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Issue 4 | 29 Apr ‘10
guide
Rugged Weathered Beauty What’s Cooking Gozo Visitor Information Property in Gozo
14 - 15 - 16 May 2010
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Editorial Welcome to Gozo May is here. Better weather, greener fields, fresh produce. It is not too hot. It is not too cold. With some good weather, some might even be tempted to go for a quick dip in our Mediterranean blue waters. Marion Zammit provides us with some walking suggestion in Nadur. The locality is spoiled with valleys leading to distinctive bays like San Blas and Dahlet Qorrot. Claire Borg once again keeps it simple with intriguing but simple recipes to prepare for dinner, lunch, and breakfast. Even though you will be visiting Gozo this weekend, in mid-May you should consider coming back to enjoy the ‘Lejlet Lapsi’ activities. We have put together a concise feature which might convince you.
Mother’s Day is next Sunday. At Arkadia we have plenty of options to choose from. From Pearl, to Boulevard, to things*, to our fashion or home department, we are sure that you will find the creative instinct to find the right gift for the number one lady in your family. Our foodstore has just released its third issue of ‘the foodie’. You can collect your free copy from our foodstore in Gozo. things* has introduced a Mother’s day offer by giving out a free manicure set with a purchase of €20 or more. While the Summer rush is on at Peacocks with quite a few pre-summer offers in-store. We hope you get the best out of your weekend. May it be a pleasant one.
Table of Contents Feature: Rugged Weathered Beauty
8
Article by Marion Zammit
What’s On
14
This Weekend’s Activities on Gozo
Feature: Lejlet Lapsi
15
Advertorial on one of Gozo’s main annual events
What’s Cooking this weekend
20
Recipes and photos by Claire Borg
Gozo Visitor Information
Gozo Channel Timetable Useful Contact Numbers Pharmacy Open on Sunday
26 28 29 29 29
30
Eating Out Gozo Mass Times
Property in Gozo your Produced by:
Arkadia Marketing Ltd. Fortunato Mizzi Street, Victoria, Gozo Tel: 2210 3000 | Fax: 2155 8331 E-mail: info@arkadia.com.mt Website: www.arkadia.com.mt
guide Advertising: Tel: 2210 3207 | Mob: 9942 1594 E-mail: gzammit@arkadia.com.mt
Mother’s Day Sunday, 9 May 2010
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PERFUMES | COSMETICS | PERSONAL CARE Arkadia Commercial Centre, Victoria, Gozo | Tel: 2210 3331
Rugged weathered beauty
Article by
San Blas Bay
Marion Zammit
Feature Gozo offers many an idyllic postcard images to take home with you, not least in its rural settings and rugged coastline. The warm but breezy spring weather so typical of this time of year springs many to roam about the wilder paths and explore the rough rocky shores that catapult our imagination into centuries’ old dreams and tales. The hilltop village of Nadur offers a number of intimate inlets, besides more popular bays such as Ramla bay or Dahlet Qorrot, although the latter still professes a quaint secret charm that the former craves, especially during the ‘popular’ torrid summer season. The walk featured in this piece freely follows a route suggested in a joint project by the Ministry for Gozo, the Ministry for Tourism and the Malta and Gozo tourism organisations in recent years, published as part of ‘The Island of Gozo Countryside Walks’ project, copies of which may still be found in tourism information outlets on both islands. The walk starts off from the Nadur parish square, where most public amenities are, including the police
station, bars and utility-shops, the local pharmacy, and the main public toilets just round the corner. Parking is usually not a headache here, practically all year round except when celebrations turn the public eye to this otherwise peaceful square. Facing the church, the road hugging it to the left leads from the main square to the slightly busier streets of this otherwise quiet village. Triq Dicembru 13 takes one from the main square on to St John Street and then, a turn to the left and a few paces down, onto the main road, Triq it-Tigrija or Racecourse street. Some of the more spectacular views of Nadur are not far off from this main thoroughfare, further East on the main road towards Qala but turning again left, passing by the aligned unassuming houses of Triq San Blas. At the very end of Triq San Blas is a challenging steep downhill lane that leads straight into the impeccable inlet of San Blas bay, with its reddish clean sand. The daring downhill lane, or more so, the taxing uphill climb, often deters many from breathing clear air and a strong encounter with nature, yet your Gozo guide - 9
the once-in-a-while effort is often rewarded by a feeling of healthier lungs and hearts and clear minds. Close to San Blas bay is Dahlet Qorrot bay, reached through a forked road very close to the end of the street. A turn to the left if you’re retracing your steps back into Triq San Blas will take you past a few more homes and again into a valley, this time with citrus trees bursting out of the delineated small fields that to date still proudly manifest the rubble wall tradition strongly inherited in the rural surroundings. The once asphalted road winds straight to the boat houses’ enclave that huddle the shore, just a few steps away from what is probably Gozo’s densest dark seaweed mass washed ashore. The metres’ high dry algae often form a cushioned bed for the young to exhaust their energy by transforming the still natural
organism into a gymnastic trampoline, while the older and wiser eyes look out to absorb the beauty of the crystal blue-green waters, sitting comfortably under the shade provided by the African Tamarisk, the stony benches opposite the bo¬athouses, or else wander behind the boathouses to explore the remaining coastline there. The way down to Dahlet Qorrot bay reveals another side to Gozo’s coastline. The high cliffs, above which is il-Qortin tal-Lacca, expose one of the harder rocks that characterise these islands – the upper coralline limestone.
The enclaves of Mistra Rock and San Filep, seen on the left hand side before Dahlet Qorrot bay is in full sight, are also a daring test to the heels and knees but worth the added excitement of ‘going rough’. Endemic species, green, colourful or legged,
usually remind the wanderer that nature still abounds joyfully in this tiny island. Above Mistra Rock lies the Ta’ Sopu Watchtower, recently restored by the Nadur Local Council and often opened for viewing, either by appointment or when the mid-17th Century guard serves as a venue for exhibitions or cultural events.
The walk may end with a return trip to the Nadur village core, retracing the way down to Dahlet Qorrot. Yet for those who would still have energy and breath to explore more, a possible detour could be towards Qala. Mid-way on the way back from Dahlet Qorrot bay towards Nadur, as the street levels out, what your Gozo guide - 11
seems like a tiny passageway on the left hand side leads into the Ta’ Grejgel valley – an incredibly fertile agricultural area that to date still produces a variety of nature’s fruit. Traditional water-windmills will probably be swaying to the wind’s gentle caress, a clear indication that natural ground water is in supply and is being pumped up for irrigation purposes. A walk along the lane exposes nature’s gifts, beyond sun and sea, hidden from the wind’s often strong tolls behind cane windbreakers. Interesting to note, this area had become Grandmaster Alof de Wignacourt’s private shooting reserve in 1695, with heavy penalties then for those caught poaching, including exile or years at the galley! The lane eventually takes an uphill turn, at certain parts particularly steep, and leads the way straight into the outskirts of Qala. Back on the road, with the last few glimpses of the rugged sea coast behind, a few metres forward and turns to the right will lead you to an opening around a stone sculpture of St Joseph, the saint being the patron of the Qalin. The one road with rubble walls on Dahlet Qorrot Bay
both sides drifting from this square, will take you straight onto Racecourse Street, once again in the heart of Nadur. Your car or bus stop await you back in Parish Square, beyond the watchful eyes of patron saints St Peter and St Paul.
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What’s On Sunday, 2nd May
Friday, 30th April
Another Go at the Musical Theatre
Live Music Dvenue, Xaghra 10pm onwards
GAULITANUS
20th Anniversary
Saturday, 1st May
Gaulitana A FESTIVAL OF MUSIC
Art Exhibition
Gozo - Malta • 27 March - 2 May 2010 Programme of Events
La Materia - Victor Agius
presented by The Gaulitanus Choir
Art..e Gallery, Victoria
Gaulitanus Choir Hotel Ta’ Cenc, Sannat 8pm
May Fair
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Nadur Main Square
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Friday, 6pm onwards Book Fair, Confectionary Demonstration, Live Entertainment
Sunday, 8am onwards Exhibition of Vintage Cars, Police Demonstration, Games for Kids
Saturday, 5pm onwards Cooking Demonstration by Carmen Tedesco, Exhibition, Live Entertainment
For more info contact the Nadur Local Council: T: 21558080 E: nadur.lc@gov.mt
31 April - 2 May
Traffic Diversions A quick note to all visitors to Gozo by car. Part of the Mgarr Road to Victoria is temporarily closed due to maintenance. Therefore if you want to go the western part of the island, we recommend that you use the Qala Road. Part of the road to Ta’ Pinu is also under construction. Therefore you will have to pass through the small village of Ghasri to get there instead of the commonly used Gharb-San Lawrenz road.
Feature
Residents and visitors to Gozo will be spoilt for choice on the weekend from Friday, 14 May, to Sunday, 16 May, when the Ministry for Gozo is hosting Lejlet Lapsi Notte Gozitana. Victoria is expected to be a hub of activity not only that weekend but in the weekend leading up to it with exhibitions, cultural activities, commemorative lectures, artistic animators, public performances and events that are intended to appeal to the general public of all ages. Already on the weekend starting on 9 May there are a number of exhibitions being held at various venues, including two dedicated to an exhibition on three generations of 19th century artists from the Busuttil family at the Ministry for Gozo and the Banca Giuratale – the first time their works have been brought together in a single exhibition.
A collective exhibition, Gentes II, with artists from Armenia, Italy, France, Gozo and Malta, along with Gentes Youths, with artists from Sicily and Gozo is being held at the Cittadella Cultural Centre. A commemorative exhibition covering the 20 years Bishop Michael Gonzi headed the Gozo diocese is being held at the Bishop’s Curia and an exhibition on Gozo Lace – Heritage and Identity, is being held at the Franciscan Sisters’ Convent in Palm Street, Victoria. The Lejlet Lapsi Notte Gozitana programme, being held for the third year in succession includes ‘Art in the Squares’, including ‘Hands-on Art’ in collaboration with the Wistin Camilleri Gozo Centre for Art and Crafts, activities for schoolchildren and then ramps up with a series of evening activities. An Eco-Gozo programme runs in parallel with a spring plant fair at the Citadel, e-learning sessions at St Francis School, Main Gate Street, Victoria, chill-out zones with live entertainment on Friday and Saturday evening and a host of other activities, including Hands-on Farming, Gozo Bubbles Entertainment, Skola Sports activities, Institute of Tourism
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Feature Studies stands and various lectures and demonstrations. On Sunday morning there will be a nature walk at Għasri. On 14 May from 8 p.m. ‘Music in the Air’, a spectacular show with aeroplanes, music and dance is being held in Pope John Paul II Street, Victoria. Meanwhile, at the Citadel on both the Friday and Saturday evening, Castle Gardens – An Eco-Cultural Festival, is another attraction with the participation of Delicata Winery and the Gozo Tourism Association. Also on Friday and Saturday evening, Dynamic Promotions are holding rock and dance festivals at the Victoria Bus Terminus from 10 p.m. Two guided tours are being held on 15 May, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., one to the towers in Gozo and Comino by boat, and the second to the convents in Victoria. Both tours end with lunch. There will be historic reenactments throughout the day in the narrow streets of Victoria and the Citadel. At around 11 a.m. a Wings on Gozo aerial aviation display is being held, with the ideal
viewing point being the Citadel. A lunchtime concert will start at 12.30 p.m. at the Gozo Cathedral. Two events for children are being held, one from 8 to 10.30 p.m. ‘The Children’s Square’, including animation built on Gozo’s legends, directed by Gorg Mizzi, and, the other from 9.30 p.m., with highlights from the musical IlĦolma ta’ Ġużeppi, put on by the Don Bosco Oratory. Throughout the evening, along Republic Street, Victoria, the Gozo Experience will include the participation of all the 14 local councils in Gozo through individual
Feature stands. From 8 p.m. to midnight there will also be the ‘Il Borgo by Candlelight’, with animations by Tama Tnabar and the Leone Reale Sbandieratori from Sicily, along the narrow streets of Victoria, including Akkursju Xerri Street, San Ġorġ tal-Ħaġar and Carmel Street.
The Notte Gozitana weekend ends with a Gozo Musical Tattoo on Sunday, 16 May, from 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Boy Scouts and Boys’ Brigades Bands from Scout Groups from Hamrun, St Venera, Marsa, Mosta, Naxxar, Msida, Cospicua will take part.
The main attraction will be held in Independence Square starting from 9-11.30 p.m. with a programme by Favourite Channel, with top artists. On a separate stage, the Central Dance Academy is presenting highlights of The Unforgettable Dance Show at 10 p.m. Sigmund Mifsud and his Band are giving a 90-minute show starting at 11.00 p.m. A chill-out area in St George’s Square will see a performance by Chasing Pandora at 12.30 a.m.
For more information phone 22156700 / e-mail info@ gozoculture.com, visit the website www.gozoculture.com or join the Facebook group gozoculture.com.
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Lunch
Pink Grapefruit, Avocado and Prawn
Ingredients (for each one you need) 1 Pink Grapefruit ½ an Avocado ½ a cup frozen Prawns or Shrimps 2 tbsp Sweet Corn 6 Basil Leaves – washed and roughly chopped Olive oil Salt and Pepper Method Cut the top off the grapefruit. Scoop out the insides and save some of the pulp. Peel and dice the avocado. Rinse the prawns under warm water until they defrost; squeeze out excess water and pat dry with some paper towel. In a small bowl, mix together all the ingredients, drizzle with oil, season and scoop into the Grapefruit to serve.
Dinner
Zucchini, Bacon and Basil Pasta
Ingredients (Serves 2) 1 medium onion – peeled and finely chopped 1 tbsp finely chopped garlic 1 cup of washed basil leaves – roughly chopped 3 medium zucchini – washed and grated 150 grams lean bacon – finely diced 200 ml fresh cream 100 grams grated cheese Black pepper Oil for cooking 300 grams short pasta – like penne, fusilli or strozzapreti Method Heat some oil and gently cook the onion and garlic. Add the bacon and basil and continue for another 5 minutes. Add the grated zucchini, cook for 2/3 minutes. Then, add the cream, heat through and switch off. Meanwhile cook the pasta in ample salted boiling water for the duration stated on the packet. Drain and add to the sauce. Add the grated cheese and pepper, mix well and serve.
kids fashion from newborn to 14
NOW OPEN Arkadia, GOZO + Main Street, PAOLA Opening Soon at Naxxar Road, BIRKIRKARA
Breakfast
Waffles with Dark Chocolate, Coconut and Fresh Fruits
Ingredients (Serves 2) 4 ready made Waffles Desiccated Coconut 300 grams good quality Dark Chocolate 100 ml fresh milk Fresh fruit of your choice Method Put the chopped Chocolate in a bowl, in a pot of warm water placed on a low flame. Melt gently. Add the milk and amalgamate well. Warm the waffles under a grill, or in the oven. Plate the waffles and drizzle with the melted chocolate. Sprinkle with coconut and serve with Fresh fruit of your liking.
Now Open in
VALLETTA
Arkadia, GOZO | Naxxar Road, BIRKIRKARA | Zachary Street, VALLETTA
Eating Out Mgarr PORTO VECCHIO RESTAURANT
Martin Garces Street, Yacht Marina, T: 2156 3317 | M: 9944 4999 E: portovecchiogozo@gmail.com W: www.portovecchiorestaurant.com
and Gozitan cuisine with great care. Our menu offers a wide selection of antipasti, soups, pasta, meat dishes, fresh fish, also lobsters, oysters, cozze, and vongole fresh from our aquarium, all at reasonable price. Our extensive wine list includes Ta’ Mena Wines produced in Gozo using our grape varieties grown exclusively on the island. Il-Kartell is beautifully placed on the picturesque left corner of Marsalforn Bay on the water’s edge, with an indoor option making it an ideal winter retreat.
Open Daily for Lunch and Dinner. Our restaurant specializes in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. One can admire the stunning views of the Mgarr Harbour and the Yacht Marina, whilst our chef and his team make sure that you enjoy their unique creations.
Open Daily for Lunch and Dinner. Closed on Wednesdays.
Victoria Maldonado Bistro
17 Mons Luigi Vella Street, T: 2701 9270 M: 9901 9270 E: info@maldonado.com.mt
Marsalforn IL-KARTELL RESTAURANT Marina Street, Marsalforn Bay, T: 2155 6918 | M: 7900 1965 E: il-kartellrestaurant@onvol.net W: www.il-kartellrestaurant.com
Since 1973 Il-Kartell restaurant, located on the isle of Gozo, has become the venue where friends meet to enjoy fine food and wine in an ambience of well being. The chefs treat our Mediterranean
26 - your Gozo guide
Our bistro is the sort of place only locals know about but with the food and ambiance to charm all. Our menu is a satisfying mix of the best local delicacies, pizza, pasta, and grills. Traditional ‘Fenkata’ and ‘Majjalata’ nights served on request. Our bistro is situated in the street which links you from Kercem up to Sabina Square which leads you to the centre of Victoria.
Open for Dinner from Tuesday to Sunday. Open for Lunch on Saturday.
Xlendi Churchill Bar, Pizzeria & Restaurant Triq ix-Xatt, T: 2155 5614 | M: 9944 1880 E: rosiegrech@yahoo.com
Our establishment is conveniently situated at the water edge of Xlendi Bay. Situated on the left side of the bay, we serve a wide range of delicacies from traditional Maltese food, to pizza, to fresh fish. We specialise in serving traditional Maltese food such as rabbit and beef olives (bragjoli). We are reasonably priced as we cater for groups of friends and families. Enjoy Xlendi Bay while eating out at Churchill.
Open Daily for Lunch and Dinner.
28 - your Gozo guide
Useful Telephone Numbers: Police: 2156 2040 Emergency Line: 112 Gozo General Hospital: 2156 1600 Tourist Office: 2155 0254 Gozo Channel Co. Ltd: 2210 9000
Pharmacies open this Sunday: Abelasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Health & Beauty Centre Agius De Soldanis Street, Victoria Tel: 2155 6170 Sokkors Pharmacy St Gregory Street, Kercem Tel: 2155 3018
your Gozo guide - 29