COVER STORY
Despite hectic schedules and a lack of free time, summertime – especially during the month of August – is a good time to take a step back and enjoy quality time with your kids. Sarah Micallef discusses what parents can do to make the most of down time with their kids before the start of another academic year. PAGE 3 >
BEST BUY YOUR MONTHLY SHOPPING GUIDE DISTRIBUTED WITH THE TIMES
Issue 99
August 2015
IN THIS ISSUE...
HOMES Martina Said discusses ways to transform an unused and shabby rooftop into a stellar outdoor space, ranging from a rooftop garden or pool area to a chill-out zone for summertime entertaining. PAGE 7 >
Tenor Cliff Zammit Stevens
returns home for his seventh annual summer concert Having graduated from the Royal College of Music in London, Cliff Zammit Stevens has quickly made a name for himself in the UK’s fast-paced operatic scene. His first performance in PopUp Opera’s production of Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’Amore stole the show, with The Daily Express calling his rendition ‘a revelation’, The Times commenting that he ‘blew [them] away with Nemorino’s duets and arias’, and the influential Opera Magazine sealing the deal by saying that he ‘shows exceptional promise’. Now, Maltese-born Cliff is set to return to his home country to star in his seventh, annual summer concert. This time round, he will also be accompanied by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, making it his biggest solo concert to date. Cliff Zammit Stevens Concert with MPO will also see Cliff perform duets with guest soprano Hannah Sandison, who is the winner of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Governors Recital Prize for singing. The programme for the night will be a joy for all opera lovers, including pieces composed by Puccini, Tchaikovsky, Monteverdi, Donizetti, Verdi, and Rodgers & Hammerstein, among others.
The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra will be under the baton of the Royal College of Music professor and the artistic advisor for Independent Opera at Sadler’s Wells, Natalie Murray Beale. Mro Murray is renowned for conducting the new opera commission We Are Shadows at the Spitalfields Festival, which was the winner of the Royal Society Award in 2012.
SUMMER Whether it’s a delicious cut of meat for the barbecue or the freshest seafood catch of the day, Sarah Micallef explores some of the summer food favourites on the Maltese islands. PAGE 17 >
While in Malta, Cliff also performed with world-renowned tenor Joseph Calleja and global superstar Anastacia, during the Annual Maltese Summer Concert, at the Luxol Grounds in Pembroke on Monday 3 August.
Tickets for Cliff Zammit Stevens Concert with the MPO, which will take place on Friday 4 September at Pjazza Teatru Rjal in Valletta, can be purchased from www.ticketline.com.mt. This concert is supported by the Malta Tourism Authority and WriteMeAnything.com. More information about Cliff can be found at www.cliffzammitstevens.com.
Technology Could technology get any quirkier? Apparently so! Martina Said takes a look at some of the latest wearable gadgets on the market, which are taking the gizmo galaxy by storm. PAGE 22 >
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COVER STORY
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The stuff that perfect summers are made of
Now that summer school is almost over and the new academic year isn’t due to start for a month, there’s no better time to make the most of free time with your kids. Sarah Micallef discusses the importance of bonding time during the holidays and what parents can do with their kids to enjoy time with them during this holidaying period.
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oesn’t it seem like just yesterday that your kids were born? That you were holding them in your arms, feeding them, soothing their cries and tucking them into bed? Now that they’re growing up and have reached school age, you don’t get to see them as much as you used to, but since it’s the time of year for summer school to draw to a close, it’s the perfect period to spend some great quality time with your kids, making beautiful memories before the start of the new scholastic year.
And while it’s true that time flies and children grow up fast, as parents, it’s important to really make the most of the time you have with your kids and rather than just leave it to their teachers, play an active role in their development. Once those childhood days are over, there’s no getting them back, but if you make the most of them, they’ll be some of the best times you look back to, full of fond memories, fun and mischief. The endless days of summer making up a lengthy period of holidays can start to wear a little thin for the kids at
this time of year, and once the novelty has worn off and summer school ends, the battle against boredom begins. While sleeping in, going to the beach and having lots of time to relax while watching TV and playing videogames may be fun for a while, kids soon start seeking out new things to do – and this is where you come in, equipped with a little ingenuity and creativity. Outdoor activities can be both fun and beneficial for the kids, and socialising with friends and family is sure to put a smile on their faces. Apart from organising fun days out, there is a wide range of activities that
can be a welcome addition to your child’s otherwise empty schedule this month, including sporting activities like swimming and horse riding, getting creative by doing some art and crafts at home, cooking and music among many others. Apart from days at the beach or by the pool, day trips to fun places like the Bird Park in Salina could make for a different day out for your kids. Animal lovers will delight at the large variety of birds you can see at the park, as well as other lovely animals like kangaroos, wallabies, antelopes, meercats, deer, genets, marmosets, snakes and other reptiles.
While the scholastic year provides an important element of structure and learning opportunities for children and summer school gives them something to look forward to a few times a week during their holidays, this relatively free period makes for the perfect opportunity to relax and wind down a bit – although children’s thirst for knowledge and unlimited energy certainly doesn’t wane. Of the various summer activities you can do with your kids, opting for sports provides a number of advantages. Aside from the obvious
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COVER STORY benefit their cognitive, social, emotional and physical development. While playing with other kids and even by themselves is also important, as a parent, playing with your child can increase their development of language, social skills, emotional intelligence and cognitive development. In fact, adults’ interaction will increase your little one’s opportunities to problem solve, self-regulate, cooperate, wait their turn, abide by the rules and share. Undoubtedly, it will also strengthen your bond, and bring you ever closer to your kids as they grow up – something which you’ll both treasure.
health benefits of summerfriendly sporting activities like swimming, sailing and other varieties of water sports, these also come with practical advantages that will aid your children’s development, including teaching them to work well within a team. Alternatively, getting creative with them by encouraging them to paint, draw or practice
another craft at home will yield its own set of benefits while keeping them busy as you get on with your chores, encouraging a creative outlook and important life skills which they will carry into the future. Meanwhile, if your kids are a little younger, research has indicated that joining them in their playtime could
And remember, while planning heaps of fun and beneficial activities for your kids during the remainder of their summer holidays is important, don’t forget their school break’s main function: for your children to relax after the academic year and gear up for the next one. So while lazing about too much and leaving them entirely to their own devices definitely isn’t the way to go, avoid going the other extreme and overfilling their schedule – you don’t want to tire them out and do more harm than good. BB
Great ways to bond with your kids All out of ideas about activities to do with your children? Here are some great tips: Grab some grub: Take your kids out to a relaxing breakfast or lunch, and let them lead the conversation. Talk about what comes to mind, what they’ve experienced and what they’re thinking. This way they’ll open up without feeling like they’re being questioned. Do something exciting: A bike ride is far more memorable than an afternoon on the sofa watching TV. Get their adrenaline pumping and have a great time together. Get crafty: Being creative and doing something crafty together brings out a sense of community and benefits both you and your children, allowing you to collaborate on creating something new, and relishing the results. Develop green thumbs: Gardening and growing fun things like strawberries can be a brilliant bonding experience for you and your children. And when the berries are ripe, you can take your bonding time into the kitchen and make muffins together. Read a book: Reading a book with your children is a great bonding activity, and allows you to revisit it to continue telling the story bit by bit, every day. Visit a favourite spot: Is there somewhere your kids really love going? Take them there! Visiting a place that is special to you never gets old, and spending time there with your children will make for some great memories as they grow.
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HOMES
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BEST BUY RECOMMENDS
Take the party to the roof With a dose of creative flair and minimal effort, you can transform a drab roof into a stunning outdoor area. Martina Said shares some ideas on how to make the most of a rooftop.
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one are the days when free space in the home is left empty and unused – especially if that space is outdoors. Most homeowners, including those without their own private garden and living in an apartment, crave an area in which to breathe fresh outdoor air and enjoy uninterrupted views, which is where a rooftop comes in handy. You might think the rooftop can hardly substitute a beautiful outdoor garden space – but, quite conversely, a lot can be done to transform this sometimes forgotten outdoor area, especially if you lack other areas in the house that cater for some outdoor relaxation. Here are some tips for decorating a rooftop space.
Create shade
No matter how tall your building is, at some point or other in the day, the roof is bound to get unbearably hot and exposed to lengthy stretches of sun. While this makes for a great place to install solar panels, you could cover the area up to use it as an outdoor space. Add an awning, large umbrella, pergola or canopy stand, and beat the heat in style and comfort.
Give it an edge
A rooftop doesn’t necessarily offer the greatest of views – most times, you’ll get nothing more than more rooftops, steel and concrete. Therefore, you’ll need to decorate the area in such a way so as to soften the edges – invest in a few outdoor rugs, washable canvas cushions, colourful and durable outdoor furniture (which you should cover
or pack up when you’re not using), as well as some soft lighting in the form of paper lanterns or candles. Easy, cost-effective and ideal for the ultimate chill-out space.
Touches of green
Summit Importers and Distributors Summit is committed to importing the best quality products. For waterproofing roofs and exposed walls, Summit currently offers two products: Elasticool and Elastikor. Elasticool provides waterproofing combined with insulation to protect against solar radiation, while Elastikor only provides waterproofing, however, it can be applied in 144 different colour variations. Applying the product is easy: for the first layer, mix the product with water (1:4), allow the product to dry and then apply a second layer of the product. Xwieki Road, tal-Balal, Iklin. T: 2141 1206; M: 7999 0111; E: sales@summit.com.mt; www.summit.com.mt
If you’re really yearning for a garden, then a rooftop is a great spot for a green patch. Be sure to purchase and grow plants that need good amounts of direct sunlight to grow and thrive, and you could even try your hand at growing your own fresh fruits and vegetables if you’ve got the know-how. For added visual appeal, hang a few flower baskets or potted shrubs – you’d be amazed at how a little greenery can brighten up your roof.
A cooking AREA
Barbecues are a central part of summer activity, and if you lack a back garden to host them in, a rooftop is a worthy substitute. Invest in a sturdy barbecue set complete with utensils and tableware suitable for outdoors, as well as an outdoor dining table and chairs for summer evening parties.
A sweet swimming spot
If your building permits allow, turning your rooftop into a swimming area would be the ultimate luxury, complete with poolside decking, a few sun loungers, retractable awning or umbrella and a small outdoor kitchen for you to avoid going in and out too many times while trying to swim. Given the local climate, this is certainly an option worth considering, and could open up a whole other world of entertaining for friends and family. BB
Ghiller Wooden Gazebos, Conservatories & Canopies At Ghiller Wooden Gazebos, Conservatories & Canopies, we design and carry out tiling (tegole) work for balconies, gazebos, conservatories, all types of canopies (including front door canopies and metal canopies), BBQs, fireplaces, wooden bars and more. We work with metal, wood and PVC and also use bricks. Contact us today if you want us to construct something unique and hard-wearing for you. We work on all types of projects – no matter how big or small. Get in touch on M: 9940 6249/7780 3743; E: ghillergilbert@gmail.com for more information
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HOMES
Make your garage great
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BEST BUY RECOMMENDS
Car Parking Solutions for Garages
A garage makes for a useful store, but with a little creative thinking, it could be so much more besides. Sarah Micallef brings you some great ideas for making your garage a multipurpose space which the whole family can enjoy.
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ost of us consider our garage to be little more than a space to park the car, keep our tools and store bulky items that don’t seem to find a place anywhere else in the house. With a little imagination however (particularly if you’re lucky enough to have a little more space to play around with), your garage could be so much more than that. Here are some great tips on how to make your garage a functional multipurpose area that could soon become your new favourite room in the house.
DIVIDE IT INTO SECTIONS
Start by splitting up the space available into different zones: one for your car, one for a work area (if you intend on using the garage as a workshop), and lastly, a living or recreational area. You can either do this by introducing partitions, or by simply organising each space in such a way so as to make them naturally stand apart. It’s also important to think intelligently about storage, and look for ways of including as much storage space as possible for your tools and items that need to be stored seasonally, like quilts and jackets.
SERVICES When planning the layout of your new garage space, be sure to factor in things that will require foundations to be laid. Consider plumbing possibilities if you need
The innovative Bipark 26 is a compact double car stacker that lifts the car smoothly and quickly into position. The platform has a lift capacity of 2,600kg and will accommodate new generation SUVs, 4-wheel-drive vehicles and low clearance sports cars. OMER is a leader in the field of motor vehicle lifts and is made in Italy. At GW Installations and Services, we supply, install and service garage equipment. 99, Eucharistic Congress Road, Mosta. Contact William Gatt on M: 7970 1666.
a sink for your workshop or if you’re creating a den with a bar area, Wi-Fi connectivity if you plan on using it as a space to hang out with friends (making it even more of an extension to the rest of the house), and appropriate lighting for whatever you have in mind.
FLOORING
If the existing floor of your garage isn’t tiled, you may be able to get away with painting it – that is, if it’s in decent enough shape. Give it a thorough power-wash before you do however, and make sure to fill any existing cracks. If the floor is best hidden, rubber floor tiles are an inexpensive and practical option for the garage – they’re comfortable to walk on, insulate for sound and are super easy to clean too (which will definitely come in handy if you’re working on a project that could get messy).
PERSONALISATION
Your main consideration when it comes to doing up your garage should be how you want the space to work for you. If your plan is to make it into a great workshop in which you can tinker to your heart’s content, make sure you get yourself a sizeable workbench and plan out how best to hang or display your tools for easy access. If, on the other hand, your plan is for a space in which relaxation is key, make sure you factor in some comfortable seating and a nice big TV. BB
Enduring, quality Gypsum When Eric Cortis launched his company, he started off with small domestic gypsum projects which he carried out himself. Today, the company has grown enough to accept not only domestic projects but also substantial commercial and industrial jobs of high standards. By concentrating on each and every individual project, our team of experienced interior and exterior decorators produce products of extremely high quality and pride themselves on the excellent standards throughout. From the very first visit on-site, expert quotations and professional suggestions, we ensure each project takes off to a good start and ultimately finishes on time, every time and with excellent results. Amber, Triq Guze' Abela, Zebbug. M: 7960 2316; E: ericcort@maltanet.net
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BEST BUY RECOMMENDS Professional pilot training in Malta European Pilot Academy is a certified Advanced Training Organisation providing professional pilot training. It was set up in 1993 as the first pilot training provider in Malta. Courses offered include a private pilot licence, commercial pilot licence, night rating, multi-engine rating, ATPL, instrument rating and license conversions, and also trial flights around the Maltese islands where you can fly the aircraft yourself. Courses are carried out by highly trained instructors using a fleet of aircraft and simulator, and are maintained by sister company Falcon Aviation Engineering.
Il-Mithna A wide range of bath, hand and beach towels in various colours and sizes is now available at Il-Mithna. You will also find a variety of bed linen in different sizes and designs in stock. Visit Il-Mithna for fantastic sale prices.
European Pilot Academy-Malta, Falcon Alliance Group, Security Gate 1, Malta International Airport. T: 2125 7127; E: matthew@falconalliance.com
Il-Mithna, Triq in-Naxxar, Birkirkara. T: 2144 5051.
Il-Mithna
Funky Shades Hair & Beauty
Il-Mithna offers one of the largest selections of curtain fabric, curtain mounting hardware and ready-made curtains on the island, together with a professional in-house sewing service, all at fantastic prices. Head over to Il-Mithna to check out even better prices on all products currently on sale.
We are a group of hairdressers who have been entrusted with the hair and beauty care of our loyal clientele for over 10 years. We specialise in hair and beauty care – including a variety of hairstyles and upstyles, hair extensions and beauty treatments, as well as nail care and make-up, all under one roof. We are also proud to have taken care of the overall look of countless brides and their bridal parties.
Il-Mithna, Triq in-Naxxar, Birkirkara. T: 2144 5051.
Funky Shades Hair & Beauty, Triq l-Indipendenza, Zebbug. T: 2146 4448; M: 7746 4448.
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COMPANY PROFILE Charles Ellul, Director of C.E.F Trading
PHOTOS BY Matthew Mirabelli
A small business with a big heart
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You could say that I started this business with the importation of pots and pans between 1973 and 1974,” says director of C.E.F Trading Charles Ellul. “It became a company as it is known today in 1980, and the original aim was always to import and sell – both wholesale and retail – household goods.”
Today, roughly 40 years later, C.E.F Trading divides its attention between two completely different lines. “We have of course remained
committed to our roots and maintained the household line and, since 1986, we’ve been importing products for the marine industry as well.” C.E.F Trading has held its own in two competitive industries for decades – Charles hinges this success on simple factors: “we only import top-quality products and make it a point to keep our prices as low as reasonably possible – I believe these two factors together make for a highly competitive overall product.” Charles outlines some of the
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company’s major highlights to date. Back in 1973, his company pioneered the importation of stainless steel pots and pans with a thermic bottom. “We were eventually introduced to Giorinox, and continued to import highquality pots, pans and other tableware, and sometime later cutlery too,” he explains. “Our collaboration with Giorinox has lasted over 40 years and is still going strong.” Following his involvement in the yachting sector, C.E.F Trading started importing marine paints and 30 years later, the company’s relationship with its supplier, now Brava-Nubian, is still as strong as when it began. “Today Brava-Nubian has branched into another line and is manufacturing cleaners, detergents, de-scalers and all sorts of maintenance products for the boating industry. We introduced these products to Malta around ten years ago and thankfully, they have been a success on the local market,” says Charles. “We have now introduced one of these products – Muffa Net – into households. Muffa Net is a
product that eliminates mould instantly and has proven to be an immensely successful product based on the positive response we received from our customers.”
Charles points out that in the early 90s, his and another company were actively involved in the supply and installation of all floating pontoon marinas in Malta and Gozo. “Pioneering these marinas was no easy feat, but over a period of more than ten years, we were kept busy installing new marinas and later extending what we had installed initially.” More recently, however, Charles says the last 12 months have been particularly exciting for C.E.F Trading – apart from the introduction of Muffa Net, the company has started collaborating with leading cutlery manufacturer Salvinelli, known for producing modern cutlery designs at affordable prices. “Recently, we’ve also introduced an innovative and unique product for the local market, Kochblume – this is a silicone lid designed and
manufactured in Germany that prevents water from spilling when cooking pasta, rice or a similar item. It can also be used to steam vegetables, as an antisplutter guard and as a cover in microwaves and conventional ovens.” Charles says that after heading this business for 43 years, he still believes in its ability to grow and evolve in line with the times. “I am always on the lookout for new and innovative products – some in fact are in the pipeline. On a personal note, I adamantly refuse to import anything unless I am convinced that whatever we are importing is reliable and of the very best quality. Many years of business are a testament to this, and while it is still a very small business, it has a very big heart.” BB
C.E.F Trading Co. Ltd, 30, Spencer Hill, Marsa. T: 2123 6732/2122 0340; M: 9949 7651; E: info@ceftrading.com; www.ceftrading.com
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Foreword
The beauty of free time August is a lazy month on these sun-drenched islands – and who can blame us? Temperatures soar, the air is as humid as it gets and all you want to do is immerse yourself in the nearest swimming pool or stretch of sea. But it is also the one month of the year (besides late December, for most) that permits some form of relaxation, when we can kick back and bask in the
joy of free time – either thanks to a period of shutdown around the Feast of the Assumption or to personal down time. During this time, make it a point to enjoy some of life’s simplest pleasures, as we’ll be moaning about winter and routine soon enough. Take your children to the beach or out to lunch somewhere by the sea, get as much quality time as you
Best Buy is the leading shopping guide distributed with The Times every month on a Wednesday.
can with them and grab a nice breakfast by yourself if you so feel like, or try out a recipe from a cookbook you’ve been yearning to try all summer. In this month’s edition of Best Buy, we explore some of the great things that summer has to offer while making the most of precious time.
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Publishers
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:
16.09.15 DOn'T MISS IT
Advertising Sales Coordinators Lindsey Ciantar, Marvic Cutajar DESIGN Nicholas Cutajar Printer Progress Press Ltd
Valletta Living History
Family Time with Malta Archery Archery is an activity for the whole family. Spend quality time with your kids at our shooting range in Valletta at the Embassy Complex or outdoors in Hal Lija. In ancient times, archery was a ‘father-son’ pastime, but nowadays can also be enjoyed by mothers and daughters. Shoot like famous cinema heroes with bow and arrow surrounded
Valletta Living History is a high definition multi-lingual audio-visual show depicting the history, culture and lifestyle of Malta and the Maltese, showing every day 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. Valletta Living History offers great insight into our island’s history and serves as an informative, educational experience for adults and children of all ages.
by your family, learn a new skill and have fun in the process. Archery – the real Playstation. Give it a go! Be sure to book early and shoot straight.
On presentation of this advert, free entrance for a child up to 12 years old with every paying parent.
Visit www-malta-archery.com for opening times and bookings.
Open seven days a week with shows at 10, 10.45, 11.30am, 12.15, 1, 1.45, 2.30 and 3.15pm. Valletta Living History, Level 2, Embassy Complex, St Lucia Street, Valletta. T: 2722 0071; www.maltaattraction.com
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SUMMER
Summer food lovin’
Delicious home-made burgers
Follow our simple recipe for the tastiest patties around. Ingredients (for four) 500g quality minced beef
What food do you most associate with the long hot days of summer? Whether it’s a delicious cut of meat sizzling away on the barbecue or the freshest seafood catch of the day, Sarah Micallef explores some of the summer food favourites on the Maltese islands.
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et’s face it – we Maltese love our food. But while our love of food is yearround, each season brings with it its own favourite dishes and popular offerings that we find ourselves craving from year to year. For many, summer is the season of the barbecue. Too hot to bother with cooking in our steaming kitchens, we take to our gardens, terraces, rooftops or beaches equipped with our barbeque sets, choice of meats and side dishes. The most notorious of barbecue foods are those that everyone is familiar with – burgers and sausages – and while we do stray from these staples in favour of more ‘high-end’ cuts of meat from time to time, we’ve all heard the inevitable ‘it’s not a barbecue without pink sausages!’ more times than we’d care to count. The king of the barbecue is undoubtedly the burger, and the secret to any good burger is the patty. Whether you prepare your own at home or opt for pre-prepared patties from your butcher, a
juicy and flavourful patty is the foundation to every great burger. Once you have that, you can choose to add as many or as few extra toppings as you like, including cheese, onion relish, bacon, tomatoes and lettuce. Coming in at a close second is the hot dog. If you prefer assembling one of these bad boys instead of simply dunking your sausages in sauce and eating them that way, it really couldn’t be simpler, and depending on which toppings you choose, could also be a little healthier and lower in calories than a burger. Other barbecue favourites if you’re after something a little more upscale include glazed ribs, pulled pork, chicken wings or drumsticks, and the simplest of the simple: a juicy steak. Meanwhile, if you’re watching the calories, you needn’t skip the barbecue altogether – opt for a chicken breast burger or grilled salmon for a lighter and equally tasty meal. On the side, you can go for anything from potato salad to pasta salad, grilled corn on the cob, coleslaw and grilled vegetable kebabs to name a few.
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pinch of oregano 1 tsp salt pinch of black pepper handful of breadcrumbs 1 egg, lightly beaten
Apart from anything and everything you can throw onto the barbecue, another summer food favourite is fresh fish and seafood. The variety of available fresh fish during the summer months is fantastic, with favourites including different variants of tuna like albacore (alongi), bonito (plamtu) and amberkjack (accola), barracuda, swordfish (albeit this being available almost all year round), and the pricier dentex (denci) and redbream (pagru). Other types of fish that make their way to our plates in summer are the popular grouper (cerna) and dorado (lampuki), which is particularly common after the feast of the Assumption of Our Lady on 15 August. Meanwhile, if seafood is what you’re craving, we’re also blessed to have access to a
wide variety of seafood to buy and prepare at home or eat at a restaurant. The most common varieties include clams, razor clams, mussels, lobster, oysters, prawns and king prawns. Not only is there variety in terms of the types of fresh fish, seafood and shellfish available however, variety also lies in the many ways it can be prepared and enjoyed. Be it steamed, fried, baked, marinated, grilled, skewered or smoked, the possibilities are well and truly endless for a fresh and seasonal dish that serves as a delicious treat at this time of the year. And what’s more, the majority of fishbased dishes are also low in fat and high in vitamins – perfect for maintaining your summer figure while still enjoying some of the tastiest fare of the season. BB
Method Place the ingredients into a large bowl and mix until it all starts holding together. With wet hands, shape into round flat discs, or use a metal pastry cutter for perfectly round shapes. Be careful not to over-handle the mixture to avoid a tough and dry burger. Place on the barbecue and cook until they're done all the way through or slightly pink in the middle, according to your preference. The egg and breadcrumbs aren’t a must, but will help bind your burgers and make them easier to barbecue.
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AL FRESCO DINING
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YOUR RESTAURANT GUIDE The Cheeky Monkey Gastropub
The Cheeky Monkey Gastropub is a new and unique venue where fun is not an option and good food is compulsory. The place is the bee’s knees and you’re simply going to love pigging out on the yummy food and high-end beer we’ll be swinging round.
Qawra Coast Road, Qawra. T: 2354 3853; www.cheekymonkeymalta. com
Come and indulge in an array of top quality beer cocktails, tasty food and gut-busting fun at the only gastropub in the north of the island! Situated on the seafront you're simply going to love the breath-taking sea views and fresh air. The monkey merriment includes lively nights with top DJs, local bands and entertainers – ideal for a casual night out or a group celebration. The place boasts a unique design with a trendy atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. The menu is innovative and the bar also serves a large choice of international wines and tasty cocktails. Cheeky Monkey is open every day of the week and has become the ideal chill-out place this summer for many to enjoy with friends, family and even colleagues.
Ta’ Cenc il-Kantra Lido, Gozo Hotel Ta’ Cenc & Spa T: 2219 1000; Kantra Lido M: 7987 3787; E: info@tacenchotel.com
Pepe Nero
Mediterranean Grill and Artisan Pizzeria Vault 18, Pinto Wharf, Valletta Waterfront, Valletta. T: 2122 2220; E: vallettawaterfront@ pepeneromalta.com; www.pepeneromalta.com
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.
The Valletta Waterfront is a great place to enjoy a meal. Sitting at the water’s edge, against a backdrop of the Three Cities, diners can enjoy a selection of dishes off a recently revamped à la carte menu at Pepe Nero at the Valletta Waterfront, where a variety of meat dishes take centre stage, together with a wide selection of pizza, pasta and salad options, as well as a broad range of wines from far and wide. The menu at Pepe Nero is an exciting one with exotic dishes added to the regular favourites. Among the top-quality cuts of meat available here are the Argentinian Black Angus fillet, Aberdeen Angus rib-eye, wild boar fillet and Australian Black Angus tomahawk. As for the pizza, what distinguishes Pepe Nero from the rest – apart from an intriguing selection – is the unique wood and brick oven that gives the pizza a perfect crispy texture. One must not overlook the desserts, all of which are prepared in house. Whether it’s a meal with a group of friends or dinner for two – sit back, relax and enjoy Pepe Nero’s offerings. The restaurant also offers indoor seating.
Tal-Puzzu Restaurant 11, Triq Gorg Borg Olivier (Main Street), Mellieha. Reservations: T: 2754 4388; M: 7970 7755; www.talpuzzu.com
Tal-Puzzu restaurant and pizzeria in Mellieha is the first in its area to offer wood-fired pizzas. This family-run restaurant offers tasty and mouth-watering pizzas using fresh ingredients with various toppings such as rucola, Parma ham and Maltese sausage, among others. Apart from pizzas, Tal-Puzzu offers a selection of starters, salads, platters, pasta, home-made pure beef burgers, grills, rabbit, pork, chicken, duck and fish dishes. Specials of the house are offered daily. Tal-Puzzu is perfect for meetings and events, an ideal place to meet family and friends, and a great place to savour home-made cooking. It is situated close to all the surrounding hotels in Mellieha and just a few minutes away from the popular Mellieha Bay. Outdoor seating is also available.
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WINDOW SHOPPING
The Grand Outdoors at Valletta Waterfront
Valletta Waterfront offers a unique blend of history, lifestyle and entertainment. It is an exquisite place at any time of the day: relax with a coffee in the morning watching the small boats bobbing along and occasionally the bigger cruise ships, a bite to eat at lunchtime or a lovely meal of your choice at sundown, while taking in magnificent views of the Grand Harbour and fireworks in the distance. Take a short stroll along the promenade and browse for interesting trinkets.
Valletta Waterfront offers a perfect opportunity to enjoy the balmy Maltese summer days and relish the Mediterranean al fresco lifestyle. Free children’s animation is available on Saturday, Sunday and public holiday evenings . Park on the quays (from €2.50 flat rate), in the Atrium parking located in the middle of the promenade, or free of charge at a large public parking area opposite the old Coleiro Winery.
www.vallettawaterfront.com
Transform a room with a Skylight
Monolithic and Continuous Modular Skylights are available in a single, double or triple layer of PMMA (Methacrylate) or PC (Polycarbonate). They are available in standard transparent and opaque colours, as well as different colours. They can be equipped with opening devices, insect screens and blackout. We at Andrew Vassallo are introducing the ‘A’ dome – it comprises a system of four walls in PMMA material, two domed thermoformed and two flat, which guarantee high performance of thermal insulation. The supporting structure is made of extruded white PVC, and in addition to the frame and the openable counter frame is a curb-cover with variable width, which can be adapted to any dimensional requirements.
Adding the right skylight to any room in your home instantly transforms that room by bringing in natural light, brightness, warmth and life. Andrew Vassallo Ltd offers custom-made skylights which are available on demand, such as pyramids, tunnels and domes in different sizes and shapes.
For more information about our products, get in touch on T: 2169 2917; M: 7949 4438; E: info@andrewvassallo.com; Fb: facebook.com/Andrew Vassallo Ltd
80 years of refrigeration Frizoll was founded in 1935 and is a fourth generation family-run business. Apart from being the leaders in local manufacture, they are also importers of industrial and commercial refrigeration. Frizoll’s main aim is to have a top quality product, as after 80 years of experience, a good product is always the best advertisement. The company also offers an extremely efficient aftersales service, with technicians located all over the island for a faster service. The company offers a very wide range of products including refrigerated counters, chest freezers, upright fridges and freezers, cold rooms, condensing units, stainless steel cabinets, warm displays and also spare parts, and is able to supply any refrigeration need for any establishment. Frizoll can supply fridges and freezers ready branded with your logo and in highquality printing. They are the agents for Frost-trol, Framec, Zoin, Frigomeccanica, Royal-Frigo, Cryogiam, Artsteel, Aspex and PFI, and stock all types of refrigeration parts such as compressors, evaporators, control panels, fan motors and other related items.
Frizoll are always looking for new cabinets which are energy-efficient, reliable and cost-effective.
Frizoll, 12A, Telghat Rahal Gdid, Paola. T: 2780 6866/2180 6866; M: 7780 6866; E: info@frizoll.com
Develop a passion for dance at ArtsExcel During the year, students at ArtsExcel are given numerous opportunities to develop their dance education. Students from the school have attended two international festivals in Livorno and Prague, and have won multiple awards in both festivals. They also competed in the MIDCE competition last March and obtained very good results. Last May, Ms Gillian Hurst, senior examiner in Classical Ballet and Spanish Dance, and Ms Tracy Baxter were invited to teach students over a weekend. This gave students the chance to work with dance practitioners and professionals in their field. All students participate in the annual showcase usually held in December and this year the school launched the ArtsExcel Ensemble with the performance ‘Dance in Stone’ at Teatru Rjal. Examinations are held biannually in Classical Ballet, Modern Dance and Spanish Dance. Classes in Musical Theatre, Hip Hop and Jazz are also held. All faculty members are fully qualified and studios are in San Gwann and Pembroke.
For more information on the upcoming year, contact Marisha Bonnici M: 7906 8681; E: artsexcelinfo@gmail.com or find us on Facebook.
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TECHNOLOGY
The rise of wearable technology
Technology evolves in leaps and bounds at an incredible rate, and the trends of wearable and smart technology are ever-growing in popularity. Martina Said takes a look at some of the latest gadgets that are taking the gizmo galaxy by storm. and vibration absorbers as you walk and run. Even if you didn’t need them to track your steps, these insoles act as great warmers for your toes – they can reach up to 49 degrees Celsius (the temperature can be controlled using an app on your smartphone), are battery rechargeable (via USB) and last six to nine hours – pretty ingenious!
Vivoactive GPS Smartwatch
iWatch
One wearable everyone is talking about this year is the Apple Watch, which marks the tech giant’s first appearance on the ever-competitive smartwatch market and accounts for a significant percentage of the wearables market. The Apple Watch is available in 1.5 inch and 1.7 inch screen sizes, with a square display coated in a protective layer of sapphire crystal and in a variety of faces and straps. The watch supports touch navigation and the user can control the handset through its mechanical wheel (as in standard watches), allowing you to scroll and browse through the user interface. The Apple Watch is a beautifully constructed, compact smartwatch packed with features including solid fitness software, hundreds of apps and the ability to send and receive calls from an iPhone.
BioSport Earbuds The BioSport Earbuds are a collaboration between 50 Cent, SMS Audio and Intel, which together offer a superb fitness tracking device for the workout amateur and sports pro alike. This technological set of in-ear headphones delivers biometric
monitoring and dynamic sound in a single device. The embedded biometric sensor collects fitness information, such as the user’s heart rate, and feeds it directly into your phone, doing away with straps, batteries or separate monitors. They do not need to be charged and are sweat and water resistant – perfect for a workout.
Step-tracking insoles
Digitsole have taken the fitness tracker off your wrist and placed it, quite literally, at your feet. This innovative and interactive product, designed with comfort and health in mind, is an insole for the shoes that keeps track of your daily steps and calories burned. The insoles transfer data via Bluetooth to your device and add a layer of padding in your footwear, acting as shock
The ultra-thin GPS smartwatch by Garmin has a sunlightreadable, high-resolution colour touchscreen with built-in sports apps, including GPSenabled running, biking and golfing plus swimming and activity tracking. This wearable device allows you to view your data even when you’re away from your phone, and pairs with your smartphone to gently vibrate and display alerts for incoming calls, texts,
emails and calendar items plus notifications from social media and other mobile apps. Battery charge lasts impressively through all activities with up to three weeks in watch/activity tracking mode or up to ten hours using GPS. Customise with free watch face designs, widgets and apps from the Connect IQ™ store. Available from Medcomms Limited (T: 2133 5521) or buy online from www.garminmalta.com.
Oculus Rift
The Oculus Rift virtual reality headset is every gamer’s dream come true, as it is able to display a fully immersive 3D experience that allows users to feel as though they are actually in a game: you could be looking inside the cockpit of an airplane or trying to dodge bullets during a battle scene. The Oculus Rift’s main sights are set on video games, but it is attempting to impact the way media at large is consumed, including immersive virtual reality films. The headset supports 3D movies and a 360-degree viewing experience, and its advanced display technology combined with its precise, low-latency constellation tracking system enables the unparalleled sensation of presence and immersion like never before. While there is still no official release date for this device, there’s speculation it will be timed for the end of this year. BB
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