Lunch Queen (and King)

Yesterday we had the freedom to choose where we wanted to have our Sunday lunch. This is a rare pleasure - and one that throws up just a handful of names without us having to think to hard. We wanted cosy, friendly, good service and above all, good homely food. We wanted Assaggi.

Once inside, the decor is reminiscent of a gentleman's club - not strip club - the proper old fashioned wood lined varieties that graces Mayfair in days gone by. The table settings chic and simple, the menu being the thing to jumble your mind. It's rare that more than one or two things jump off the page at you and negotiations and jostling of dishes so that all the flavours you now crave are fulfilled.

An amuse bouche of foie gras and a foie gras parfait was delivered which I have to say, was better that that served by Heston Blumenthaal at The Fat Duck, my old local. This you wanted to order as a main.

I opted for a gout fest with fresh king scallops, truffle butter and parmesan as a starter and the USDA steak with mushrooms as a main. The scallops parted with the side of my fork, the sauce devoured with the warm bread. Lip-licking good to steal an others phrase.

The main could have fed both of us and I felt terribly guilty leaving a piece, even though I had stuffed myself beyond the legal limit. Towered roast potatoes and zucchini in what I think was a honey and orange glaze? John had the belly pork, Ivan's signature dish, but I preferred my beef.

We didn't even have the room to consider desserts - what we wanted to order was belly rubs on the sofa, in front of the fire. So we rolled ourselves home (I'm sure I heard the car groan when we got in) and did just that.

Writer's camp

Now this may not look like much to you, but it is the result of my very first calligraphy course.

In between editions, I am trying to learn something new that I can master, write about in one of the magazines I freelance for, or just have fun with.

My pattisserie course at ITS is coming to an end, my first novel is taking shape and I have lined up some ideas and travels for after the Spring 2012 issue. I would have never gotten round to doing all the things I want to when I had a real job, the support and energy for my relentless enthusiasm from John is a major factor.

The course, which is 10 weeks long, is being held at the Bir Mula Heritage Centre in Cospicua, and is being run by sculptor and calligraphy practitioner,  Dorissa Vella, who you may remember from the Autumn issue (number 3) of indulge. Though the end result is tangiable, the work involves patience and focus.

Apparently, we will progress to mastering the alphabet and illumination, so this year's Christmas cards may actually be legible.

The centre is holding an introduction to Japanese Culture on the 20th and 27th January from 7.30 pm - tickets are just 5 euro.

Who says there is nothing to do in Malta?! Not me.....

The girl who went to see the movie - with her eyes closed

If you have read the Millenium trilogy, or like me, the first of the series only, you will have probably wondered how they could portray such vivid descriptions of violent and sexual acts on the big screen. Having seen (I mean, winced and with every muscle in my body contorting in sympathy with the excruciating pain inflicted on the characters) The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo last night, I can hand on heart assure you that they did it accurately.

The intro graphics alone are worth going for.

There are a few sections of the book that are cut out and just one or two that left us slightly confused - but it didn't actually affect the outcome of the story. The casting of Daniel Craig, though I am happy to see him in anything (the less the better) was a mistake I thought. Though he has the rugged handsomeness you expect, he is a bit too fit to play the Blomkvist I had in my head. Rooney Mara was just perfect as Salander. The female playing Berger wasn't as grrr as I was expecting, but perhaps I was stereotyping Craig as Bond and expecting him to be cast alongside a babe.

If you have read the books it is worth going to see and if you haven't - it is definitely worth going to see, even if you have your eyes wide shut at certain points.

Not at all Christmassy, but fun all the same!

We went to see Dingle Bells Malcom Smells at St James Cavalier last week but I got so caught up with cooking and festering food for New Year's Eve that I didn't get to tell you about it. Lucky for you, the show has been extended and I highly recommend you go.

Here are the extra dates:

Thurs 5th Jan 8pm - EXTRA SHOW

Friday 6th Jan 8pm - EXTRA SHOW
Saturday 7th Jan 8pm - EXTRA SHOW

Sunday 8th Jan 8pm - EXTRA SHOW

Featuring Malcolm Galea and Chris Dingli directed by Wesley Ellul, this brand new show sees the trio take on even more improvised scenarios than ever before. This is the show where everything, from the title of the show, to the genre, the storyline, the characters and the lines they say, even who plays what is decided by the audience on the night. Have a look at a clip

Tickets starting from 10 Euros available from 21223200 or Online from www.TheatreGoneWrong.com