Catering News 6

2009

issue no.6 Lift your washroom to a new level

catering news features

catering news,

got in touch with Ben Farrugia, 31, the new blood powering Longbow Limited.

When was the company founded?

Longbow was founded in 1938 but 18 years ago the company changed its name to Longbow Ltd. Where did the company name come from?

My dad was a local archery champion for several years, and the Longbow is the bow that can shoot arrows furthest. My father chose the name Longbow as it represents immense strength and the ability to achieve high goals and ambitions.

What kind of businesses do you supply your products and services to?

Our main clients are HORECA (Hotel, Restaurant and Catering) but we also supply to the manufacturers sector, as well as the business to business sector.

What is it that you do that’s different and stands out more than your competitors?

I believe that we are very service orientated as we listen to our client’s needs and give importance to their demands. This in itself guides and allows us to really understand market needs and thus commercially fill these voids. While figures continuously prove we have good company policy, we also derive a lot of satisfaction from the friendly working relationships we are proud to have with our clients. I think, this ends up being what the client fundamentally wants - A friendly, competitive, organized and well stocked supplier who continually introduces innovation for our client’s and the environment’s benefit.

In Malta one always hears comments like “Maltese companies always start well but then end up losing the seriousness and efficiency.” Longbow stands out of this group and endeavours to only continuously improve. This is where I believe we have an edge over our competition – we are a ‘no nonsense company’, and here to stay.

For a man in your position with all the responsibilities, how are you able to cope?

I surprisingly find it relatively easy, but I wouldn’t be able to say that if it wasn’t for my father’s priceless guidance, the hard working and highly motivated team we have, as well as the right organisational skills backed by solid modern technology.

With the massive change in technology particularly in the last five years, as well as Malta joining the EU, have you been able to implement all of these changes to your company and to your products considering the speed of progress in the last few years in Malta.

The main change in the last 5 to 8 years was actually entering into the EU. From the Longbow staff I was the one sent to every possible seminar, workgroup and lecture. These varied from health and safety , environment, finance, law etc. I did expect perhaps too much from the change because I made sure Longbow adheres, adapts and changes accordingly wherever was needed. This did represent a challenge but nothing Longbow couldn’t deal with.

The real trying situations arose when we came to realize that we were adapting faster and in a more serious fashion than the law introducers/enforcers were, with the result that various unfair competition scenarios got created, between those who abided by the law and the ones who didn’t without being questioned. In the end however we do not feel we have over killed or rushed into the change, as my family is proud we run the company the way we do, according to the law and in a sustainable manner.

These economically difficult times and our current company’s figures is proof that we have chosen the right path and we will remain on it.

The technology advances have been absorbed very quickly by the company. Anything innovative and sustainable is something that as people we automatically embrace.

What new addition has Longbow introduced to the market, and what impact do you expect this will have?

Our newest addition has been the agency of the Swedish SCA - Tork brand, the hygienic paper solutions. While we are very proud to represent the world’s second greenest company in the world, approved by WWF with 2.6million hectares of sustainable forest we are also chuffed by the results and response achieved. Those establishments who have turned their purchases to the TORK brand, are enjoying exceptionally designed dispensers with consumption-control features, a large range of paper products from very high, (never seen in Malta quality) to budget & highly competitive products.

SCA also offer fantastic ‘whole range deals’ known as Tork Key Care Contracts which supplies the most modern of dispensers, individually chosen for the client and his needs and all free – SCA also guarantee a cheaper all around deal if the client works on an open book basis with us – I sincerely have never heard of such a sweet deal in my life, and the results we are having are simply amazing. We believe in this brand and also believe our market deserves to have it & enjoy real cost saving and high quality benefits, while knowing all the raw material comes from sustainable forestation. SCA international are considering Longbow & Tork in Malta a real success story and we only endeavour to share this success with our clients.

With all the resources you have acquired, where do you plan to go from here and where do you see yourself in the next 5 to 10 years?

As I mentioned our plan is to continue understanding our market and our world environmental needs and be sure that we are able to offer a great service and innovative/value products in order to enhance the efficiency, professionalism and value of our own clients. We are pretty much the leaders of the onestop-shop HORECA suppliers in Malta, we do wish to increase that market share, as well as to expand laterally – making us more useful to our esteemed clients as well as raising our shareholder value.

“A truly cost saving system.

We are very happy with the TORK brand and Longbow’s service! “

“We have experienced large cost saving by simply reverting to the TORK system. The freely supplied dispensers are perfectly designed for high volume uses for public restrooms.”

“Our new establishment has found TORK to really complement our beautiful restaurant. Their functionality flawless and Longbow’s service superb!”

“I have saved a lot of money by reverting to the Express Napkin where one napkin only is guaranteed every time. It not only saves costs but the right usage allows my customers to always find napkins at their disposal.”

“Longbow and TORK are a match that have solved all the bathroom problems Fuego has encountered which has also resulted in cost saving.

Fuego uses TORK – period! “ “We are very pleased with Longbow, TORK, their products and the service.

Highly recommendable!”

“It is our pleasure to share with you our excellent experience in using the Tork products.

For a short period of time we already received good comments from our guests on the quality of the paper in our toilets, spa and even in all the hotel rooms. Aside from the good quality of paper, our consumption is reduced due to the smart and elegant dispensing system that Lonbow introduced and now being used by us. We are confident that aside from the cost savings aspect, we will also keep our guests happy with the paper products that we provide to them.“ catering news issue 6 • 1

Known to many as Malta’s first original wine bar, Trabuxu needs no introduction, having cultivated a great reputation over the years for its cosy atmosphere and excellent service amongst wine buffs and culture revellers alike. Set in an underground cellar built over 350 years ago by the Knights of St John, off the first few steps of Malta’s famous Strait Street in Valletta. Trabuxu boasts a selection of over 200 quality wines of different vintages and world renowned chateaux, which can either be enjoyed on the premises or to take away.

Trabuxu, 1, Strait Street, Valletta. tel 2122 3036 email info@trabuxu.com website www.trabuxu.com Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 7pm till late Specialises in platters and wines

features in this issue

Welcome to catering news

Oct | Nov | December

Highlights Summer is over. Was it a good season or was it a bad season? This stil has to be seen. But let’s instead of talking figures talk about ‘Product Malta’. Is it a good product or is it a bad product? High figures will only be achieved if we deliver a good product.

P1

Interview

P4

Ben Farrugia from Longbow

I recently stayed in the Marsasicla Residence in Pozzallo, the way the staff treated us reminded me of Malta 20years ago. They were all smiling, all out to please making sure we had a good time and would return.

In fact we did! I fear we have forgotten what ‘Tourism’ means. we take tourists for granted, treat them badly and expect them to return. Well, this has not happened.

P7

Convotherm oven unveiled Strait Street:

P17

Warehouse Pro

P18

I feel a three day conference should be organised by MTA and MHRA where all parties involved in the Tourist Trade should be invited to attend.

P25 P32

A very italian tea passion Food diagnosis PVC cards

P37

The mini Combi Steamer oven

Let’s get some foreign experts on tourism to tell us what torism is all about and then maybe we will bring back the friendly welcome, we were so renowned for 20ears ago!

The Epitome of Entertainment & Immorality Wholesale and retail management software

A step beyond towards business

Ideal for snack bars & restricted spaces

odds and ends

r e l o S h c e Joe Fen Publisher Blues Limited Editor Joe Fenech Soler Design Blues Limited

Accounts Daniel Scicluna Printers Progress Printers

Blues Limited 104 Ground Floor Dingli Street Sliema MALTA tel 2133 5272/3 fax 2133 5271 email info@blueslimited.com www.blueslimited.com

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. All rights reserved. Dates, information and prices quoted are believed to be correct at the time of going to press but are subject to change and no responsibility is accepted for any errors or omissions. Neither the editor nor publisher accept responsibility for any material submitted, whether photographic or otherwise. While we have endeavoured to ensure that the firms and organisations mentioned are reputable, the editor can give no guarantee that they will fulfil their obligations under all circumstances. © 2008

Have you just taken on a new chef whose name is a by-word in catering circles?

Are you planning regular exhibitions of works by local artists in your reception area or restaurant, with monthly rotation?

Have you just introduced, or are you planning to include some tasty items on your menu?

Has your restaurant/eatery just been re-decorated, or undergone an extensive face-lift?

Are you thinking of going for a Buffet-style lunch or dinner service on weekdays?

Whatever it is you’re planning, or have undertaken, we would love to hear from you. Just write or email us and we will make sure that the word gets around.

Just remember that catering news will reach a wide circulation. The people that will be reading it MATTER. Which means you just cannot afford to be left out. catering news issue 6 • 3

*

the world of Mini you will love it...

*

My mini for:

I want everything ...

Fine dining and hotels Catering School lunches Restaurant chains Quick Service Restaurants Shop-in-Shop concepts Take-aways Cash&Carry Petrol stations / Forecourts Promotional kiosks Butchers and bakers Snack kiosks

• • • • • • • •

2in1

the unbeatable combination

The CONVOTHERM mini with two chambers.

You want to offer to your guests special dishes that need different cooking processes but have to be prepared at the same time?

The mini 2in1 has two separate cooking chambers that allow you to prepare your dishes perfectly without waiting times. Thanks to the intuitive easyTouch the operation is especially easy. here both cooking chambers are operated from one operational panel.

... in the smallest of places!

• • • • • • • • • •

Energy Saving System ACS (Advanced Closed System) Press&Go - perfec results at the touch of a button Flexible rack Robust rotary lever door lock with slam function Double glazed door - hot inside, cold outside Core temperature probe (multi-point) Steam reducer for a cleaner kitchen atmosphere Reduced fan speed for fine pastry and auto-reverse function for absolute evenness of your bakery products Well illuminated cooking chamber Space saving installation Continously adjustable hand shower easyTouch operating panel for ease of operation ConvoControl software ConvoClean system Stands in different designs Flexible wall mount Convovent condensation hood Height adjustable appliance feet

Advanced Closed System The energy saving system

Approx. 30% energy and water saving at each cooking step Approx. 10% time saving Approx. 15% lower cooking temperatures required

eastToUCH • • • • • •

*

*

ConvoClean System *

catering news issue 6 • 4

Mini left & right hinged doors available

Easy self-explanatory symbols Press&Go control with indivual pictures of your dishes The quality you desire can be reproduced at any time Scratch-proof, stain-resistant touch-screen display Crosslinking with your PC/the internet is possible Also untrained staff can operate easyToUCH easily

CONVOVent * With the CONVOVent condensation hood you make your mini the ideal solution to front cooking. the condensation hood eliminates almost completely all steam produced while cooking and assures a frsh atmosphere.

No additional water connection is necessary

the Search is over!

Cookery à la carte! Whether baking, roasting, grilling, steaming, stewing, blanching or poaching - we have the optimum solution that’s right for any requirement in your kitchen. CONVOTHERM offers the world’s largest and most flexible range of combi steamers.

Door Rotary Lever Lock

Ideal for: • Hotels • Ships • Catering Events • Hospitals • Residential • Retail / Department store catering/ Snack bistros • Restaurants / Inns

• More safety: specially designed for extended day-to-day usage, highly robust • Door Close function: close the door easily even when your hands are full. Give the door a gentle push • Raised position: no hot air is blown around your face. After rotating by ninety degrees, the door will open far enough to allow the hot steam to escape automatically and safely upwards • In-out function: all appliances can be opened to the raised position from the oven interior.

• Even careless accidents can be prevented

ConvoClean

open the door.. ... and push backwards

Convoclean, the automatic cleaning system from ConvoTherm, provides you with guaranteed standards of hygiene thanks to automatic steam disinfection and hot air sterilisation. Start ConvoClean with Press&Go easy for everyone.

Core temperature sensor

Several highlysensitive measurement points ensure absolute control over the core temperature of food being cooked. This innovative multipoint core temperature sensor controls and monitors with a high level of precision and, in the case of deviations, regulates the required oven temperature fully automatically

It supasses anything you have seen before!

Cookery à la carte! Whether baking, roasting, grilling, steaming, stewing, blanching or poaching - we have the optimum solution that’s right for any requirement in your kitchen. CONVOTHERM offers the world’s largest and most flexible range of combi steamers.

catering news issue 6 • 5

catering news features

Strait Street:

The Epitome of Entertainment and Immorality

By Luca Caruana & Angelique Grech

Introduction ‘Only the air is free in this sleazy, reeking ditch,’ a BBC Correspondent pointed out in March 1964.

The place he was referring to was certainly one of the most well-known sites in Malta, both for its entertainment but also for its notoriety of immorality; the place was called Strait Street.

Although constructed in the time of the Order of St. John, Strait Street reached the zenith of popularity in the 19th and especially the 20th century. This was the time when the British Royal Navy was stationed in the Grand Harbour with English and even American sailors flooding the capital city’s streets. After a day of hard work it was quite normal for these people to visit this long, narrow street for the usual drink of rum and also to find a prostitute at hand. This street was also known as ‘The Gut’ by the sailors because the further down the street one walked, the darker and crummier it got.

Originally Strait Street (commonly referred to by the Maltese as Strada Stretta) was a respectable address especially between the 17th and early 19th centuries with well known people like Nazju Falzon (who resided at number 49), Bishop Tommaso Gargallo; the founder of the Collegium Melitense and the forerunner of the University of Malta; and Maestro Malfeggiani; a great musician and composer. Mattia Preti; the famous painter of a series of masterpieces in the St. John Cathedral; was born in the Gut, although he resided in a nearby area - St. Patrick Street.

catering news issue 6 • 7

Royal Frigo Royal Frigo is one of the leading cold room manufacturers in Sicily and have been in contact steadily with our island since 1998.

They established a name in finess, enginuety, durability of product and delivery timing.

Royal Frigo can customise a cold room to any space being small or large, high or low.

The insulation system used is of the latest technology for easy installation and efficiency in regards of temperature hold.

In the past years Royal Frigo can deliver apart from the cold room all of the system as a package in the form of “Plug & Use” For any enquiry and free estimate please contact Newark Refrigeration on 21257087 / 79975168

catering news issue 6 • 8

catering news features

An interesting feature worth pointing out is that although Strait Street is so narrow, it has a central location parallel to Republic Street.

The Knights’ Era Before the arrival of the Hospitallers of St. John, the Sceberras peninsula; where Valletta lies upon was just a bare piece of land lying between two natural harbours. In fact, upon their arrival the Knights resided in the small village of Birgu found on the eastern shores of Grand Harbour, an apt location for this military Order as it was protected by the bulwark of St. Angelo in the main harbour. The Knights knew that a Turkish attack on the Maltese Islands was imminent, and the Turks stuck in 1565.

The Maltese people and the Knights defended the Islands with a number of causalities. However, the Turks were in a much worse position losing more men than they expected, thus they capitulated after four months of continuous fighting.

This attack on the Maltese Islands, spurned the Knights to reinforce their fortifications, in order for them to safeguard the Island. The Grand Master, Jean Parisot de la Valette suggested that a new

fortified city was to be built on the Sceberras peninsula in order to provide an adequate defence. This project was put in motion nearly as soon as the Siege ended. Pope Pius IV was interested in helping the realization of this project and subsequently he loaned one of his top military engineers; Francesco Laparelli da Cortons, who drew the plan for the city and its fortifications.

The city was built in the form of a grid, where the streets are in parallel and straight to each other and in the form of a cross. Surrounding the city formidable fortifications were to be constructed, rendering the city one of the most modern defences during the time. Some of these streets were wide, in order to let troops pass and to make public displays and ceremonies easier to conduct.

Other roads were narrow, serving as a residential area with shops and workshops. Due to this particular alignment and the fact that the streets were narrow; Valletta remained cool in summer when compared to the previous residence of the Knight; Birgu.

Emily Morrissey states that some streets “were narrower still, being little more than alleyways.

Strait Street is just such a street, running from one end of the city to the other. ” However, Strait Street

was not present in the original plan of Valletta proposed by Laparelli. It was probably inserted by his successor, Gerolamo Cassar, who continued Laparelli’s work after he left in 1570.

Strait Street was notorious during the Orders era, because it was the only place where duels could be fought. However, the Knights appreciated the Street as it was kept cool, due to it high buildings on both sides; hence the sun barely penetrated the street, thus they found it easier to ride along this shady street. Although, Strait Street is often assimilated as being Malta’s Street of Shame, notorious for its bordello, during knight’s time prostitution was more common in Senglea and Kalkara. It was only in the late 19th and 20th Century, that the Street became sought for its nightlife.

Bars and Music What place is it where the winds can blow, Where the rain can rain, till it’s touch – and – go – Whether you’ll swim your way down Strada or no?

- It’s Malta!

By late 19th century Strait Street changed

Despite Malta’s reputation of religiosity, it allowed the Gut to be set up and operate with minimal interference from the police and naval provosts.

catering news issue 6 • 9

OMNITEC LTD

Commitment Efficiency & Professionality

OMNITEC LTD

was established in August 1994, and is successfully operating in engineering related activities.

The dedication of our young and dynamic team directs OMNITEC LTD to our objectives. We are confident that in the coming years, exciting results in our endeavour will be forthcoming.

OMNITEC LTD Turnkey Contracting

Installation of Gypsum Partitioning & False Ceilings Electrical & Mechanical Services Water Service Computer and Telephone Network Installations Trenching / Excavation Works General Operations on Contract Basis Setting Up of Earthing & Lighting Protection Systems

St. Paul’s House, Hamilkar Barka Square, Birzebbuga BBG2342 MALTA Tel. 27658408 Mob. 99470390 | Email: omnitec@onvol.net

catering news features

“The Metro looked like a nobleman’s pied-àterre applied to mean purposes.

The dancing floor and bar lay up a wide curving flight of marble steps lined with statues in niches: statues of knights, ladies and Turks...

dramatically as more bars opened, and the streets of Valletta were filled with sailors and troops out to have a good time and spend money. By 1925 barmaids were more in demand while prostitutes awaited customers in dark, poorly-lit corners.

Jazz Bands also became popular as Strait Street became one of the most important musical sites in Malta.

Despite Malta’s reputation of religiosity, it allowed the Gut to be set up and operate with minimal interference from the police and naval provosts.

Sailors went to Strait Street primarily to drink; this led to quarrels and eventually even to fights.

Such fights were not unusual, however, Malta was unique in the fact that street companies joined in the fight to support their own man who had been provoked into an argument. Therefore, a scenario where a destroyer crew clashed against another destroyer crew was always a possibility.

Strait Street was a wild place and very often it got out of hand that it wasn’t uncommon for a large ship to be denied entry in Malta until the large

ship already there had sailed, in order to make room for more riotous and unruly behaviour.

There were over 100 bars in the Gut. Some were just ‘holes in the walls’ with just a counter and one or two tables and chairs. However, bars such as Rexford (which was a high class night club for rich officers), the Victoria, the Regal, the Egyptian Queen and the Metro were among the biggest to the extent of hosting even 200 people.

In his famous novel ‘V’ the American writer Thomas Pynchon describes the Metro bar as follows: “The Metro looked like a nobleman’s pied-à-terre applied to mean purposes. The dancing floor and bar lay up a wide curving flight of marble steps lined with statues in niches: statues of knights, ladies and Turks...

“Along the sides of the room were great stone urns, with palms and poincianas. On the red-carpeted dias sat a small hot-jazz band: violin, trombone, saxophone, trumpet, guitar, piano, drums. It was a plump middle-aged lady playing the violin.

“At the moment they were playing C’est Magnifique tailgate fashion, while a Commando six and a half feet tall jitterbugged with two barmaids at once and three or four friends stood around clapping hands, cheering them on...”

The Metro’s main door was in Archbishop Street, although there was another door leading to Strait Street. The door of Archbishop Street used to open at 6pm for the Maltese. Decent, young Maltese were expected to be at home by 9pm or earlier.

After 9pm the door opened from the Gut for the sailors. This was the time when the Metro (and also other major bars) made most money with bands like Vinny’s Blue Jackets and Oscar Lucas playing there. Bands consisted of saxophones, piano, bass, drums and trumpets. Unfortunately the Metro bar had to shut down some time after 1979 when the British Naval base closed.

Musically Strait Street definitely has a rich heritage. Before the introduction of the jukebox in World War Two, live music was predominant. As a whole Malta has a strong musical (particularly

catering news issue 6 • 11

Admin Building, Ta' L-Imriekeb, Ramla Road. Maghtab NXR 6540 T. 2142 2009, 2142 2010, 2142 2017 F. 2142 2029 email: infogreenskip@kemmunet.net.mt www.greenskipgroup.com

“Landfill fees in Malta shall increase from 0.77c to €20 per ton in the very near future”

IT PAYS TO SEPARATE YOUR WASTE!

Services provided: Waste managments services Material Reclamation Sales of Products Hazardous Waste Collection & Exportation

catering news features

jazz) tradition. Part of this is due to venues and opportunities the Gut provided to people like Joe (Il-Pusé) Curmi; one of the musicians featured on a collection of historic recordings from the bars and music halls of Strait Street.

cash rolled in so fast and where the street was dominated with live entertainment, cheerfulness, the random fight and lots of drinking.

Barmaids and Prostitution

The best Maltese musicians without doubt came out of the Gut especially in the early 20th century.

They learnt techniques from well-known musicians recruited in the Navy or even from artists brought to Strait Street from different parts of the world. It was not uncommon for recruited musicians to go to the Gut and perform with local musicians. Live music echoed through the street as sailors danced and drank in and outside bars.

Strait Street was a place much likened as much as it was frowned upon. For many Maltese people during the time, Strait Street was the most displeasing place on the Maltese Island. Many Maltese people identified themselves with a staunchly catholic demure and many associated the notorious street as being the most sinful place on the Island.

The Scourge of the Island - that is how Strait Street was regarded by the Maltese. In fact no respectable Maltese citizen was expected to look at such a street, let alone pass through it. Nevertheless, there was no other place in the island where

The numerous forms of entertainment in the street provided much workforce for the population.

Women filed for the position of barmaids, since the Street was full of bars. These women working at the bar had a permit number, given to them by

the police-headquarters. These barmaids were paid in metal tokens called “Landa”, they were given one Landa for each drink they managed to sell, from the bartender. These tokens where then exchanged for money during the closing hour of the bar. This was the barmaid’s wage. This system ensured that barmaids never had any money on them while working, as it was not considered safe to do so.

Facchetti narrates the experience of a bartender named Charles. The latter employed two sisters as barmaids, their mother used to wait for them just outside their workplace in order to accompany them back home. They were not allowed to go out with sailors, although in the end both of them were married off to sailors. The employer had other girls working as barmaids whenever there was a lot of work, even though these did not have the licence.

However, problems arose when policemen would do a round check in order to make sure that every barmaid had a licence. Charles used to hide the

catering news issue 6 • 13

catering news features

girls without licence in the cupboard under the bar counter.

Although the Maltese people had a strict sense of moral principles in regards to sexual matters, the reality during those times was that women were willing to sell their bodies in order to provide for themselves. In fact, Strait Street acquired such a bad reputation because of these women, who found it much harder to make a living and thus they resorted to prostitution in order to meet the needs of the large garrison stationed there.

Strait Street was one of the best known places for prostitution to take place in the Islands. In fact by the end of the week, there was much activity going on as men could be found having a drink after a week of work and indulging themselves with the women at their disposal. The prostitution going around gave rise to many discords; the repercussions of what happens when things go wrong as can be seen in the case of Mary Grech; nicknamed ‘Is-Sewda’ (the black one). She was found dead on 1st August 1970 in her bath. The woman worked as a barmaid at first, but she stopped her bar activities and became a prostitute.

She was a mother of two children and she couldn’t make ends meet. The night before the murder took place, she was in the company of a nineteenyear old U.S. sailor; Hustane Eugene Featherstone.

The latter, was found guilty and was sentenced to attend a mental hospital. This murder left the inhabitants in shock.

According to Morrissey “Malta is a place where cultural, political and religious contradictions are acute”. In fact, Strait Street was seen as Malta’s Street of Shame by some Maltese, especially by those with a Catholic upbringing. However, the bar owners saw the street as business making and they talked about the great time of the Gut with pride. The great time and the doom of Strait Street was an experience which can be found in other urban naval ports around the world. However, in the Maltese Islands it is characterised by two phenomena “first, that Strait Street exists in a country that identifies strongly with the Catholic faith, making the presences of prostitution, for example rather more difficult to accept; and second, that this is an area that retains the character of a street that many people remember, for different reasons ”.

The Gut met its end, when the British forces left Malta in 1979. The nightlife in the street stopped because there wasn’t enough business being generated. In fact, most of the Barmaids left Strait Street and moved their profession to Gżira, leaving the street abandoned and bereft.

A Glimpse at Strait Street Nightlife At dawn after one particular wild night, Strait Street was littered with broken chairs, benches and even a fridge. Bloodstains could also be seen on the wall and the silence was only broken by the crunching sound of glass fragments as a bar owner trudged over the broken furniture in the Gut. What had happened? The night before a group of British marines had fought against two Americans outside the Blue Peter Bar. Navy shore patrol, known as ‘crushers’, in blue uniforms and white hats ran towards the fighting group to calm the situation and arrest the offenders.

catering news issue 6 • 15

Malta & Gozo Guide An ideal gift for VIPs & visitors MALTA AND GOZO IN YOUR POCKET, the recently launched guide for visitors to the Maltese Islands, is fast becoming a much sought-after gift for VIPs and visitors. The Guide’s publishers, Blues Guide Books of Dingli Street, Sliema, have been inundated with requests and enquiries by hoteliers and conference organizers wishing to make arrangements for distribution of this handy publication to VIPs and other important visitors.

“Our original intention was for this publication to be made available as a handy guide for visitors, particularly in view of its ideal size which allows it to fit easily into one’s pocket,” said Blues managing director Joe Fenech Soler. “However, a number of hoteliers have made bulk purchases with the express intention of distributing the Guide on a complimentary basis to their guests. This is an unexpected but very understandable reaction, and we are very happy to oblige and offer the Guide at reduced cost for bulk purchases.”

MALTA AND GOZO IN YOUR POCKET is a guide book, restaurant and hotel guide and information compendium containing details ranging from aircraft leasing to water sports. It also lists boat excursions, beach safaris, bicycle hire outlets, breakdown services, bus routes, camping sites, car rental and chauffeur-driven services, churches, cinemas, craft villages, discotheques, diving services, duty-free outlets, services for the disabled, embassies and high commissions, English language schools, village festas, events and celebrations, ferry services, exchange bureaux and a multitude of tourist-oriented services.

The Guide Book also includes information about parking, property, public holidays, pharmacies, refuse collection, bars and restaurants, museums, sports associations and clubs offering temporary membership, taxi services, theatres, water sports and other attractions for visitors.

Malta and Gozo being a walker’s paradise, there is also a section on walking tours, together with a guide to the ever-increasing number of cycle paths.

The Guide is also amply illustrated with some excellent colour photographs gleaned from various sources, and includes a handy pullout map of the Maltese Islands.

The Guide has been given a wide distribution, and has been well received by visitors. Maltese people will also find it useful, as it is a mine of information on “everything Malta and Gozo”.

For more information please contact Blues Limited 104 Ground Floor Dingli Street Sliema MALTA tel 2133 5272/3 fax 2133 5271 or by email: info@blueslimited.com

catering news features Meanwhile 17 year old John and his buddies were chatting to an American boasting that the USA was the greatest nation in the world. The British plied him with alcohol until he passed out; then they took him to the tattoo shop and told the tattooist that they wanted the biggest possible Union flag to be tattooed on the American’s stomach.

This is a glimpse of nightlife in Strait Street; true stories of what went on in this notorious but unique Valletta Street especially after World War Two. Being Malta’s Red light district, offering so much entertainment and pleasure, it went without saying that the Gut needed a good security force to control any situation especially if things went out of hand. There were in fact usually three or four policemen at the top and middle intersections of Strait Street. A well known policeman was called Tiny (though he was in fact a huge man). Tiny was liked by everyone even though he was harsh to those who disobeyed the laws as he used to throw out sailors like sack of potatoes, as they refused to leave after the closing time of the Gut (around midnight to one in the morning.

Strait Street: Present Times Nowadays Strait Street is effectively two streets each with its own characteristics. The upper end of the street, which is close to the city gate, is where businesses (like ‘Marks and Spencer’) and houses predominate. In fact this end is quite clean and busy. However, we noticed that at the lower end the traces of former bars and music balls were quite more numerous. The air of desolation is evident as this end of the street is broken down and in disrepair with the fading bar names over the doorways.

According to Morrissey, a tattoo artist, who still works from his shop in Strait Street, says that former sailors return to have their tattoos refreshed.

Strait Street declined considerably when the British Royal Navy left permanently in 1979. Yet, stigma over the street still exists as it remains empty and seemingly unloved. The street is currently in a deep dream of a past once alive with alcohol, dancing, music and fights.

References Bonello, Giovanni, Histories of Malta: Figments and Fragments, Vol 2, Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti, 2001.

Bonello, Giovanni, Histories of Malta: Versions and Diversions, Vol 3, Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti, 2002.

Facchetti, Josianne, The Rise and Fall of the Gut, Times of Malta, 2009.

Facchetti, Josianne, 1979 – the end of The Gut, Times of Malta, 2009.

Schofield, John, Readings in the Archaeology of Recent Conflict, Springer, 2009.

catering news issue 6 • 17

Warehouse Pro Wholesale and retail management software Innovation

Experience

Technology

Microinvest Warehouse Pro Mobile

Microinvest Warehouse Pro Light

Microinvest Warehouse Pro Mobile follows the modern trends in the field of the small and middle business and grants a wide choice of solutions of expansion, automatization and acceleration of the business, everywhere and any time.

Microinvest Warehouse Pro Mobile is an extension of the well-known Microinvest Warehouse Pro and it’s designed to operate with devices with Windows Mobile 2003 operating system and the next versions. Microinvest Warehouse Pro Mobile can be used for delivery of goods, stock-taking on big warehouses, and also it can be portable personal terminal for sales, orders and control of the supplies in the office.

The software supports all the contemporary technologies of wireless connection with distant server and that makes the choice of the most functional work-scheme for each one client possible.

Microinvest Warehouse Pro Light is innovative product which has been developed to meet the needs of stores (supermarkets, shoe shops, sport shops, boutiques), outgoing eating places (restaurants, pizzerias, fast food, coffee shops), entertainment places (bars, pubs, night clubs) and commercial chains with a vast and fast daily amount of sells.

The main modules of the software are: t Sales t Deliveries and supplies t Stock-taking t Orders t Lot sales t Document issuing and invoicing from mobile printer devices t Wireless printing, based on the Infrared technology t Well-known and practical interface t Quick search of goods in large nomenclatures t Support of barcode scanner devices t Work in offline and online mode t Wi-Fi, GSM/GPRS, USB connection t Compatibility with the Microinvest Warehouse Pro database t Different levels of access to the system t Operations with different objects t Tree structures of the nomenclatures

Quality

The software product itself has been optimized to work with barcode scanners, touch screen terminals, to support additional customer interface, to work directly with fiscal and POS printers, cash register.

Microinvest Warehouse Pro Light works with the same database as Microinvest Warehouse Pro, which allows to the software end user, to be able to take advantage of the functions of both software products. In such way, our clients are getting better ways of analyzing and processing the collected data.

With its decreased hardware requirements, userfriendly interface and easy to work function menu, Microinvest Warehouse Pro Light is a reliable software system, which can be useful at all kinds of retail structures, warehouses, stores, restaurants, etc.

Key features: t Supporting the same data base as Microinvest Warehouse Pro t Ability to work in customer-server regime t Staff members activities control t Compatible and user-friendly interface t Specialized customer interface t Automated counter scales control t POS printers management t Optimized for work with Touch Screen t Issuing of all necessary documents, as stock receipts, invoices, etc.

Microinvest Warehouse Pro Light has two work modes: t Microinvest Warehouse Pro Light - Retail t Microinvest Warehouse Pro Light - Restaurant

Microinvest Warehouse Pro Light - Retail

is suitable for work in supermarkets, stores or fast food restaurants. In this mode operators can quickly perform sales, payments and apply the corresponding discounts to customers. The functions offered in this module are straightforward: creating of a bill, closing it and payment.

Microinvest Restaurant

Warehouse

Pro

Light

-

has a specialized interface and is suitable for work in restaurants, pizzerias, bars, nightclubs and other service outlets. This work mode supports most common functions for restaurant - opening of a customer order, intermediate closing of an order, adding of new items to an existing order and final closing of the order. For these processes the corresponding intermediate notes are issued and data is sent to various kitchen and fiscal printers.

It has two special modules “Happy Hour” and Reservation module.

For further information:

J. G. Systems

Galea Technology Ltd. 45, Luqa Road, Paola PLA02, Malta Tel. +356 2189 3024 Fax. +356 2189 6024 Customer Support. +356 79300 0015 e-mail. info@jgsystems.eu

www.microinvest.net

catering news features

NATURSAN

A very Italian

tea passion

Historical Background

The company was set in 1961 through the enterprising spirit of Alfredo Carrai. Alfredo was so fascinated by the world of tea that, despite his tender age, he decided to accept the challenge of introducing into Italy the consumption and culture of a drink that was practically unknown at the time.

The desire to enhance his knowledge of the second most-widely drunk beverage in the world led him to perform numerous journeys in quest of the rarest teas and the finest harvests, without ever losing the awareness that there is always another tea waiting to be discovered and savoured.

One of the biggest satisfaction was to open up the true world of tea to the Italians, accustomed to the sporadic consumption of black tea in bags.

In creation of the brand La Via del Tè came in the 80s as a tribute to the Japanese tradition of the Cha-no-yu, which has its foundation in the Chiado, that is ‘la via del tè’. In the same years the sector of the company devoted to blending and aromatising was greatly developed, leading to the creation of historic blends such as Bancha Fiorito or Earl Grey Imperiale.

Towards the end of the 90s, in the wake of the opening of an authentic tea shop in the centre of Florence, “La Via del Tè” corner project began to spread all over Italy, further contributing to the dissemination of the brand and of the culture of tea. With the help of his wife and children, who progressively joined the company, Alfredo Carrai won the challenge that had begun in 1961, and now La Via del Tè is synonymous with quality and competence in Italy and abroad..

catering news issue 6 • 20

catering news features

Crystalized brown sugar cane

Crystalized white sugar cane

In order to prepare a good tea, you need prime quality products and pure water to extract the best essence and flavour.

Wooden box Natursan with 12 sections

The samovar is an electric boiler equipped with a thermostat, that allows temperature regulation, in order to be used on a vast range of teas.

Apart from its practical use, it also blends in as a beautiful piece of ornament.

Tea Production and Marketing The marketing of tea is anything but easy, and great experience and passion is called for. Tea is grown in many countries in the world and there are numerous varieties available. Some teas are produced in limited quantities because the harvest, still performed by hand, takes place only once a year and the plantations are located in impervious places high in the mountains.

A season of protracted rains is sufficient to drastically influence the quality and quantity of the product. Hence first of all we have to be familiar with the production cycles and the annual yield of all teas present on the market.

The samples of the harvests just gathered in the various countries are patiently assessed and newly tested in the company: tasting is an art that is refined over time, and experience alone makes it possible to grasp the “essence” of a tea.

The tea taster follows his organoleptic memory and uses specific terms to define the characteristics of the dry and wet leaves, the colour of the infusion and the flavour.

The creation of the blends is entrusted to the tea-blenders, who have refined over time a sensitivity and a knowledge of the raw materials that enable them to interpret and comprehend the consumers’ tastes. Moreover, as in the case of wine, each type of tea is characterised by the territory and by the climate of the year of harvest, with differences even within the same type and provenance, so that the tea blender has to be capable of maintaining a constant quality in the blends by selecting the best suited from the various harvests.

La Via del Tè has in fact specialised in the blending sector and offer products studied ad hoc for its clientele, thanks to a range of over 100 different aromas - natural, from essential oils, liquid and granular - so that it can satisfy every kind of demand: from the design of a new range of infusions in tea bags, to the creation of whole-leaf blends.

One of the company’s strong points is packaging: a simple and refined style distinguishes all the La Via del Tè products: canisters, paper tea bags, leaffilters in cotton and transparent fabric, and gift packs. Many of the processes are performed by hand with all the care and passion of the craftsman.

La Via del Tè is present in top-bracket hotels and resorts, historic cafés, specialist and natural food stores, offering not only a full range of teas and infusions, but also professional accessories and gifts.

In Malta La Via del Tè is proud to be represented by Deco Group of Companies, who has been working in the local catering sector for the last 12years. For anyone wanting to really appreciate this beverage at its best, a visit to Deco Limited of Bulebel is definitely a must.

B8A, Industrial Estate, Bulebel, Zejtun ZTN 3000, Malta T. +356 2169 2576 / 7 F. +356 2169 5936 E. info@decomalta.com www.decomalta.com

catering news issue 6 • 21

catering news features

Glass Creations Malta Glass Creations is a family business established by the late Lino Cachia in 1984, with its premises established at the Ta’ Qali Crafts Village. Glass Creations specialises in glass etching and engraving, and lately also focusing on fused glass. Glass Creations are synonym to offering quality and uniqueness in each piece they produce and offer to their well-kept clients.

Glass Creations offers a range of products from crystal ware, personalised giftware, company gifts, advertising novelties, trophies and awards, wedding souvenirs and Malta souvenirs. As regards to the lately established fusing collection, Glass Creations offer an unlimited range of items including house ware as plates, coasters, candle holders, door names and numbers to various pieces of art glass, all offered in a scheme of very beautiful colours from which anyone can choose his favourite.

Glass Creations are proud to offer their clients this great range of glass giftware, which anyone can get personalised by getting their own design or logo etched on something of their choice, even on their own personal piece of glass. Anyone interested may do this by stepping into the well established shop of Glass Creations Hut 75, Crafts Village, Ta’ Qali or by e-mailing to info@glasscreations.eu www.glasscreations.eu

More on our new website www.glasscreations.eu

catering news issue 6 • 25

‘Providing production and packaging solutions to the bakery and catering industry’

2 YEAR COMPREHENSIVE GUARANTEE

FREE ONSITE ESTIMATES & CONSULTATION

HIRE PURCHASE TERMS AVAILABLE

REPAIRS & PARTS

Sales & Installation of: Cold Rooms Blast Freezers Stainless Steel Kitchens Ovens & Combi Ovens Silos Mixers Slicers Spray Glazing Machines Depositors & Injectors Dough Sheeters Pasta & Encrusting Machines

‘Baketech’ Valletta Road, Qormi QRM 3619 Tel: 21 446 908 / 79 406 908 | Fax: 21 486 908 Email: baketech@keyworld.net

Food Diagnostics LTD Food Diagnostics LTD brings expertise and experience from a broad base in the Food and Catering Industry.

We are adamant that we maintain a level of knowledge that not only meets the required standards, but surpasses it.

Sector Caterers Bakeries Frozen Food Warehouses Manufacturing Restaurants Hotels

HACCP Implementation & Training

Since 1998, the hospitality and retail sectors have been obliged by law to implement a HACCP style food safety system in their business. We can implement a complete HACCP system in your operation that will improve the overall efficiency of the business, while making it fully compliant with current food and hygiene legislation.

Beautiful

Marbles We help you create what you want in Marble, Granite & Quarts There are different types of edges for staircases, vanity tops & kitchen tops.

We develop also integrated sinks with tilted drain boards & groves We make engraving for monuments, memories signs, house names and commemorative plaques

Beautiful Marbles Triq Mro, “Guiseppe Camilleri, Handaq Industrial Area, Qormi, Malta QRM 4000 M. 9944 8184 / 7927 6840 beautifulmarbles@internet.vodafone.com.mt

your partner for research & development

Liaison with Health Inspectors

All food businesses will at some stage have to deal with Health Inspectors whether it is for the purpose of an inspection or to discuss further development of the operation. We can provide assistance by contacting the relevant Health Inspector. Using our knowledge and experience in the industry, we can discuss and negotiate the proposed plans and time-scales in your favour.

Research and Development

Research and development services are available to provide companies with external expertise on creating new products and improving their existing products conducting evaluation at an independent level.

Laboratory Analysis

Services on the arrangement of samples collection for laboratory testing are available. Follow-up actions such as analysis of laboratory reports, advice and trouble-shooting are also provided.

Our Laboratory is committed to providing the highest quality and most cost effective product testing services in partnership with the Food, Dairy and Agricultural industries. Using the latest technologies, our staff of professionally trained scientists and technicians strive to respond to and provide for the changing needs of our customers.

Personal service is our trademark.

Services

HACCP Consultancy Food Laboratory Testing Water Laboratory Testing Food Labeling Nutritional Information New Product Development Representation with Health Inspectors Contact Details:

Food Diagnostics Ltd KBIC Unit 2170 Corradino Industrial Estate Paola Tel. 99455265 ivan@camillericonsultancy.com www.camillericonsultancy.com

FREE HAND PUMP WITH 3 BOTTLES OF

AT €4.08 EACH

FREE PORCELINE COUNTER TOP DISPENSER WITH 20 BOTTLES OF

FREE HOT & COLD SIPENSER WITH 115 BOTTLES OF

AT €4.08 EACH

AT €4.08 EACH

Practical & In Style Elegant hot & cold water dispensers with bottle cover MADE IN CANADA STAINED CHERRY WOOD

STAINLESS STEEL

CHERRY WOOD

These pre-paid offers will not be delivered altogether, but at your convenience

PRE-PAID BOTTLE OFFERS 8 + 1 FREE BOTTLE 15 + 2 FREE BOTTLES 50 + 10 FREE BOTTLES BOTTLES AT €4.08 EACH

A SILENT ELECTRIC PUMP WHICH DELIVERS PURE & HEALTHY WATER TO YOUR AMERICAN STYLE FRIDGE & KITCHEN SINK

AT

€170

PURIFIED DRINKING WATER

w w w.nibebe verages.com info@nibebe verages.com Tel. +356 21 472 271 M ob. +356 7932 2138

Catering & House Keeping A comprehensive range of detergents, sanitizers & general cleaning products, manufactured to the highest standards in th UK

Paper A full range of mops, buckets, housekeeping trolleys etc, from FILMOP in Italy.

catering news issue 6 • 30

All recycled paper imported from a manufacturer in UK, is environmentally friendly and essentially Green.

catering news features

Agreement with leading UK food hygiene technology firm

First Aid First Aid Kits available to the majority of applications including Catering, Offices and as well delivery vehicles

An agreement has been reached for Jmp&c to become distributors in Malta for Holchem Ltd, the market leaders in food hygiene technology in the UK. Jmp&c have been supplying detergents and cleaning products primarily to the hotel and catering industries in Malta and Gozo for 14years. The company imports from the UK. The agreement was reached following increasing demands from the food manufacturing sector for high-quality products and cleaning systems to meet ever increasing enforcement of regulations, Jmp&c said.

Holchem products have full approval of the British Retail Consortium that includes companies such as Marks and Spencers, Tesco and Morrison Supermarkets.

Where necessary, the disinfectants have been reistered with the M.S.A. Roy gadd - export manager of Holchem - who is

currently in Malta to finalise the distributor agreement with Jmp&c said: “The timing of this agreement falls in with our export drive which includes various parts of Europe and North Africa. After visiting Malta a few months ago, I felt that the high level of service that Jmp&c already give, along with their commitment to excellence, make them an ideal partner for our company” “We aim to continually improve and exceed customer demand and will only accept partners who have the same business approach as ourselves,” he said.

This article appeared in the, Times of Malta Thursday, October 1, 2009

INDUSTRIAL DETERGENTS & CLEANING PRODUCTS Tower Road, Msida, Malta TEL/FAX: 2141 3154 MOB: 9947 2922 EMAIL: info@jmpmalta.com WEB: www.hygienemalta.com

catering news issue 6 • 31

catering news features

Plastic and Paper Cards for you.

Blues Limited specializes in high quality (litho / offset print) pre-paid scratch-off cards highly equipped with personalization. These cards are mostly intended for telecommunication companies and mobile operators; however we also provide all other type of cards for different users – transport companies, financial and health care services, hotels, food chains, brick ‘n’ mortar as well as Internet stores etc.

Main Cards Benefits

Cards represent an extremely effective marketing medium for all kinds of businesses. The main advantages of these cards are that they:

• • • • • • •

Enhance customer loyalty Encourage repeated business and increase in sales Give the opportunity to personalize marketing and promotional information Generate more sales Are easy to carry - heightened sense of security and easy of payment Enable higher control of the funds prior to the delivery of any merchandise or services Enhance corporate image

Type of Cards

What types of cards we produce?

Standard Cards • Loyalty cards • Purchase cards • Customer cards • Hotel keys with a magnetic stripe • Gift certificates • Luggage tags and calendars • Business cards • Other advertising cards Pre-paid and Scratch off cards (PVC or paper cards/vouchers with PIN, bar code and further personalization, mostly wrapped in transparent foil) • • • • •

Cards for fixed lines Re-charge vouchers for mobile operators Internet calling cards Recharge cards for satellite companies Lottery tickets

catering news issue 6 • 34

Contactless Cards • • • • • •

ID Cards Loyalty Cards Electronic wallets City transport and Travel Entertainment Cards Gift Cards

IC / Smart - Contact Cards • • • •

SIM Cards Phone Cards Key Access Cards Ski passes

Encrypting Access Cards • Other Security Cards

catering news features

Personalization • Encoding of Magnetic stripes (LoCo, Meco, HiCo) • Application of Scratch-off panels • Ink – jet printing or numbering • Embossing • Thermal printing (text, numbers, bar codes, photographs etc.)

• Application of Signature panels • Hot stamping of holograms 2D/3D All types of mentioned cards can be made from multiplayer PVC (both side laminated or varnished), PVC, polyester (polystyrol), paper or paperboard cards.

For phone cards: Most cards are made of multilayer PVC. Prepaid cards are made from paper and polystyrene and phone contact chip cards are made from varnished ABS.

Scratch-off fields: Scratch-off fields consist of special layer that covers printed data on a card (mostly code numbers).

Prepaid fields are used in particular for prepaid cards in the telecommunications field.

There are basically three types of scratch-off fields - holographic (use as standard), metallic and latex colour.

All types of mentioned cards can be made from multilayer PVC (both side laminated), polystyrene, G plastic, paper or other materials. Even if plastic cards are more expensive than paper ones, we can recommend them for their flexibility, time and temperature durability. Cards can be produced in standard “ISO” size (86 x 54 mm) or as “Key tags Cards”.

Packing: Production of plastic cardsWe can pack individual cards or various groups in the form of folders in transparent (clear) plastic (similar to phone cards).

Groups of cards, individual packs or boxes can be packed in spring foil.

Direct mailing: So that it is possible to send cards to individual users along with flyers or other printed papers we make sure that the printing of these materials and their completions is done alog with cards.

On the basis of marketing requirements from our customers we make sure that cards are sent individually either to the direct mailing address of the customers or to respective post offices according to the post-code-for any marketing scheme.

Material:

Scratch-Off fields:

The most laminated cards are made of multilayer PVC. Chip cards are made from ABS as well.

Special layer for the covering of printed data on a card (mostly code numbers), used in particular for prepaid cards in the field of telecommunications

Thickness: The common size of laminated cards produced are 0,30 / 0,40 / 0,50 / 0,76 mm (0.60 mm are also produced as exception), 0,80 through to 0.84 mm for chip cards.

Printing:

Holographs: To secure cards and their authenticity, 2D/3D holographs are used, either Auto adhesion or Hot Stamping. There is budget price for a minimum of 10,000 pieces.

UV offset (Litho)

Thermal Printing:

We usually use CMYK or direct colours according to Pantone. Screen printing - all area printing of special, metallic colours and signature fields.

Special lamination foil with adhesive is used in case of “bleeding”.

Colour or monochromatic printing is used for small editions of cards

Digital printing Although it is slightly lower quality, digital printing reduces the production costs of cards.

Magnetic tapes: • LoCo (compactness 300 Oe, lower resistance against the effects of external magnetic fields), • MeCo (compactness 2750 Oe, is only used as a new standard for VISA bank cards) • HiCo (compactness 4000 Oe, is highly resistant against the effects of external magnetic fields)

Signature fields: Are printed by screen-printing, this is the standard (white, coloured or transparent). Paper roll-on editions of up to 5,000 pieces can be made for a lower price.

• Monochromatic printing is used for bar codes and other variable data • Resolution: 300 DPI maximum

Embossing: Relief stamping of selected symbols (names, numbers, special symbols) Card tipping - colour accentuation of character tops (most common colours used are black, silver and gold; however various colour shades can be used both in gloss and matt).

Coding: We provide coding for all three tracks types: LoCo, Me-Co and Hi-Co magnetic cards.

Hot-stamping: Hot Stamping of all types of holograms or text and logo stamping through special metallic foils as well as signature field and scratch-off field stamping.

For more information contact Blues Limited 104 Ground Floor, Dingli Street, Sliema MALTA tel 2133 5272/3 email info@blueslimited.com catering news issue 6 • 35

catering news features

The mini Combi Steamer oven ideal for snack bars & restricted spaces.

by Joe Fenech Soler Recently I had the opportunity to attend a demonstration of the German produced Convotherm Ovens at the premises of AGP Systems Ltd. Mr Markus Brandl area sales manager and chef was flown to Malta to demonstrate the various new functions of these ovens which I must say I found to be very impressive. Besides the large ovens, convotherm have developed a mini oven 51.5cm wide which is ideal for schools, take aways, snack bars, supermarkets and for any place that has a restaurant area.

Some of the features of this oven besides it’s size are the advanced closed system it has which besides being an energy saving system, produces food very crisp and tasty. It also has a flexible rack and a robust rotary level door with a slam

function a double glazed door makes sure to keep the heat inside while a steamer reducer produces a clean kitchen atmosphere. For those who wish to bake pastry this oven has a reduced fan speed and an auto reverse function for absolute evenness of your bakery products.

One other fantastic feature is that you can cook fish, meat and vegetables at the same time with no aroma transfer..

It holds up to 24 baguettes and the auto-reverse function turns out all bakery items absolutely even from the top to the bottom shelf. Steaks can also get a BBQ look due to its convogrill grid.

two seperate chambers on top of each controlled by one operational panel.

By the way for front house cooking you can apply the convovent condensation hood which eliminates almost completely all steam produced while cooking and assures a fresh atmosphere and no additional water connection is necessary..

You will love this Combi Steamer. Call AGP Systems Ltd. on 2279 2123 and ask for a demonstration.

Finally you can have two minis with right and left hinged doors to be placed one beside the other or place one on top of the other or you can get catering news issue 6 • 37

Maestro é Fresco 8/9, South Street, Valletta. tel: 2122 0357 Opening Hours Monday to Friday 11 am till late Saturday and Sunday 6.30pm till late

The newly refurbished Maestro é Fresco needs no introduction other than that of being the capital’s favourite cafe/bar. The venue is a popular choice for chilled evenings with a modern ambience which promotes relaxing on the couches for hours on end. Friday nights are slightly more upbeat with a live band taking centre stage and taking the cafe/bar to a whole new level.

The menu is a cafe/bistro blend with choices ranging from paté, dips and cheese fondue to baguettes, wraps and salads making it the ideal venue for quick lunches. And what’s more, you can watch live concerts and football matches projected on the walls while snacking. When in Valletta, Maestro is definitely worth a visit, be it for a quick lunch break or for a lingering bottle of wine in the evenings.

catering classified Cafeterias /Bars Maestro e Fresco

8/9 South Street, Valletta 21220357 Trabuxu 1, strait street, Valletta 21223036 www.trabuxu.com info@trabuxu.com

Catering Equipment AGP Systems Ltd Zamco Nuilding, Mill Str, Qormi 22792123, 22792118 www.agps.com.mt Baketech Supplies & Services Ltd Valletta Road, Qormi 2144 6908 / 7940 6908 baketech@keyworld.net

Cleaning Services Importers (Beverage) Blues Cleaning Services 2133 5273/ 786 8165 info@blueslimited.com

Cold Rooms Electronic Cards Blues Ltd 2133 5273/ 786 8165 info@blueslimited.com

Engineering Services Omnitec Ltd. 27658408 / 99470390 St Paul’s House, Hamilkar Barqa Square Birzebbuga BBG2342 omnitec@onvol.net

Catering Software Executive Venues EP Ltd.

VIP Gentlemen’s Club

47, Psaila Street, B’Kara 21445190/4 www.eplmalta.info elecpro@eplmalta.info

Ball Street, Paceville 2736 1999/ 9999 3619 awarr@onvol.net

J. G. Systems 45, Luqa Road, Paola 2189 3024/ 79300 0015 info@jgsystems.eu

Catering Sweets Nectar Group of Companies 2149588/ 9

Cleaning Products GDL Trading & Services Ltd 70 Cross Road Marsa 21248240, 21245658, 79604570 gdlray@onvol.net Jmp&c 2141 3154 / 9947 2922 info@jmpmalta.com www.hygienemalta.com

catering news issue 6 • 40

SG Marketing

Green Skip Services Ltd.

14, Triq il-Kappella, San Gwann 21382848

Admin Building, ta’ l-Imriekeb, Ramla Road. Maghtab 21422009/ 21422010/ 21422017 www.greenskipgroup.com

Newark Refrigeration 21257 087 / 79975168

Food Testing Food Diagnostics Ltd KBIC Unit 2170 Corradino Industrial Estate Paola 9945 5265 ivan@camillericonsultancy.com www.camillericonsultancy.com

Giftware Glass Creations

Hut 75, Crafts Village, Ta’ Qali info@glasscreations.eu www.glasscreations.eu

Waste Management

NIBE Beverages 2147 2271/ 7932 2138 info@nibebeverages.com www.nibebeverages.com

Importers & distributors

Deco Groups Holdings Ltd B8A Industrial Estate Bulebell Zejtun 21692576/7, 21695936 info@decomalta.com Longbow Ltd 22, Owen Buildings, Triq l-Ahwa Zammit, Qormi 21488268 / 21441877 info@longbowmalta.com www.longbowmalta.com

Meat Importers Tenderfresh Food processing ltd A25A Giuseppe Garibaldi Str. Marsa MRS 9082 t. 21252300 edmund@foodhouse.com.mt

Pest Control Premier Pest Control 70, Cross Road Marsa 2123 5415/ 2124 8240 premierpost@onvol.net

Structural Maintenance & Finishing Blues Handy Squad 2133 5273/ 786 8165 info@blueslimited.com

catering classified

interested in placing your business in our classified?

Call our Advertising Department on 2133 5272

catering news advertising rates Front Page

1 issue EURO Lm 1,001.63 430

2 issues EURO LM 978.34 420

3 issues EURO LM 955.04 410

4 Issues EURO Lm 931.75 400

Back Cover

768.69

330

745.4

320

722.11

310

698.81

300

Inside Cover

652.22

280

628.93

270

605.64

260

582.34

250

Full Page

512.46

220

489.17

210

465.87

200

442.58

190

Half Page

302.82

130

279.52

120

256.23

110

232.94

100

Quarter Page

209.64

90

186.35

80

163.06

70

139.76

60

Double Spread

931.75

400

908.46

390

885.16

380

861.87

370

LAYOUT

Cost for Artwork:

Full Page

E104.82 Lm45

Half Page

E69.88

Lm30

Quarter Page

E46.59

Lm20

Published Quarterly Distribution Hotels in Malta & Gozo Aparthotels Guest Houses Restaurants Night Clubs Snack Bars Bars Canteens Bakeries Confectioners Butchers Supermarkets

And Other Businesses associated with the catering trade

Circulation 10,000 copies quarterly mailed directly through Maltapost

for further information please contact us on 2133 5272/3 or 7986 8165 Blues Limited, 104,Ground Floor, Dingli Street, Sliema MALTA Tel 2133 5272/3 Fax 2133 5271 Mob 7986 8165 Email info@blueslimited.com www.blueslimited.com

Introducing

CHEF

XP

RESS

to

HOTELS, RESTAURANTS, BARS, SNACK BARS & ALL CATERING ESTABLISHMENTS t /P $IFGT SFRVJSFE t /P QVSDIBTJOH PG GPPE NBUFSJBM t /P 'PPE 8BTUBHF t /P *OWFTUNFOU JO ,JUDIFO &RVJQNFOU t 2VBMJUZ 'PPE QSFQBSFE CZ 1SPGFTTJPOBM $IFGT t 4JNQMF UP TFSWF t 'SFF USBJOJOH UP POF NFNCFS PG ZPVS TUBò t "MM 'PPE QBDLFE JO 4JOHMF 1PSUJPOT t %FMJWFSFE CZ TQFDJBM SFGSJHFSBUFE USVDLT We can supply you with ready cooked antipasti, soups, pasta sauces, meats, fish, vegetables, baked pasta, sandwiches, pies, patés, pizzas, sweets and any other dishes you would want us to prepare.

We also cater for buffets, receptions and finger food parties

CHEF

X

PRESS

104, Ground Floor, Dingli Street, Sliema T. 21335272/3 M. 7986 8165 F. 2133 5271 E. info@blueslimited.com

WHY FORK OUT EXTRA MONEY?