ISSUE 31 • JUNE 2016
Summer’s In Bloom Malta’s top florists
ON SUNDAY
All At Sea
Fashion to turn heads
DADS & DAUGHTERS
Their special bond
CELEBRITY CHEF AND DAD-TO-BE
Sean Gravina
8 STYLE CONTENTS
contents 65
ISSUE 31 • JUNE 2016
ON SUNDAY
Summer’s In Bloom
All At Sea
Malta’s top florists
Fashion to turn heads
DADS & DAUGHTERS Their spec ial bond
Style Interview 13 Cooking Up a Storm Celebrity chef and dad-to-be Sean Gravina chats exclusively to Jo Caruana. 20 Summer’s in Bloom Influential florists give us first dibs on upcoming trends.
59 Style Lifestyle
Style Beauty
41 Daddy’s Girls Celebrating Father’s Day in Style.
55 Dazzling Terracotta A bold approach to beauty.
47 Small but Spacious Out and about in the Audi Q3.
56 Editor’s Pick This season’s beauty must-haves.
75 Reaching for the Stars Food so beautiful and delicious… it’s out of this world! 81 Papped! In Style Style sees and is seen!
59 Indoors… Outdoors Three courtyards with lots of character.
29 Beyond the Sea Make a splash in the season’s coolest looks.
20
PUBLISHERS Content House Group, Mallia Buildings, 3, Level 2, Triq in-Negozju, Mriehel BKR3000 T: 2132 0713 • F: 2132 0714 info@contenthouse.com.mt www.contenthouse.com.mt
next edition 9 October
Photography: Allen Venables Styling: Sarah Micallef Make-up: Myoka Sands Spa, Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands Hair: Mr James Salon, Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands Clothes: Superdry Watch: Diamonds International Shot on location at the Azure Penthouse, Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands.
Style Home
Style Fashion
36 Pops of Colour Get summer-ready!
Sean Gravina CELEBRITY CHEF AND DAD-TO-BE
41
36
65 The Seasonal Update Three top designers choose their key seasonal trends.
Editor Jo Caruana editor@styleonsunday.com Visual Editor Sarah Micallef LAYOUT DESIGN Ramon & Antoinette Micallef ram@box-design.net Photography Alan Carville, Tonio Lombardi, Inigo Taylor, Steven Vella, Allen Venables Contributors Chris Attard, Iggy Fenech, Chris Galea, Marie-Claire Grima, Stefan Hogan, Mark McBride, Sarah Micallef, Karin Mifsud, Caroline Paris, Gary Westacott, Gianni Zammit Advertising Content House Ltd Advertising SALES MANAGER Matthew Spiteri Advertising SALES coordinators Lindsey Napier, Marvic Cutajar Printing Progress Press Ltd Distribution Style on Sunday is distributed for free with The Sunday Times.
Style on Sunday is a quarterly high-end magazine which epitomises quality lifestyle and refined living. The themes and personalities featured are observed from the ‘Style’ perspective: elegant, inspiring, exquisite. Style on Sunday is meant to stir the desires of men and women, catering for their pleasures and needs. www.styleonsunday.com All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means: mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of Content House Group. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in the publication, the publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors it may contain.
editor’s LETTER
Photo by Sean Mallia
Follow Jo on Twitter at twitter.com/jocaruana and Style on Facebook by searching for Style on Sunday Magazine.
“He never stopped wanting to save the world.” – Ron Reagan
I
love the above quote from Ron Reagan – the son of the 40th US President Ronald Wilson Reagan. Dads have a penchant for changing the world in one way or another; it’s just that, for Ron, his dad really had. For most of us, our dads change our own worlds – by picking us up when we fall, dusting us down and giving us the skills to carry on to become the people we were born to be. Many would argue that’s equally as important as running one of the most influential countries in the world. I’d certainly like to think it is. In this issue – and in the run up to Father’s Day – we meet some truly wonderful dads. We begin with dad-to-be Sean Gravina, our cover star for this edition, who is eagerly preparing for the arrival of his son in a few months’ time. He talks us through his excitement on page 13.
Then there are the dads-anddaughters we meet on page 41. All of the men in this feature have recently become dads to little girls, and they were so happy to share the details of their unique bond with their daughters. We’ve also embraced the start of summer and the sense of refreshment that that brings. Here at Style, we’re eager to get outdoors to enjoy the best of what’s to come – from fashion (page 29) to beauty (page 55), and décor (page 65) to dining (page 75). We hope you enjoy trawling through these pages to find inspiration for your seasonal delight. Have a great summer and happy reading!
CO M P ETITION
Win with Style! Paco Rabanne’s fragrance Olympēa Aqua EDT 50ml worth €64. This issue, you could win this dazzling women’s fragrance by Paco Rabanne inspired by the athletic spirit, competition and victory. To enter, all you have to do is answer the following question: Which aspect of Style did you enjoy most this issue, and why? Send your answers, as well as your telephone number, to win@styleonsunday.com or in writing to: Style on Sunday, Content House Group, Mallia Buildings, 3, Level 2, Triq in-Negozju, Mriehel, BKR 3000. Competition closes 1 September 2016. One entry per person. Terms & Conditions apply. Last issue, Silvia Grech won Valentino Poudre EDP 50ml worth €72.
STYLE interview 13
Cooking up A STORM
As he and his partner Ira Losco prepare to welcome their little boy, well-known chef Sean Gravina talks exclusively to Jo Caruana about ambition, creativity and his excitement at becoming a dad.
PHOTOGRAPHY: ALLEN VENABLES STYLING: SARAH MICALLEF MAKE-UP: MYOKA SANDS SPA, RADISSON BLU RESORT & SPA, MALTA GOLDEN SANDS HAIR: MR JAMES SALON, RADISSON BLU RESORT & SPA, MALTA GOLDEN SANDS WATCHES: Diamonds International CLOTHING: SUPERDRY SHOT ON LOCATION AT THE AZURE PENTHOUSE, RADISSON BLU RESORT & SPA, MALTA GOLDEN SANDS
S
ean Gravina’s vibrant personality is impossible to miss. It’s a rare quality and one I observe as we’re working on our cover shoot – he is polite and courteous, but bubbling over with ideas and enthusiasm; this makes him a fantastic person to be around, and it’s no surprise that his popularity has skyrocketed in recent years – not just in person, but also on TV and online. “When I was a child my energy got me into trouble sometimes,” Sean admits. “I was pretty hyper and often labelled a troublemaker, largely because I couldn’t find a release.”
It did take him a while to find an outlet, and it wasn’t until he approached adulthood that he discovered his zest and verve came in very handy in the kitchen. “It was absolutely fantastic to find a channel for all my ideas and creativity. The moment I discovered cooking it became my absolute passion. I could finally interpret what was going on in my head and use it to make something good.” It was Sean’s mum who first coaxed him into the kitchen as a troubled teen. “She’s a fantastic cook,” Sean smiles. His dad, meanwhile, was also trying to help him to find his Sean wears: Watch: Diamonds International Clothes: top, jacket – Superdry
calling and got him a job at a university café. “It was a tough start but I worked my way from the ground up, and that’s how I learnt so much,” Sean continues, explaining how he worked in a variety of kitchens over the years and later enrolled in formal training at the Institute for Tourism Studies. Years later, after a lengthy stint in the kitchen at popular restaurant Chez Philippe, Sean found himself on the hunt for adventure, so he applied to join the world-famous culinary arts, wine and management school Le Cordon Bleu, in London.
14 STYLE interview
Hugo Boss and Armani Jeans
Shoes: Converse, Adidas Originals, Jordans and River Island
Restaurants:
The Duck and Waffle in London and Quay in Australia
Season: Spring Facebook or Instagram:
Sean’s favourites
Brands: Superdry, Tommy Hilfiger,
Instagram (@sgravina10)
Three Cities:
Valletta, Rome and Paris
Place visited: South Africa Bucket List Visits:
Costa Rica, Madagascar, the Maldives, Argentina, Switzerland, Australia and New Zealand
Desert Island Essentials:
A knife, matches and antiseptic
Ingredients: eggs, offal, crustaceans and beef
Style Essentials:
Shades, a plain fitted top, chinos, sneakers, hand accessories, sharp underwear and, obviously, tatts.
“Getting into that school changed everything,” Sean continues, looking back on his gruelling schedule and the challenges that he faced while there. “Leaving Malta was tough to begin with – especially as it meant I would have to sacrifice playing water polo professionally, another passion of mine – but nothing could have prepared me for how hard it is to work as a chef in London.” Nevertheless, Sean excelled and he was selected to work at top venues including Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant Maze, the Dorchester Hotel and fine-dining French eatery Clos Maggiore.
“I was ecstatic to eventually get through to Masterchef. One minute I was watching the show and the next I was on it!”
“Working to a Michelin standard is incredibly challenging. Seventeenhour shifts are the norm, with hectic days of service, preparation, cooking and cleaning. Sure it looks glamorous but, behind the scenes, it’s anything but – you fall in line and do your job to the highest possible level. That sort of job in London requires nothing but the utmost passion. For me it was an honour, and all about learning.” Sean wears: Watch: Diamonds International Clothes: top – Superdry; jacket - his own
Sean’s next major challenge came when he auditioned for Masterchef, the UK’s most famous cookery programme. “I applied on a bit of a whim to be honest!” Sean grins. “I’d cooked dinner for my roommate’s dad – something simple and Mediterranean if memory serves – he loved it, so he suggested I should try out the show. Coincidentally, a couple of days later an advert for Masterchef popped up on my computer and
16 STYLE interview
“I am planning to introduce a completely new food concept to Malta. It’s very exciting and a great fit for me. I feel ready for anything.”
I knew I couldn’t ignore it. It actually turned out to be a very tough process – thousands apply but only 30 get in. I was ecstatic to eventually get through; one minute I was watching the show and the next I was on it! It was surreal and I loved it.” Sean knew how tough the competition would be and he set himself a goal: don’t get eliminated on the first round. “That would have been soul destroying,” he says. Thankfully, he needn’t have worried, as he made it to the quarter-finals and was only knocked out by the chef who went on to win the show. “He was an excellent competitor and he deserved to win. I wasn’t disappointed at all because the show – while very
tough – set the bar for me. Nothing I ever experience in the future could be as stressful as that was!” In fact, Sean has since set his sights on some large-scale work projects. “Now that I am settled back in Malta, this is my time to grow my business and focus on the future. I want to know everything there is to know about food and to achieve as much success as possible, whether on our shores or beyond.” Aside from his weekly slots on TV, he is getting ready to launch a new project in the last quarter of this year. “I have partnered up with Corinthia Catering, under the direction of Winston J Zahra, to introduce a completely new food concept to Malta, called Crust. It’s Sean wears:
Watch: Diamonds International Clothes: top, trousers, shoes – Superdry; jacket - his own
very exciting and a great fit for me. I feel ready for anything.” And that ‘anything’ may well be fatherhood, as Sean and his long-term partner singer Ira Losco are currently awaiting the birth of their baby boy – as was recently announced while the couple were in Stockholm for Ira’s performance at the Eurovision Song Contest. “I was over the moon when I found out I was going to be a dad.” Sean grins. “Bring the little guy on!” “Seriously speaking, I have always known I wanted to be a dad and I never questioned it for a second when we found out we were expecting. I think I’m going to be a very cool father – I want to be his buddy, and to take all the good that my mum and dad have taught me and add even more to it.” And now that the dust has settled on the manic Eurovision period, Ira and Sean are
18 STYLE interview
“I was over the moon when I found out I was going to be a dad. Bring the little guy on!”
putting the focus firmly on them. They have just moved in together and are enjoying making preparations away from the spotlight. “Ira and I have a wonderful relationship and a lot of respect for one another. Yes we’re both fiery, but at the end of the day we’re each other’s world. It’s the small things that matter to us now. For instance, the other day Ira took a bit of chocolate and the baby went nuts! He was jumping all over the place in her tummy – we’ve clearly got a foodie in there.
I know that Ira is going to be a great mum. She’s incredibly loving and very protective of those around her.” As for their future? “Well, I would love more children as time goes on, but that is up for discussion,” Sean smiles cheekily. “First up, though, we’ll be focusing on our first little one and ensuring we give him the best start possible. Aside from lots of love, I can’t wait to get him a super cool hat and a great pair of sneakers! He’s going to be one cool baby.” n
Sean wears: Watch: Diamonds International Clothes: shirt, trousers – Superdry
20 STYLE LIFESTYLE
SUMMER’S IN
Bloom
STYLE LIFESTYLE 21
From literature to fashion, flowers have long been a source of inspiration; their delicate petals, vivid colours, sweet scent, and majestic presence have evoked the admiration of the brightest and most creative minds of every generation. The 19th-century essayist and poet Waldo Emerson once wrote that ‘the earth laughs in flowers’; while Stefano Gabbana, half of the duo that makes up Dolce&Gabbana, said that, to him, ‘flowers are happiness’. Yet the most clichéd quote about flowers – a platitude due to its simpleyet-eye-opening message – is Shakespeare’s ‘that which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet.’ Here, Iggy Fenech sits down for a chat with three of Malta’s most talented and influential florists, whose love for flowers inspires their life as they use blooms to create not just bouquets and arrangements, but art from nature. PHOTOGRAPHY INIGO TAYLOR PROPS & FURNITURE SHABBY CHIC, BIRKIRKARA SHOT ON LOCATION AT SHABBY CHIC, BIRKIRKARA
22 STYLE LIFESTYLE
M
“
y first experiences in flowers came courtesy of my uncle, who I used to help out with the flower arrangements for the church. It was – for lack of a better way to put it – love at first sight, and I continued working with flowers as a hobby for many years. Nevertheless, I only took it up as a business after I graduated from The Regent Academy and, at the • Always buy fresh flowers. time, I worked from • Change their water every two days. my mother’s garage. • Ensure flowers have light “Looking back on and fresh air. this almost 20-year • Wash vases with bleach, career now, there are and leave some inside so many things that I’m to kill bacteria. proud to have done. Our first achievement as Floreal was to get busy with many weddings, and growing enough to be able to employ others. I’m also quite proud to have worked closely with Mrs Michelle Muscat on a number of occasions, to have done work during the last CHOGM, and to continue to sponsor numerous charities and foundations. Another wonderful moment was when my team and I worked on the flowers for my own wedding. I remember we opted for a lot of pastels then, as well as hydrangeas, roses, hyacinths and peonies. “I believe I have my own style when it comes to arrangements – in fact, we love making a statement. Even so, we adapt that style to what’s in season, too. This year, that means using a lot of blush colours in a shabby chic style; and adding hydrangeas and peonies. But don’t be alarmed, roses will always remain a classic!”
BJÖRN BORDIERI BORG first started dabbling in floristry at an extremely young age, and counts his uncle – a priest and florist – as one of the key inspirations in his life. Following his graduation in floral design from The Regent Academy in the UK, he started a tiny business based in his mother’s garage – a business that has now grown to become one of the island’s most respected and esteemed in the sector, known by the name of Floreal.
Björn’s Top Tips
BJÖRN’s Floral Trivia: Favourite Flower: Peonies, because their beauty lies in their fragility. It’s a flower that loves to show off as it starts from a small ball and turns into a huge masterpiece.
Celebrity: I can’t think of a celebrity I’d create a bouquet for, but we did have Brad Pitt calling at the shop. We had suggested a bouquet of 80 avalanche roses as he wanted something classic. Yes, they were for Angelina.
STYLE LIFESTYLE 25
I
“
was never fond of sciences or mathematics – although I did achieve my academic results – but ever since I can remember, I’ve wanted to be in a position in which I could please others with my creations. That happened about 14 years ago, when I saw a group of people preparing flowers for a gala dinner. I remember they had lots of boxes with pink flowers in them, and I recall thinking how I would love to create something with one of the most beautiful and delicate things in the world: the flower! “Today, I am part of a team of full-time florists. As one of Malta’s oldest companies within the flower business, we started off by growing small quantities of flowers for the local market. Eventually, the founder of our company, Romano, began to export these flowers overseas, notably to Covent Garden in London. Since then, I have seen the company go from strength to strength, yet we still do each job that comes our way with pride and passion. “However, if I had to place my finger on a particular moment – and, trust me, it’s very hard – I would say our most recent • Keep in mind the purpose rebrandof the room the flowers will be going into – is it somewhere you ing and the relax, or somewhere you work? launch of • Remember that every flower has a our interimeaning, and that’s important. ors section • Adapt the colours and types of flowers is the proudto your mood and daily routine. • Don’t be afraid to ask your est. Our store preferred florist for flower food is a reflection when buying flowers. of all that we stand for, and it just lights up my day every morning! It’s full of things that inspire us on a daily basis, and I love how you can find two extremes sitting side by side – things like moss and twigs, which DEBBIE’S Floral Trivia: are natural, and baubles and vases, which aren’t. Coincidentally, Favourite Flower: White these extremes are also what’s in phalaenopsis orchids, vogue at the moment in the world because they’re classy, of floristry.” elegant and distinct.
DEBBIE CASSAR has always had an artistic streak, but she can still pinpoint the moment in time when, some 14 years ago, boxes laden with pink flowers inspired her to take up floristry as a profession. Since then, she has taken over the running of one of Malta’s longest-established floral companies, Romano Cassar, which was founded by her husband’s grandfather in 1954.
Debbie’s Top Tips
Celebrity: I’d have to say Angelina Jolie, as she puts humanitarian issues at the forefront. Her passion for life also leads me to believe that she would appreciate the simplest yet most beautiful things in life, like a flower!
STYLE LIFESTYLE 27
I
“
’ve always had a passion for flowers and I still have vivid recollections of the hours spent JOSEPH BALDACCHINO’S in our basement as a child, when I tried to fascination with flowers is create beautiful things from the flowers I had intertwined with his childhood, picked with my father. My big break, however, and he still fondly recalls the days happened when I started volunteering at the spent with his father, a part-time parish church of Zejtun, and a friend asked gardener, picking flowers and me to do the flowers for his wedding – it felt creating beautiful things with them. like an immense responsibility, but I managed. While his business – aptly called “It’s been almost a decade since then, and Flower Arts – was only founded nine Flower Arts has grown quite substantially years ago, his creations can now from those early days. So much so, that we’ve be admired in some of the most gone on to create work for a gala dinner for important places on the island. CHOGM heads of states – a project made even more challenging by the fact that the venue was shifted from Hagar Qim to Xara Lodge overnight due to the weather – and supplied flowers to the Office of the Prime Minister at Castille. “It’s been quite an educational journey for me, as floristry is not something • Cut a little bit off the stem at I’ve studied but somea slanting angle every time thing raw that’s been you change water. cultivated by experi• Always ask the florist to provide ence. That’s not necesyou with a packet of flower food. • Remove foliage from the lower sarily a disadvantage, half of the stem to reduce the however, as I believe one growth of bacteria. requires vision to be able • Do not leave flowers in direct to put flowers together in a sunlight or in windy places. way that pleases the senses. As such, I never feel constrained by professional dogma, preferring to use the feedback and comments of my clients to create something that not only fulfils their requirements but that is also different and unique. “Trends, of course, do play a part in all this, and we’re seeing many people opt for hanging structures adorned with flowers at wedding venues, for example. The clustering of flowers is also quite ‘in’, particularly created using peonies and hydrangeas. This will all shift in winter, however, as copper and marsala are set to become the coloursof-choice when it comes to accessories, thus inspiring many to use red and orange flowers in designs. Ivory and blush flowers will still remain firm favourites, though.” n
Joseph’s Top Tips
JOSEPH’S Floral Trivia: Favourite Flower: The English rose for its elegance and versatility.
Celebrity: I’d go for Queen Elizabeth II, who has been a constant in the spotlight while the world has evolved around her. I’d craft a unique bouquet of peonies, lilies of the valley, and, of course, English roses!
STYLE FASHION 29
Beyond the Sea With a canvas comprised of the Mediterranean Sea against the Grand and Marsamxett Harbours, STYLE ON SUNDAY presents this season’s must-have items for a look where luxury meets summertime comfort. PHOTOGRAPHY: STEVEN VELLA STYLING: CAROLINE PARIS @ CAROLINE’S FASHION STYLING HAIR: CHRIS GALEA FROM MICHAEL&GUY MAKE-UP: CHRIS ATTARD FROM FRANKS USING GUERLAIN MODEL: GABRIELLA AT SUPERNOVA MODELS SHOT ON LOCATION ON THE AZURE ULTRA ‘MIO AMORE’ YACHT (www.azureultra.com)
Bodysuit from LuLù Boutique; hat and bikini bottoms stylist’s own.
30 STYLE FASHION
Dress from Monsoon; backpack from Calvin Klein Jeans; shoes from King Shoe Shop; sunglasses Ray-Ban.
STYLE FASHION 31
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Jacket, top from Monsoon; bag from Tamaris at King Shoe Shop; turban stylist’s own.
STYLE FASHION 33
Top, bikini bottoms from Calvin Klein Jeans; shoes from US Polo at Stivaletti; sunglasses Ray-Ban.
34 STYLE FASHION
Trousers, scarf from 1-2-3 Paris; bikini from Calvin Klein Jeans; shoes from King Shoe Shop; sunglasses Ray-Ban.
36 STYLE FASHION ORSAY €39.99 Dress White 9.99 er Flair ress €4 S um m Maxi D er Flair S um m
SUITEBLANCO Brighter colours for longer nights. €39.99
Accessorize A burst of colour for any outfit. €15.90
SUMMER ESSENTIALS
pops of colour AR A C
omfort
with ev ery
step. €
119.90
PEACOCKS Dare to make a statement. €25.50
SECTOR Time-honoured quality, design and performance.
SUITEBLANCO Simple, durable, stunning. €39.99
BIRKENSTOCK Embrace a contemporary sense of cool. €65
38 STYLE PROPERTY
Under The Hammer With the popularity of property auctions gaining ground, Style on Sunday speaks to Jeremy Borg Grech, RE/MAX’s vibrant Property Auctions Manager.
Kevin Buttigieg, Jeremy Borg Grech and Jeff Buttigieg.
STYLE PROPERTY 39
W
hile Jeremy Borg Grech hasn’t worked in property for his entire career, it was – and still is – his first love. In fact, it was this passion for the property market that drew him to RE/MAX, where he now manages the team behind the company’s new venture: RE/ MAX Auctions. “RE/MAX is Malta’s leading real estate agency, employing around 270 associates and providing a service from over 22 offices spread around Malta and Gozo,” Jeremy explains. “We like to do things differently, and constantly think of new services to offer our clients, vendors and purchasers alike. “So, this year, we introduced a few service packages, including our property auctions. It’s really exciting and, in collaboration with Obelisk Auction House, we’re thrilled to have launched this dynamic concept.” Jeremy explains that property auctions work in much the same way as antique or fine arts auctions. “It’s a great opportunity to showcase the property and sell it at the best price the market offers,” he says. “We don’t just list any property; we carefully select properties to sell by auction. They must tick the right boxes. We make sure that all permits are in place and also conduct basic notarial searches beforehand. We essentially ensure that the purchase will be a smooth ride. Potential purchasers will have the opportunity to view and inspect the properties, better known as lots, for sale. A RE/MAX Auctions team member will then offer assistance throughout, before and during the auction. It’s a very holistic approach.” And the really good news is that the process is easier than ever. The vendors simply register their property, and the auctions team then goes into first gear. “We start off by inspecting the contract of acquisition, and follow that with a home staging and professional
photography session,” Jeremy continues. A dedicated website is then set up for each and every property, and used together with powerful social media tools and traditional media to expose it to as many potential buyers as possible. RE/MAX associates then match the property to their clients, while interested purchasers usually contact the auctions office or their preferred RE/MAX agent to enquire further about any of the lots available. “What’s different is that the property does not have a fixed price to it, but a guide price. This price does not necessarily reflect the selling price, but the buffer within which the auctioneer will start the bidding. Interested purchasers are invited to place an offer and bid for the property. Some may even choose to have someone else bid on their behalf,” Jeremy continues. And, it seems there are all sorts of benefits to selling and buying property at auction. “First and foremost, there’s a lot of exposure and interest. In this busy property market, sometimes vendors might get side-tracked and over price their property. This generally results in time wasting while properties sit unsold. Instead, an auction creates a target date for the sale of your property. “Plus, at an auction, the guide prices are just there to guide you. So it doesn’t matter where the bidding starts. The last bidder is the successful bidder. This creates ample room for great expectations. Once the auctioneers declare the lot sold, it’s sold. Trust me – nothing beats the excitement of watching a property be sold successfully at auction!” n To find out more about auctioning your property, contact RE/MAX on auctions@remax.com.mt
NEXT AUCTION 6.30pm on 23rd June at the Portomaso Suite, Hilton. RSVP: auctions@remax.com.mt
STYLE interview 41
DADDY’S
GIRLS When you’re a little girl, your dad is your best friend, your protector and the one who makes the monsters go away. This Father’s Day, MarieClaire Grima meets three dads to find out all about the happiness that their little princesses have brought them.
JES CAMILLERI PHOTOS BY INIGO TAYLOR
For many years, Jes thought he would be a bachelor – until he got married and became dad to Amira, 5, followed four years later by little Elisa.
“I used to worry that I wouldn’t have anything in common with my daughter, and that I wouldn’t be able to relate to her interests. I realised all my fears were unfounded when Amira was born, and when my wife and I started trying for a second child, I found myself hoping for another girl. In all fairness, so did Amira – when Elisa was born, she said she was the answer to her prayers! She’s so affectionate and she loves her sister to bits. “We lived in the UK for some time but, after having Amira, we decided to move back home as we felt Malta was a better environment for our children to grow up in. They have brought so much happiness, not just to us, but to our family and friends too. Raising young children is difficult at times, and some tough choices have to be made, but it’s all worth it when you see their smiles. “My wife and I are raising Amira and Elisa with our own values, but we want them to develop their own personalities and make their own choices, rather than end up as photocopies of ourselves. I’m sure I’ll worry about their choices further down the line, but I don’t want to limit their options – I just want them to be happy.”
42 STYLE interview
“It was a shock when we found out we were having twins as we hadn’t been trying to conceive at the time, but we were ecstatic. My wife Maria and I already have two sons, 17-year-old Edward and six-year-old Matthew, so we were hoping our new arrivals would be girls. Even though they’re twins, they have very different personalities. Arya is always smiling and laughing, and she’s a tough cookie. You can tell that she’s the one who will be protective of Mila when they grow up. On the other hand, Mila is more sensitive and quiet, and she cries more easily. They’re a joy – I delight in seeing them change and develop on a daily basis. “I make it a point to spend some time every day playing with them. A mistake a lot of parents – including myself – make is to give their children iPads and games to keep them quiet, but they become spoilt and easily distracted, so I won’t be doing that with the twins. I grew up in the States so it’s important to me that they have an active lifestyle, running around and playing sports when they’re a little older. “I love my big family but I think at this stage, four children are quite enough. Any more would be verging on the Victorian!”
JEFF BUTTIGIEG PHOTO BY INIGO TAYLOR
Jeff and his wife Maria already have two sons but they recently welcomed twin girls, five-month-old Milla and Arya, into the world.
STYLE interview 45
MICHAEL FARRUGIA PHOTO BY MICHAEL CALLEJA
Bubbly two-and-a-half year old Cara recently became a big sister. A born entertainer, she keeps her dad Michael – as well as the rest of the family – smiling constantly.
“Cara was very calm and laid-back as a baby, but she grows more playful and outgoing as she gets older. She’s always dancing and making us laugh. We love going to the swings at the weekend and stopping for ice-cream on the way home. A story before bed is also a must! “She was our first-born, and a girl, so my wife Anjelica and I were very protective of her, and treated her like she was made of glass. Back then, I was completely clueless about parenting – I made a complete fool of myself in prenatal classes because I didn’t know how to change a nappy! Nowadays, I can do it with my eyes closed. You learn so much along the way and, as a result, I think we’ll be more relaxed in our parenting style with her new little brother. “Juggling work, family and downtime is a balancing act that requires a lot of energy and careful time management – but you realise that it’s truly worth it whenever you hear that sweet little voice calling you ‘Daddy’. No achievement can compare to that.” n
STYLE motoring 47
“The best premium small SUV in its class”
Q3 I
f you have been pondering over what your next car should be and so far found it next to impossible to settle for one that fulfils what could be considered as diametrically opposed requirements, don’t despair as Audi might have the right match for you. First and foremost, it must be emphasised that highend manufacturers like Audi spend millions of euro every year on researching the everchanging needs of society and ensuring that their line-up is moving with the times. This is why Audi, for instance, will soon add an SUV that is even smaller than the Q3 to its already impressive line-up – the launch of the Q2 is in fact imminent. This goes to show that even tweaks in size can help car manufacturers in their sniper approach to meet the very challenging and contrasting demands of modern society. To date, the new Q3 – the car Style on Sunday chose to test-drive for its summer edition – is the smallest sibling of the impressive Q5 and Q7 within the Audi SUV range.
Style on Sunday test-drives the ‘small but spacious’ Audi Q3. Photography by ALAN CARVILLE
So how can the Q3 be a potential match for people who – on paper – might seem to have diametrically opposed requirements for their new car? ‘Small but spacious’ or ‘premium badge and relatively cheap’ might appear as oxymora, but driving the Q3 will help you understand that Audi were very strategic with their positioning of the Q3 in the executive SUV market segment and that their strategy might have given them the upper hand in the small SUV premium market segment. Small but spacious
So let’s start by assessing whether Audi’s Q3 can really offer a solution to people who are in a dilemma over their next new car. First and foremost, the Q3 is a relatively small SUV, perhaps the smallest (or one of the smallest) SUVs in the ‘premium badge’ range offered by the top manufacturers. With parking and traffic increasingly becoming a national tragedy, a lot of drivers are keen to
48 STYLE motoring
restrain themselves by opting not to go overboard and buying a car that will not fit easily in parking slots or that is potentially too big to manoeuvre with ease in our maze of narrow roads. The Q3 here does the trick. Externally it is a relatively small SUV but surprisingly it is very spacious internally. So if you’re tall, rest assured that you will fit comfortably in the Q3. Legroom for both the driver and the front passenger, as well as for rear passengers is generous and from within, the Q3 gives a genuine sense of space and openness. Visibility is equally very good. Small but premium
Again, with no disrespect to other car manufacturers, the small SUV segment has over the years been hijacked by models that might do the job but in no means can be described as sophisticated, stylish or executive. The Q3 is evidence that the ‘premium badge’ feel can be offered in ‘small doses’. So if you’re after a premium badge and a classy SUV but
VERDICT
Audi has solved the dilemma of many drivers who are after a premium badge SUV but have a limited budget or are not keen on a huge SUV. The Q3 is an exclusive and stylish SUV that (from the inside driving position) feels much bigger and higher than it actually is. Equipped with an extensive and generous list of equipment, and highly desirable gadgets, and for a starting price of ¤37,500, test-driving the Q3 will convince you that this is the best premium small SUV in its class.
do not fancy to go large, Audi’s Q3 certainly fits the bill. The Q3 also delivers on another important promise – adequate raised height expected from any decent SUV. The premium and classy feel is immediately apparent both externally and internally. Clearly Audi delivers on the promise that you will get Audi quality irrespective of how much money you spend or the size of the car. The Q3 is certainly an Audi in all senses when it comes to quality and sophistication. Premium badge but not expensive
Here Audi surprises again. It delivers the Q3 with a never-ending list of equipment with a 2.0TDI engine for a starting price of €37,500, including Xenon Plus with LED daytime running lights, LED rear lights, climate control, front and rear parking aid plus, remote central locking and tailgate release, 17-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, four-spoke multi-function leather steering wheel, Bluetooth interface, light and rain sensors, and the list goes on and on. n
For viewing as well as for test-driving the Audi Q3 contact Continental Cars Ltd, Testaferrata Street, Ta’ Xbiex. T: 2347 6340; E: audi@ccl.mizzi.com.mt
STYLE PROPERTY 51
Prepared for
the Challenge When your company name embraces the word quality, then it is advisable that you be prepared to meet the challenge of achieving all that the word quality implies and embodies.
A
s director and driving force behind Homes of Quality, Grahame Salt has proven that he is most certainly up to this challenge. During the past decade he has applied his considerable experience in the real estate market to steer his dedicated team of property professionals to their present position… market leaders in the field of high-value and equally high-profile real estate in Malta. This highly-trained professional team is committed to the provision of the very highest level of quality service to property purchasers and vendors, both local and foreign. Through regular participation in international property events, Homes of Quality has earned a reputation for excellent service among the many clients that have been attracted to Malta as a result of the company’s outreach to markets as far afield as South Africa, Hong Kong, Russia and, closer to home, the UK. Taking advantage of their many collective years in the real estate industry, Homes of Quality consultants have the experience and depth-of-knowledge to reassure overseas clients that Malta is a perfect option when they are considering re-location and/or investment. Working with fiscal planning and taxation associates who are leaders in their field locally, Homes of Quality offers a truly holistic property service. No matter from where they hail, overseas or local, and no matter whether the property is a country estate, a luxury villa, a quaint house of character, an apartment in 2018 Culture Capital Valletta, or one of the exciting new cutting-edge developments, which are all to be found on the daily updated Homes of Quality database, clients’ individual requirements are identified and met. Homes of Quality will not only source that property of distinction but will also be there
throughout the whole process of purchase and beyond, including firstclass property management and after-sales service. With a well-earned reputation for expediently matching clients to properties, Homes of Quality attracts the finest real estate registrations for marketing to its extensive range of prospective buyers… owners have come to associate Homes of Quality with rapid property sales at realistically achievable prices. In short, Homes of Quality is the most probable route for buyers for their special home. The constant monitoring of the property market by the Homes of Quality team usually proves to be the key to matching properties to clients’ particular criteria – giving clients access to perhaps the most comprehensive choice of first-class real estate available at any given time on the Maltese islands. As part of its ongoing commitment to providing a top-notch service to buyers and vendors, Homes of Quality has recently re-located to brand new customised offices on prestigious Tower Road in Sliema. There, clients can consult with a Homes of Quality team member in a comfortable, private lounge with a large screen presentation facility. Homes of Quality has a computer programme especially designed for property professionals giving instant access to full property details and visuals of thousands of real estate options, which are registered and updated hourly in the system. Grahame Salt’s dedication and commitment to delivering a quality experience in the highly-competitive field of property sales is not only real but also reflected in the ethos of the whole company, where striving for true excellence and service is second nature and quality is the ultimate goal. n
Grahame Salt – Company Director Homes of Quality, 211, Tower Road, Sliema. T: 2342 0000; E: info@hoq.com.mt; W: www.homesofquality.com.mt
STYLE FOOD & DRINK 53
Wining & DINING
p DELICATA The 2014 vintage Gran Cavalier Merlot, DOK Malta, celebrates another win – this time a gold medal at the 40th Challenge International du Vin, Bordeaux, France!
Exclusively distributed by Emmanuel Delicata Winemaker, W: www.delicata.com q TA’ MARIJA Enjoy an all-inclusive buffet for just ¤25 every Saturday night and Sunday lunch, or a Maltese à la carte night with entertainment on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Ta’ Marija Restaurant, Constitution Street, Mosta, T: 2143 4444, E: info@tamarija.com, W: www.tamarija.com
p THE SUMMER KITCHEN The freshest flavours served up by a multi-award winning kitchen brigade: The Summer Kitchen returns for another summer under the sunshine and stars.
Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa, De Paule Avenue, Attard, T: 2144 0301, W: www.corinthia.com/palace
t CISK Cisk Pilsner is a premium pilsner combining a tradition of brewing excellence and passion with the finest quality Pilsen malt and Noble hops of the Saaz variety. Cool, crisp and immensely satisfying, and with an alcohol content of 5.5 per cent.
Brewed and bottled by Simonds Farsons Cisk plc. W: www.farsons.com
STYLE BEAUTY 55
DAZZLING
1
If you want to look a little more bronzed from the get-go, we’ve found the perfect product for you. Guerlain’s Terracotta Joli Teint combines the perfection of foundation, the beautiful effect of a skincare product, and the sun-kissed radiance of terracotta. It helps to create the ultimate base and the illusion of a make-up free look, plus it includes SPF 20 - PA++, so you’re protecting yourself too.
Terracotta Summer’s bold approach extends to our chosen make-up look for the season – with strong tones of terracotta. Make-up: Karin Mifsud at Franks using Guerlain Hair: Gary Westacott at The Hair Lounge Model: Valentina Rossi Photography: Steven Vella
With your skin now glowing gorgeously, move on to bronzing and contouring. We love Guerlain’s Terracota Bronzing Powder (03 Silicon Cover) – Summer Collection, which naturally reproduces the varying shades of the sun in one quick, easy motion. It’s moisturising too, so it won’t dry your skin out, despite the heat.
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4
For added contouring and colour, use blush on your cheekbones. Guerlain’s Tender Blush 03 Peach Party adds a lovely pink flush, while the pigments capture natural light to enhance your complexion.
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Next, add a glint to your eye with a swish of eye-shadow. To enhance your bronzed look, opt for something golden – in matte or metallic. We chose Guerlain’s Colour Eye-Shadow in Gold, which lasts all day and is super comfortable to wear.
STYLEtip
Finally add a slick of lipstick to complete your natural look. For something uber summery, we chose Guerlain’s Kiss Kiss Lipstick 345 Orange Fizz – kissable and gorgeous!
Even a little bit of contouring can help your make-up look to pop, and can improve its finished look. You can start by using a light highlighter on your cheekbones, under your eyes, on your brow bone and on the bridge of your nose.
56 STYLE BEAUTY
BRAUN The SyncroSonic technology of the Braun Series 9 delivers 40,000 cross-cutting actions per minute for an outstandingly thorough shave. Available
from shop.vjsm.com.mt and leading outlets.
p NEOVADIOL Vichy’s first face care with a breakthrough ‘Compensating Complex’ combined with Pro-Xylane to treat four fundamental effects of menopause; skin density, structure, sagging and dryness. Distributed
by Prohealth. E: vichy@prohealth.com
editor’s
pick
u CLARINS Enriched with exclusive organic Harungana extracts, Clarins’ Super Restorative Hand Cream is both anti-ageing and nourishing. Exclusively distributed by
p PRADA The dynamic character of the Prada Luna Rossa Eau Sport redefines the essence of lighter eau de toilettes with warmer, radiant notes.
von Brockdorff Imports Ltd. T: 2123 2141.
Exclusively distributed by Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery Ltd. T: 2133 1553.
u JOHN FRIEDA Maintain your blonde sparkle with the John Frieda Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Shampoo and Conditioner, which contain a unique lightening complex. Exclusively
distributed by Charles de Giorgio Ltd. T: 2560 0504.
p PACO RABANNE Inspired by the City of Angels, Black XS L.A. for Him and for Her are multi-layered perfumes with excitingly fresh accords.
Exclusively distributed by Ta’ Xbiex Perfumery Ltd. T: 2133 1553.
p JOHN FRIEDA Enjoy the look and feel of beach hair all year round with the Beach Blonde range from John Frieda – it can be used by brunettes and redheads, too. Exclusively distributed by Charles de Giorgio Ltd. T: 2560 0504.
p JOHN FRIEDA Revitalise your hair and extend the lifespan of your style with the John Frieda Frizz Ease Miraculous Recovery range. Exclusively distributed by
Charles de Giorgio Ltd. T: 2560 0504.
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STYLE HOMES 59
INDOORS… OUTDOORS Courtyards are a wonderful blend of indoors and out. Here, Style on Sunday visits three very different courtyards to discover the flexibility, space and style they bring to the home. Interviews by Jo Caruana and Iggy Fenech Photography by Alan Carville
Arthur Whieldon and Jim Dunn have lovingly crafted a stunning home in Cospicua. Their central indoor/outdoor courtyard is very much at the heart – a space they use daily for dining, reading and relaxing. Here retired businessman Arthur talks to us about how their courtyard has gone from an unloved space to one that’s very well-cared for.
W
hen we first bought the house the courtyard was falling to pieces – much like the rest of the property really, as it was completely unhabitable. We immediately knew we wanted the courtyard to become a room in the house, and not just somewhere we used on occasion.
Aside from Moroccan, we’ve also incorporated lots of Maltese touches. For instance, we preserved the old stone kitchen, and added the beautiful Maltese cross to our fabrics. We do try our best with gardening out here too, but some plants don’t seem to like it. It doesn’t get much direct sun as it’s overshadowed a little by the four floors around it. The bougainvillea has done pretty well though, and it’s lovely that the flowers add a pop of colour.
The indoor/outdoor room right next to the courtyard really complements it and the two have become seamless. The fact it is roofed over but open on one side means it’s ideal for use all year round – it’s one of my favourite reading nooks. We chose to go with a slight Moroccan theme because we had a few well-suited pieces that we’d collected on our travels. One is this Moroccan door that we picked up – it fits in really well and added to the flavour. The mirrors have also opened the space up quite a lot. They were Jim’s idea and we imported them from the UK.
The great thing about this space is that we literally use it all the time – for instance, I had my breakfast out here this morning. It’s a lovely spot to entertain too and our guests often mill inside and out when we have a party.
60 STYLE HOMES
Marilù Vella, the owner of Pastizzi Gourmet, and her artistic director and producer husband Sean Buhagiar have made this traditional Siggiewi house their newlywed home. It is the ideal space for entertaining and gardening – and the perfect spot for their beautiful dog, Olive, to watch the neighbourhood cats!
I
t was a picture of this courtyard that actually sold the house to us. We spotted it online and immediately asked to view it; the moment we saw it we fell in love. The whole house took us about a year-and-a-half to renovate, while the courtyard is a space we’re still relishing the chance to develop over time.
We both love cooking and entertaining, and they're a huge part of our lives. The courtyard is perfect for that, especially as it’s right off the kitchen – it’s ideal for parties, as well as for dinners. We’ve only lived here a few months but we’ve dined out here a lot – including on Christmas Day as it was lovely and warm!
We’ve done quite a lot of work on the courtyard, including painting it, trimming the trees, planting lots of flowers and shrubs, decorating pots, and adding accessories. My dad restored the windows and doors, while Sean painted them. It’s been fun watching it all come together. A weekly trip to the garden centre has become tradition – we love it, and try to pick up something new to plant or accessorise with. We’ve even started getting each other plants as gifts! The garden aspect of the courtyard has grown too – the bougainvillea and jasmine were both here, while we’ve added roses, herbs, chillies, tomatoes and a lemon tree. It’s really nice to be able to use our homegrown ingredients in our cooking.
We know the house dates back over 300 years and would love to know more about its history. We’ve asked around and the previous owners have told us a little about it too, including that it was a farm in its past life. We’d still love to find out the history of this gargoyle though! He’s a bit of a mystery. Although our style indoors is pretty industrial, we wanted the courtyard to feel ‘typically Maltese’. We planted local flowers and chose colours that work well with the limestone surround.
STYLE HOMES 63
Martin Azzopardi and Simon Walker’s townhouse in Gharghur blends the modern with the traditional – a feat that is the result of decades’ worth of work and dedication. Their courtyard was a crucial part of their project, and is now the central focus of their beautiful home.
T
he renovation of this house – parts of which are about 400 years old – took place in the 90s. As you can see, one side of the courtyard has details that are very typically Maltese, with metal work and traditional windows and balcony. The other side, however, is much more modern with a water fountain and the statement staircase that leads up to the terrace. The terrace railings, which are adjoined to the staircase, were created in a way to give the feel of being on a cruise ship.
We believe these two houses were once hunting lodges back when Gharghur was still very rural. We say ‘these’ because we bought the house adjacent and knocked down the kitchen and some outhouses to create the rather large courtyard we have today.
The staircase in itself is quite a focal point out here. It is comprised of one, solid iron beam that had to be lifted in from the outside using a crane and swung into the courtyard. It was mad, but we love it. Originally, this wasn’t meant to have any plants on or around it, in order to create more contrast between the traditional and the modern parts.
We’re glad we did, too, as this courtyard introduced us to Berta, our cat. She was a wild cat and she jumped over here on the day of the San Bertu festa some 15 years ago. We had also adopted a cat called Sally, but she sadly passed away last year.
We love how the doors to the kitchen and the dining room fold over, essentially creating one very big, open space – the indoors become the outdoors, and vice versa. We often set it up like that when we’re entertaining and we’ve even managed to fit 80 people in the space.
Ever since we moved to Malta, we knew we wanted a house with a courtyard – having had a garden in the UK, we knew we didn’t want to have something that high-maintenance. The courtyard is now a big part of the house, and it’s a place we love spending time in. We’re glad we went for this modern-traditional twist – in fact, one of our favourite motifs is the barumbara (dovecote) in the wall the staircase is attached to. The perfect mix of old and new! n
STYLE HOMES 65
the
Seasonal UPDATE
As the sun streams through our windows and the temperature rises, it’s time to bring our homes up-to-date. Here we’ve asked three top designers to choose their key trends for summer 2016. Words by Jo Caruana & Iggy Fenech
RELAXED
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Glamour As designer Josette Schembri Vella, from Loft, explains, summer chic is all about creating an oasis of calm.
1. Sit Back A really comfortable sofa is a must for every home – especially when summer demands the odd siesta or two! This Hay sofa, from Denmark, can be finished in quality leather or natural fabrics – keeping you cool and comfortable all year round. 2. Throw Over Forget polyester – summer calls for natural fabrics, like this 100 per cent cotton throw, presented in a gorgeous chunky weave.
5. As Nature Intended These wooden accessories, by Danish company Snowdrops, are very much in-demand this summer. They’re ideal for softening modern houses, which can feel stark sometimes. Their natural style and lines will help to calm your mood and put you at ease. The ladders in this collection are also perfect for outdoors, and can be used poolside as a towel rack.
3. Natural Softness These fabulous cushions can be used inside and out, as they are made from a durable fabric called sisal, which is made from sea grass. Its natural appearance will soften any space.
6. Under Foot Traditionally made in Morocco, these rugs are a twist on the Berger originals. Usually made from wool, these are 100 per cotton and range from €350 to €550 in price, so they’re excellent value. They provide an easy method for adding artisanal style and softness.
4. Reflections Mirrors are fantastic at opening an area up, making it feel larger and brighter. These vintage-style mirrors go one step further; their antique effect gives them a pretty beach-house feel – perfect for the season.
7. Touches of Glamour Despite the natural elegance of the rest of this look, everyone needs a bit of glamour – and these accessories are ideal for that. This brass bowl, also from Denmark, set the tone with its light-reflective surface and golden hue.
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66 STYLE HOMES
A LITTLE BIT OF
Oomph!
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“Breathe new life into traditional pieces by adding modern flair,” says architect Silvia Buriani from camilleriparismode.
1. The Statement We all have dated pieces of furniture in our homes, but they don’t need to be chucked out. This 1960s-style chair was given a new lease of life after it was draped in quirky prints in vivid colours. 2. Vintage Twist (Vibia) The vintage bottlegreen banker’s lamp has become an iconic office accessory in its own right. Here, however, it was updated with modern motifs to create a unique look that is both contemporary and classical.
4 3. Spotlight on Light Let your lighting take centre stage – and become an unlikely conversation starter – with this unique, retro-inspired light fixture. 4. Relax in Retro (Dimore Studios) Use multiple statement pieces – and offset them with a classical wooden floor and deep blue hues – to evoke a retro flair that is both rich and comforting. 5. Fabric Revival (Pierre Frey) Create a signature look for your living room with interesting and unorthodox fabrics. The sofa, in this case, is a great place to start! 6. Midas Touch (l’Objet) Add the finishing touch to your space with accessories that intrigue and inspire, such as this Lapis-Look Limoges porcelain piece with 24-carat, handgilded gold accents.
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STYLE HOMES 69
1
THE FUNCTIONS OF
Light
2
Every space within the home has different lighting requirements, both practical and decorative, and these need to be addressed individually so as to achieve the best results and enhance it to its full potential. As Peter Cutajar from Light Design Solutions explains, combining different light sources will enable you to create different light effects that will perform all the functions of lighting required in a given space.
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1. Main Light Source Recessed light fittings are a very useful tool for providing general lighting in rooms. These types of light fittings are usually used as the main light source in an interior, and different variations are used according to the needs of the space being lit.
5 & 6. Up and Down Mounted directly to the wall, sconces can direct light upwards or downwards. Their shades can add a stylish touch to any room, and they can be used indoors or out. Wall sconces provide ambient or task lighting.
2. Hanging Overhead Pendant lights are typically used over kitchen counters and dining tables. These fittings are usually installed in sets to provide a direct uniform lighting on the surface. Pendant lights come in a huge variety of sizes and vary in materials such as metal, glass, concrete and plastic.
7. Function and Décor These lamps are often used as task lights, usually for reading, but can also provide ambient light. Conceived in a wide range of sizes, desk, floor and table lamps can perform valuable functions if they are selected with care.
3 & 4. Grand Designs Chandeliers can brighten up the decorative style of a room by adding light and a majestic ambience to a bedroom or living room space. Often seen in dining rooms, kitchens, hallways and entrances, chandeliers provide ambient lighting.
8. Shining Down Ceiling light fixtures often provide all the ambient light in a room. Close to the ceiling, they are extremely practical in areas of high activity such as kitchens, baths, laundry rooms and playrooms. n
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STYLE HOMES 71
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72 STYLE lifestyle
Airport Checking in at the
has never been more exciting
You need not be travelling to check in at the airport. When visiting this month, check in at Malta International Airport on Facebook and earn yourself some finger lickin’ offers! Spending Eur5 at Burger King or KFC and showing your Facebook status to the cashier entitles you to a tasty, free treat. If you’re eating at KFC, choose from a portion of onion rings, a muffin, or a small krusher, and if you’re indulging in a Burger King meal, you can opt for 4 chicken nuggets, a portion of regular fries or an ice-cream cone. Euro Fever at the airport food court
With the UEFA Euro 2016 having kicked off, things are getting even spicier at the airport food court. With the Euro matches on the big screen, guests can also participate in prediction games and win fantastic prizes. Follow
facebook.com/maltairport to find out when the Guess, Watch and Win competition is on, and bring your friends along for some good cheer. The full schedule is also available on maltairport.com In the meantime, start observing the teams closely to sharpen your forecasting skills and increase your chances of scoring some Airport Shopping vouchers redeemable from any one of the 29 outlets at the Terminal. And in case we haven’t tickled your taste buds yet, you can always order a quesadilla from Sandella’s Flatbread Café or an ice cold beer and nibbles to share from Fat Harry’s Pub. That’s the sort of variety you can enjoy at our Food Court. We’ve got something for all the family! In fact, we invite you to watch the games whilst your kids keep themselves Don’t forget to entertained in our amuseask for your free ment area.
Klowning about for a good cause
To treat the little ones to more fun at the airport, on Saturday 25th June our food court will set the stage for a charparking voucher ity event for children. A magician, a when eating at any puppeteer, and Klown doctors will be one of the food court’s outlets. offering up superb entertainment between 11.00hrs and 14.00hrs. On the day, children can also dress up as clowns and try their hand at balloon modelling. For music lovers there’s also a music workshop between 11.30hrs and 13.00hrs. During the session children will become acquainted with different instruments, make their own percussion set, play musical games, and do a spot of singing! Dr. Klown volunteers will be collecting donations for these activities, but we’ve still got you covered – donations over EUR5 will be exchanged for EUR5 food vouchers, redeemable at any food court outlet on the day – but these are for a limited crowd only, so donate first! Every donation goes towards making a child in hospital smile, so the more generous you are the wider the smiles will be! n Find out more on: www.maltairport.com and www.facebook.com/maltairport
THE SUMMER KITCHEN With exotic new menus featuring dishes from all the corners of the Mediterranean, enjoy lunch, dinner or drinks under the stars by our lush poolside gardens. Whether you fancy tossing the carbs with our mouth-watering salads or tucking into our traditionally stone baked pizzas, we look forward to welcoming you back. Reservations required for tables of 12 guests and over. Call The Summer Kitchen team on 21440301
STYLE CUISINE 75
REACHING FOR THE
Stars With outer space as its inspiration, Style On Sunday presents summertime dishes that are truly out of this world. Food inspired by THE SUMMER KITCHEN, BY EXECUTIVE CHEF STEFAN HOGAN, CHEF JONATHAN ZAMMIT, AND PATISSIER MARK McBRIDE, AT THE CORINTHIA PALACE HOTEL & SPA, ATTARD Props by CAMILLERIPARISMODE Styling and photography by TONIO LOMBARDI
“Themed tableware is definitely the way to make your dinner party one to remember. That is why we love the 'cosmic' range by Seletti – it is fun, memorable and dishwasher safe!” Mara Camilleri, camilleriparismode
TARTAR OF RED MULLET Ingredients: 2 65g red mullet fillets; 1 shallot, finely diced; 1 garlic clove, finely chopped; some chives, finely chopped; a few capers, chopped; half a red chilli, seeded and finely diced; a few fresh basil leaves; extra virgin olive oil; sea salt and black pepper. Method: Dice the fish and add in the other ingredients. Mix well and serve immediately, complemented by your choice of sliced raw vegetables that have been in iced water overnight to firm them up. Dress the fish with a good dose of olive oil and a splash of lemon. It is equally good with a homemade avocado salsa or a dollop of sour cream. Instead of mullet, you can try this recipe with fresh Mediterranean prawns and tuna. Either way, this dish needs to be mixed and served immediately so you can best enjoy the super fresh-tasting fish.
76 STYLE CUISINE
GRILLED STEAK WITH HORSERADISH CREAM & CELERIAC REMOULADE
Ingredients: 4 300g striploin steaks; olive oil; rock salt. For the remoulade: 800g celeriac, finely shredded; 40ml fresh lemon juice; 100g butter; 100g sour cream; 80g mayonnaise; 30g Dijon mustard; 1 tsp horseradish sauce; some chives, chopped; rock salt and black pepper.
“Different plates can work together to make up a dinner set such as this 'cosmic' range by Seletti – the different colours and sizes work together as they are unified by the same planetary theme.” Mara Camilleri, camilleriparismode
Method: Lightly brush the steak with olive oil and season it; allow to come to room temperature before grilling. On a hot grill, char each side for a few minutes – cook to your liking. Remove from the grill, brush with clarified butter and sprinkle generously with good rock salt and a grind of black pepper. For the remoulade, mix the celeriac with the other ingredients about 15 minutes before serving, so the celeriac will still have a nice fresh crunch. Serve with charred vegetables, black garlic and thyme-roasted new potatoes, and creamed horseradish.
STYLE CUISINE 79
“Be bold: when it comes to choosing tableware, fun choices such as these make for a daring dining set. After all, how often do you have the opportunity to eat meringues off the face of the moon?” Mara Camilleri, camilleriparismode
ETON TIDY Ingredients for the meringues: 175g castor sugar; 3 egg whites; a pinch of salt; a few drops vanilla. For the ‘tidy’: 350g fresh strawberries; 300ml cream, whipped with some fresh vanilla seeds and icing sugar. Method: Pre-heat the oven to 100°C and line a tray with baking parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, place the egg whites (ideally at room temperature) with a pinch of salt and whisk. As you are whisking, gradually add the sugar. Make sure all the sugar is incorporated when you’re done – the end product should be a stiff peak that will hold its shape. Pipe irregular shapes and place them in the oven to dry; make sure to keep an eye on them. To make the ‘tidy’, layer the ingredients in a glass, or arrange neatly on a plate and serve with vanilla icecream. You can add other flavours to the dish as we have done here, namely extra strawberries, vanilla and lavender. n
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