Best Buy May 2015

COVER STORY

Martina Said speaks to world-renowned nutritionist, weight-loss specialist and author Dr John Briffa on the subject of dieting, in view of his claims that traditional dieting methods simply do not work. PAGE 3 >

BEST BUY YOUR MONTHLY SHOPPING GUIDE DISTRIBUTED WITH THE TIMES

Issue 96

May 2015

IN THIS ISSUE...

INTERVIEW Jo Caruana meets international wine expert Amelia Singer – dubbed the ‘Jamie Oliver of Wine’ – to find out about her incredible passion for one of the world’s favourite drinks. PAGE 7 >

Get that vintage effect!

Shabby Kreide Farbe If you love the shabby-chic style for your home and are keen to put your DIY skills to the test, Shabby Kreide Farbe is right up your street. Provence-style furniture is characterised by the sensation of ‘lived’ furniture, usually featuring light pastel colours or white, and sometimes a combination of two or more hues.

What are its advantages? It goes on directly over existing paints so there’s no need to sand or do other prep work to use it. Being water-based, it is safe for your health and the environment. It is easy to clean and odourless and it is easy to manipulate to get the desired appearance. To get a matte finish, it can be waxed (to seal it and prevent damage) and then buffed to increase the degree of shine, creating even more flexibility. The effects that one can achieve with this paint are numerous, the most popular being the Shabby Chic effect. This paint by Borma Wachs is based on natural chalk and acrylic polymer, and is suitable for both wood and wall surfaces. Thanks to its high-solid content, it offers great coverage and makes surfaces homogenous with a few applications. With

good expansion and flexibility, it offers the possibility of perfectly smooth finishes when sanded.

Shabby chic effect Apply one coat of Shabby Kreide Farbe with a brush as a basecoat.

Once completely dry, apply a third coat of a different contrasting colour to cover particular parts or even the entire surface. Go on to sand the surface down – sanding at various levels will remove excess paint or irregularities. To complete the classic style, opt for a wax finish instead of varnishing, with the best coatings being the white waxy patina Liming Wax, also available in gold, silver and ducat gold waxes from the Ca’ D’oro range. Finish off with good performance wax oil from our range or beeswax.

Mudelli – Smart Furniture Solutions, Fortunato Mizzi Street, Victoria, Gozo and Triq il-Haddieda, Mriehel, Qormi.

T: 2155 4131 – Gozo, T: 2122 4430 – Malta; E: mudellistore@gmail.com; www.mudelli.com

HOMES Keen to welcome the start of summer, Sarah Micallef takes a look at the latest trends for outdoor spaces, including ways to upkeep or install a swimming pool for those scorching days. PAGE 13 >

Eating & Drinking Executive Chef of Paradise Bay Resort Hotel Franz Sammut prepares an indulgent three-course meal to try at home.

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COVER STORY

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Are diets a waste of time?

After repeated failed attempts to lose weight, you begin to wonder whether the problem lies with you, or with the diet you’re following. Martina Said speaks to world-renowned nutritionist and weight loss specialist Dr John Briffa, who believes that traditional approaches to dieting are doomed to failure.

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onsidering the prevalence of obesity in Malta, as well as numerous other countries in Europe and beyond, it is no surprise that diet and exercise are constantly revisited as hot topics of debate. Until 2013, according to a study on the global burden of obesity published in the medical journal The Lancet, Malta retained among the highest levels of obesity in Western Europe, together with the UK and Iceland.

Often enough, the problem appears to boil down to an improper diet and lack of exercise, but opinion on what ‘the best diet’ is has varied widely in recent years, with different foods blamed at different times for causing people to pile on the pounds.

We’ve been told a lowcarbohydrate diet is best, then a low-fat diet should do the trick, then that perhaps a Mediterranean diet is the perfect balance, in fruitless attempts to determine which option is best for weight loss.

Researchers in the field are now suggesting that we’re missing the point, and that unsuccessfully pursuing a new or different diet from time to time isn’t helpful or healthy for most people. For some, the results may be substantial, for others small and inconsistent, but the argument is that our focus on finding the right diet can blind us from paying attention to something even more important when it comes to weight loss.

Dr John Briffa, a practicing doctor, author and world-

renowned specialist in nutrition and weight loss who lives and works in the UK, advocates in one of his books, Escape the Diet Trap, that the conventional approach to losing weight of eating less and exercising more is not effective. “The idea that ‘eating less and exercising more’ inevitably lead to weight loss is logical and persuasive, but the evidence that this approach leads to long-term results is very thin on the ground. It’s normally assumed that this is due to failings on the part of the would-be slimmer, but actually there are a number

of reasons why conventional weight loss approaches doom most people to failure.”

“Consciously cutting calories tends to put a significant break on the metabolism, for instance. We can perhaps counter this with exercise, though we generally have to do heroic amounts of exercise to burn very significant quantities of calories. Of course, exercise can make us hungrier too, adding to the hunger we may also have had to endure through ‘dieting’,” explains Dr Briffa.

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COVER STORY food we consume.

In addition, Dr Briffa says “after blood sugar highs can come lows (typically about two to three hours later), which can cause people to be hungry again, and perhaps crave sweet foods too. These are just some of the reasons why conventional weight loss strategies tend not to bring long-term success.”

“Another fundamental problem is that many weight loss diets are ‘low-fat’ (because fat contains more calories than carbohydrate or protein).

However, this tends to cause people to base their diet on carbohydrate, and this can lead to highs of sugar in the bloodstream that tends to cause surges of insulin – the chief fat storage hormone.”

In fact, Dr Briffa has often stated that ditching starchy foods

(such as bread, potatoes, rice and pasta) in favour of fat and protein-based foods, namely meat and fish has proven to be the best solution for him. While starchy foods have fattening potential, in that they secrete large quantities of insulin as explained above, fat and protein-based foods, on the other hand, do not stimulate insulin secretion, and so are less ‘fattening’ as they tend to satisfy the appetite effectively.

This helps limit the quantity of

The problem here, at a national level, is that much-loved Maltese foods are based on carbohydrates – from pastizzi, Maltese bread and timpana to imparet, imqarrun and traditional pies, just to name a few. And this excludes the tempting presence of one or more pastizzeriji in almost every town and village on the island, as well as the barrage of pre-packed pastries and sugar-based treats available on supermarket shelves. Therefore, is it likely that a message such as Dr Briffa’s, which encourages individuals to change their approach to dieting, can be put into practice?

“I don’t deny that it can be challenging to adopt the sort of diet I would broadly advocate in Malta. However, I don’t

think this should deter us from telling the truth about weight loss and what works (and what doesn’t). At least then we’re giving people the opportunity to make an informed choice about what they eat, and this increases the likelihood that individuals can take their weight (and health) into their own hands,” he asserts.

Asked whether his prescribed approach to dieting is based on personal experience or

scientific research, Dr Briffa admits it’s down to a bit of both. “I actually have managed to control my own weight using the sort of approaches I advocate (I can put on weight spectacularly quickly). But, I’ve also seen the approaches work in thousands of individuals.

The strategies, though, are supported by science, and my books, such as Escape the Diet Trap, explore the science and research in detail for those who like that sort of thing.” BB

A word of advice Renowned specialist in nutrition and weight loss Dr John Briffa offers advice on how to deal with the frustrations of failed weight loss attempts.

“First of all, understand that if you have ‘failed’ in the past, that may be because the approach may have jeopardised success, and may not be a result of a personal failing on one’s part.

Secondly, I’d encourage people to think about resisting taking approaches that only ever have led to temporary results, and perhaps think differently about how best to achieve lasting, healthy weight loss. Finally, I do believe that knowledge is power, and so I’m a great believer in individuals informing themselves regarding alternative approaches that may suit them better, even if such approaches are not somehow ‘officially sanctioned’ by the medical profession. Sometimes we doctors simply don't have it right, and when we don’t, I see no reason why individuals should not explore alternatives, especially when we have evidence and experience that support these.”

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INTERVIEW

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Raise a glass

Following on from the success of a recent Spanish wine-tasting event organised by SpaNiche Wines in Malta, Jo Caruana chats to international wine expert Amelia Singer about her incredible understanding of one of the world’s favourite drinks.

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ick-named the ‘Jamie Oliver of Wine’, Amelia Singer is an international wine expert renowned for demystifying wine and making it fun. She is brilliantly passionate about her job and great fun to talk to – there is little she doesn’t know about the topic.

be the top wine educator in the UK. I met up with him during my final year of university, when I knew wine was the path for me. He was extremely helpful in explaining the trade and the various paths that I could take. My first related job was picking grapes at Chateau Haut Brion during the 2009 vintage, and it was purely down to him. Thank you Michael!

“My job is all about empowering people,” she says with a smile. “I have loved gaining a holistic understanding of the trade – from working in wineries around the world, to opening my business, Amelia’s wines.”

Can you remember the day you knew wine would be the career path for you?

Yes… I was at a Christmas drinks party in my last year at university and it was expected that I would ‘announce’ to my parents and their friends what I was going to do with my life. I ended up having a very passionate discussion with someone about the unfair dichotomy of wine and arguing that it was so ridiculous that most people either thought of it as an elitist and intellectual thing, or something to get drunk on cheaply. I started ranting about the fact that they needed someone like a Jamie Oliver for wine, who would make wine fun and ultimately empower the consumer. At that point the guy who was listening to me was obviously bored with my chat and just said – “well, maybe you should do it then”. I haven’t looked back since.

Amelia offers informative, creative and authentic wine tastings, experiences and consulting advice for consumers and the trade, and she recently travelled to Malta to highlight the growing popularity of Spanish wine.

Amelia also works on a number of media projects, has filmed videos for Jamie Oliver’s DrinksTube and is currently presenting an international TV show about wine.

How did you get into the drinks industry and what is your earliest memory of it?

I got into it through a meeting with a family friend, Michael Schuster, who I also consider to

Is there anyone who inspired your career?

My father – he pretty much weaned me on wine! I was tasting wine from the age of seven, and it was him who helped me discover that I had a palate. He also taught me to be adventurous and open minded about all sorts of wine – he made it clear that I was not to be influenced by a specific region, grape or price point.

They all have wonderful stories to tell and share.

“My first related job was picking grapes at Chateau Haut Brion during the 2009 vintage.”

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Getting to work with Jamie Oliver has been a real highlight and personal achievement, as he is a real inspiration to me. I have also loved being able to run a successful wine company that allows me to work with all kinds of people, organisations and industries internationally.

How do you spend your down time?

I must admit I am not very good at down time. I do love reading, cooking for friends, listening to jazz and trying out new restaurants. But, my

ultimate down time is with my family at my parents’ house in the countryside, either going on a long walk or chilling out on the sofa, reading and surrounded by my dogs.

In a nutshell, what would be your top wine tips?

Be open-minded. If you are in a restaurant and they have wines by the glass and you can’t decide, ask if you can taste two or three of the glasses that they serve. The waiter will be delighted. If you can express two or three adjectives about the kinds of wine you like to a waiter or to someone in an independent wine shop, that will be infinitely better than going for the second cheapest on offer. Also, screw caps do not mean the bottle is an inferior product. But, mostly, as I said before, be openminded – there is so much to experience out there.

What's your favourite thing in your whole house?

A painting that I stole from my parents’ house. They found it in the south of France and it is a very flamboyant, colourful Picassoesque piece. It always makes me smile.

If you could spend time at any wine venue in the world, where would it be and why?

I think, in terms of experiencing something completely

different, I would love to go to South Africa and attend the Swartland revolution. I think that is the most exciting wine region in South Africa at that moment, and that three-day party is meant to be absolutely incredible.

Do you collect anything?

Not intentionally… but I have quite a collection of moleskin diary journals. I start one, forget where I put it, buy another one, find the old one, start again…

What three things would you take with you to a desert island?

White Chateauneuf du Pape, and iPod and speakers with lots of Ella Fitzgerald, Chet Baker and other fabulous jazz artists on it, and – if I couldn’t take a person – then I would take a lot of reading material. I have never gotten around to reading Tolstoy – perhaps this would be the ideal opportunity!

What would be your last meal?

It would have to be sushi and Japanese food, or my grandmother’s spaghetti bolognese.

What would you never buy?

A car. I have never managed to pass my driving test. BB

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MOTHER'S DAY BEST BUY RECOMMENDS

Clèment:

Visit Clèment for the latest collection of bags from the JLO by Jennifer Lopez range, with prices starting from €49.90. A variety of models are available, as well as matching jewellery.

B'kara Bypass, B'kara.

T: 2149 4654.

Carisma Spa & Wellness International:

Mum’s the word After doing so much for us for our entire lives, our mums deserve at least a day in the year in which it’s all about them. Mother’s Day is just that – the perfect opportunity to honour your mum. Sarah Micallef looks into the origins of the holiday, and the best ways to celebrate with your mum this year.

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e all know what Mother’s Day is all about – celebrating the most important woman in your life – but how did it all start?

Here in Malta, we celebrate the American version of Mother’s Day, on the second Sunday in May. The holiday dates back over a hundred years, when social activist Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother in

Grafton, West Virginia. She began campaigning to make Mother’s Day a recognised holiday in the US in 1905, the year her beloved mother, who was a peace activist, passed away, as a way of honouring her by continuing the work she started and marking a day to celebrate mothers: “the person who has done more for you than anyone in the world.”

As a result of Anna’s campaign, several states began officially recognising the holiday, and by

1914, US President Woodrow Wilson had signed the proclamation creating Mother’s Day, the second Sunday in May, as a national holiday to honour mothers.

As with every other major holiday however, Mother’s Day soon started becoming more and more commercialised, with Hallmark and other companies jumping on the bandwagon and beginning to sell Mother’s Day cards by the early 1920s. This didn’t sit well with

Make your mother feel truly special on this occasion and pamper her with one of our indulgent packages.

Among them is the Queen’s Package, which includes: • Dead Sea salt scrub and foam in the Turkish bath • Hair shampooing • Full-body Hawaiian massage • Foot and ankle massage • Face and décolletage massage with liposome serum Now only €75 (Treatment time approx. 90 mins) Use of the sauna, steam room, indoor pool and Turkish bath, and detoxifying tea are complementary. Benefit from a 40 per cent special Mother’s Day discount in May on all facial treatments.

Intercontinental Malta, St George’s Bay, St Julian’s. T: 2376 5524; M: 9990 0995; E: info@carismaspa.com; www.carismaspa.com

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MOTHER's DAY founder Anna Jarvis, whose intention for the holiday was for people to celebrate and honour their mothers in a personal and sentimental way, rather than by buying gifts and pre-fabricated cards.

Despite several attempts at boycotts and protests on her part however, Mother’s Day was adopted by other countries over the years, and is now celebrated all over the world.

Nowadays, while it is true that the holiday has become increasingly commercialised, it’s not to say that it doesn’t serve as a perfect excuse to surprise your mum with a little something special. While showing your mother how much you love and appreciate her is something you should do all year round, it’s sometimes hard to take some time out of your busy schedule and spend some quality time together, or show her how much she really means to you. This is where the holiday comes in, giving you a great opportunity to organise a special treat.

Mother’s Day is not a day which your mum should spend doing chores or housework – give her a much needed day off and

send her off to a fun day of pampering or shopping with her friends. While she’s getting primped and preened (or spending her budget happily away), get through her list of chores by dividing them among your siblings, with a little help from dad too! Coming back to a sparkling house and a couple of mischievous faces will give your mum a double treat

and come as a very welcome surprise.

Making your mum feel special on this day could range from small gestures of appreciation to all out feats of love. Show her you’re thinking of her and paying attention to what she’s saying by taking care of something she’s been moaning about wanting to get done,

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or arranging a day of simple quality time with her where you do something you both enjoy. You can go out to dinner or for drinks, go to the theatre or the cinema, or enjoy time outdoors at the beach or in the countryside.

like leave from work and clear any chores or commitments beforehand, and your mum is bound to be delighted with the unexpected break! BB

Involving the entire family in Mother’s Day plans is always a great idea, whether it’s organising a little party or get together with extended family or friends, or roping everyone in to come up with a meaningful gift your mum will treasure for years to come.

A surprise party need not be a grand affair or require an inordinate amount of planning – a small gathering at home or an outdoor cookout or picnic will bring the family together and should be easy to achieve, while also making your mum feel loved and appreciated.

If your mum’s a bit of a softie, appeal to her sentimental streak by putting together a scrapbook or sweet family video everyone can get involved in. If you’re making a scrapbook or celebratory photo album, start by collecting photos and mementos from special occasions and fun times you shared together, as well as sweet quotes and notes from family members. Nominate the most creative of you to put it all together or just muck in as a family for a genuine (albeit possibly slightly messier) celebration of love. If you’re more techsavvy than crafty, a recorded video message with snippets of home video is also bound to go down a treat!

If you’d like to take things a step further, or have the budget to splash out a little more this year, a surprise trip is a brilliant gift idea that a husband can plan for his wife and family on Mother’s Day, or if the kids are a little older, why not send mum and dad for a relaxing weekend away as a gift? Sort out things

A sentimental gift

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Here comes the sun Bring the outdoors in and get ready to enjoy the beauty of warmer weather. Martina Said discusses some simple steps to make your home summer-ready in no time.

Summer colour accents

Simple interior updates are essential to adapting your home from one season to another – pack away heavy blankets, thick curtains, fluffy floor rugs, heaters and anything that reminds you of winter in favour of brighter and lighter items and accessories around the home. Replace candle decorations with vases for fresh flowers, and trade in your dark accessories like bathroom mats, towels, cushions and throws for white, bright or pastel ones. You could also replace thick summer curtains with clear sheers to allow light to filter through. Though slight, these little changes do a lot to transform the feel of your home from cosy and warm to bright and airy.

Cool your home

Bring the outdoor air in by opening all your windows and doors where possible to rid your home of toxins built up

from air conditioners, heaters, cookers and cleaners. Airing your home properly during winter is near impossible – between gusts of cold wind, rain and humidity, apertures are best left closed. But with the start of spring, we have every reason to throw those windows wide open and circulate the air in our houses, although be sure that the air outside will not worsen your symptoms If you are allergy-prone.

Once summer starts, we’ll be eager to close those windows in favour of cooling mechanisms, but you needn’t head straight for the air conditioning remote control.

Turn ceiling fans counter clockwise where the blades tilt upwards as they spin to push air downward and create a stronger draught, and place portable fans in front of open windows to bring the cool air in. Also, draw the curtains and roll down the blinds to keep the sun out during the hottest parts

of the day, all of which help keep your home cooler. Once the heat gets too much to bear, you will understandably turn to air conditioners to save the day. To ensure their longevity, get the filters cleaned and maintained from year to year, also making sure you breathe clean and cool air. Consider shading air conditioning units too so that they are out of direct sunlight and therefore more effective.

Out with winter

Cleaning out drawers, cabinets and storage units is a purifying process that resembles the feeling of shedding a few layers of thick winter clothes. Clean out old winter food stock and throw out expired items which we often accumulate over winter months, and take the time to properly defrost your freezer doing away with an icy build-up. Also take note of what is currently occupying the shelves and drawers of your freezer – some items tend to

lose texture and flavour over time and many things could actually be past their prime, enabling you to make room for new things that are best enjoyed in the warmer months, such as flavoured ice cubes, ice-creams and home-made popsicles (which you should try if you haven’t yet).

You’ll also need to stock up on summer essentials in your medicine cabinet, including the annual supply of sun block, after sun lotion, insect repellent and moisturisers. For those many days at the beach, reserve one of your storage cabinets for beach supplies including towels, light blankets, plastic or portable dishware and cutlery, beach toys for the kids as well as any other items that are typically required for a day by the sea. You want these items to be easily accessible in order to facilitate life, and avoid having to sift through thick blankets and other winter items to get to the stuff you need,

when you need it.

Bring out the BBQ

The BBQ is one of the reasons why we love summer, and truthfully it wouldn’t be the same without the option of grilling food outdoors. This also means it deserves a deep clean before it can start being used again – so disassemble the BBQ from top to bottom (keep your manual handy to make sure you can put it back together again), and clean thoroughly with soapy water.

Remember the grill needs to be dealt with differently, ideally with a very hard brush and with a good dose of cleaner. Rinse it down and heat it up, and allow it to burn on high heat for a few minutes, melting away any grime you couldn’t get to. Once it cools down, wipe the grates with a bit of oil and prepare the food for grilling – we cannot think of a better way to mark the start of summer. BB

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BEST BUY RECOMMENDS

The Resin and Membrane Centre:

Embracing your outdoor space Heralding in the start of the sunny season, Sarah Micallef looks at the latest trends for your outdoor spaces, as well as the options available and maintenance required if you’re looking to install a pool for those glorious summer days.

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fter months of locking ourselves away indoors, it’s finally that time of year to enjoy the wonderful weather our beloved Maltese islands are so famous for. If your house has an outdoor space, be it a small terrace, courtyard or back garden, dressing it up for the summer season will make for a welcoming space in which to enjoy the outdoors in the company of family and friends.

Outdoor living spaces can really be taken advantage of and made beautiful nowadays, with a large variety of outdoor furnishings and décor on the market to suit your style. Gone are the days of cheap folding chairs and plastic picnic tables – today’s garden, yard or patio deserves more. With furniture comprised of wrought iron or aluminium, stone, wood or even woven wicker made modern, outdoor furnishings have taken on a decidedly more high-end feel, and as with everything else, are subject to the latest design trends.

In terms of design style for your outdoor area, there are a number of interesting trends to take note of this year,

though do make sure the space blends with the look and feel of your interiors to avoid a hodgepodge of design styles. One of the top trends to look out for is midcentury modern styling, celebrating post-war design and utilising a variety of materials including leather, teak and brass which provide an interesting contrast with elegant upholstery and striking colours.

Meanwhile, global elements that give the space an eclectic, well-travelled look are also popular. Look out for Asian ceramics, Moroccan lanterns, Mediterraneanstyle motifs, silk accents and handcrafted accessories in particular to achieve this look. Another interior design trend which finds its way outdoors is rustic contemporary, which combines natural materials like wood and stone with weathered metals and contemporary touches and colours.

The way in which outdoor spaces are used has also shifted, with more of an emphasis on flexible usage of space and multifunctional furniture. While it is still common practice to have a designated dining area, elements like furniture with built-in storage,

Professional Thermal Waterproofing Resin Membrane Are you fed up of doing roof maintenance works year after year? Waterproof your roof with NAICI Guaina Reflex, fibre-reinforced resin membrane, that is easy to apply, resistant to heavy traffic and elastic, and drastically reduces heat intake, while improving your solar panels’ efficiency. Stay cool this summer and discover the NAICI thermal membrane.

NAICI is a product you can trust and is made in Italy to suit our climate.

The Resin and Membrane Centre, 264, Old Railway Track, St Venera. T: 2747 7647; M: 7707 7647; www.the resincentre.com; fb: The Resin and Membrane Centre

Time to BBQ:

Check out this high-quality four burner BBQ set from Zahra Enterprises Ltd, made entirely of stainless steel. The set includes a side and a rear burner, and we are also giving away a free cover for protection against the elements.

The BBQ set also comes equipped with cast iron grids and long-lasting and durable cast iron burners, as well as an optional cast iron hotplate. A rotisserie is also optional. The bottom part is a cabinet which can be used for storage. All for the special price of €648.

Visit www.bbqmalta.com for more information.

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HOMES guarantee on the finish coat.

“They are made using products that are resistant to the inside pool water pressure and rising damp and humidity from outside. The combination of resins and polyurethane create the perfect swimming pools coating that is ideal for the Maltese climate,” Antoine says.

“Never leave a pool empty for a long period of time as temperature variations could create structural movements.”

ottomans that can be used as both seats and side tables, as well as portable fire pits, bars and coffee tables allow you to reconfigure your arrangements to suit the occasion.

your outdoor furnishings this year include indigo, coral, crisp white, red and summery yellow, while classic neutrals like sand, mocha, charcoal and cream also remain popular.

In terms of colours and patterns that are making a splash, last year's chevron has made way for quatrefoil prints and wide stripes, particularly in nautical shades of blue, which you can find on pillows, rugs, umbrellas, hammocks and other textiles.

Other colours to embrace in

If your outdoor space is big enough and you’re looking to install a pool this year, there are various options available on the market for Maltese households. Antoine Bonello from The Resin and Membrane Centre believes that the best two options available today

are polyurethane and ceramic systems. “They are made in Italy, are completely seamless (so they have no weak points or joints), can withstand any concrete movements and best of all, they are maintenance free due to their high resistance to UV and heavy acids,” he explains.

In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, he continues, they also come with a 25-year guarantee on leakages and 12-year

If you’re not sure your outdoor area is suited to having a pool, Antoine explains that “it is important to have a balance between the existing open space available and the pool, in order for it to be aesthetically pleasing. What is also a must is good waterproofing – preferably in fibre resin – in the area in which the pool is going to be built, so as to avoid damages to the structure caused by rising damp and humidity.”

Indeed, according to Antoine, the ideal situation would be

to plaster the structure with osmotic cement, which is able to withstand pressure and counter pressure, making the pool waterproof and ready for the desired finish. Apart from this, he points out that it is also a must to have good resin waterproofing on the surface area which can withstand anything from rain, traffic, acids and direct bonding of tiles. “A good preparation with good products is the secret to a maintenance-free pool,” he says.

While a pool constructed in this way doesn't require maintenance like yearly painting, Antoine explains that it is important for the pool to always be filled with water, during both summer and winter. “Never leave a pool empty for a long period of time as temperature variations could create structural movements,” he warns. “Also, always stick to the manufacturer’s recommendations when it comes to chemicals.” BB

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BEST BUY REVIEWS

Golden Harvest's Gluten-Free Range UB21, Industrial Estate, San Ġwann. T: 2133 2391; E: info@goldenharvest.com.mt; www.goldenharvest.com.mt

Fresh, tasty and locally produced, the Golden Harvest gluten-free range includes something scrumptious for everyone. From savoury buns, rolls and pizza bases to luscious muffins to satisfy your sweet tooth, this delicious selection is baked daily by local experienced bakers. Using quality ingredients in a separate area dedicated exclusively to gluten-free baking, the products are safe for people who suffer from coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity. The delightful range can even be frozen after purchase for future use.

INSTANT FRESHNESS BY MULTI-GYN! For a complete overview of the health benefits of all Multi-Gyn products visit www.svea.com.mt

Stay fresh, clean and free of annoying irritations in your intimate area this summer with Multi-Gyn’s latest additions – Multi-Gyn Intiskin and MultiGyn IntiFresh. Multi-Gyn IntiSkin safely eliminates odour and leaves you feeling fresh in a safe and natural way. It also provides direct relief from discomforts of the intimate skin area such as itching, irritations and burning. Apply Multi-Gyn IntiSkin at least 2 to 3 times per day by spraying briefly once or twice on the affected area. MultiGyn IntiSkin can be sprayed at any angle, even sideways or upside down.

Multi-Gyn IntiFresh is a handy flowpack consisting of 12 intimate wipes. They have a pleasant cleansing effect, eliminating odour and leaving you feeling fresh. They are 100 per cent biodegradable and flushable. Multi-Gyn IntiSkin and IntiFresh Wipes are ideal to carry in your handbag to use after exercise, at work, while travelling, swimming etc. They are based on the patented 2QR-complex which balances the natural flora and conditions the skin.

All products are available from our factory in San Ġwann as well leading groceries and supermarkets around Malta and Gozo. Try the Golden Harvest gluten-free range today! Visit our Golden Harvest Facebook page for more information on everything from our gluten-free range and other products to baking and cooking ideas.

A guide to Good Health

Be responsible in the sun Locally distributed by A.M.Mangion Ltd. Available from leading pharmacies.

T: 2397 6000; www.ultrasun.ch/ www.ammangion.com.mt; fb: Ultrasun Malta

Always apply sun protection generously, 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure. Any less radically reduces the protection effect.

0 per cent perfume, emulsifiers, preservatives Ideal for any person prone to sun allergies, prickly heat and mallorca acne The normal cocktail of perfume, emulsifiers and preservatives may increase the risk of sun allergies and ‘Majorca acne’. Ultrasun does not use perfume (exception: After Sun, Daily UV hair protector), emulsifiers or preservatives (thanks to our ‘airless’ dispensers). Our ‘airless’ dispensers also enable you to use the product inside.

Dry touch technology Non-greasy, non-sticky, fast-absorbing formulas Our gel lotions based on liposome technologies (Family, Glimmer, Face SPF30, Face SPF30 tinted, After Sun) and clear sports formulas offer a unique, non-sticky sensation on the skin and are easily absorbed.

Roo‘Bar Roo‘Bars are imported and distributed by Green Trade. For more information contact M: 7979 6541 or E: info@greentrademalta.com

Roo’Bar is a 100 per cent organic raw fruit bar with superfoods such as chia seeds, hemp or gojiberries. Roo’Bar has a simple formula of unique ingredients and is both healthy and delicious with no added sugar, sweeteners or soya – just pure natural fruit sweetness. Each bar is packed with superfoods to boost your body and mind with maximum nutrients, is suitable for vegans (dairy and lactose free) and is also gluten free. Enjoy Roo’Bar in eleven amazing flavours. Roo‘Bar – Your inner Superhero!

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Foreword

Editor’s Letter The proximity of summer tends to instill a certain amount of dread, fear even, at the thought of shedding clothes to bare oneself on the beach. For some, perhaps, it’s caused by the lack of a ‘summer tan’ (no one enjoys that first bathing session looking ghostly and pale), while others might simply lack the body confidence they wish they had. This month’s cover story (see page 3) sheds some light

on the frustration of dieting and failing, with some handy tips by world-renowned nutritionist and author Dr John Briffa, who advocates that traditional approaches to dieting are simply doomed to failure.

Continue to page 7 for an interview with a woman nicknamed the ‘Jamie Oliver of Wine’. Amelia Singer, an international wine expert, is

Best Buy is the leading shopping guide distributed with The Times every month on a Wednesday.

19

Publishers

renowned for demystifying wine and making it fun, and shares her experiences in the trade of winemaking, which she is fiercely passionate about.

From handy home articles to a feature on the significance of mother’s day and ideas on how to celebrate it this year, we hope you enjoy this issue.

Content House Group Mallia Buildings, 3, Level 2, Triq in-Negozju, Mriehel.

T: +356 2132 0713 F: +356 2132 0714 E: info@contenthouse.com.mt www.contenthouse.com.mt EDITOR Martina Said Contributors Sarah Micallef, Jo Caruana Advertising Publication Sales Manager Mark Barbara Advertising Sales Executive Caroline Gauci

NEXT ISSUE:

17.06.15 DOn'T MISS IT

Advertising Sales Coordinator Lindsey Ciantar DESIGN Nicholas Cutajar Printer Progress Press Ltd

The latest in laminate flooring

Hollywood Abridged Three actors, 186 films, 90 minutes?

Sounds impossible right? But that’s precisely what the Mostly Harmless production of Completely Hollywood (abridged) does.

This hilarious show, starring Alan Montanaro, Joe Azzopardi and John Montanaro, cuts through the glitz of tinseltown and boils movie-making down to its bare essentials.

Described as ‘pure genius!’ by the Daily Express and ‘an instant classic!’ by the BBC, Completely Hollywood (abridged) has been wowing audiences around the globe on its journey to Malta.

Completely Hollywood (abridged) will be performed at the University Theatre in Msida from 1st May. Tickets are available from www.mostlyharmless.com.mt

A market leader in the local scene, M. Demajo (Timbers) Ltd is proud to introduce one of its latest products – the Kaindl 10mm narrow plank laminate flooring which is a first of its kind in Malta, offering style, strength and durability all at once.

Decades of experience in the laminate flooring sector lie behind the Kaindl collection including trendy designs with the most up-to-date product attributes ranging from soundproofing to antistatic and antibacterial surfaces. The full range can be found at M. Demajo Timbers Ltd. M. Demajo Timbers Ltd is also highly active in the provision and supply of bamboo flooring, decking, rubber flooring mainly used for commercial properties, solid parquet and wooden staircases. Its original role, that of timber importation, has given the

company its quality name for a quality range of timber in Malta. The firm is currently expanding in related activities in parquet, industrial flooring and ancillary materials. The company offers free onsite estimates and professional consultation.

Olive Square, Qormi.

T: 2148 7078/2144 1501; M: 9943 0330; E: timbers@demajo.com; www.demajo.com

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WINDOW SHOPPING

EUROPEAN YOUTH WEEK

Scouting for youths Since the founding of the Scout Movement in Malta in 1908, scouting has been one of the most active and strongest youth organisations on the island, run by volunteers at Group level right up to Association level. Scouting is an adventure for young people – it provides fun, friendship and challenge, and helps them develop their skills and talents. The aim is to encourage the physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual development of young people so that they may achieve their full potential and as responsible citizens, improve society.

Our age specific programmes are

based on a set of learning objectives which are organised in six areas of personal growth known as the SPICES – social, physical, intellectual, creative, emotional and spiritual – each of the areas contributes to the development of the person as a whole and all are equally important.

If you wish to know more about scouting, get in touch on E: info@scout.org.mt or visit our website www.scout.org.mt

Hon Chris Agius addressing the Press Conference held on 27th April to launch the European Youth Week

The seventh edition of the European Youth Week that kicked off on 27th April will come to an end on Friday 8th May in Valletta with a structured dialogue during which young people can present their ideas to policy makers.

organised a number of workshops in Malta and Gozo to empower young people in creating innovative ideas for action on active participation, contribution to civic, cultural, social life and entrepreneurship enhancing employability.

The theme of this year’s European Youth Week is ‘Unlocking young people's potential as a key to participation, in working life and in society’, to emphasise the importance of empowering young people to engage and be active in all aspects of society.

The European Youth Week is a European-based event that is celebrated in 33 countries. Local activities are organised by the EUPA, the national agency for the Erasmus+ programme that provides funding opportunities to various sectors including the youth sector.

In order to respect this theme, during the past days the European Union Programmes Agency (EUPA)

E: communications.eupa@gov.mt; www.eupa.org.mt

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WINDOW SHOPPING

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Battling hair loss or dandruff?

Dalan Antique might just be your secret solution.

Dalan Antique 100 per cent pure olive oil soap is a natural beauty habit of Turkish bath culture and continues to be produced with the traditional handmade methods used over the past 70 years. Dalan Antique is made from pure Mediterranean olive oil, which also gives the soap its natural colour. In order to ensure sustainable quality, Dalan produces its own olive oil and saponifies its soaps in house.

Thanks to the repairing properties of olive oil, Dalan Antique moisturises and nourishes your skin, and it is also suitable for all hair types – it has been proven to prevent dandruff and hair loss by an Independent International Accredited Laboratory* and can help your hair regain its beauty and natural softness upon continual use.

*Using Dalan Antique for four weeks has been proven to be effective against hair loss and dandruff by an Independent International Accredited Laboratory.

Dalan soap is only available from hairdressing salons, beauty salons and pharmacies.

For more information on the product and trade enquiries, contact Mark Navarro Hairdressing. T: 2134 4563; M: 9943 1964; fb: DalanAntiqueMalta

How sweet are you?

The Coral Cove Diabetes is a disorder of the metabolism when the body has trouble using glucose for energy. When we eat, our body breaks down foods known as carbohydrates into glucose, which is sent to our cells through the bloodstream.

When our body’s systems detect glucose in the blood, an organ called the pancreas releases an appropriate amount of a hormone called insulin. Insulin makes it possible for our cells to absorb glucose and provide the energy our body and brain need to function.

Managing diabetes requires the careful, regular and frequent monitoring of blood glucose levels along with the appropriate therapy and diet as prescribed by your physician.

Contact Technoline Ltd on T: 2134 4345.

The Coral Cove at the Seashells Resort at Suncrest in Qawra is a stylish restaurant that enjoys breath-taking sea views. It is bright and airy, and described as a ‘gem’ by its loyal patrons, especially for its magnificent Sunday lunches.

If you haven’t visited yet, you’re missing out; this is a place that sure knows how to put together a mouth-watering buffet, accompanied with complimentary drinks. An all-inclusive experience you surely cannot miss.

Come and visit the Coral Cove on Mother’s Day and treat the person who gave you everything to a fantastic lunch. And keep in mind, this is a popular hangout for family or business gatherings, serving tasty food with a difference. Your preferred value-for-money dining experience.

Qawra Coast Road, Qawra. T: 2157 7101; E: info@seashellsresortmalta.com; www.seashellsresortmalta.com

A solution to leakage problems CHI Consultants Ltd, which has been in operation for the last three years, offers an efficient and excellent solution to the mundane problem of domestic and commercial water leaks. The water leak detection service offered is a nondestructive testing of the plumbing system, and finding the location of the leak/s, which can be through wall tiles, floor tiles, parquet and ceilings.

Non-destructive services for rain water ingress detection and leaky terraces or roofs are also offered. Subsequently, recommendations on leak repairs are given onsite and professional plumbing services are also available. The company has grown and has strengthened its product, and can today offer a solid service with regards to non-destructive leak detection using

pipe testing, infrared thermography to find the leak area, consultation on repairs, repairing of the leak, humidity testing and reporting of findings and job tracking, at very affordable prices.

For an appointment or more information contact Rubyanne on M: 7983 9810; E: info@chi.com.mt

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COMPANY REVIEW

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PHOTOS BY Matthew Mirabelli

Simon J Camilleri, CEO of Firetech Ltd

Purveyors of safety and security

E

stablished in 1990, Firetech Ltd specialises in the supply, installation and commissioning of tailor-made fire, safety, security and parking solutions.

CEO Simon J Camilleri explains that the company’s priority, at the outset, was to offer clients the ability to feel safe at home.

“Our main focus then was on fire, hence the very industryfocused name, Firetech.

We offered servicing on fire extinguishers as well as fireman training in Northern Africa.”

The starting up of the company

also coincided with a special time in Mr Camilleri’s life. “I had just become a father for the first time, and felt a whole new level of the definition of the need to protect. We set out to offer tailor-made solutions for the domestic area of the industry and later, slowly but surely, reached out to a number of different members of the market sector.”

Having been in business “for around as long as there has been the need for such a business on the island,” Mr Camilleri looks back on setting it up, maintaining, “being quite

an adventurous person, the opportunity came along, I took the plunge and as they say, the rest is history."

Almost 25 years later, Mr Camilleri believes that the company's strength lies in its promise and commitment to deliver only the higheststandard products and services.

“We have learnt a lot through our many years of experience, and our greatest lessons have been learnt through our customers. It is them that makes us stand out. Though we have a strong and sound marketing campaign, we believe that word of mouth is the best form of advertising and the proof of the pudding is in the eating,” he says.

Today, the services offered by Firetech incorporate all the key elements for a successful project within the domestic, commercial and marine fields, including the provision of site-

surveys, system design and planning, all the way through to the supply, installation and commissioning of the required systems and equipment. Apart from representing a number of key international brands, the company offers high quality products and solutions through a network of world-renowned manufacturers, all recognised as specialists in their field.

Among the solutions the company offers are fire alarms, CCTV, safes, fire extinguishers, passive fire prevention, intruder alarms, parking systems, audio/ video hall porter systems, fire suppression systems, firefighting equipment, emergency lights and safety signage, fire doors, Ansul kitchen systems, marine systems, full servicing and certification, as well as extinguisher servicing, testing and refilling.

Looking towards the future of the company, Mr Camilleri asserts that Firetech is everevolving, as is its market niche.

“The country has a number of very exciting projects that we hope to be involved in. We will continue to secure our place as one of the market leaders. A

younger team are now up and coming within our business and with them, they bring a new energy and exciting new ideas.”

Making reference to an entry on Humans of New York, a photoblog and best-selling book featuring street portraits and interviews, Mr Camilleri maintains, “one particular phrase stuck with me... ‘teamwork makes dreams work’.

This is what we want to push – the importance of working as a team to see projects through.”

In so doing, he believes the future is bright for Firetech: “with the help of a number of dedicated people, we have come a long way over the last 24 years. The company has grown and God willing, will continue to do so.” BB

Firetech Ltd, 99, Mill Street, Qormi. T: 2278 5200; E: info@firetech.com.mt; www.firetech.com.mt

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EATING & DRINKING

PHOTOS BY Alan Carville

Hearty and wholesome food

Executive Chef Franz Sammut from Paradise Bay Resort Hotel prepare a delightful three-course meal with which to wow your guests.

Crab and sweet corn chowder with cannellini beans INGREDIENTS 2 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, finely diced 1 potato, finely diced 500ml fresh milk 150ml vegetable stock 150ml fresh cream Salt and pepper 200g sweet corn 200g crab meat 200g cannellini beans Pinch of turmeric 1 tsp corn flour Fresh chopped parsley, to garnish

Method Heat the oil in a pan and fry the onion and potato for five minutes until slightly softened.

Add the milk, stock, salt and pepper, and slowly bring to the boil. Allow it to simmer for 10 minutes.

Stir in the crab meat, sweet corn, cannellini beans, cream and turmeric. In a separate cup, mix the corn flour with a little water to form a paste, and add it to the soup while it’s still simmering. Allow it to simmer for one more minute while stirring constantly, and serve with a sprinkle of parsley.

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EATING & DRINKING

Grilled kangaroo tenderloin, caramelised shallots, prunes and port wine reduction

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Chocolate and hazelnut cheesecake Dessert recipe by Head Pastry Chef Noel Zammit

Ingredients 200g kangaroo tenderloin, cut into oneinch thick medallions 2 tbsp olive oil 4 shallots 3 pitted prunes, cut in half lengthwise Salt and pepper 1 tbsp sugar Fresh rosemary 100ml port wine 100ml fresh cream

Method Heat the oil in a pan and gently caramelise the shallots. Add the meat and shallow fry on both sides. Remove the meat from the pan and leave to rest.

Add the prunes, seasoning, sugar and port wine to the pan, place the meat back in with the rest of the ingredients and allow to simmer for two minutes.

Add the fresh cream and rosemary, and leave to simmer for another two minutes until the sauce reduces. * Kangaroo meat is available from all Miracle Foods outlets.

Ingredients For the filling: 25g sugar 100g ricotta 100ml cream 100g chocolate 1 tsp gelatine powder 50ml water For the base: 100g chocolate 50ml cream 50g hazelnuts 125g digestive biscuits For decorating: 100g chocolate 50ml cream

Method Starting with the filling, put the ricotta, sugar and cream in a bowl. Stir the ingredients together with a hand whisk until the mixture is smooth. In a separate glass, mix one teaspoon of gelatine powder with the 50ml of water and heat for five seconds in a microwave. Add the heated gelatine mixture to the other ingredients and stir together.

In another bowl, melt the chocolate and add it to the mixture once it’s smooth, stirring all ingredients together well. When the mixture is ready, prepare another bowl and cover the inside with cling film, then pour the mixture in this bowl and place in the fridge.

Moving on to the base, crush the digestive biscuits and hazelnuts with a rolling pin on a flat surface. Melt the chocolate and mix with the crushed ingredients, then proceed to add the cream. When the mixture is ready, place it on top of the refrigerated cheesecake mixture, put it back in the fridge and allow to rest for at least two hours.

Once the cheesecake has set, take the bowl out of the fridge, place on a plate and remove the bowl and cling film.

To decorate, melt the chocolate and mix it with the cream to make a soft ganache, and cover the cheesecake.

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WHERE TO DINE

YOUR RESTAURANT GUIDE Ta’ Kris Restaurant & Maltese Bistro Open Monday-Sunday 12.30 -11pm.

Right in the heart of Sliema lies Ta’ Kris Restaurant and Maltese Bistro, serving wholesome home cooking at unbeatable prices.

Chef patron Chris uses the freshest ingredients to create tasty Maltese dishes like Dad’s Famous Bragjoli, thick beef stew, veal escalopes and rabbit. Patrons are also spoilt for choice with the daily specials ranging from fresh fish to beef fillet and various pasta dishes. All at this price-worthy restaurant is served in the unique settings of a former bakery. Ta’ Kris is one of the best rated restaurants by the Definitive(ly) Good Guide to Restaurants.

Ta’ Kris Restaurant & Maltese Bistro, 80, Fawwara Lane, Sliema.

T: 2133 7367; M: 9984 7713; www.takrisrestaurant.com

DE ROBERTIS Open: Monday-Sunday 12-2.30pm, 7-10pm.

Castille Hotel, Castille Square, Valletta.

T: 2124 3677/ 2124 3678/2122 0173; F: 2124 3679; E: info@hotelcastillemalta. com; www.hotelcastillemalta.com

De Robertis is one of the longest established restaurants in Valletta.

Located across the road from Auberge de Castille, the restaurant is well-known for its refined cuisine at affordable prices. The open-air terrace dining area enjoys spectacular views of Valletta, the Grand Harbour and surrounding towns, providing a very romantic setting at night with the glimmering lights of the towns beneath.

The menu includes a fusion of Italian, Mediterranean, French and local cuisines, all beautifully presented to patrons in a lavish way by our friendly staff, making De Robertis one of the best venues for an informal business lunch or romantic dinner in Valletta. We also cater for group lunches and staff parties with set menus, tailor-made to the clients' tastes and budget.

Booking ahead is recommended.

il-Kantra Sunday 10th May – Mother’s Day Buffet Lunch.

Booking is recommended.

Hotel Ta’ Cenc & Spa T: 2219 1000; Kantra Lido M: 7987 3787; E: info@tacenchotel.com

da Luigi Restaurant Open Tuesday-Saturday 7–11pm; Sunday lunch 12–3.30pm, dinner 7-11pm; Monday closed.

Optional: Open for lunch by reservation only WednesdayFriday for small groups over 8 persons.

Glormu Dingli Street, Rabat.

T: 2145 0123; M: 9925 1976.

Known for hundreds of years as ‘il-Kantra’ because of its natural beauty and clear waters, the rocky fjord inlet of Mgarr ix-Xini is home to Il-Kantra Lido Bar and Restaurant that forms part of the Ta’ Cenc territory.

This spectacular area was recently discovered by Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt who chose a large part of the stunning Ta’ Cenc terrain as the setting for their new movie ‘By the Sea’, while making full use of the Kantra Lido as their hideout and safe haven.

While enjoying breath-taking views of the other Maltese islands, you can enjoy an excellent lunch or dinner at Il-Kantra Restaurant, which offers the very best of Sicilian as well as local cuisines, using the finest offerings of fresh fish and the most tender cuts of meat. A truly unique dining experience awaits you in one of nature’s most beautiful settings. Make a promise to yourself right now to visit and experience this true Maltese gem. Il-Kantra is waiting to indulge you.

Run by a locally born and brought up family who knows its grass roots right in the heart of this ancient village of Rabat, Da Luigi lies a stone's throw away from the medieval capital city of Mdina.

Louis, who owns and runs this culinary outlet, is the third generation of well renowned local bakers. He passionately recalls the days of their local bakery using traditional methods and the best of hand-picked ingredients.

Such traditions almost vanished when machinery took over due to industrial progress, when baking was no longer a passion but a mass production activity. It was this drive and passion for cooking which led Louis to embark on this culinary adventure, with the intention of reviving traditional recipes.

Food is mostly appreciated when accompanied with the appropriate wines.

This menu takes you through a journey of wines from different continents, notwithstanding our local line of wines which we proudly present. Da Luigi also provides a platform for artists who get inspired by its mystic location overlooking a picturesque valley.

Browse through our menu where you will find a range of local and international dishes, and do feel free to ask us to prepare anything particular – it will be our pleasure to assist. Kindly be advised that orders will take longer to be completed since all food is freshly made, and your patience is greatly appreciated. Bon appétit!

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BEST BUY RECOMMENDS

Apollo Set Marine This set consists of a hammock ‘Salsa Marine’ and a luxury wooden stand ‘Apollo’. With summer fast approaching, this is the perfect time to enjoy sunny days and to relax. The hammock stand has been carefully handmade from European spruce and the hammock is weatherproof which guarantees a long life and a comfortable lifestyle.

Ippocampo Malta – Something for everyone Make this Mother's Day a special one with Ippocampo jewellery. All our collections are made entirely in Italy. Each collection is characterised by the uniqueness and exclusivity of its creations. A combination of elegance and sobriety makes each creation simple and sophisticated.

Items may be viewed and booked from our website or Facebook page. Free packaging and delivery are included in the price. Select collections may also be found at Cleland and Souchet, Portomaso.

Many models are available at Dical House, St Anthony Street, Mosta. Special offers for bulk purchases for new developments. Contact us on T: 2142 4600; E: dicalgroup@gmail.com; www.dicalgroup.com

Ippocampo Malta, M: 7937 0961; E: info@ippocampomalta.com; www.ippocampomalta.com; fb: IppocampoMalta

Sunlock Window Blinds

Pebbles Beauty Clinic

Opt for the best quality products at affordable prices. Choose among a selection of blinds, including roller, vertical, 25mm and 50mm aluminium Venetian, wooden vertical and Venetian, woven bamboo, Roman blinds, curtain rails, panel blinds, walk-through curtains as well as blinds cleaning dusters. Choose from a wide range of colours, styles and options, also available motorised. All products are made to measure and made from the best European materials. Call now for free onsite professional advice, with a guaranteed after-sales service.

Pebbles Beauty Clinic offers an extensive range of services, including facials, massages, slimming treatments, waxing, Hopi ear candle treatment, electrolysis, gel nail extensions, make-up preparations and semi-permanent make-up.

Mdina Road, Zebbug. T: 2122 2083/2722 2083; E: blinds@sunlockblinds.com; www.sunlockblinds.com; fb: Sunlock Malta

Call Pebbles Beauty Clinic of Triq il-Kuncizzjoni, Zabbar for an appointment on T: 21673382; M: 99423731; fb: Pebbles Beauty Clinic.

YOUR One-sTOp SHOPPING GUIDE The Dr Comfort Socks

Palacio

Enjoy the most comfortable socks you’ve ever worn! Our seamless, moisture-wicking socks are designed especially for diabetics, but provide all day comfort for everyone. If you have diabetes, the foot can be of particular risk – the seam free linings of Dr Comfort socks work to reduce foot health complications which are associated with diabetes.

Mother’s Day is around the corner.

Are you searching for a special gift for an exceptional mother?

Why don’t you surprise her with a hammock in which she can relax?

This XXL hammock is hand-made in the true Brazilian style and finished with embroidery and a decorative hem. It has an approximate lying surface of 240 x 160cm. We’re sure she deserves the best.

Dr Comfort socks are available for both women and men. They are also suitable for persons who suffer from arthritis, edema, neuropathy and circulation problems.

Available at leading pharmacies. For trade enquiries contact Sidroc Services Ltd T: 2133 3212/2131 5789; E: infodesk@sidroc.com

Valletta Living History Valletta Living History is a high definition multilingual audio-visual show depicting the history, culture and lifestyle of Malta and the Maltese, showing everyday at the Embassy Complex in the heart of Valletta. Relive the Great Siege between the brave Knights and fierce Ottomans, The French and British rule and World War II till today. Many recommend it as the best first stop when visiting Valletta.

Open seven days a week - am: 10, 10.45, 11.30; pm: 12.15, 1, 1.45, 2.30 and 3.15. Mothers enter for free for Mother’s Day with one paying adult on presentation of this advert.

Valletta Living History, Level 2, The Embassy Complex, St Lucia Street, Valletta.

T: 2722 0071; www.maltaattraction.com

Many models are available at Dical House, St Anthony Street, Mosta. Special offers for bulk purchases for new developments. Contact us on T: 2142 4600; E: dicalgroup@gmail.com; www.dicalgroup.com

Stem Cells Malta Give the gift of life to your newborn baby by storing their cord blood and cord tissue stem cells. They provide a unique biological insurance which one day might prove a life saver.

Cord blood is currently used to treat blood disorders and cord tissue has shown to regenerate a number of these tissue types. Samples are a 100 per cent match for your child and may even be used to treat other family members. Future Health Biobank, locally represented by Stem Cells Malta, is leading the way in cord blood, cord tissue and tooth stem cell collection. We are fully accredited by the industry’s leading regulatory agencies, having preserved over 80,000 samples from 54 countries. Gift vouchers available.

To find out more about our services and flexible payment plans speak to our customer care team on M: 7977 6278; E: info@stemcellsmalta.com; fb: stemcellsmalta.

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SECURITY

A safe home and peaceful travels

There are lots of measures you can take to secure your home from a break-in while you’re away – they might not be infallible, but they’re certainly worth a try, as Martina Said discusses.

I

f there’s one thing you always want while travelling, it’s peace of mind – ensuring that anyone and anything you leave behind is in good hands and that your home is safe from burglars. Having a secure home, however, does not come automatically. It requires careful consideration of your home’s greatest weaknesses, how best to secure them, and how to distract potential burglars from thinking that your home is vacant.

There a number of measures you can take to secure your home.

Before locking your door and boarding your flight, create a checklist to ensure you leave nothing out and that your home is as secure as it could possibly be. Firstly, make sure your home insurance policy is up to date and covers your property adequately while vacant – check for any loopholes in the policy, and that it covers the entire duration of your trip. Give someone trustworthy the key to your home, and go over your travel plans with them so that they can deal with emergencies in your absence.

If you’ll be away for a long stretch, ask the same person to collect your post in order to avoid it visibly piling up outside your home or spilling out of your letter box, and lock up your valuables before you leave. Yes, burglars could get to your safe too, but it is less likely they’ll be stolen from a safe than from an unlocked drawer in your dresser. If you’re uneasy about putting all your valuables in one place, then hide them in safe spots around the house. Avoid the obvious places like under the mattress or in your wardrobe; instead, hide them in places that only you know about and are out of reach. Make sure to remember where you’ve placed them for when you get back.

If you’ve got an alarm system in place, turn it on before leaving, and be sure that your go-to person knows how to switch it off and back on again in case something goes wrong. If you haven’t got an alarm system installed, perhaps you should consider it – it will not guarantee your home is free from break-ins, but it will certainly act as a deterrent. Motion activated

floodlights are also a good way of keeping people off your property, as well as timer-activated lights which go on and off at different times of the day, giving the impression that someone is home.

Visible signs of owning a dog can persuade some burglars to keep out. ‘Beware of the dog’ signs are a plus, as well as battered toys or an old kennel which indicate the presence of a dog on the property.

Make sure all the doors and windows are securely locked.

Sounds obvious, right? But sometimes the most obvious things are the ones overlooked.

If you’re unsure about the lock on your door, get it changed and upgraded, and the same applies to your windows. If you’ve got a cat flap, seal it off while you’re away, making your home as impenetrable as possible. Remember burglars are opportunists, and securing your home through a number of useful tips is all about denying them the opportunity to enter. BB

TAKE NOTE Giorgio Sammut, General Manager of Strand Electronics Ltd, offers some useful tips to keep your home safe: If possible, have your calls forwarded while you're away. Burglars sometimes call to see if anyone's home before a break-in.

Do not post about your travels on social media – this is advertising the fact that your home is vacant.

Don’t advertise what’s inside your house either – for instance, taking a photo with a valuable object in the background could attract the wrong attention.

Home security alarms definitely act as a deterrent, they do not guarantee that burglars will not enter your home, however, they do make it more difficult by increasing the risk of the burglar being seen and caught. If it's obvious your house is alarmed, the burglar is a lot more likely to look for an easier target.

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