a change of weather within hours. I love seeing these. My favourite book as a child was 365 Rainy Day Activities I still have it and look forward to opening it up at this tie of year. No point getting miserable about the weather, embrace it!

Summer did zip by this year, I hardly feel like I dipped my toe in it, but now it's time for Autumn and all of the wonderful things it brings. The hard top goes back on the car and last year's boots will be dug out until the shops get their new ranges out, salads are relegated to side dishes and leg waxing appointments get farther apart.

One of the best things is sleeping without aircon and having fresh air instead but in waking hours, it is now justifiable to lock yourself in and create things or:

Go to a restaurant without a view / al fresco dining. They have to rely on their food and ambiance and are generally better. Favourites of mine are Assaggi in Dean Hamlet, Del Borgo in Birgu, Spezzo and Da Pippo in Valletta, Etiennes in Attard, Chapter One or Profumo Di in St Julians....

Play dress up. Get a stack of glossy magazines and pour over them to build your new season's look, then jump online or take advantage of a break in the weather, and shop! No more sticky skin or swollen feet while trying on for a few months now.

Fill your trolley up and spend the afternoon experimenting in the kitchen. I have pages and pages of recipes to try out for Sunday lunch season.....

Go for a walk and not need a shower before you've taken 10 paces. Collect dead wood for the fire, pick wild herbs for stews, play tig.....

Update your bucket list, draft your letter to Santa ..... and last but not least, join The Cloud Appreciation Society .

Ducking delicious......

I'm still licking my lips - but the lunch I just knocked up was was so simple and so delicious - I thought I'd share it with you. Had a couple of handfuls of the freshest coriander from PAVI in the fridge and wanted to make the best of them.

Marinade duck breasts in a mixture of finely diced small mango, big bunch of coriander, couple of inches of fresh ginger and small red onion. Squeeze some lime juice and add a spoon of honey and a sprinkle of chilli flakes.  Leave while you peel and slice a butternut squash and lay the table.

Clean of the marinade and save in a bowl. Place the squash in the bottom of a roasting pan. Lay the duck breasts skin-side down on top of the squash and put in the oven, 180 C for about 45 minutes.

Skin the breasts and leave the meat to rest while you lay ot the rest of the ingredients on a plate. Mound the salsa and arrange sliced duck on top. If there had been leftovers, would have been able to use them in a wrap for supper!

What a funny ol' evening.....

Last night saw the first Eden Stand Up Comedy Night at the cinema complex in St Julian's. We really needed a good laugh after an emotional week ...... The show started pretty much on time with Geoff Whiting comparing and a slow start for Hettie Hayridge, a warmer reception for Mark Restuccia - a finalist in the BBC comedy awards, but the headline act, Mark Felgate, made the evening with his mix of ventriloquism and childlike humour.

 In the interval, The Photo Booth Guys were dressing up passers by and shooting them in our finery.... good practice for the upcoming 70s night on October 8th at MFCC!

Still chuckling, we went over to the Radisson St Julians to have a bite in their 24 hour restaurant. We weren't alone - though I'm sure if this place was closer to the hubbub, it would be jam packed. Food was plentiful and not that bad.
A place to remember of you want something other than junk food in the middle of the night. The carpet a little swirly after a couple of glasses of wine but a refurb is happening after Christmas, so hopefully this will be sacrificed to the style gods!

Fish don't eat melon

So, half way through the Summer, I thought I'd share some whinges with you.
1 - Fish don't eat melon skins so please don't throw them in the sea.
2 - We know your huge great noise, air and sea polluting boat is faster than ours, you don't need to get so close to us, at speed, to prove it.
3 - TM - you need more patrol boats out there - perhaps with regular wardens on - they at least can write some tickets out. No point forcing a licence on sea goers if no policing is in place.
4 - Teenagers - stop jumping off cliffs into the sea. It's been done. It's not safe. It's not the only way to get a free helicopter ride.
5 - Party boats - go where there are no other boats. Your passengers are surely too drunk to know / care if anyone is around them.
6 - Seaside eateries - we know your season is short, but not as short as people's holidays. Please don't overcharge. There's a lot of coast and a lot of Summer. Play nicely.
7 - Vodafone / GO / Melita - can we have voice and data coverage all around the islands please?
8 - There's a market for a shop-ship selling fruit and veg and bread, milk and papers at the weekends....
9 - There's a market for watertaxi's from the shore to boats - I would offer, but my dinghy skills are laughable.
And to end on a positive note,  I would like to thank the jellyfish for staying away (so far) this year.

Enjoy the rest of the Summer!

feeling blue.....or is it grey?

I'm a bit of a gadget girl on the quiet and I have just discovered an app for the iphone which deserves  attention. Debating on painting the woodwork and can't decide between martian skies or sapphire springs. Both are similar to the colour that was used by Barracuda in Balluta Bay, now gorgeous storm grey.... but I'll never get that past the style council.

And if anyone knows where I can get plant pots to match......... and of course then I'll need napkins and a tablecloth, table accessories, cushions....... and do you think I should get a frock too? I have the shoes already, thankfully I no longer need to traipse around with the precious darlings to try match it....In fact, I think Dulux are missing a trick and they could do an outfit matching service - let's lobby them! I have so many things that are lurking in the back of the wardrobe, never seeing the light of day, because they are not quite suited to anything else in the collection. Hmm. Think my afternoon movie will be sacrificed for app idea development ......

The drunken mermaid

At our last stop, Favignama, for the first time ever, I found a bar with my name on it...

Then in Marsala, home of the famous aperitif and dessert wines, I found another: la sirena ubriaca : the drunken mermaid. Situated in via Garibaldi in the centro storica of Marsala, this lively bar serves wine without a menu- the very knowledgeable Angela was able to make the various members of the gang happy with her choice of wines, indeed she suggested a Nero D'Avola that both John and I enjoyed.  

Have a look at Angela in action

On the basis of her wine choices, we took her recommendation for a restaurant who could do with someone as friendly as Angela on their waiting staff. Our waitress at il mare colore del vino, who I suspect was also the owner, was quite fierce and not very flexible to the requests for this and not that by our vegetarian contingent. My bistecca in Marsala was delicious, though my salad was a let down. Great vegetables in Sicily, crap salads. Bizarre.

Tomorrow a Marsala tasting tour- but you'll have to read the next copy of indulge magazine out in September to find out about it! A piu tardi!

I'm in love....

With the prettiest place.... Salina, one of the Aeolian Islands. Lush landscapes, flowers everywhere, a well kept marina and a sweet walkway into the quaint village which houses boutiques with silk chiffon kaftans and individual items of clothing and unusual bags and jewellery, a salumeria, a stacked to the ceiling grocery store, butcher, baker and candlestick maker - ok, I lied, no candlestilck maker but there is a flip flop maker.
You choose your leather, have your soles sized, pick your buckle, and either a) let the man get on with his work and get an ice cream or b) stalk him with questions and take pictures of him at work. Either way it is just a 10 minute process - brilliant. Made me realise I really must get around to booking the shoe making course I have wanted to do for years, seeing as it has become impossible to find a cobbler who still honours the craft today.
If you come to find him, I suggest you test out your new hand made flip flops for a wander after dinner at Porto Bello restaurant. After a selection of antipasti, I had Scorpion fish with potatoes which I am not ashamed to say, I mopped up every last morsel with the fresh crusty bread. Washed down with a bottle of local Insolia by Hauner, this was a meal memory I will cherish.

I spoke too soon.....

And I guess it serves me right. I was showing off to a well versed foodie friend about having supper in Syracuse and I had what was probably one of the worst meals in my life. Most definitely in the bottom three.... Take a tip from me and don't go to The Terrace restaurant which overlooks the harbour. I know .... We were seduced by the view (having been at sea all day.... Ahem) but the food definitely turned us off, to the point that we didn't end up paying as it was inedible.

Black plates were the first no no, with our involtini of swordfish stuffed with the traditional but tasteless breadcrumbs, raisins and pine nut mix and covered with a white sauce which looked like vomit.

The salad was from a tin - I swear - on dead lettuce leaves that even a starving slug would not eat. Thank heaves for the wine, an Insolia, which managed to lift my language skills to express my disgust.

Today's lunch was a much better affair. Laden with bags from Stefanel and Trussardi and tickets in hand to the famous opera dei pupi our faith in tourist town restaurants were revitalised with a plate of antipasti and another of pasta at Sicilia in Tavola on via Cavour - and at just € 25 including a glass of wine, water and coffees, I think I may head back into town to visit my friend Max Mara!

Chocoholics - don't be anonymous....

The charming Mr Vancayseele from Callebaut, Belgium, is coming (back)  to ITS to deliver

3 BASIC chocolate making courses. 

Dates are:  July 11^th & 12^th, July 13^th & 14^th, July 15^th & 16^th.

  

Closing date for applications: noon on Friday 8^th July 2011     

For applications contact:

ITS Registrar’s Office

St George’s Bay, St Julians

Tel: 2379 3100

or download information

from: www.its.edu.mt

Applications should

be accompanied by

the full registration fee

(Basic: €360, Intermediate: €420)

Applicants should be in possession of a valid Food-Handlers’ Licence B which takes just a day to complete

Event is sponsored  by

Worldwide

Valletta Road, Qormi

Tel: 2149 7706 / 2144 7904

Just added a restaurant to my top ten

I am often asked where my favorite place to eat in Malta is - while there are a few I go to and have the same dish at, there are just a handful of places that tick all the boxes - or double tick in some cases.

Don serafino at the Draganora Casino has been added to the list.

It's set in a beautiful building, check, it has gorgeous I want to steal furnishings, check, attentive professional staff, check, a menu that means you have to go more than once as too many tempting things to choose from, check, the waiters know about wine (how many times have you been recommended the right red to have with fish?) check, you can park right outside the door, check, the ice cream is wearable, check.

It's open from 1030 for coffee and stays open pretty much through. I'm creating an excuse to have party there - think this is going to be THE place to eat this Summer, and that's a bet.

Charity begins at home.... but it can be fun too!

This week I have been completely spoilt - and mostly for good causes. On Wednesday I got the painting I was lusting after - looking forward to its delivery and then the where will it go operation. Worth every cent but feels better knowing that 25% of the cost goes to The World Walks For Water.

Wednesday also saw the launch event at the Intercontinental Hotel of Pomellato into Malta and their gorgeous DoDo range of charms; each symbolising something - looking through the 'translations' booklet doesn't help much - you want them all for or from one person or another in your life! I really couldn't decide on one.... the goat, the swan, the penguin?

And then last night, an event by the Action for Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation Malta on the terrace of the Black Pearl kind of hit home. A cause close to my heart, mum being a survivor, these other survivors and women currently undergoing treatment are trying to raise money for equipment - biopsy guns are just 750 euro and an early detection scanner is 15,000 euro for example. Please please join  their group - join their foundation for just 12 euro a year - attend their events and donate where you can. We are all touched by this evil disease, let's have some fun beating it!

Total Eclipse of the Art.....

So tonight sees two very special occasions. The first, is an exhibition of local and relatively unknown but diverse and talented artists, exhibiting their work at @240, Zabbar Road in Fgura from 8pm. Anton Calleja will be inaugurating proceedings. 25% of all sales are going towards 'The World Walks for Water' so another good reason to buy something. I mean, look at this painting by Etherbert Perini, one of a series on the same subjects; innocent tethered tenders that seem to be inviting you and a picnic basket on board to go mess about on the water.

And if you think Fgura is too far to drive - after you have had a good look round, drive a further 10 minutes to Marsascala, have supper near the waterpolo pitch at Nuvo Art & Dine (it's Scnitzel night - have the Jaeger sauce- YUM) then wander out to the lands end and watch the lunar eclipse which will be happening till about 0130.

Not a bad nights entertainment for a Wednesday!

Beg, steal or fake tickets .....

I would not be surprised if this show sells out. So book, beg, steal or fake some tickets for the run of You've got Hate Mail at St James Cavalier in Valletta until 19th June.

It is side splittingly funny, brilliantly executed by a brillaint and perfectly-cast cast of John Montanaro, an exceptional Julia Calvert, Wesley Ellul, Jo Caruana and Pia Zammit. 

Makes you blush with memories from your past and gets a bit close to the mark on a few occasions. You will warm and cool to the characters throughout the play .... and check who you send what email to a bit more carefully....

Hilarious. LMBHO. 

BOOK.

 

me me me time

on the chaise, with freshly baked safflower and vanilla macarons, with the Summer edition of indulge............

think I will change my name to L'Oreal!

Watching you watching me....

It's a bit wierd watching yourself eat, last night we finally got around to going to Profumo Di on Ball Street in St Julians having done a review there in my previous life at MaltaToda.I had been going on and on about the grapefruit risotto - but just hadn't had chance to get back to have it again. It was worth the wait. You must try it. Even with cheese on (which I thought would be strange) it's delicious. Though I warn you, the article is there, staring at you.

Post risotto, John had a cotelleto with the ubiquitous rucola and tomato salad and I had one of the starters as it sounded just too interesting to miss. Having just bought a book on terrines and put my sticky tabs through the recipes I want to try, this gave me the opportunity to sample one made by an expert. The dish, which the bubbly blonde (very rare very good) waitress described so enthusiastically came served in a verrine, layers of potato, carrots, swordfish, beetroot, tuna, green beans and smothered in parsley pesto and crowned with a king prawn. We did the cheesy thing and took a picture with the iphone - which I wish you could scratch and sniff - each mouthful balanced, sweet, soft.....

There was no room for dessert and I had satisfied all the flavour and texture requirements for the evening - and had a really good time all round so was happy to call it a night and head home - though desperate to tell you about it - so here I am pre-breakfast doing so - as the Insoglio del Cinghiale had made me a bit merry last night!

A not about food post..........

I haven't given up eating, though my bikini wishes I would.... just been busy putting the Summer edition of indulge to bed and a few other things like selling my delightful dog biscuits at the Artisan Market in Vittoriosa. The day was glorious, the event well organised, and you couldn't have picked a more perfect location. I had cupcakes to my left which flew off the stand - so I had to console myself with rabbit sausages from Taverna Sugu's stand. Three of!

After baking all week and then baking all day it was off the fashion show at the Excelsior to witness Marisa Grima's team in action - saw a few items I may treat myself to, now the magazine has gone to print....

Next post from London!

Oh I do like to be beside the sea side....

There's a new cafe in Ta'Xbiex that has almost got it right. The Yacht Cafe serves appetising looking food, a different menu - mostly Lebanese with salads and wraps as well, masses of parking as the marina is across the road with fast service - so a lunch hour CAN be adhered to with smiley, chatty staff.

Between us, we had a falafel wrap which was a bit too big to eat with my hands and a bit difficult to eat with a knife and fork, but I managed, even if I wasn't graceful, and John had a Lebanese salad which I have to say I was envious of, and picked at. We also had some rather loud people at the next table, spoiled it a bit. The chink chink of the masts, masked completely by a couple of obvioulsy well travelled types, speaking at the volume that some of their far flung friends could hear them without telephones.

The outside benches are for small bottomed types - or perhaps designed to be uncomfortable so that punters don't loiter for too long. This place was busy - and if the standard of food and service remians -  I imagine it will be for the forseeable future.

Wraps are a mere 4 euro to set the pricing guage. Lots of herbal teas and inviting hot chocolates for a windy rainy day, as well as a fridge full of the usuals and some fruit juices. You can phone and order, and wander off to the Marina or back to your desk or your yacht to enjoy your choice: 2133 5256

Follow that van (for the best calamari in Malta)

I know I go on a bit about Primitivo, a fabulous red wine from Puglia, but you really should try it. Needless to say, when I spotted a van wrapped in adverts for Ristorante Tentazione Pugliese in Milner Street (behind the Preluna) - I knew my cravings could be satisfied more easily now... I just had to find the place.

Hidden, like pretty much all good restaurants are, in a back street, the restaurant doesn't look much - but again, the best food is often served in such establishments. The roaming guitar players almost put us off entering but the thought of my precious Primativo strengthened my resolve.

We were greeted by an animated chap - Domenico - who ushered us and in half English half Italian advised us of the choices that were on and off the menu. The van had just pulled up outside carrying abundent fish - and we 'settled' for an antipasto of seafood. I will undoubtedly miss a dish or two but we enjoyed smoked salmon, carpaccio of tuna, octopus, swordfish, neonati and lightly battered trill and sardines, baby octopi (is that the plural?) and much more, including an impossible to do it justice in writing calamari; juliennes of noodle textured tasty melt-in-the-mouth deliciousness. I did hog the plate a bit, but hey, I'm the one that was working....and it is plates like this that are the reward.

Do forgive me but the free flowing Primativo has somewhat dulled my capacity to recall all details. I do, however, remember that we chomped our way through every dish - and our fullness decided for us that we wouldn't opt for a main course but just finish off with desert. After a limincello concoction that has restored my faith in the liquer, the chef delivered warm strawberries in a sticky sweet broth. 

Just close your eyes and imagine - then call this number to book: 21323496

Don't have a plate at Tate

I'm not the moany type. I like to try to see the good and giggle about the bad. But my face is so screwed up from frowning from a disaterous lunch today, that the only positive feeling I have is that you should not visit Tate on the Vittoriosa Waterfront.

If you followed my work in my previous life, you'll know I'm a bit of a fan of Birgu and encourage visitors to make time and meander the village. We had a family of five today plus our gang so headed 'down South' for a spot of lunch in what is a lovely spot; Vittoriosa Warterfront.

We met at 1230 and by 1350, no food had arrived. In hindsight, I wish the food hadn't arrived at all. I had a wrap which was an untypable rhyming word. A few cubes of flavourless feta in soggy leaves in a wrap that had such hefty folds, it resembled a sumo wrestler's skin. The pizza was most certainly from a box, or the chef should be sacked, and the pasta was scarily the same varieties as Rana make. The stirfry was noodles in brown - the diner didn't want to refer to it as sauce as it had no taste - and the vegetables, on close inspection, were on fact the same as the side salad.

So sorry to have to tell you somewhere NOT to indulge@ but I have to tell it like it is. No pictures as I didn't want to break the lens on my camera.

(Lunch) Time is of the essence.....

I feel my biggest indulgence is having time. Being of the English variety, I am always early for appointments - but this gives me the opportunity to read, windowshop or gossip with a girlfriend.

I think I am a highly effective time manager and hate when people steal it or waste it for me. I have finely tuned my service providers to balance the pleasure / pain principle and this week, my precious car needed attention. She heard me talking to another chap who wanted to buy her - and started coughing and spluttering.

Thankfully, I had been recommended to Carwise just of Rue D'Argens so I booked her in, had her cleaned and  booked myself into Toni & Guy for a quick once over too  - before heading up to the White Sheep for lunch.

Busy as always, after scanning the shelves for any jars of jams, boxes of chocs, oils to smatter and ceramic platters to serve from, I perched up and watched the traffic go by while waiting for my Cheddar and pickle ciabatta and John's avacado, feta and seed salad. Teeth coating salted almonds and a firey ginger beer later, lunch and my date arrived. The food is always of the finest quality - the cheeses are divine, the bread 'baked' on site and the salad always fresh, inviting and crispy.

The White Sheep isn't the cheapest nor fastest place to get a sandwich, but if you have time on your hands, money in your pockets and love of good quality different foods, it is certainly worth scheduling a visit.

L'amore! La mere!

Today is a wonderful day. Lovely grey clouds showing off before the endless blue sky of Summer, vege bacon sandwiches for breakfast, fabulous hair do with even more fabulous massaging chair at Toni & Guy in Gzira and then lunch to discuss a new and exciting project....

We decided to meet in Valletta at La Mere, a cute little place on Merchant Street, which you have probably walked past a hundred times. If the door were open and the aromas were to escape - they would get your attention and I'm almost positive you would investigate. Unless you like bland food, that is.

The menu is divided into Indian, Arabian, Mediterranean and Maltese, with starters, platters, pasta, salads and mouth watering mains. Side dishes are all at just 2.50 euro. What is really interesting is the wine menu. Not because of its varieties, though the classics are all represented, but because of the fact that wines are priced at retail cost with a 4.50 euro corkage charge - indeed, you can bring your own wines and pay the same fee. Brilliant idea! Spread the word!

Being on a 'no meat no fish' for Lent has had its challenges - I have left parties positively hungry (caterers, take note) and choosing in restauraunts is limited often having to resort to two starters or plain ol' pasta - which  vegetarianism is for only a few weeks in my case and so no great shakes, but makes me a little sad for the dedicated beaneaters out there. It is here that La Mere's menu stands out. In fact, there is so much choice in the no meat department that carnivores should vegetarianism (even for one meal) a go.

I had the vegetable thali, a mix of two curries, a couple of dips, papad and naan bread with rice - and chose to opt for medium heat - another nice touch (food is truely prepared fresh so you can select ingredients and chilli temperature) and I have to say, it was delicious. Layered flavours, just enough of each to leave you wanting more and well cooked paper thin naan to mop it all up with. The abundant jewel coloured rice was almost untouched - way to much to squeeze into my pencil skirt - no room for desert either I'm afraid, but left feeling satisfied and wanting to return to test out their tagines.

Tel: 21223256

Warning about Paranga

 If you have been to Paranga in St Georges Bay already, you will know about the decking over the sea, the proximity to the student bathers (enabling you to reminisce about how your body once was) and the professional service. You may, if you are of the stilletto wearing species, also be aware of the danger of the decking and damage to said shoes. Seasoned pros wear wedges here - or block heels - you can spot (and hear) us a mile off.

But being a regular does not mean there are no new surprises. Lunch with girlfriends yesterday introduced us to new wines on the list, which I will leave to you to discover, But, what I must tell you about is the chocolate mousse.

Delivered in a chunky tumbler, with a goey, strawberry coulis settled nicely on top, is the most chocolatey mousse I have ever had the pleasure of. After the first spoonful the coulis reluctantly dribbles down the new crater, like slow flowing lava. You soon forget your svelte teens to twenties body - and tuck in. The warning is to get everyone to order the same dessert - so you all stop talking at once, for once.