indulge magazine by indulge magazines Malta

the quarterly, quality, life & style magazine

Issue No.4 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Winter 2011 â&#x201A;Ź4 - where sold

V-PROFILE 18 KT WHITE GOLD AND DIAMONDS RINGS

AVAILABLE AT VERSACE BOUTIQUES AND VICTOR AZZOPARDI JEWELLERS | 178, MARINA STREET, PIETÀ TEL: 2010 3715, 2010 2949

www.versace.com

life & style

Contents WINTER 7

A note from the Editor Hasn’t the year flown by, or am I just having too much fun? This 4th edition of Malta’s only high quality life style magazine marks our first year anniversary – we hope you have enjoyed reading each issue as much as we have enjoyed putting them together. We have grown our circulation and added to the indulge portfolio with a website that houses the past editions (a few hard copies are available), details different recipes and tips, and shows local and international events, good news, product launches etc., There is a blog too - indulge@ - that is fed by a couple of the contributors, telling you of what’s on and what’s gone as well as bite-size independent café, bar and restaurant reviews! So keep an eye on www.indulge.com.mt and Like our facebook page, IndulgeMagazineMalta May I take this opportunity to thank all the people that supported us with their time, energy and advertising budgets and also wish all our followers a fabulous Christmas and 2012 with even more reasons to indulge...

Monique x monique@indulge.com.mt +356 99891722 IndulgeMagazineMalta www.indulge.com.mt

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Amber Knights looks at three contemporary artists work

Martin Azzopardi fills in the cultural calendar for the next few weeks and talks about panto

Julian Calascione sets the table for a magical Christmas lunch

Eat Monique Chambers’ words and savour the flavour at Salvino’s in Valletta.

Stuck for stocking fillers? Check out our edible gifts

An introduction to Permaculture – the way forward in agricultural farming?

33 37

Jean-Marc Bianchi lounges…

The Book Doctor is in the house – give your reading habits a check up

Monique Chambers relives her Turkish Delight

43 The gifts under our tree will be distributed randomly to readers on our select mailing list between the 1st and 24th December 2011… are you feeling lucky?

A time for giving – four charities invite you to help their cause. Indulge them.

Andrew Warrington is highly strung - up against a rock face

Phil Gibbs gets a-round of golf in

TV or not TV – John de Giorgio switches us on to the right box

You can almost hear these cars purring... Malcolm Naudi delves into car collectors’ garages

Our countdown calendar to Christmas – remember to make some time for yourself!

indulge is brought to you by Compass Rose Marketing, Shoebox, Triq Gilormu Cassar, Birgu Photography: Kurt Arrigo & The Whirling Dervish Designed by: Porridge Printed by: Print It Distributed by: Maltapost For advertising enquires, please contact sales@indulge.com.mt All information is correct at the time of going to press. The editor does not accept liability for the opinions expressed nor accuracy of information.

VICTOR AZZOPARDI JEWELLERS BEYOND THE CENTENARY

or 113 years, Victor Azzopardi Jewellers have been bringing your stories to life – from jewellery and bespoke designs, to silverware and gift lists for any occasion. With one of the richest brand heritages on the island, Victor Azzopardi Jewellers proudly wears a golden reputation, which has endured the test of time. Emmanuele Azzopardi was a leading pioneer in the local industry of jewellery. In 1898 he owned the largest and most equipped workshop on the island, working to the commission of a highly exigent clientele. Before long,

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his name became synonymous with fine craftsmanship and his creations adorned the most fashionable members of society at the time. Till the present day, Emmanuele Azzopardi’s works of art remain in private collections, preserved for generations as cherished heirlooms. It was not until 1969 when Victor Azzopardi, Emmanuele’s son, opened their first retail outlet in Floriana. There he continued to build upon his father’s reputation by crafting and importing prestigious jewellery and silver pieces to meet the ever-growing demands.

Presently, Joseph Azzopardi, son of Victor Azzopardi, runs the business alongside his eldest son Luis. Together they strive to keep alive a priceless tradition of impeccable quality, which has been nurtured for over four generations. This year marked yet another milestone in the brilliant history of Victor Azzopardi Jewellers. On Saturday the 29th of October, His Grace, the Archbishop of Malta Mgr.Paul Cremona OP inaugurated the new Victor Azzopardi flagship store in Pieta’.

“For the past eleven years we have been holding exhibitions at the Hilton Hotel, however this year we felt it was time to create a timeless exhibition with the opening of a 313 day exhibition outlet,” remarked Luis Azzopardi, a certified gemmologist and responsible for the daily running of the Pieta’ store. The newly launched establishment comprises two floors enriched with some of the most unique pieces from world renowned, prestigious brands. Designed by Switch Design and Brand Strategy, the new Pieta outlet displays jewellery, timepieces and fine homeware in a way that customers can both appreciate and select the articles they fall in love with.

All the representatives from the various brands were present at the official launch to provide their expert advice to anyone who required it. “The representatives co-operation throughout the whole process meant that we could bring to our esteemed clientele, the best of the very best, after all that is our eternal promise,” stated Joseph Azzopardi, current owner of the brand. Both father and son believe that what differentiates Victor Azzopardi Jewellers from any other brand is the experience that time has provided them with. “Together with our incredible staff, we ensure that each gift which leaves Victor Azzopardi Jewellers is not simply

beautiful but is also wrapped in a promise of impeccable knowledge and passion for perfection, which is as eternal as our carefully selected, flawless diamonds.”

Victor Azzopardi Jewellers’ flagship store is now open at 178, Marina Seafront Pieta’ from Monday to Friday between 10am and 7pm and Saturdays between 9.30am and 1pm.

indulge / Winter 2011 – 5

Luxury Travel gift for Christmas.

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• Comfortable Atmosphere • Complimentary Snacks and Refreshments (Alcoholic and Non Alcoholic) • WI-FI Zone & Internet Terminals • Telephone & Fax Services • TV, Newspapers & Magazines • Flight Information Monitors • Smoking Area Contact us now for more info. We look forward to welcoming you!

www.lavaletteclub.com La Valette Club ¦ Malta International Airport plc ¦ Luqa LQA 4000 ¦ Tel: 23696292, 23696016 ¦ info@lavaletteclub.com

AMBER KNIGHTS TAKES A LOOK AT LOCAL ARTISTS’ WORK

Amber Knights is a creative mother of three who’s chaotic life includes juggling kids, animals, and art with a good sense of humour.

Amber is raising money for CRC Cambodia and wants donations for Christmas. (See p47) 5061 7353 - €2.33 5061 8063 - €4.66 5061 8915 - €6.99

Matthew Grima Connall In this, the digital era, digital media is now encompassed into the art world and over recent years its value has progressed immensely. There are many forms and techniques and thus the possibilities and outcomes that can be achieved are endless. As we become more exposed to the digital world in our day-to-day lives we are evolving in the way we consume and appreciate this type of art. Matthew Grima Connall is a selftaught artist who lists his computergenerated work into three categories, photo manipulation, digital air brushing and vector art. His method of choice is photo manipulation, a form of ‘doctoring’ an image to create desirable aesthetic qualities, a somewhat hybrid of photography and graphic illustration. This type of work is achieved by incorporating a number of photographs that have subtle or radical elements altered, pieces of one photo can be added to another and so on and so forth. It is a combination of these augmented pictures that allow the manipulator to create a unique image, the end result being a form of illusion through deception. It takes a talented person like Matthew with creative skills and a vivid imagination to conjure up such exciting and challenging art. I am new to this form of art and am intrigued by the depth and detail involved in creating such work. It allows the artists to self represent in a manner

that suits them and their abilities, yet simultaneously involves monotonous preliminary work to enable the artists to reach that desired effect. Matthew creates artificial worlds that are merged with snippets of reality. He is a self-described storyteller, each picture speaks volumes about the creatures or things that are going on in them, his images are bursting with movement and the energy they resonate has you engrossed from the word go. As you delve deeper into the picture, the textures and attention to detail open up a whole new world and a story unfolds before your eyes. Matthew’s favoured subject are strange friendly creatures which he attributes his background in biology and working with the environment as well as to his father who is a conservationist. His attraction to all things natural provides the components of his work with a very organic element. Matthew has worked tirelessly and endlessly on various projects such as book covers, cd covers, an audio visual installation, motion graphics for marketing purposes, and is now working as a production designer on Malta’s first Stereoscopic 3D short film, produced and directed by Martin Bonnici. For more information or to see some of Matthew’s work you can visit Matthew’s website at www. mattgrimaconnell.com or visit his facebook artist page and perhaps ‘like’ it. indulge / Winter 2011 – 7

Elisa Von Brockdorff E

lisa is a gifted individual whose use of objects and space combine together harmoniously to produce imaginative and ingenious art pieces. What drew me to Elisa are her installations. It is a genre that encompasses three-dimensional works that transform an ordinary space into a ‘living’ work of art. An installation can either be a temporary or permanent fixture that is meant to invoke thoughts and moods through the clever use and juxtaposition of a variety of materials. The concept alters the way a space is experienced by the viewer. Elisa’s talent is innate and throughout her life creativity has always been prominent. With a Masters in Fine Art it is no surprise that Elisa surrounds herself within a creative sphere that she feels comfortable in and that is favourable to her work. Her first experience with installation art came at an exhibition held in an old brothel house in Valletta some years ago. Elisa found that she was not just impressed, but inspired to a new dimension of art. Colours are vivid and predominant in her installations as is repetition, however, more importantly the placement of mundane objects and how they are positioned together is what imparts significance to her piece; thus the key element to this types of art is the staging, the putting together of

8 –indulge / Winter 2011

something that doesn’t exist in reality; a paradoxical intervention that drives her as an artist. Plastic is her most desired material; she finds plastic objects can be used well in replication to create a unique installation. What most people might fail to realise is the amount of tedious work that goes into the development especially with every day ordinary items. Numerous sketches of objects form the initial stages of an idea; occasionally they are accommodated to suit the objective, and from there the items are then purchased en masse and masterfully composed. Elisa is also known for her love and talent with photography. It arose also as a means to documenting her installations, a final testimony to a finite piece of art. It allowed her to keep them alive. She now works as a freelance photographer and uses a similar approach to that of her installations. Her photo shoots are art works in themselves, staged to create a quirky and eclectic mix of colour, and texture; her abstract photography can turn a dull object into a masterpiece. Elisa has participated in exhibitions both locally and abroad, don’t miss out on her upcoming exhibition,which will be held in February at the Lily Agius Gallery. For further information, or to contact Elisa you can visit her website at www.elisavb.com

Kevin Busuttil

attooing, a form of body modification, has been around for thousands of years, a tattoo is a permanent piece of art that is an everlasting fixture with its own individual story and meaning. Despite the fact that tattoos have always had a social stigma surrounding them, in recent years people have come to accept and recognise them as more of an established art form. They have become popular to both sexes and associated with people from all different economic classes. The symbolism and impact of a tattoo varies according to cultures, in ancient times they were used for the purpose of depicting ones status, nowadays they tend to be more of an ornamental feature. Kevin comes from a background of film, video and visual effects, he is not just a tattooist, he is a remarkable artist. His artistic qualities go without saying however even though he is conscious of his talent he still had himself trained in all the various techniques of tattooing. He wanted to reassure himself that he knew everything entailed with this art form; by doing so he has set the standard for tattooing in Malta.

Kevin has a vested interest in each tattoo, and is adamant that each one is not run of the mill. His style is unique, and detailed and every one is carefully designed with the input of the client, this allows him to leave his own ‘signature’ on each piece. A person’s first reaction at their new piece of art, that brief, intimate moment is what gives him his pride and extreme fulfillment with his work. Tattooing is not without its challenges; there is a certain level of professional intimacy involved with tattooing, many hours are spent in close proximity to a person, Kevin found this to be his biggest challenge. He has overcome that fear and immerses himself in the creation of the tattoo and allows his creativity to flow, whilst channeling all his life experiences into his work. The contours of the body can also present the tattooist with a difficult ‘canvas’ to work with. There are various shapes and shadows that can affect the outcome, however with the right approach it allows for more depth and can aid in enhancing the image. As an artist, Kevin’s ultimate vision is to be known for his free hand tattoos. These allow him the liberty to be as creative as his mind will allow and contributes to that special bond with a client who will carry that work with them for the rest of their lives. Kevin has just moved to a new studio aptly named Inseparable tattoos and has effortlessly created a comfortable yet chic atmosphere. It is hard not to feel relaxed there with its professional yet personal design. Pictures of tattoos do not adorn the walls, instead gilt mirrors, paintings and an antique sofa give it the right ambiance whilst Kevin gets to work on your inseparable tattoo. You can contact Kevin on inseparabletattoos@gmail.com indulge / Winter 2011 – 9

‘70s Trend

Black Tie

MARISA GRIMA INVITES YOU TO The definition of

Style It’s THAT time of the year again! Christmas and New Year parties have arrived. Invitations all stating different versions of clothing – black tie, cocktail, smart casual. I get asked so many times what is the proper attire to wear and to sort through all the jargon I have compiled a list. I hope this makes it a little bit easier for you. 10 –indulge / Winter 2011

When you receive an invite which states ‘Black Tie’ it means it is an evening event. For a man it usually means that he wears a ‘dinner jacket’ or tuxedo with a bow tie depending on the level of the function. For women the choice is wider, ranging from a cocktail dress to a long evening gown. Cocktail describes dresses that are just above the knee to mid calf and evening dress or gown means floor length. Accessories worn are a hand held evening bag with embellishment and jewellery. Again this is determined by the level of the function being attended. White tie is the most formal, and rare, of dress codes, worn in the evening for royal ceremonies and balls. It may also be specified for formal evening weddings. White tie is sometimes referred to as ‹full evening dress› or ‹cravate blanche’, for such occasions, women should wear long dresses.

Smart Casual From all the titles I think ‘Smart Casual’ is the most confusing for a lot of people. It is not an easy term to describe as what might be smart of someone, it can mean the complete opposite for someone else. It also depends on the particular function. For the ladies a dress can never go wrong, or the easy combo of trousers, shirt and jacket. Heels are always a good idea, but if you do not favour heels, flat pumps are also a good option. For the guys, an open necked shirt, chinos or trousers are always a good choice and usually can’t go wrong. Wearing a tie is totally up to the individual. Most men try to get out of wearing one, but ties are very much back on the fashion radar, so worn with a casual jacket, can look pretty stylish!

Lounge Lounge suits are normal business suits, worn for semi-formal occasions with a shirt and tie. The equivalent for women is a skirt or trouser suit, cocktail dress or evening gown depending on the time of day and the occasion. Head gear is normally only worn for weddings, the races and garden parties.

Smoking Definition - A man’s evening jacket, often made of a fine fabric, elaborately trimmed, and usually worn at home. The classic smoking jacket usually thigh length in either velvet or silk or a mixture of both. Originating from the 17th century, it became fashionable to retreat after dinner to a ‘smoking den’, hence the name and it would be worn over the dinner jacket. The jacket was intended to absorb the smoke from his cigar or pipe and protect his clothing from falling ash. Smoking jackets have declined in popularity since the 1950s, though a minority of wearers still exists, like Playboy founder Hugh Hefner. But luxury designers like Tom Ford and Ralph Lauren have included the smoking jacket in their catwalk collections, and also used it in their ad campaign. When Italian friends invite you to wear ‘smoking’, they mean black tie.

Marisa Grima

(pictured centre) - stylist, image consultant, fashion event organizer, PR and marketing. Having worked in the fashion/retail industry for over 22 years, Marisa has amassed a vast knowledge and has a natural aptitude towards finding the right look for the client. For more info www.marisagrima.com

178, Marina street, pietà ST ANNE STREET, FLORIANA I HILTON mALTA PORTOmASO, ST. JuLIANS

www.victorazzopardi.com I TEL: 2010 3715, 2010 2949

GORDON MAYO OF TONI&GUY BRINGS BACK

THE LASTEST LOOKS FROM LONDON Gordon Mayo, Chairman & CEO of TONI&GUY Malta and members of the TONI&GUY Malta Creative Team recently travelled to London for the annual TONI&GUY Global Gathering which heralds the launch of the latest TONI&GUY collection. This year’s collection is called ‘ALIGNMENT’ and the styles feature in the 2011/12 TONI&GUY Look Book which showcases hair fashions straight from the catwalks of the year’s hottest fashion shows.

THE LOOK

KIBOU On first impression this cut has a distinct DIY feel, yet in detail it is perfectly executed. Direct influences were taken from the Citroen building on the Champs Elysees and its graphic glass façade. The look is juxtaposed against a genderneutral approach to colour as seen on this season’s Chanel runway.

KIBOU Backstage

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THE LOOK

THE TONIC Taking influence from the London designer Tween and the Autumn/Winter catwalk featuring ‘modern day soldiers’, we see a progressive take on the military ‘crew cut’ with an essence of 70’s mod culture. Style references include iconic bands such as The Specials and The Jam along with bespoke British barbering.

THE TONIC backstage

THE LOOK

THE ELSON Using British supermodel/singer/ songwriter Karen Elson as an iconic influence and the use of curls as seen on Sonia Rykiels Spring/Summer catwalk, the Stylist created a distressed texture by block cutting the hair, achieving an ‘anti’head’ shape – a progressive take on the classic curl.

THE ELSON Backstage

Gordon Mayo,

Chairman and CEO of TONI&GUY Malta, started hairdressing in 1972 and furthered his studies at the London Institute of Hairdressing. He opened his first salon in Malta in 1976. Gordon was granted the Maltese franchise of TONI&GUY in 1994, and has since overseen the launch of five salons in Malta and Gozo.

Battersea Power Station was home to TONI&GUY’s biggest global gathering yet: 9.10.11 saw over 4500 TONI&GUY staff from around the world come together to celebrate as the largest hairdressing family on the planet. Gordon Mayo tells us ‘This is always an exciting time from myself and my team as we get an advance and up-close look at the hairstyles which will feature in the coming seasons’ fashion magazines. We also spend time backstage to see how some of the world’s most renowned hairdressers create these magnificent styles. Each is a distinct new look created by a TONI&GUY Stylist and each is named, in this case KIBOU, THE ELSON & TONIC HEAD.’ Gordon continues ‘On our return to Malta, we carry with us the new Look Book. We brief our team locally on these new styles and how they are created. Our clients also have access to the Look Book when they visit any of our salons – they can choose a style directly from the book or use it for inspiration as to how they might like to change their current style. TONI&GUY’s philosophy is all about education. We never stop learning and improving our skills which is why TONI&GUY is chosen by millions worldwide as their hairdresser of choice.’ 2011 saw the opening of Malta’s first essensuals salon. Essensuals is the next generation of awardwinning salons from the renowned TONI&GUY empire. Almost 17 years after the first TONI&GUY salon opened its doors in Malta the franchise’s original outlet in Gzira has been completely transformed into the new state-of-the-art Essensuals salon. Refurbished to the exacting standards and specifications of TONI&GUY, the salon provides clients with a truly exhilarating experience, featuring shampooing chairs with in-built massage capabilities and cutting and styling seating specifically chosen for elegance, ease of maintenance, and comfort. The Essensuals brand is dedicated to transforming catwalk-inspired trends into wearable and desirable styles to suit a client’s personality and lifestyle. In addition to other innovations, the salon will feature environmentally-friendly easy-dry, recyclable towels and the latest in customer relationship management technology with the introduction of Salon Genius, a computer system that will keep the salon directly connected to its customers. Call 2133 8264 for an appointment.

Visit one of 5 TONI&GUY salons in Portomaso, Paceville, Sliema or Gozo or the state-of-the-art new essensuals by TONI&GUY salon in Gzira. www.toniandguy.com.mt. Facebook: TONI&GUY Malta

indulge / Winter 2011 – 13

Martin Azzopardi sets the scene for the season’s

THEATRE PRODUCTIONS W

Following last year’s mega success “Scrooge - A Christmas Panto”, the MADC are this year presenting another original pantomime: “The Princess & the Pea”. Alan Montanaro will again slip into the Dame’s heeled shoes to regale audiences with his inimitable humour. Bettina Paris is Principal Girl and Alexander Gatsey Lewis is the Prince looking for his true Princess. If you were impressed by last year’s cast and chorus, you will not be disappointed this year either as they enjoyed the experience so much that they are all back for more! Mro. Paul Abela is Music Director and choreography is in the hands of Alison White. Set and Costume Design by Peter Howitt.

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The story takes the audience to different exotic places as one adventure after another unfolds until good finally triumphs over evil. On the way we are regaled with a marvellous singing and dancing chorus as well as the panto staple fare with much audience participation, a healthy dose of political satire, call

Moscow, 1938. A dangerous place to have a sense of humour; even more so a sense of freedom. Mikhail Bulgakov, living among dissidents, stalked by secret police, has both. And then he’s offered a poisoned chalice: a commission to write a play about Stalin to celebrate his sixtieth birthday.

TEATRU 14 UNPLUGGED

EDITION

2, 3, 4 DEC 2011

On the 2nd to the 4th December 2011 at the Teatru Manoel – Go Teatru Unplugged 14

Held annually since 1998 & one of Malta’s unique events, GO Teatru Unplugged 14 is being held on the 2,3,4 December at the Manoel Theatre! Featuring six diverse acts, this years line-up includes bands Cruz & Crosswalk, Keith Anthony, guitarist Mark Rapa, ex-flying alligators front-man Ronnie Busuttil, and Renzo Spiteri featuring uk based Andrea Britton. ~ 8PM ~ MANOEL THEATRE, VALLETTA

COMING TO A TEATRU NEAR YOU

NICHOLAS MONTEBELLO GUITARIST MARK RAPA BAND CROSSWALK RONNIE (EX FLYING ALLIGATORS) BAND RENZO SPITERI WITH ANDREA BRITTON & DAVE RANDALL BAND FELLOWFISH BAND CRUZ COMPERE VALERIE VELLA

YOUNG TALENT

SINGER

BOOKINGS: WWW.TEATRUMANOEL.COM.MT T: 2124 6389 E: BOOKINGS@TEATRUMANOEL.COM.MT

€8

€15

€18

TICKETS

Ali Baba, penned by Edward Mercieca, has a stellar cast, led by Edward himself as Helwa Tat-Tork Baba, Ali’s mum. He is joined by none other than Toni Attard, last years Hallina, one of the Ugly Sisters, as Helwa’s eldest son, last year’s Buttons is this years nasty Villain, played by the inimitable Steve Hili, Pia Zammit and Chiara Hyzler are playing the two henchpersons to the villain, Coryse Borg will be playing the hen pecking wife of the Grand Vizier, Louis “the voice” Cassar will be booming down on the audience as The Grand Vizier, whilst Terry Shaw, who played baron Blaflus last year, will be the Sultan. Jo Caruana, last year’s Cinderella, will be playing a rather bumbling Fairy, whilst Luke Farrugia, will be playing a hilarious Genie of the Lamp. The title role, Ali Baba will be played by MADC Best Actor 2011, Luke Mercieca and his Princess is the young and very talented Michaela Fenech. Rudi Catania is on as The Grand Vizier’s only son.

On the 1st ,9th,16th December and on the 7th January 2012 at St James Theatre – NTLive - Collaborattors

TICKETS

FM Theatre Productions are once again producing the annual Christmas Pantomime at the Manoel Theatre and just like Cinderella last Christmas, this year’s panto, is guaranteed to take the audience young and old through a magical journey in what is surely one of the world’s best known stories.

TICKETS

On the 26th December 2011 to 8th January 2012 at the Teatru Manoel – Ali Baba The Panto – ITS BEHIND YOU!...Oh Yes It Is!

backs, booing and general merriment all round. In other words…you’d be crazy to miss it! Musical Direction is in the hands of Kris Spiteri and the Panto Band, The Nice Krispies, Panto Choreographer is Emma Loftus, whilst Vocal Coach is Cathy Lawler, and Direction once again is in the hands of that elusive character, Larry Ponzing. Book online on www. teatrumanoel.com.mt or call the box office on 21246389. Email is bookings@ teatrumanoel.com.mt.

TICKETS

On the 22nd December 2011 through to 8th January 2012 – at MFCC Ta Qali – The Princess and the Pea (Pizella)

and masseur. When not treading the boards or the (tread) mill, he treads water on his boat and loves the sea.

TICKETS

Christmas is around the corner and the build up for the festive season has already started. For the last few years we have had two Pantos to choose from. Think of it as a double celebration and go and see both of them and enjoy the Christmas holiday even more.

Martin Azzopardi is an actor, fitness instructor

TICKETS

elcome back after a very exciting last three months but we have an even busier next three months of Theatre in Malta. I have listed more than 30 productions readers can go and see including plays, musicals, concerts, live performances via cinema, opera, panto and more. There must be something that appeals to you! So book early as many of the very popular productions will sell out, especially since now you can book on line from the comfort of your own home. Gone are the days when you had to go all the way to Valletta to pick up your tickets.... The Manoel Theatre are encouraging patrons to book on line as whilst you are booking on line you will participate in a monthly lottery with the chance of recovering 50% of your ticket price.

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On the 3rd (Live) and 17th December(Encore) at St James Cinema – MET Live – Rodelinda Sensational in the 2004 Met premiere of Stephen Wadsworth’s much-

heralded production, Renée Fleming reprises the title role. She’s joined by Stephanie Blythe and countertenor Andreas Scholl, and Baroque specialist Harry Bicket conducts. (An Italian film with English Sub Titles)

(and grownups too!) to enjoy the wild and diverse universe of music with all its elements.

On the 14th of December 2011 at the Teatru Manoel - Dar il-Kaptan 20th Anniversary Concert

On the 8th December 2011 at the Teatru Manoel - Spotlight On - Oboe and Piano Recital An oboe and piano recital featuring Paolino Tona (oboe) and Marco Rivoltini (piano) performing works by Bach, Berio, Ponchielli, Schumann, Hindemith and Dorati. On the 10th December 2011 at the Teatru Manoel - MPO Conducted by Brian Schembri

On the 11th December 2011 at the St James Music Room – Concert -Music Women

Malta Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Brian Schembri performs an extravaganza of 20th and 21st Century works by Mariella Cassar, Valentin Silvestrov, John Cage, Eurico Carrapatuoso, Chris Best, Daniele del Lungo and Charles Camilleri

St James Cavalier proudly presents the 2nd edition of the monthly series of chamber music concerts in the intimacy of the music room. These monthly concerts feature some of the best performers Malta has to offer in collaboration with foreign musicians

On the 10th December 2011 (Live Performance) and 28th January (Encore) at the St James Cinema – MET Live – Faust

On the 12th December 2011 at the Teatru Manoel - Serata all’Operetta – An Evening of Operetta

With Jonas Kaufmann in the title role, René Pape as the devil, and Marina Poplavskaya as Marguerite, Gounod’s classic retelling of the Faust legend couldn’t be better served. Tony Awardwinning director Des McAnuff updates the story to the first half of the 20th century with a production that won praise in London last season. Yannick NézetSéguin conducts on the heels of his Don Carlo success.

Fiesole Artistic Productions in collaboration with the Istituto Italiano di Cultura present “Una serata all’operetta – an evening of operetta”. Operetta singers from Laboratorio Lirico Europeo of Milan, Italy, will perform popular selections from the Viennese, Italian, Spanish, French, English and Hungarian operettas.

On the 11th December 2011 at the Teatru Manoel - Toi Toi Cosmic! Journey through the Cosmos and learn about music from around the world... including a stop at the North Pole - just in time for Christmas! The “Toi Toi Cosmic” musical experience will feature amazing classical music, together with tunes the whole family will know and love... including Loony Tunes! Join the Cosmos as these fine musicians present their instruments, tell stories and even give some young players the chance to share the stage! This cosmic event of music, storytelling and handson experience will allow kids of 6+

featuring works among others by Beethoven, Khachaturian, Diacono and Smetana under the baton of Raymond Sciberras.

On the 12th December 2011 at the MFCC Ta Qali - Engelbert Humperdinck - Live in Concert! On the 13th December 2011 at the Teatru Manoel - 150th Anniversary Concert On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of its foundation the Beland Band Club will be holding a concert

Dar il-Kaptan will be celebrating its 20th Anniversary Concert featuring arrangements for wind band performed under the direction of David Agius in a programme of works by Rossini, Strauss and Suppe’. The programme also includes local compositions and a selection arias and Neapolitan songs.

On the 15th December 2011 at the Eden Cinema – Royal Opera HouseLive- Sleeping Beauty The Sleeping Beauty has become a much-loved classical ballet and a perennial delight that combines in a single work all the charms and virtuosity that ballet has to offer. First choreographed to Tchaikovsky’s great musical score by Petipa in 1890 in Russia, it has wonderful ensembles such as the famous Waltz, solos including the Rose Adage as Aurora meets her suitors, and of course the concluding celebratory dances for the happy union of prince and princess. The Royal Ballet’s staging is the distinctive production by Ninette de Valois, revived for the 75th anniversary celebrations of The Royal Ballet in 2006. Its style and visual splendour are unique to the Company: luscious designs by Oliver Messel, restored and updated by Peter Farmer, are richly colourful in their evocation of the opulent Baroque splendour of the royal court, the panoramic journey of the Prince to the overgrown castle and the colourful characters of this famous fairytale. The Sleeping Beauty brings together the best of classical ballet, its music, its dancers and The Royal Ballet itself indulge / Winter 2011 – 15

On the 16th of December 2011 at the Teatru Manoel - Piano Concerto by Brigitte Engerer Teatru Manoel and The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra present acclaimed French pianist of Maltese descent Brigitte Engerer performing Saint Saens’s Piano Concerto No. 5 in F major (The Egyptian) under the baton of Resident Conductor Michael Laus. The MPO will also perform Cherubini’s Overture Anacreon and Schubert’s iconic 9th Symphony

The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of guest conductor Peter Stark presents Antonin Dvorak’s 8th Symphony and virtuoso Maltese violinist Carmine Lauri in Wieniawski’s Violin Concerto no 1. On the 20th to the22nd of January 2012 at the Teatru Manoel –The Musical- Alice in Wonderlan Maleth presents “Alice in Wonderland”, a musical based on the evergreen classic by Lewis Caroll.

On the 20th December 2011 at the Eden Cinema – The Nutcraker Bolshoi Ballet - Pre Recorded

On the 21st January 2012 (Live) and 4th February 2012 (Encore) – MET Live – The Enchanted Island

After the fairy-tale of the same name by Ernst Theodor Amadeus Hoffmann and based on ideas from the scenario by Marius Petipa.With the Orchestra and Chorus of the State Academic Bolshoi Theatre

Enter Picture The Enchanted Island (17)

On the 10th January 2012 at the Teatru Manoel - Jazz Recital by Sandro Zerafa Well-known Maltese Paris-based jazz musician and composer Sandro Zerafa presents music from his latest album entitled “Urban Poetics”. On the 13th January 2012 at the Teatru Manoel - MPO Concert Series at Teatru Manoel

16 –indulge / Winter 2011

Inspired by the musical pastiches and masques of the 18th century, the Met presents an original Baroque fantasy, featuring a who’s who of Baroque stars led by eminent conductor William Christie. With music by Handel, Vivaldi, Rameau, and others, the new libretto by Jeremy Sams combines elements of The Tempest and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. David Daniels is Prospero, Joyce DiDonato is Sycorax, Danielle de Niese is Ariel, Luca Pisaroni is Caliban, and Plácido Domingo makesa special appearance as Neptune. Lisette Oropesa and Anthony Roth Costanzo also star. This dazzling production is directed and designed by Phelim McDermott and Julian Crouch (Satyagraha and the Met’s 125th Anniversary Gala). On the 24th Of January 2012 at the Teatru Manoel - An Evening of Chamber Music An evening of chamber music consisting of a double bass and piano recital featuring contrabassist Gjorgji Cincievski and pianist Rosetta De Battista performing works by Bottesini, Rachmaninov, Schubert, Gliere, Schumann, Massenet and Paganini.

On the 28th of January 2012 at the Teatru Manoel – Amazing Adventure The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra presents its Music Education Programmes for children, youths and their families with a number of morning performances for students and an evening performance for the general public; presented by Sara Spiteri with special effects and 3D projections by Nicholas Critien illustrating works by Beethoven, Smetana, Stravinsky, Williams and young Maltese composer Steve Psaila. On the 3rd of February 2012 at the Teatru Manoel - Concert by The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra Teatru Manoel in collaboration with the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra present a concert conducted by the theatre’s Music Director Brian Schembri and featuring violinist Alexandre da Costa performing Beethoven’s only concerto for the instrument. Beethoven’s rumbustuous Symphony No. 7 will also be performed

“Please sir, can I have some more?” On the 4th and 5th February at the Teatru Manoel – Oliver Twist On the 200th Anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens, Teatru Manoel and American Drama Group Europe (ADGE) proudly present TNT Theatre-Britain in an adaptation of Dickens’ best loved hero, Oliver Twist – The play is directed by Paul Stebbings, whose production for the Manoel last year of One flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest, was a hit with audiences, presents the facts through Fagin’s eyes.

Colores del Tango is full of passion, emotion and artistic beauty. The performance fuses the passionate steps of Argentinean tango with the sounds of an authentic 5 piece tango ensemble consisting of accordion, piano/…read morevocal, violin, electric guitar, and double bass. On the 25th March 2012 (Live) and 3rd March 2012 (Encore) – MET Live – Ernani Angela Meade takes center stage in Verdi’s thrilling early gem. Salvatore Licitra is her mismatched lover, and all-star Verdians Dmitri Hvorostovsky and Ferruccio Furlanetto round out the cast.

Well that is it for now! I wish you a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year and most of all, enjoy the Theatre. Important web addresses to check the starting times, booking on line and other important information On the 10th to the 12th and 17th to the 19th February 2012 at the Teatru Manoel – Yes Prime Minister

On the 14th February 2012 at the Teatru Manoel - Harpsichord Recital by Beatrice Martin

Mellow Drama presents a stage production of popular sitcom “Yes, Prime Minister!” Great institutions have a way of riding punches and bouncing back unscathed. Will it prove to be so for Jim Hackett and his team of close advisers?

Recital by Beatrice Martin on the theatre’s new Jacques Braux 1998 harpsichord

On the 11th February 2012 at the St James Cinema – MET LiveGötterdämmerung With its cataclysmic climax, the Met’s new Ring cycle, directed by Robert Lepage, comes to its resolution. Deborah Voigt stars as Brünnhilde and Gary Lehman is Siegfried—the starcrossed lovers doomed by fate. James Levine conducts.

On the 23rd February 2012 at the Teatru Manoel - Spotlight On - Piano Recital Pianist Gabi Sultana performs contemporary music featuring works by, Huber, Moore, Ligeti and Crumb. On the 25th to the 26th February 2012 at the Teatru Manoel - Beltango Quintetto The Beltango Quinteto from Belgrade - Serbia, is the first authentic tango orchestra from the Balkans and one of the most popular tango orchestras in Europe.

Teatru Monoel www.teatrumanoel.com.mt St James Cavalier www.sjcav.org Teatru tal-Opra Aurora www.teatruaurora.com MADC www.madc.biz Eden Cinemas www.edencinemas.com.mt Ticketing Agency www.ticketline.com.mt All information was correct at the time it went to print however for any updated information, please check the relevant web site. If you want me to list any forthcoming events in this magazine please contact me via our web site www.indulge.com.mt

indulge / Winter 2011 – 17

MALTA’S

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Julian Calascione helps us Get set for Christmas lunch

y favourite job at Christmas is to prepare the table. Nowadays one can find ready-made table decorations that are in acceptably good taste, such as name-tags in the form of holly sprigs, paper napkins printed with Christmas motifs, pine logs adorned with silvered cones and so on – but the fun happens when you make the decorations yourself, from bits and pieces easily and often freely available around the house.

has experience, dedication, qualifications and a specialisation in fine dining, including a 2 Michelin-starred venue. Since then he has set up restaurant management styles for various restaurant venues and is sometimes consulted by the leisure industry. Leisure time is dedicated to family, seaborne activities and nature-watching.

The centrepiece and the remainder of the table décor should match, so if pine or stars are the main component, use them as the theme object throughout. The same goes for colour which are traditionally greens and reds, with gold and silver accessories, though Tiffany blue and tartans are seen more and more with white reserved for the table linen (although not necessarily so). Using seasonal fruit with a name tag pinned / tied on is a modern and eco friendly take on place settings; using the hanging ring on a bauble (or screw one into a pine cone) to hold a name card is a novel way to display the seating arrangements – you can scatter more cones / baubles along the table, or hang them on ribbons from the light fittings or fill even vases with them. Why not get the children involved and bake ginger cookies and ice the name or a symbol that signifies the person for a bit of edible fun? Do pay attention if you light candles on the tables and be sure to extinguish them when you retire for the afternoon.

Napkins (and a spare pile) are a must. These offer a multitude of opportunities to create a beautiful setting. Flowers, cutlery pouches and origami shapes can be created. Follow these instructions to make a simple Christmas tree whose base you can decorate with a table present for each guest. Refer back to the Summer edition of indulge to see which glasses should be on the table and in the ‘living’ room and have the relevant decanters ready and may I suggest a check-list for all the crockery, serving dishes and utensils and cutlery that is required for the day, right down to the brandy-heating equipment and matches, to be ready and to hand so you can get set and enjoy your Christmas day. indulge / Winter 2011 – 19

Monique Chambers visits Salvino’s and

SAVOURS THE FLAVOURS 20 –indulge / Winter 2011

s if by magic, Valletta has sprung a new lease of life. The tourists get it – they meander and marvel; the beauty of the Baroque, the details in the nooks and crannies, saaq’s and alleys. The history these walls have witnessed and the way of life that a few streets back from the centre has remained proper Malta, and is quite something. Next time you are in town, take 5 minutes to enjoy it - although we are ‘used’ to it, it’s refreshing, it’s charming, it’s our Capital. We are brainwashed with stories of doom and gloom in trade and parking difficulties (would it kill the majority of us to walk a few minutes from our cars to our final destination?) however, the number of restaurants, cafes and offices opening means a whole load of people, local and foreign, have different information, an appreciation and attitude I admire. The other evening, with a Sicilian DOP olive oil producing friend, we decided to go to eat at Salvino’s in Archbishop Street. This haven is a foodies heaven. A recent discovery for me, I had had lunch there a few weeks before and was embarrassed that I didn’t know about the place before. Ed had suggested it, so I knew it would be a treat, but “mwah”, I think is the expression! The chef, Andrew, is a giant of a man and has a menu that betrays the restaurants humble setting. He personally takes your order and steers you towards specials or something that isn’t even on either menu, something he feels like pulling together, if he believes you will enjoy it. This had been my first experience – he was literally given carte blanche and I was not sorry. For this evening though with a food snob and fussy eater in tow, we went – mostly – for the current menu items. The array of starters caused a lot of discussion and debate. We had all

silently settled on the choux pastry with duck livers and mushrooms when Andrew appeared to tempt us with a concoction that was so unusual, it just had to be good. Two of us succumbed to the dish of linguine with pomegranate seeds, fresh dill and anchovy essence. The choux was also delicious and luckily for John, it was large enough for us all to share! Mains were a good mix including fish, seafood and a multitude of meats with interesting treatments and accompaniments. John and Francesco opted for the poetic truffled local pork, which they both seemed to enjoy. The potatoes, finely sliced and crispy, were a great texture companion, leeks with mushrooms nestled in the healthy tray, which we did sample, eventually. My choice of main was the quail with fig and Teriyaki jus. I reluctantly let John have a taste. The quails deboned, so easy and elegant to eat, the fig evident but not overpowering with an aftertaste of fennel, which was overall, tender and light. I didn’t get that over fed feeling but was completely satisfied and more importantly, didn’t spoil the line of my dress…. And then Andrew appeared again. Luckily I’m not an overly sweettoothed person and John has high sugar so we felt pretty safe. Andrew had other ideas and offered John a platter of aged and soft cheeses from France and Italy with a home made (of course) grape marmalade, and Francesco and I some of Andrew’s torrone type dessert – of which I managed half, the other, I am mildly embarrassed to share with you, I asked to take home under the pretence that my mother would like it. She would as it is jam packed with dried fruits and whole crunchy roasted almonds and hazelnuts, but she stood no chance of getting a piece of this portion! Perhaps I will have to take her there, because I will certainly be back.

indulge / Winter 2011 – 21

Cristal

CHAMPAgne oF THe TSARS

There are several legends surrounding the origins of Cristal Champagne, all linked back to Tsar Alexander II. The primary story, and the one endorsed by producer Louis Roederer, is first that Champagne had become the fashionable bubbly beverage of the Russian aristocracy. Just think of Anna Karenina sharing a glass with Count Vronsky before their lives get overly intertwined and complicated. If vodka was the ubiquitous beverage for the rabble-rousing Russian proletariat, Champagne was Mother Russia’s milk for the Imperial Court and aristocracy. The Tsar took a liking for the sweeter (sec) natured composition of this Louis Roederer Champagne and commissioned his own bottling, because he wanted to ensure that his personal Champagne was not confused with any other. He also asked for it to be bottled in clear crystal-glass; wine bottles were then made of dark green or brown glass, and all Champagne bottles had to be especially strong because of the internal pressure exerted by the bubbles, which sometimes caused bottles to explode. Roederer responded to the challenge by having a Belgian glassmaker produce a thick lead crystal bottle with a flat bottom. The clear glass bottles were so strong that they did not need the punt - the indent in the bottom of the bottle - to withstand the pressure. The Russian Imperial coat of arms on the label made a unique statement about the wine and set it apart from the competition. From that point on, Cristal became the traditional Champagne for the Romanovs in the court at St. Petersburg, until it all ended with the

revolution in 1917. The turmoil in their best market led to the near collapse of Louis Roederer’s Champagne business, until Camille orly-Roederer, left widowed by his grandnephew, set out to rescue it. She rebuilt the company almost from scratch and began a campaign to increase their vineyard holdings in the Champagne region. By the mid-1990s, Louis Roederer could lay claim to almost 500 acres of Champagne vineyards, a vast number which allows Roederer to use its own Chardonnay grapes to make most its wine, instead of buying them in as other producers have to do. This means that the business is able to maintain its autonomy and independence, keeping it family-run until today. Frederic

Rouzaud, Camille orly-Roederer’s greatgrandson, runs the company and his father, Jean-Claude Rouzaud, is chairman. They pick only the best grapes from their own grand and Premier Crus on their Champagne estates. The wine is aged on the lees for six to seven years, with another six months after disgorging. Looking past the price, the secrets to Cristal’s style are not well hidden behind its clear glass bottle and opaque amber wrapper. Cristal today is probably different to the one Tsar Alexander II took a fancy to in 1876. Champagne in the 19th century was a lot sweeter because that was the taste of the time. Today it is made in a drier brut style that is marked by citrus, hints of biscuit, occasional honeyed texture and a sprig of acid bite. Cristal is perhaps slightly sweeter than other vintage bruts but in a good vintage, this elixir will show finesse, be expressive and demonstrate marvellous complexity. Cristal Champagne is imported by Charles Grech & Co Ltd, Valley Road, Birkirkara – tel 21 444 400

indulge / Winter 2011 – 23

SPICE UP CHRISTMAS

Venison Steaks with Spiced Plums Serves: 4 Preparation Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients 4 venison steaks weighing about 400g each

Pea & Herb Soup

salt & freshly ground black pepper

Serves: 4 Preparation Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 30 minutes

8 slices parma ham 4 tbsp olive oil

Ingredients

For the Spiced plums:

55g butter

900g Victoria plums, stoned

1 onion, finely chopped

600ml red wine

Potato & Celeriac Dauphinoise

2 Bart Vanilla Pod 2 Bart Star Anise

900ml vegetable stock or water

Serves: 4 Preparation Time: 20 minutes

6 tsp Bart Freeze Dried Mint

Cooking Time: 1 hour

4 tbsp dark brown sugar

1 tsp Bart Basil in Sunflower Oil

Ingredients

100ml red wine vinegar

salt & freshly ground black pepper

500g potatoes, peeled & sliced

150ml double cream

500g celeriac, peeled thinly

800g frozen peas 1 little gem lettuce, shredded pinch caster sugar

1 onion, sliced salt & pepper, to season

Method Melt the butter in a large pan. Add the onion and cook gently for 10 minutes or until softened.

300ml double cream 75ml milk 2 tsp Bart Garlic in Sunflower Oil butter

Add the peas, lettuce and sugar and stir to coat with the butter.

Method

Stir in the stock and bring to the boil. Simmer for 10 minutes then stir in the mint and basil.

Layer the sliced potatoes, celeriac and onion in a shallow buttered baking dish, seasoning between each layer.

Allow to cool a little then pour into a blender and process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Chill for at least 2 hours.

Heat the cream, milk and garlic in a pan, then pour over the vegetables.

Serve in chilled bowls, drizzled with cream.

Dot with butter and cover with foil. Bake at 1900C/Gas 5 for 1 hour. Remove the foil and bake for a further 20 minutes until golden.

2 tsp Bart Fennel Seeds grated zest of 1 orange

Method Place the plums, wine, vanilla pod, fennel seeds, star anise, orange zest, sugar and wine vinegar in a heavybased saucepan. Bring to the boil and simmer until the mixture becomes thick. Set aside to cool. Preheat the oven to 2200C/Gas 7. Season the venison with salt and pepper and wrap each steak in a slice of Parma ham. Heat the oil in a heavy based frying pan, add the venison and fry until coloured on both sides. Transfer the venison to a roasting tin and roast in the oven for 4-5 minutes or until cooked to your liking, taking care not to overcook it. Serve the venison with the spiced plums

All the spices within the Bart Fairtrade range are licensed by the Fairtrade Foundation. As well as a guaranteed fair price, the farmers receive a social premium to invest in farming methods and their quality of life. This allows them the opportunity to improve their lives and plan for their future and offers consumers a powerful way to reduce poverty through their every day shopping.

24 –indulge / Winter 2011

Parsnip & Garlic Mousse with Coriander Sauce Preparation Time: 15 minutes / Cooking Time: 1 hour

Ingredients 450g parsnips 1 head of garlic cloves 1 tsp Bart Paprika 1 egg 1 egg white ½ pint double cream 1 tsp honey 1 tsp ground mace

2 tsp Hanbury Great with Everything Herb Cooking Salt For the Sauce: handful of fresh coriander ½ pint greek yoghurt 3 tsp white wine vinegar pinch of Hanbury Great with Everything Herb Cooking Salt pinch of Bart Cayenne Pepper

Pears Poached in Red Wine with Pink Peppercorns Serves: 4 Preparation Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients 400ml red wine 1½ tsp Bart pink peppercorns 100g caster sugar 2 strips lemon zest 4 pears, peeled

Method

Peel and roughly cut the parsnips. Place in a pan and cover with water, add 1 tsp of the flavoured salt, bring to the boil and cook for 20 minutes, then drain.

Place the red wine, peppercorns, sugar and lemon zest in a pan. Bring to the boil and when the sugar has dissolved, add the pears.

Separate the garlic cloves, do not peel, place in a small pan and cover with water. Add 1 tsp of flavoured salt, bring to the boil and cook for a 20 minutes. Then drain and pop the garlic out of their skins. Pre-heat the oven to 1600C/Gas 3. Oil a bread tin, spinkle paprika on the bottom (mainly in the centre). In a food processor, place the cooked parsnips, garlic cloves, egg, egg white, cream, honey and mace. Blend until smooth. Place a bain marie in the oven for 10 minutes until hot. Turn the mixture into the bread tin, place in the bain marie and cook for 30-40 minutes. For the sauce, chop the coriander finely and mix with the greek yoghurt, white wine vinegar, cayenne pepper and salt.

BART’S RANGE

OF HERBS & SPICES

Simmer for 15 minutes, turning the pears regularly until they are tender. Remove the pears to a bowl and boil the syrup until it forms large bubbles and becomes syrupy. Strain over the pears, discarding the lemon zest and peppercorns. Arrange the fruit on four plates, drizzle with the syrup.

Bart’s range of herbs and spices are distributed by Strand Palace Agencies Limited and available from the following outlets: Ta’ Natu Supermarket MOSTA • Day Fresh MOSTA • Chain food Store SLIEMA • Conti Confectionery QORMI • Tal-Ginger BUGIBBA

indulge / Winter 2011 – 25

EDIBLE GIFTS Misiones De Rengo Chardonnay 2006 If Chardonnay is what tickles your fancy, then choose a Misiones De Rengo Chardonnay from the supermarket shelves for a superior taste of this popular grape. This fresh-flavoured white wine from the Rapel Valley in Chile was produced by Vina Misiones de Rengo. It was harvested in 2006 and a percentage of the wine was vinified in contact with French oak for 2.5 months. It has a bright greenish-yellow colour with a fruity aroma of banana and white peach with notes of vanilla and toasted almonds. Misiones de Rengo suggests you pair this wine with full-bodied fish like salmon, fresh shellfish and mild-flavoured meats. Serve at 10°C – 12°C. P. Cutajar & Co Ltd of Mriehel are importers and distributors of Misiones de Rengo in Malta.

Paxton and Whitfield is a name synonymous with strong heritage and exceptional quality. Since 1742, this brand has been delighting its clientele with impeccably tasteful products, which can turn an ordinary occasion into a memorable experience. Make your Christmas that little bit more special with Paxton and Whitfield’s biscuit tin which comprises a mouth-watering collection of savoury biscuits to accompany the finest cheeses. Selection includes cheddar cheese straws, charcoal, original and malted crackers all presented in a stylish branded tin. Paxton and Whitfield’s savoury biscuit selection is exclusively available at The Wembley Store, Valletta.

Sticky onion relish This goes with just about any cheese and livens up turkey sandwiches too. Makes a few jars and keeps for up to 3 months in the fridge.

Ingredients

Marinated goats cheese

2kg red onions, peeled & sliced

This looks stunning in the jar and tastes amazing. You can eliminate or add ingredients * to your taste. Store in an airtight container. Quality olive oil will go misty when stored in the fridge, but will clear when back at room temperature. Once the cheese is demolished, you can use the oil to dress a salad.

1tbsp fresh thyme leaves a pinch of chilli flakes (optional)

140g salted butter

75cl red wine

4 tbsp olive oil

350ml red wine vinegar

140g sugar

200ml port

Ingredients

Method

4 soft goats cheese rounds

*2 sprigs of rosemary

1 bay leaf

*1 tsp of fresh oregano leaves

1 red chilli, halved the zest of one lemon good quality olive oil

*1 tsp fennel seeds 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and halved

Method Put the lemon zest in the bottom of a jar. Place the cheeses in and add the bay leaf, chilli, garlic and herbs. Slowly pour over the oil and seal. Leave for at least two days to allow flavours to infuse.

26 –indulge / Winter 2011

Melt the butter with the oil over a high heat. Add the chopped onions to the pan and then the sugar, thyme leaves, chilli flakes if using and stir well. Reduce the heat and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally. When the onions are really soft and sticky and smell of sugar caramelizing, pour in the wine, vinegar and port and simmer everything, still uncovered, over a high heat for 25-30 minutes, stirring regularly until the onions have taken the colour of port and the liquid has reduced by about two-thirds and is syrupy. Leave to cool in the pan before decanting to sterlised jars.

Marvellous macarons These are time consuming but are well worth the effort. The perfect thing to do on a rainy day! There are so many flavour, colour and decorative touches available that the only limiting factor is your imagination! These are great gifts for those who are gluten intolerant and they are also fat free! I have also made these with sugar substitute and they turn out well.

Ingredients 125g icing sugar 125g ground almonds 90g egg whites 2 tbsp water 110g sugar or equivalent sugar substitute food flavouring /colouring (optional) 150ml/5fl oz double or whipped cream, whipped

Method Preheat the oven to 170°C and line a large baking tray with baking paper. Put the icing sugar, ground almonds and 40g of egg whites together in a large bowl and mix to a paste. Add the sugar to the water in a small pan and heat gently to melt the sugar, then turn up the heat and boil until the mixture starts to go syrupy - your thermometer should read 115°C.

Whisk the remaining egg whites in a small bowl until medium-stiff peaks form, then pour in the sugar syrup, whisking until the mixture becomes stiff and shiny. For flavoured or coloured macaroons, add a few drops of flavouring/ food colouring at this stage. Tip this meringue mixture into the almond paste mixture and stir gently until the becomes stiff and shiny again. Put half the mixture into a piping bag and pipe 4cm circles onto the tray, about 2cm apart. Give the tray 2–3 slams on a flat surface to flatten the peaks. Add any toppings (petals, hundreds and thousands etc) at this stage. Leave to stand for 30 minutes then bake in the oven for 12–15 minutes with the door slightly ajar until firm. Remove from the oven, lift the paper off the baking tray and leave the macaroons to cool on the paper.When cooled, sandwich the macaroons together with lemon curd, whipped cream or chocolate ganache. They can be kept for up to a week in the fridge, they are at their best the following day though.

Jewel encrusted road This is an elaborate take on rocky road. My girlfriends demand it as their petit fours after lunches at home…. This recipe makes enough for 25 one-inch squares, so enough to keep a few for yourself! 250g mini marshmallows (or chopped large ones) 160g mixed unsalted nuts, roughly chopped 100g glace cherries, halved 50g desiccated or shredded coconut 350g chocolate, roughly chopped

Chocolate vodka Decant a bottle of Stolichnaya Red Vodka into a jug, add 4 Mars bars that have been sliced into 1cm wide strips and leave for a couple of hours, stirring occasionally till the chocolate has dissolved. Make sure you label the bottle with the new contents as it resembles chocolate milkshake – you definitely don’t want children drinking this!

Line a small (8 inch square) baking tray with greaseproof paper. Melt the chocolate in a dish over a saucepan of boiling water. In the meantime, mix all the ingredients in a bowl and once the chocolate is melted and has no lumps, remove from the heat and add the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly and pour into the lined baking tray right to the edges. Press down and put in the fridge until set, which should be around two hours. Lift out of the tray on the paper and cut into squares and package. They are supposed to last a couple of weeks, but never do!

indulge / Winter 2011 – 27

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Peppi Gauci introduces us to Permaculture FROM MIGHTY SEEDS

Learn the secret of creating your own, designer garden with legendary gardener, John Brookes, and MyGardenSchool Why not set time aside to relax and design your own garden? MyGardenSchool offers you the opportunity to learn about garden design from one of the world’s most acclaimed gardeners. John Brookes MBE has designed gardens for the rich and famous, won multiple gold medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and written over 30 gardening books that have sold millions of copies worldwide. In his MyGardenSchool online gardening course, Introduction to Garden Design, he covers how to design your garden with design rules applying to any size of garden; design secrets of the Pros; what to plant; and turning your dream garden into a reality. The end result is a beautiful, designer garden. The beauty of the course being online is that you can learn at your own pace, and in the comfort of your own home. You will watch step by step video tutorials, download course notes, ask questions and even chat with John Brookes and fellow classmates online, in a ‘virtual classroom’. The classroom may be ‘virtual’ but the camaraderie is real, and the technology is very intuitive and easy to use. Courses are four weeks long and begin on the first Saturday of every month.

About John Brookes MBE John Brookes is one of the most respected garden designers in the world. He is often described as the world’s most influential garden designer, both because of gardens he has created for clients, and for his books on garden design. His ground- breaking classic, The Room Outside, was published in 1969. He has been Chairman of the Society of Garden Designers, made several appearances on BBC’s Gardener’s World and runs the Clock House School of Garden Design in the UK, all in addition to his world-renowned lecturing and workshop tours. John Brookes lives in England.

MyGardenSchool is a unique online gardening classroom where the best names in horticulture help you to become a more confident gardener. Courses teach you how to do just about everything in the garden, from keeping bees, landscaping, to growing vegetables and herbs, building tree houses, taking perfect pictures of your garden and growing the perfect roses. And everything in between! You can find a full list of their online gardening courses on the MyGardenSchool website, www.my-garden-school.com.

here is a growing recognition that the people of Malta are facing multiple challenges. The provision of a reliable and clean water supply in times of energy insecurities. The conservation of our already diminishing agricultural soil. An increasing dependency upon fossil fuels as their affordable availability comes to an end and the mitigation of effects of climate change are amongst our challenges. And last but not least the increasing costs of living. The answers to our challenges are found through systems designed around Permaculture principles. Permaculture is an approach to designing human settlements and agricultural systems that is modelled on the relationships found in nature. Moreover it is the conscious design of ‘cultivated’ ecosystems which are diverse, stable, and resilient mirroring a natural eco-systemic framework. In permaculture, we use the inherent qualities of plants and animals combined with the natural characteristics of landscapes and structures in order to produce a life supporting system. The design itself is an evolutionary process, which compares to the natural succession of a forest. Frankly put, it grows and builds on its natural resources rather than depleting them, thus giving the underlying basis for sustainable development. For example, permaculture gardens or farms are designed to regenerate nutritious food produce and fertile soil while demand less human labour and inputs as their integrity build inherently along time. Similarly, eco-villages around the world use permaculture as their fundamental structure for better resilience. The Permaculture Research Foundation of Malta offers a greater symbiosis of man and nature through understanding and respect. The courses and workshops Permaculture Malta provides are subjects relevant to our aspects of living. This is done through our informal

teaching methods as well as the integration of activities related to the subjects such as community supported agriculture, greener lifestyles and elements related to fostering ecological living. We believe that a practical and handson approach offers students and participants an experience, which many have and will describe as life changing. In our research and education centre ‘Bahrija Oasis’ we cultivate food in systems requiring minimum water and resources on a designed landscape that harnesses natural energies such as sunlight and rainwater to proliferate and regenerate a productive ecosystem. Our challenge is to further our knowledge and experience in the valuing and application of natural resources, above those that depend upon fossil fuels while help design places for a better standard of living. Funding for our projects is at best sparse so progress is at a pace that could be improved with generous financial help. Our research and education centre ‘Bahrija Oasis’ is currently our main physical project which while being used to cultivate organic crops and trees also serves as a bio diverse refuge for nature. The Oasis also hosts our students for educational programs whereby students and visitors can witness permaculture principles at work. Recently certain works such as landscaping and relative upgrades are being undertaken; however our lack of cash flow is a limiting factor to our progressive ideas and help in this area will be considered a great blessing.

In permaculture all elements are seen as part of the whole which they constitute. Nothing is segregated and studied in isolation, as in reality, there is no isolation of anything in life. Air Air is the medium for all living things. Without air, no life will exist as we know it, and in permaculture designs, it is given the importance it merits. Water Water is the blood of our planet. Just like the blood in our veins, it needs to be in balance, circulated life to the whole being. Water is an integral part of our ecosystem. We need to observe and promote the health of water in order to replenish life. All our systems, especially agriculture and forestry are directly dependent on an abundance of healthy water. Earth We also refer to soil as earth. Soil is the living medium which supports the growth of vegetation and other life forms. There are many micro-organisms which are all necessary to sustain soil life. In return, when soil is healthy, the trees, crops and plants are also healthy. Thus in sustainable agriculture, soil life is given a great attention. Light The sun can be simply described as the Earth’s power station. No life as we know it would exist on the Earth if the sun was missing. All energy systems including fossil fuels and others used on earth are simply a product of or energised by the sun. In permaculture, we recognise this fact by giving priority to observing the path, the cycle and angles of the light and shadows, both in the natural and the built environment.

For further information on our work please visit www.permaculturemalta.org or email us directly on permaculturemalta@gmail.com.

David Holmgren is best known as the co-originator with Bill Mollison of the permaculture concept over 35 years ago. He has authored many books, built three properties using permaculture principles and conducts courses around the world. 1. Observe and interact - By taking the time to engage with nature we can design solutions that suit our particular situation. 2. Catch and store energy - By developing systems that collect resources when they are abundant, we can use them in times of need. 3. Obtain a yield - Ensure that you are getting truly useful rewards as part of the work that you are doing. 4. Apply self-regulation and accept feedback - We need to discourage inappropriate activity to ensure that systems can continue to function well. 5. Use and value renewable resources and services -Make the best use of nature’s abundance to reduce our consumptive behavior and dependence on non- renewable resources. 6. Produce no waste - By valuing and making use of all the resources that are available to us, nothing goes to waste. 7. Design from patterns to details - By stepping back, we can observe patterns in nature and society. These can form the backbone of our designs 8. Integrate rather than segregate - By putting the right things in the right place, relationships develop between those things and they work together to support each other. 9. Use small and slow solutions Small and slow systems are easier to maintain than big ones, making better use of local resources and producing more sustainable outcomes. 10. Use and value diversity Diversity reduces vulnerability to a variety of threats and takes advantage of the unique nature of the environment in which it resides. 11. Use edges and value the marginal - The interface between things is where the most interesting events take place. These are often the most valuable, diverse and productive elements in the system. 12. Creatively use and respond to change - We can have a positive impact on inevitable change by carefully observing, and then intervening at the right time. indulge / Winter 2011 – 31

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Are you sitting comfortably?

find that most people are ‘confused’ about what to call the room in which they sit in, or entertain. In my vocabulary, the word ‘lounge’ is more applicable to an area in an Airport or a Hotel (one does not necessarily have to agree, yet). Other terms used to describe such an area, in the home, would be a ‘drawing-room’ (and not literally). Here again, I would think that labeling a room as a drawing room, would suggest that the house offers another reception room, other than a dining room, and I would relate this title as dating back to the eighteenth century, when ladies withdrew from the gentlemen after dinner. Hence, even other labels, such as a ‘morning room’, saloon or boudoir would also have been commonplace. However, in today’s contemporary planning and designing, the best term would be to call it a ‘livingroom.’ And this title would be most appropriate as it is here (other than the informal kitchen), that family / social / entertainment living goes on.

“Do not overlook the possibility of actually introducing a fireplace, if at all possible.”

Jean-Marc Bianchi I will take this opportunity to wish all readers, a ‘comfortable’ Christmas, and a Prosperous 2012

Available from insideOut

Christmas is not one of my favourite seasons, however, a weekend break in New York, dressed to the hilt at this time of the year would be a welcome experience! Or how about a 50 foot sailing boat? Ah well, that might not fit, so I may have to settle for a new pair of jeans… indulge / Winter 2011 – 33

Where once, the focus would have been on a central fireplace, of imposing dimensions and very ornate, today the inevitable large (sometimes very large) flat screen television takes priority over everything else. Observe, and believe me it’s the case. So, what should go at the top of your shopping list, when planning your ‘lounge’? Primarily… the end consumer – the family. Having established that the selected area shall be serving as a living room, then spending time with your family around you should be the priority. Whilst everyday life, in the outside world is full of stress and difficult decisions, one would want to return home and enjoy a friendly environment, in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.

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In an ideal world, that’s the plan – so, speaking of comfort, this is your second priority. As mentioned in previous editions, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to furnishing our homes. Be it sofas, armchairs, loungers, stools, fabrics or coffee tables – the choice is vast, and not to mention the further selection and availability of the unmissable flat television screen. So, as the fireplace was once the main attraction, today, without any doubt, it is this latest appliance that steals the show, and hence, the difficulty when including a television screen (wall mounted or otherwise), is to make sure that your family and friends can view the screen easily.

Hence, the seating arrangement. I would always propose that the seating arrangement is laid out as attractively as possible, bearing in mind this limitation to the aesthetic planning. The selection of the furniture, as well as the screen, have all got to be proportional to the size of the area being treated. Furthermore, do not overlook the possibility of actually introducing a fireplace, if at all possible. Consider that a fireplace, albeit playing second fiddle to a television screen, does still offer a valid and useful element, indeed luxury, in today’s living rooms. Putting it all together is never such an easy task, and other elements to be considered would be colour, atmosphere, hanging of pictures, lighting in the form of concealed,

insideOut’s showroom, recently opened on the Ta’Xbiex seafront, is a reflection of the combination of design, practicality, variety and good value, which is the focus of the company. A vast selection of fabrics can be found for both residential and contract purposes, ranging from hard-wearing upholstery fabrics for inside and out, linens, damasks, taffetas, cottons and all types of sheers. Rolls of fabric handpicked by the design team, directly from mills at competitive prices, to high end cut- length special pieces. overhead, table or floor lamps, plants or flowers. All these ingredients would enable you to give that living room the character and style that one would set out to achieve, if all used correctly. Visiting the numerous showrooms that have now sprawled all over Malta & Gozo, one can get a very good idea of the various shapes and configurations of formal, as well as casual seating arrangements, that are available. Furthermore, you can actually ‘make yourself comfortable’ by trying them out. With the assistance of competent sales staff, and given the measurements of the area to be furnished, you can easily be offered a floor plan layout, with your preference of style, and orientation of seating. This is an exercise that I would recommend, as the task of having the sofa set delivered, only to find out that it ‘doesn’t quite fit’, could be a very frustrating experience, for all concerned.

In addition are a selection of wall coverings, cushions and throws, bed and bath linen, home accessories ranging from sophisticated home fragrances and French body products to flowers that can be arranged to suit any space and taste Perfect gifts for any occasion. Also available are designer one-off ornamental pieces and handpicked Christmas decorations and gifts for this time of year. insideOut’s focus is to deliver cutting-edge designs and innovative products at great value. Professionals with a wealth of experience may offer clients a complete package for the final soft touches that turn a house into a home.

Blue Harbour Mansions Block D Ta’Xbiex XBX 1027 Tel 27223323 www.insideoutmalta.com

Reliving the story Monique Chambers takes a short break in Istanbul

aving read The Sword and the Scimitar by David Ball when I moved to Vittoriosa 5 years ago, and being convinced my house just had to be Maria’s house, I was eager to see visit Topkapi Palace in Istanbul and imagine the other half of the story... I had been to Istanbul on a hen’s night some 10 years prior and as well a dinner party story that makes me cringe and blush at the same time, this experience left me with an impression that I was glad to have the opportunity to change under the ‘auspices’ of research for the magazine and see the palace which we hadn’t managed to fit into our itinerary. We booked a long weekend and found direct flights with AirMalta which depart quite early on a Thursday morning, so decided to take away the stress and treat ourselves to the VIP package that our La Valette Club membership offers, which meant that parking close to the terminal was organised, a porter carried our (strategically) half empty

bags and we were greeted by one of the VIP hostesses, Victoria, who sped us through check-in, escorted us through the security and really did make us feel like VIPs! We were taken to the lounge when we settled in and had lovely hot pastizzi and frothy hot chocolate for breakfast and were offered newspapers and a choice of magazines while we waited for our flight to be called. Then came the best bit. We were taken through passport control and the gate where our chauffeur driven car was waiting to take us to the aircraft. I tell you, I felt elevated from the Z list! The flight was pretty smooth and nice and quick – we landed in time to drop our bags at the hotel and be able to get our bearings and still be in time for lunch! Our hotel, an internet find, was in the trendy Sultanahmet district where chic shops and tripadvisor’s top bars and restaurants were situated. My immediate impression of the hotel on arrival was YES! The Biz Cevahir

was minamilist with elegant Turkish touches and really friendly service. Our room, decorated in duck egg blue and taupe was a taste of things to come. The automatic toilet took a bit of getting used to but the piping hot shower, the oodles of cushions, the stunning light fittings and marshmallow bed, all made up for it. We went to see the Blue Mosque that was a bit overwhelming in size, though its beauty stunted by the modern light fittings. The call to prayer is something you will hear from everywhere in the city, mostly melodic and sometimes a little eerie, by the end of the trip we were already ‘not hearing’ it. Then we had lunch in what looked like a sweet little place on a street full of eateries, sweet shops and tourist traps. In fact it turned out to be the entrance to a labyrinth of linked restaurants serving traditional food – from many nations! I had a tagine which interestingly, the served with pitta like bread as the base to soak indulge / Winter 2011 – 37

up the juices, it was delicious; though I had ordered it because I like the look of the pot it came in! John has a fish dish with a large and fresh, colourful salad and we topped up on fresh pomegranate juice, which was squeezed with a pretty stainless steel squeezer right in front of us. Should have bought one. A reason to go back I guess. We meandered and took in a number of the sites over the weekend; the Basilica Cistern is well worth a visit as is the magical Topkapi Palace. The harem is just beautiful and you could see the characters of Dan Ball’s book here and almost hear them chattering. It must have been amazing with all those rainbow coloured silk clad women wandering around with trays of figs and fruits, the music wafting through the gardens. Modern day Istanbul still holds a mysterious feel. The juxtaposition of old and new, East and West, Christianity and Islam makes for a melting pot that is interesting, intriguing and addictive. The suq is alive with locals and foreigners jostling around the 4000 stalls and bartering for a bargain. Embroidered cushion covers, linen striped hamam towels, tea sets, spices, Turkish delight, oversized slippers and

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turbans for the stag night brigades and of course the carpet shops. It really frustrates me that our suq is a half dead building when this could be a major draw to our capital with The Artisans’ Fair and Patches holding regular events there, local bands playing downstairs and artists and small businesses including cafes and bars bringing the place back to life and making it the place to be. It’s lucky that the city is walkable as the street food is abundant. Roasted chestnuts, corn on the cob and interestingly shaped and seeded breads (didn’t get to try them all, reason number two to return) made each journey a tasting experience. The ice cream vendors are entertaining to watch – it was however, the last days of October, so we didn’t actually sample their wares (reason number 3). We took one morning to walk across to Galata and Taksim Square, the thriving metropolis, one bridge yet one million miles away from the old district. This place is packed with modern shops, a boulevard style high street, throngs of teenagers and chain stores. We had lunch here at The House Café, which made me feel as if I was back in Windsor. Wooden floors, high

ceilings, oversized flowers, funky music and a bistro menu. I had a duck salad with the ubiquitous pomegranate seeds and John a chicken kebab. The salad was welcome. Fresh crisp baby spinach leaves, with nuts and herbs and not browning at the edges lettuces. Why can’t we have salads like this in Malta? We had arranged to meet some friends in this area the next evening, and I was hoping we could revisit the same place! There are some shops worthy of note around Galata, Nursace for the shoe and handbag lovers out there, YKM a department store which is great to hide in on a chilly day, Vakko for ladies and a handful of up and coming young designer boutiques, who I decided to help along in their careers with some international exposure by means of me purchasing their outfits and with plans for wearing them at home! For the designer label district, head to Nisantasi; all the usuals are there and being non EU, you can benefit from tax free shopping, if the queue at the airport is worth it. The next evening, we in fact, ended up in a street parallel to the main drag and wow was it lively! There were restaurants and bars literally on top of each other and we were whisked to an

upstairs place where there were no other obvious tourists. Our friend wanted to introduce us to Raki, which is like aniset, but you sip it while plate after plate of meze comes your way. The food came thick and fast with a few dishes noted for experimentation at home. There was a fava bean terrine, the famous antep ezme hot sauce, and two of the desserts were outstanding the kematpasa tatlisi – a baked milk pudding served with milk curd and a simply delicious dish of baked halva with a squirt of orange juice with

cut apples to dip. O M G. This evening was going to take some walking off! We still had a full day where we planned to do the last bits of shopping, test out a hamam and take a cruise along the Bosphorous. There is so much to see that an extra day or two would have been warranted (reason 4). The cruise shows all the palaces that are now museums or hotels and takes you to Maiden Island where there is the most exquisite little restaurant housed in this old castle. A real treat for romantics….

We bought quite a few lights with jewel coloured tassels and eventually gave in to a carpet salesman, which I am happy to say, thanks to a tax incentive by the Turkish government, flew back safely to us and was on the floor at home before we could say baklava. This intricately patterned carpet will be a daily reminder of our trip to Istanbul and of all the beauty and fond memories we have of the city that is inextricably linked with Maltese history, for years and years to come.

TURKISH HAMAM ETIQUETTE On entering, an attendant will show you where to change into your towel / top & bottoms and footwear. Women can wear nothing or anything, men are generally expected to wear a towel. Hamams are generally single sex though couples ones are popping up where you both wear shorts and the woman wears a bra top. The first stop is the hot room, where you will probably be seated near a basin or bowl. You are usually just left alone to sit and soak in the steam you may douse yourself with hot or cold water. Then the fun begins. When it’s your turn, you can opt for a scrub and then a massage, and a wash down – though this part is more comfortable if done by oneself. Relax a while longer in the hot room before dressing and leaving. A 20% tip is reasonable for the ‘extra services of scrub and massage. The InterContinental in St Georges Road houses Carisma, a new hamam so you can keep up the ritual there!

indulge / Winter 2011 – 39

BIBLIOTHERAPY Laura Lockington, the Book Doctor prescribes your perfect book

Laura Lockington – aka TheBook Doctor Laura is a writer, playwright, publisher and compulsive reader. She’s lived in Florence, London, Cyprus but has lived in Brighton now for over 20 years. She writes the successful book blog www. seafrontbookreader.blogspot.com where all things bookish are discussed. With two novels, a food memoir and a couple of plays for BBC Radio 4 under her belt, all things wordy are still a fascination for her. “Getting the right book in the right hands at the right time is an art form in itself,” she says “ I love choosing the right book for people, it’s a privilege and a joy.” “Reading should enhance your mood (if it’s good) or cheer you up when

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you’re down. I was very lucky, I grew up with a mother who seemed to know almost magically when to give me the right book – the only real argument we ever had was about Dickens!” The book doctor can help you get out of your reading ruts, and prescribe a sparkling book that is new to you, shedding new light on your reading habits. “Laura Lockington is a walking library” – Damian Barr, author, salonierre. “She gave me a birthday present of a book a month for a year, it was fabulous. I would never have bought these books for myself and I loved every single one of them!” Sue Sinclair, Brighton resident “Discussing books with her is a joy.” Sandeep Mahal, Project Director, The Reading Agency.

“The delight of finding someone else who adored Girl of the Limberlost cannot be underestimated!” Pattie Barron, journalist “Her bookshelves alone are worth spending time with!” Grant Gillespie, author, actor. “A real treat is in store for you – Laura is one of the most well read people I know.” Carol Biss, MD Book Guild Publishing “I am in awe of her knowledge of books – amazing!” Melanie Whitehouse, author, journalist. “Every book that she’s recommended to me has been spot on. I always have such a fun time talking books with her.” Megan Varilly, Marketing Manager Wylie Publishing.

ook doctoring – or bibliotherapy – has been around for a long, long time… You probably use it without even knowing that you are. Crossed in love? Bored on a rainy Sunday? Stressed about work? The answer usually lies in immersing yourself wholeheartedly in a good book. Maybe your friend or neighbour has recommended a good read to you – they are being a book doctor unawares. What I try to do is to get people to read something a little out of their comfort zone, something to jog them a little, to ruffle the edges of what they think a book can do for them. Books really can change lives. I also love to try and jolt people out of their reading habits (we all get a little jaded now and again) But there’s no point in recommending a book that simply doesn’t suit someone – so I try and gauge my ‘patients’ or customers, likes and dislikes into the equation. I know myself, that no matter how good the book is, if it has a lot of soldiers, or is set in 19th century Australia, I’m pretty sure to dislike it? Irrational? Yes. Immovable? Probably.

into a very different world (which a good book should do) Set in Egypt of the 1930’s and 40’s with a background of intrigue, heat, lies, deception and strange rituals of superstition, religion and romance, the story is an ambiguous look at a woman called Justine The title of book 1, followed by Balthazar, Mountolive and Cleo, – what was she ? A spy? A sex crazed bored housewife? A loving woman to her friends and lover? This story is told in four different books by four different characters. It made me realise that the truth isn’t a matter of black and white, there are many shades of grey in between. A really great read, but maybe save it for when you really need it!

I’m often asked what my favourite books are – an impossible question! However, there are certain books that have helped me over the years or that have changed my standpoint over things, and I’ll try and name them.

Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons. This is a classic comfort re-read for me and a complete and utter joy. Written in the 1950’s it’s a hilarious journey of one woman – Flora Poste – who takes up residence with distant relatives (the Starkadders of Cold Comfort Farm in Howling, Sussex) after the death of her parents. Flora manages to be both bossy, manipulative and very, very funny whilst taking over the reins of the eccentric family of Starkadders. Read this for relief from the modern world and to put a smile on your face. The catchphrase from the book “There’s something nasty in the woodshed!” has now passed into common usage, much to my delight.

The Alexandria Quartet by Lawrence Durrell has got me through the break up of a relationship and the death of a beloved dog. Why? Well, it’s all absorbing and challenging. You have to concentrate very, very hard – so you have no room to think about anything else, and then it draws you

Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain is to be read when you’re having a cheffy moment in the kitchen. Sometimes I yearn to be in charge of a small army of sous chefs in a stainless steel world of hot grills and salamanders. I want them all to call ”Yes, chef!” and cower when I walk past, I

want a very large, very sharp knife and I want a bit of swagger to my walk. I’d quite like to swear very loudly (now and again) and swig from a bottle of Jack Daniels and play poker with the Chinese quarter with out of hours waiters. All women who love their food need to ‘man up’ now and again with the man himself. Ahhhh…..swoon…. Music & Silence by Rose Tremain is just what if you are a bit bored with chick lit – or ‘women’s contemporary fiction’ as we are meant to call it now. It’s a sweepingly lyrical romance of a novel. Set in Denmark in 1630 it is the story of real and imagined characters. King Christian 1V is living in fear and rage for his life, his country’s ruin and his wife’s (who is very funny and very greedy)not so secret adultery. He consoles himself with music and keeps the Royal Orchestra in a freezing cellar under his throne room. Like music itself this will sweep you along with chords and chimes and concertos. Mrs Keppel & her Daughter by Diana Souhami should be read when you are feeling you need to learn a little. And goodness me – what you can learn from this book! Beautifully written and immaculately researched it’s the tale of Royal and not-so-royal love. Odd little facts have stayed in my mind – like – Edward V11 as a child had to learn bricklaying, (why?!) Violet Keppel was allowed to slide hot buttered toast in front of the nursery fire down the trousers of The King as a game (think of the mess!) And of course even more fascinating is the fact that Mrs Keppel who was the long term mistress of Edward V11 was the great grandmother of Camilla, now Duchess of Cornwall... maybe it runs in the blood?

Please try and find the time to answer these questions and e-mail them back to monique@indulge.com.mt for your prescription Age

(roughly!)

Occupation

Where do you live?

What was the last book that you read (and enjoyed)? What was the last book that you read (and didn’t enjoy? Do you have some favourite authors? Did books play a big part on your childhood? Anything momentous happening in your life right now? What best describes your feelings at the moment? Happy? Angry? Lonely? Romantic? Bored? Nostalgic? Sad? Stressed? Relaxed? Nervous? Do you have any consuming passions in your life? (anything from cooking to fly fishing) When do you read? (In the bath? on the bus/train? Only on holiday? At bedtime?) Do you have a special place that you like to read? (Favourite sofa? Coffee shop? Where do you look for books? (Reviews? Friends? Bookshops? Amazon?) Do you always finish a book – even if you’re not enjoying it? Do you ever read the last page of a book before you’re half way through to see how things end? Do you like a challenging read?

indulge / Winter 2011 – 41

178, Marina street, pietà ST ANNE STREET, FLORIANA I HILTON mALTA PORTOmASO, ST. JuLIANS

www.victorazzopardi.com I TEL: 2010 3715, 2010 2949

Look what’s under our Christmas Tree

Our supporters have been very generous and have given us these gifts to share with you, our readers. We will be picking 24 readers homes at random from our database - so if Santa delivers a gold envelope to your home – don’t throw it away – it could be one of these fabulous gifts! The Concordia is a lively, very modern, five-star, cruise ship which has 1,500 cabins and a large number of catering, leisure and entertainment options. With four pools (including one covered), five jacuzzis, a 6,000 sq m spa, a multipurpose sports pitch, five restaurants, 13 bars, a casino, discotheque, shopping centre, library, internet point, Grand Prix simulator and a grand theatre on three levels, Concordia is an authentic jewel of engineering and entertainment wonder-at-sea. Costa has stylish cuisine, informal and friendly service, as well as shows, entertainment and on-board animation. The interesting West Mediterranean itinerary offers stops in Naples, Savona, Barcelona, Palma De Mallorca and Catania. Costa Cruises products can be purchased from Orange Cruises’s preferred partners – SMSMondial or through other leading travel agencies in Malta. Will you be sailing into the sunset? Terms and conditions apply.

Travel in style! La Valette Club is offering two readers their Special Occasions Package: Celebrate with our special occasions package, making this day a memorable one - We’ll make sure you start or end your journey in style, luxury and comfort. Package includes: Drop off reserved meeting point in front of terminal main entrance, individual welcome and assistance by our VIP staff, luggage handling and check - in assistance, use of the exclusive La Valette Club lounge and all its facilities, reserved seating in a specially assigned area at the La Valette Club lounge, complimentary bottle of champagne, chauffeur service in a luxurious car from departure gate to the aircraft.

A hamper of edible gifts made by Monique

Dinner for two with local wine at Lupanara in Vittoriosa

How about hair-do at one of the local Toni & Guy Salons? Will you be the pampered one?

indulge / Winter 2011 – 43

Avantech are giving away a Canon IXUS 115HS which sells at €184 and has HS System for great shots in low light, Smart Auto and Full HD movies, the stylish metal bodied IXUS 115 HS lets you simply enjoy the fun. www.avantech.com.mt

Pack of 12 handmade greetings cards by BexCreations for special occasions through 2012

P Cutajar’s Pasqua Christmas Special in Wood - a collection of 4 white, red and rose wines Pasqua Soave Le Collezioni DOC, Pasqua Bardolino Le Collezioni DOC, Pasqua Montepulciano Venezie and Pasqua Rosato Le Collezioni – express the characteristics of some of Italy’s regions and are the result of the passion of a family that has been producing top quality wines for three generations. www.hampers.com.mt

A gift for your pooch – hand made biscuits for your dog courtesy of Pet Pleasures

A great fireside game for all the family - we have a set of Monopoly Malta to give away!

Time for you two at the Carisma Spa - Turkish Bath at The Intercontinental Hotel. With an exfoliating plus foam massage with hair treatment. indulge in the oriental cleansing ritual from the famed Arabian nights, in the relaxed, sophisticated and unique atmosphere of our Turkish bath (hammam). Leave your daily stress behind and give yourself the most beautiful treat for your health and wellbeing. www.ichotels.com

7 camicie Malta is offering a his and hers shirt to a pair of indulge readers! 7Camice has a full range at 64, Tower Road, Sliema Tel: +356 2132 3307 and at 25, Treasury Street, Valletta Tel: +356 2124 7770 www.7camicie.com

The winner will win a skippered day-charter for him/her and 5 of their friends on board of one of our sailing yachts from our charter fleet. The voucher can be redeemed during May – June 2012 subject to availability during weekdays and weather permitting.

Dinner for two with local wine at Etienne’s in Attard

44 –indulge / Winter 2011

Terms and conditions apply to certain gifts. Representatives or employees of advertisers or suppliers to indulge magazine will be excluded from this promotion. Recipients agree to publicity on accepting a prize.

Tickets for two to the Manoel theatre for any performance (subject to availability) in January or February 2012.

2 tickets with Eden Culture for The Nutcracker Ballet at Eden Cinemas (Pre-recorded from Bolshoi Theatre) Date: Tuesday, 20th December 2011 Time: 18:00 Description: The Nutcracker, a ballet in two acts, is Tchaikovsky’s last ballet. Yuri Grigorovich’s choreographed version depicts a story of ideal love, filled with romanticism. A unique opportunity to view this world class ballet, a definite MUST SEE! www.edenculture.com

Don Serafino next to the Dragonara Casino, is giving away a voucher for a meal for two worth €100 and valid up to the 31st March 2012.

Emile Henri pan and halva gift set courtesy of the Catering Centre

Nothing says Christmas quite like a luxury hamper from The Wembley Store. Filled with all the traditional festive delights, this is the ultimate luxury gift for people who are passionate about good food. Presented in an elegant leather look keepsake box this wonderful selection of speciality foods is sure to impress. Visit www. thewembleystore.com for more unique gift ideas this Christmas and you’ll also benefit from free delivery all over Malta.

Sugar and spice and all things nice – that’s what the Strand palace hamper is made of! It includes a range of magnificent BART Spices.

Eastern Breeze is a contemporary and intimate Asian restaurant, featuring a journey in oriental flavours and specialising in sushi and sashimi, all prepared from an open staged kitchen. Eastern Breeze is open for dinner from Tuesday to Sunday between 19.00 and 22.30 hrs and is offering a three course meal for two persons including a bottle of local wine.

Christmas with ... Merlin Publishers are home to Malta’s top authors, from the venerable to the new. Three times winner of the Best Publishing House award, Merlin has gained a reputation for innovativeness, slick presentation and quirky launches. Merlin books have been exhibited at the largest international book fairs, including Frankfurt, London and Bologna. Their hamper of Maltese books includes 6 National Book Award Winners (L-Ahhar Holma, Il-Kaz (kwazi) kollu tal-ahwa De Molizz, Qed Nistenniek Niezla max-Xita, L-Ahhar Granet ta’ Ciorni, Xi Mkien Iehor, Inbid ta’ Kuljum, Penumbra) and other great titles including Prima Facie, Ramon u z-Zerbinotti, Dak li l-Lejl ihallik tghid, It-8 Kontinent, The Secret Life of Nanna Genoveffa and 15-il Numru. For a full list of titles available, visit www.merlinpublishers.com

A Zammeats A.O.C Hamper containing Livarot, Valancay Anjouin Coque, Fourme D’Ambert Fromi, Smoked Ham, Beaufort A.O.C, Cabernet Sauvignon - Vins D’Pays D’Oc, Cheese board & knife and olives with pimentos. Usually available from Arkadia in Portomaso, this is going to one lucky reader!

MyGardenSchool is a unique online gardening classroom where the best names in horticulture help you to become a more confident gardener. Courses teach you how to do just about everything in the garden, from keeping bees, landscaping, maintaining your lawn to growing vegetables and herbs, building tree houses, taking perfect pictures of your garden and growing the perfect roses. And everything in between. You can find a full list of their online gardening courses on the MyGardenSchool website, http://www. my-garden-school.com/.

indulge / Winter 2011 – 45

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN TO GIVE

THESE 4 DESERVING CHARITIES NEED YOUR HELP Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl is an organisation which was founded by a group of prisoners with the aim of helping themselves and their families go through the harsh prisoner life with hope, dignity and faith. The meaning of Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl is ‘From Darkness to Light’ expressing hope and faith for the future. Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl Helps in supporting the prisoners families; their main concern with is the large impact it leaves on the children of the offender or victim as they are often forgotten in these situations, when in fact they are the people who may be the most emotionally harmed or affected. The organisation helps to educate the children in hope of building their self esteem and also helping them find a new path and not be influenced by their parent/s, and thereby avoiding falling into the vicious cycle of a life of crime. If anyone would like to help Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl, they would appreciate new clothes, money, second hand laptops and volunteers. Contact: George Busutill on 99463324 director@mddmalta.com www.mddmalta.com

Gozo SPCA “It is the season for giving, so what better present can you give than the gift of a new life for a shelter dog or cat in a loving family home” The message from Gozo SPCA is clear - “a loving home” has to be just that, with the pet living in the house, with the family. Gone are the days when it was deemed acceptable for dogs and cats to live on roofs, terraces, garages and back yards. Today Gozo SPCA, along with the other reputable NGOs, running shelters and sanctuaries in Malta and Gozo, insists that prospective owners meet the criteria which they set out: the new pet will live in the house, have regular walks, time and space to play, companionship, regular medical care and good quality food. The rehoming official of Gozo SPCA will want all the family to meet the chosen dog or cat and understand that it is a lifelong commitment - which could be 15 or more years if it is a puppy or kitten. So what will prospective owners get from Gozo SPCA? They will be giving a home to a well-socialised dog that is treated for parasites, fully vaccinated, neutered and micro chipped. They are all lead trained and have regular free exercise in the country. They are fun to have around! Puppies are rehomed with the same treatments, although the vaccination programme may not be completed and the new owner will be given a free neutering voucher. All kittens are neutered and vaccinated before rehoming. Contact Gozo SPCA via info@spca-gozo.org facebook Gozo SPCA or on 21553769

46 –indulge / Winter 2011

Amber is raising money for CRC Cambodia and wants donations for Christmas. 5061 7353 - €2.33 5061 8063 - €4.66 5061 8915 - €6.99

Running for a better life At the end of February my Father, Eddie Woods and I aim to run the half marathon along with my brother, Cass Woods who will be running the full marathon. On behalf of the Children’s Relief Centre in Cambodia (CRC), a privately run orphanage that gives refuge to a small number of children who are homeless or abandoned. My mission is to raise awareness of the plight of orphaned children in Cambodia and to assist in raising funds for a good cause. We are aiming for a realistic target of €5000 and are hoping that you will enable us to reach that goal. Please SMS us with your donation.

Rotary International Rotary is a worldwide organisation of more than 1.2 million business, professional, and community leaders and is represented locally by two Rotary Clubs in Malta and one in Gozo. Members of Rotary provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. Rotarians volunteer their time and talent to further the Rotary motto, Service Above Self. Since Rotary Club Malta was established 44 years ago, Rotary in Malta has an excellent track record of making a difference in our community and beyond with ambitious projects. These have involved being catalysts to the establishment of Dar il-Kaptan, enhancing the facilities at various institutes, building schools in India, and equipping orphanages in Uganda. The list goes on. Rotary Club Malta’s project agenda for the current year has an eco emphasis with local projects for the implementation of PV panels and solar heating systems in two institutions as well as a fire safety upgrade for Dar il-Kaptan and the production of a cartoon booklet aimed at school children about water, a most precious resource. Overseas, Rotary was mobilised in providing drinking water to Misurata and Tripoli during the recent conflict in Libya and is implementing a mini electricity grid system in Uganda as well as a solar voltaic project in Ethiopia. 15,000 liters of water for Tripoli and Misurata

Visit www.rotary.org.mt for event and fundraising activity news and to see how you can help.

indulge / Winter 2011 – 47

Christmas just isn’t Christmas, without a trip to

La Boutique La Boutique gift shop at Palazzo Parisio is laden with fabulous gift ideas. A veritable Aladdin’s Cave of Christmas scrumptiousness is waiting for you. From deliciously indulgent soaps and bath oils to room fragrances, decorative items, beautiful hand-painted china, jewellery, bijoux trinkets, cushions, wraps, throws, Pashminas, wickedly colourful stationery & desk accessories. Open all week from 9am till 6pm. Treat yourself to Afternoon Tea whilst you are here, from 3-6pm at Caffé Luna, every day.

Victory Square, Naxxar nxr 1700. Tel: 21412461

www.palazzoparisio.com

HELP SANTA OUT Use our wishlist to make sure you get what you want for Christmas Darling _________________________________________________________________________________________________ It’s almost Christmas and to avoid me having to use / wear presents from you / the kids / the family (delete as appropriate), I don’t want, I’d like to run my letter to Santa past you so you have some concrete ideas. I’m coveting ________________________ from ___________________________ but that’s not all. I’d also like to own _______________________ and spend a day ____________________________. Just please don’t let anyone buy me socks, ties or handkerchiefs, or anything with __________________________ on. I’d rather you were my stocking filler….. I’d really like to go to _____________________ and try ______________________ and ______________________. And I know you’re not keen, but I’d like to go to _____________________________. In Martin Azzopardi’s pages he mentioned __________________Perhaps we could get tickets and go with _______________________________________? Seriously, if we had a ________________________ you could bug me for anything, well almost anything. I’d give in to the ___________________ you want from ___________________. Malcolm Naudi wrote a piece about a ______________________. Now I realise that might seem impractical but just think how pretty you’ll look in it? Ok, how about we consider a _____________________________ next year? My favourite wine is ____________________ and I also enjoy ________________________________ . If you need a night off, we can go to ___________________________ I love their _______________________________. My favourite dish that you make is ___________________________________ , I promise not to fall asleep on the sofa / to wash up the next time you make it especially for me.

Darling _________________________________________________________________________________________________ If having not got any of my massive hints, the issue one wish list that is STILL on the fridge, the past 3 copies of indulge left open at specific pages on your bedside table, the exaggerated and repetitive conversations with my friends in your earshot for the ______________________________ that I want from ________________________________ then I at least deserve a ____________________________________ from ____________________________________ as well. My favourite stones are_________________________ however, I do have my eye on a _____________________________ . But I am also enamoured with that artist ______________________________ that Amber Knights covered – perhaps we can get a piece of their work for the house? I’d really like to take up ______________________________________________ would you arrange it / pay for it / join me at it (delete as appropriate) Please do not buy me a household gadget as a present. If we need it, great, buy it – but not as a gift for me. Although I wouldn’t mind a _______________________________ . I think John de Giorgio mentioned them once. If you want to give me a night off, you can take me to __________________________________________ they do a fantastic ______________________ and it would be a real treat for me. My favourite wine is __________________________ and I also enjoy_____ _____________________ , and neither ever gives me a headache…

indulge / Winter 2011 – 49

“My travels have taken me far and wide...”

Many, many years ago, as a young

from generation to generation, make

child, I read tales of epic journeys by the

this a heaven for lovers of all things

famous adventurers who discovered

sweet.

mysterious tea, colourful silk and even

Chocolates, all lovingly hand-made,

Often so far and so wide

more colourful stories. Fascinated, I

sent waves of pleasure through me at

grew up knowing I wanted to travel the

the first bite. And then for every bite

world. Looking back I’m amazed at

after that. As if that were not enough,

how much I got to explore throughout

the family crafts the most exquisite

a lifetime of travel.

confectionery, with traditional recipes

that I don’t quite know where to call home any more.

routes to the East and returned with

that express the very essence of the I have stacks upon stacks of photos. In

region.

most of these I have a smug smile, no doubt having just eaten something

My ancient Fiat won’t be taking me to

fabulous. I sometimes go through them,

Umbria this year. Luckily all of Muzzi’s

curling black and white photos of a

treats are available at The Wembley

younger man that I must say looked

Store, with cleverly matched selections

quite dashing back then! I’ve just come

of their signature delights all wrapped

across one of my favourites. There I

up and ready to be given as the perfect

stand, next to a little Fiat, flanked by

gift. Or for me to unwrap and relive

the Muzzi brothers, with a tray of fresh

those magical moments in Umbria.

Foligno confectionery in my hands. It isn’t much of a surprise that I seem so pleased! That was a long road-trip from the chilly Alps to sunny Sicily, punctuated neatly half way by the most indulgent week in Umbria where I came across the Muzzi family’s confectionery. Over two centuries of expertise, handed down 305, REPUBLIC STREET, VALLETTA WWW.THEWEMBLEYSTORE.COM

HOW I INDULGE

ANDREW WARRINGTON CLIMBING THE (ROCK) WALLS

52 –indulge / Winter 2011

ow do I indulge? Well, for my day job I run a busy marketing communications agency so I need to make the most of my down time to relax and unwind. Most of my indulgences are simple: my morning cappuccino, a good laugh with my partner, a grim war book and a run with my daughter. But aside from that, I need an outlet that will burn off any pent-up frustrations left over from work. For this I have found the best therapy is my passion for going vertical. For the last 27 years, after my first short rock climb on the Victoria Lines early in 1985, I have spent every available moment on the cliffs and mountains, wherever I could find them around the world. Rock climbing and mountaineering are much more than just another sport to the people who fall victim to their lure. Of all the people who try these sports, only a few will take them up as their main physical activity. But those who do usually become irretrievably hooked: climbing dominates our thoughts, inspires and motivates, drives us past our perceived boundaries of both body and mind. Through climbing I have discovered a new way to engage physically and spiritually with some of the most magnificent landscapes in the world, from the Swiss Alps to the Sierra Nevada in California to the High Andes in Bolivia. Instead of merely looking on as a tourist at some beautiful vista, climbing forces you to trudge up through the brush and undergrowth to the foot of a massive face, commit yourself to the challenge of hauling yourself up from one handhold to another, tackling the problems, suffering the wind, rain, thorns, loose rock and everything else that the face can throw at you before pulling over

the edge at the top. But once there, all the fear, exhaustion and self-doubt are washed away and this very private glow of success takes over, leaving you satisfied in the knowledge that you have earned that summit through sheer grit, toil and sweat. Once you discover this high, no tourist bus or guided tour can ever provide anything near the satisfaction of having cranked your way to the view from the top. Which may suggest that climbing is all about getting to the top, but it’s not. It’s all about instinctively managing a delicate balance between fine technical body movements, reading and using the tiniest rock features to best effect, protecting yourself against falling, ignoring pain and applying brute force liberally when it is needed. Looking at a rock face I find my mind immediately begins assessing its challenges, estimating my ability to tackle the daunting, overhanging reality stretching out above me. Self-doubt and fear of failing often seep into the equation. Then when I’m standing at the base all geared up with my climbing buddy on belay, I go for it with everything I’ve got. And when everything I’ve got runs out and I begin to whimper, I must dig deeper, to the darkest recesses to summon whatever anger and madness I can find inside – anything to avoid the hard embrace of the ground below! For me, climbing has become the dance of life. When I climb, I am free of mundane worries and chores, work responsibilities, errands and to-do lists. I am totally in the moment – I have to be! The next move, the next toe-hold or finger-jam, the next miniscule piece of protection and my trusted belayer below are all that stand between me and a messy conclusion to the day’s fun and games. At

that moment they are all that matter and I can put everything else aside and be 100% focused on the climb. Nothing clears the mind, enlivens the spirit - and grips the bowels - more than the need to haul up, hand over hand, to the top and once more avoid touching the void. Yes, climbing is a bit of an obsession for me and those few lifers who have been entrapped by it. I don’t think it is something that you choose as much as a drug that chooses you. From that first climb I have never looked back and in all these years I have never seriously considered giving up, despite the obvious incentives to quit. Aside from taking me to the most remote corners of the Maltese islands (to mention a few: Wied il-Bassasa, Il-Blata ta’ Xalati and the appropriately named Ras il-Waħx) and some pretty exotic mountainscapes overseas, it has taken me into other exciting realms as a by-product of this obsession. With the help of two co-authors I have published a guidebook to climbing in Malta documenting the 1300 established rock climbs here; dangled unsuspecting film and camera crews off the cliffs all around the islands and been fortunate enough to meet climbing celebrities from around the world. My most satisfying initiative to develop the sport locally came in 2005 when I successfully lobbied the then Minister of Tourism to promote Malta as a rock climbing destination. This resulted in the MTA-MRCC Bolting Project, a 10 year plan to make our cliffs safer and more accessible for climbers, both locals and visitors from overseas. Yet my greatest passion is still the rock climbing itself, the friends with whom I climb, and the opportunity to share my enjoyment with others who wish to be let into this strange and engaging world of the vertical.

If you would like to get a better idea of what all this is about and maybe have a try for yourself, visit www.climbmalta.com for a peek into the wonderful world of rock climbing in Malta. This is the official site of the Malta Rock Climbing Club and anyone wishing to give it a try is welcome to attend one of our Beginners’ Sessions, held monthly in winter, more frequently in summer. There are no age or fitness limitations, though obviously a good physique and a head for heights will help. If you like it as much as we do and think this could be a sport for you too, join the Club online and get ready to experience a vertical world that you never imagined existed at your doorstep. Andrew Warrington, President, Malta Rock Climbing Club - www.climbmalta.com - info@climbmalta.com indulge / Winter 2011 – 53

Phil Gibbs GETS INTO GOLF

Phil Gibbs

is a qualified rugby referee, cricket umpire, and weighttraining instructor. He plays for Malta Marauders Veterans rugby team.

Who invented golf?

Where is golf played?

Was it the Chinese, the Romans, the Belgians, the Dutch or the Scots? Well, the Chinese claim they played a game involving hitting a ball with a stick in 3000 BC, but strong evidence is lacking. The Romans certainly brought a stickand-ball street game to Europe, hitting a leather ball filled with feathers. However, golf as we know it today grew from stick-and-ball games played in different parts of Europe. The Flemish played a hockey – type game called chole as early as 1353, while the Dutch played a game called ‘Het Kolven’ in winter on the frozen canals, using wooden clubs called ‘kolf’, in the Middle Ages. “The modern name of golf derived from the word kolf, and the suggestion that it is an acronym of ‘Gentlemen Only, Ladies Forbidden’ is apocryphal.”

Golf is played on a course, consisting of either 9 or 18 numbered holes, which are generally played in order. Each hole has a tee area, from which the first shot of each hole must be played, and a green, which is a closely mown rolled grass area in which the actual hole is cut. This hole is marked with a flag to assist the players in aiming accurately at it from a distance. Between the tee and the green is a mown area of varying distance called a fairway. On either side of the fairway is an uncut area of a ground called ‘rough’, where the ball usually has to be played if it lands.

Women started playing competitively around 1810, the first Open Championship was played in 1861 and professional players appeared in the mid 1880s. The first Open prize money offered was the princely sum of ten pounds. The prize money for this year’s British Open was $1.43 million Today, golf is a 60 billion dollar industry, and one of the world’s most lucrative sports. Next year’s World Golf Championship to be held in South Africa will offer the biggest ever prize money of $10 million.

54 –indulge / Winter 2011

Interspersed throughout the course could be various natural obstacles, such as trees, bushes and lakes and, in addition, holes can be cut into the fairway in strategic positions and filled with sand. These are called bunkers, and provide further hazards for the player to avoid - if possible. Each golf course is individually designed so that no hole is the same. In this way, every course offers its own unique set of challenges.

31,000

There are currently over 31,000 golf courses around the world, and approximately 50 million players.

Are there different variations of the game? Golf is played to a strict set of rules, too numerous to mention in this article, which all players must adhere to. Within these, there are two variations in types of play, match play and stroke play. In match play, each hole is a separate contest. If you win the first hole, you are “one-up”, if you lose it, you are “onedown”, if you take the same number of strokes as your opponent, you halve it, and you are “all-square.” Players win the match when you are more holes up than there are left to play. For example, if you are three-up and there are only two holes left to play, you have won “three and two”. In stroke play, the player with the lowest total score for the round (or rounds) is the winner. Games are either played between two competitors (singles) or two pairs of players. The latter are played as either ‘fourballs’ in which all four players play a ball each, the better ball for each pair being the scoring ball, and ‘foursomes’ in which each pair plays one ball, hitting alternate shots.

What is par, and what are birdies, eagles and albatrosses? Par is the designated number of shots that an experienced player is expected

‘Fore’ – an abbreviation of the term fore-caddy, shouted to warn the ball spotter (the forward caddy) standing ahead of the players that the ball is heading their way.

to take at each hole. Par for the course is therefore the total number of hole pars for the entire course. Your score at any time in the round is related to the par score, so you can be over, under or even par. A birdie is a score of one shot under par for the hole, eagle is two shots, and albatross is three shots under par. A bogey is one shot over par for the hole, and a double bogey is two shots over.

What is scratch? Amateur golf uses a handicap system to enable players of differing abilities to play against each other on a more even basis. This system ranks players numerically according to their expertise. The higher the handicap, the poorer the player relative to those with lower handicaps. A scratch player has the lowest handicap number of 0, and is therefore expected to play each hole to par. Other players receive strokes according to their rating. For example, in stroke play a player with a handicap of 6 would deduct 6 strokes from his gross score for the round to get his net score.

What does out of bounds, unplayable lie and free drop mean? The outer limits of the playing area of each hole is marked by an out of bounds line. If the ball crosses this line, the player must take a penalty shot, and play another shot from where the original ball was hit, the dreaded stroke and distance penalty.

If the ball lands in any area of the course within bounds and it is deemed an unplayable lie, for example against a tree, the player can pick it up and drop it within two club lengths of where it originally landed, as long as its new position is no nearer to the hole than where it originally landed, or at any spot behind the original line, as long as it remains in line with the original lie and the hole. Whatever you choose to do, a penalty stroke is incurred. In certain circumstances, for example when the ball lands on ground under repair, no penalty stroke is incurred and the player gets a free drop. In other words, no penalty stroke is applied.

What happens if I lose my ball? If you cannot find your ball after searching for a maximum of 5 minutes, it can be replaced at the expense of a stroke and distance penalty. Otherwise, you must finish each hole with the same ball you started with. You can, however, switch to a different ball between holes, unless you are playing in a ‘one ball rule’ competition, in which case you must start and finish the competition with exactly the same brand and type of ball.

What equipment do I need? A set of clubs (maximum 14), a bag to put them in, a ball (or a few) and suitable footwear are the minimum

requirements. Plastic pegs called tees can also be used to raise the ball above the surface of the teeing - off area to facilitate a clean strike. There are several types of golf club to choose from when combining them to form a set to play any type of shot. They differ in how far you can hit the ball with them by having varying face angles. The higher the face angle, the higher the ball can go in the air. This is called loft. Most clubs are numbered according to the loft, so the lower the number, the further the ball will travel forward.

There are four main groups of clubs: Woods / Irons / Wedges / Putters The cost of clubs can vary enormously. The price of a new driver can range from 20 euros to 500 euros. If your budget is tight, second – hand sets are often the best choice for beginners.

Where can I play golf in Malta? There is only one golf course in Malta,The Royal Malta Golf Club, which was founded in 1888, is situated in Marsa. A round of golf there will set you back 60-70 euros, depending on the season. You can also hire a set of clubs if you don’t have your own. For more details, visit www.royalmaltagolfclub.com. indulge / Winter 2011 – 55

It’s hard enough to choose which channel to watch

John de Giorgio investigates which TV we should be watching

DOubLE yOuR INVESTmENT’S WORTH PRESENT THIS VOuCHER WHEN PuRCHASING yOuR GIFT AT VICTOR AZZOPARDI JEWELLERS THIS FESTIVE SEASON AND ENTER THE CHANCE TO RECEIVE THE FuLL VALuE bACK IN THE FORm OF A CREDIT NOTE REDEEmAbLE AGAINST ANy OTHER bRANDED PRODuCT AT VICTOR AZZOPARDI JEWELLERS, 178, mARINA SEAFRONT, PIETA’

often think it is just as well most people do not buy a new TV often as the process can be confusing: 3D or not 3D? Plasma or LCD? Full HD or HD Ready? The list goes on. I thought I would try and simplify matters for those thinking of buying a new flat-screen TV.

Standard, HD Ready or Full HD? NAmE & SuRNAmE CONTACT DETAILS

VALuE OF PuRCHASE

VICTOR AZZOPARDI JEWELLERS ExTEND THEIR WARmEST WISHES TO THEIR ESTEEmED CLIENTELE THIS FESTIVE SEASON

TVs come in 3 broad categories: standard, HD Ready and Full HD; the difference between them is clarity and cost. HD is broadcast at 1,080 lines per frame, called 1080p, rather than 720 lines, and with double the number of frames is clearer and more vibrant. An HD Ready TV is able to receive a 1080p signal but would then either downgrade it to 720 lines or, using a technique called interlacing, would simulate a higher quality. So how does it affect you? Well if you do not have an HD cable or satellite box, or the programme/channel you are watching is not in HD then clearly there will be no difference. In addition the difference between Full HD and HD Ready is more pronounced, the larger the TV set. If you want to pay for increased clarity beyond what you currently see and are prepared to pay the price, pull out your wallet!

Plasma or LCD? The choice between Plasma and LCD relates to the technology behind the way the TV is lit. This choice affects various factors not least of which is price but also clarity, contrast, their effectiveness in bright conditions, viewing angle of the TV, motion blur and even the electricity consumption.

178, Marina street, pietà ST ANNE STREET, FLORIANA I HILTON mALTA PORTOmASO, ST. JuLIANS

www.victorazzopardi.com I TEL: 2010 3715, 2010 2949

The main strengths of Plasma TVs are their accurate colour, their high contrast ratio (the darkness of the black bits of a picture and the graduations of the greys) and their ability to be viewed clearly even at an angle etc., However their energy consumption is significantly higher than LCDs and their lifespan is shorter, with the added side effect of suffering from screen burn. LED TVs are the new kid on the block and come in two types: standard LCD (CCFL back-lit) and LED-backlit LCD

TVs (usually referred to confusingly as LED TVs). LCD TVs maintain a high picture quality even in bright rooms as they suffer from less glare and offer higher brightness levels. On the other hand LCD TVs offer less accuracy to their colours with reds and greens being overemphasised, a reduced picture quality when viewed at an angle, as well as experiencing a slight blurring effect with high motion images due to the reduced lighting speed. But a standard LCD TV will consume approximately 25% less power than Plasma TV. Manufacturers have been able to address many of the negative points about standard LCD TVs however, the technology has not been proven in terms of longevity of the sets or picture blur. So what is holding LEDs from becoming the dominant technology? In one word: price. Typically an LED TV is approximately twice the price of an equivalent sized LCD TV. As the technology is still new, LEDs currently do not enjoy economies of scale however I feel that this is just a matter of time.

3D or not 3D? 3D technology has burst out of the cinema into our living rooms and it allows viewers, through an optical illusion, to visualise displayed images with a greater sense of relief (in the visual sense) with the action ‘popping out’ of the screen, deepening the viewing experience. Currently only a limited number of broadcasts are undertaken in 3D, mainly sporting events, although the number is expected to grow as sales of 3D TVs continue to sky rocket. Worry not – you can upgrade - 2D broadcasts can be viewed normally on a 3D TV. Probably the single greatest barrier for adoption has been the silly glasses and the price. To view a 3D broadcast on a 3D TV currently you need to wear 3D glasses sold by the same company as your TV. 3D glasses themselves come in two types, Passive and Active Shutter, as a result of the different formats supported by manufacturers. It looks like we are in for another format war! Active glasses have rapidly closing shutters and currently offer a better experience however Passive 3D glasses

seem to be catching up especially as they are cheaper. In addition, “Noglasses” 3D TV is expected within the next few years and is likely to fuel sales significantly. So, what else do you need for 3D TV? Well you need a 3D source. This could be a 3D Blue-Ray DVD or 3D content broadcast by your provider, although the latter is still scarce. If you have never experienced 3D TV it is worth a look, although prices are still very high, 3D TVs are de rigour.

TVs and the Internet Internet TV is the point of intersection of the 2 single most important entertainment platforms of our lifetime. Many traditional broadcasters today offer their content over the Internet as a digital searchable archive. Excellent implementations of this are the BBC iPlayer, ITV Player and Hulu as well as on-demand film archives such as NetFlix. As time spent watching TV continues to decline while time spent on the Internet is growing, it is little surprise that TV manufacturers are scrambling to remain relevant by providing access to Internet content on their TVs. An increasing number of manufacturers now offer Internet TV, a capability that allows users to navigate through Internet content on their TVs and easily access various broadcast services, and allow viewers to access the programmes they want to watch at a time convenient for them rather than when the content is broadcast.

However in addition products like Apple TV and Google TV allow the aggregation of content from various providers and to be plugged into an HD TV. While Google is currently struggling, Apple TV combined with Apple’s iTunes service allowing the purchase and even rental of films and programmes and controllable with your iPhone or iPad, is growing in leaps and bounds. Of course, you do not necessarily need Apple TV to do this. If you are comfortable with the technology, connect you computer to your HD TV over an HDMI cable and watch your downloaded or streamed films or connect to iPlayer or a similar service. The main difficulty here is that many services may not be available in Malta, an example being Netflix and much of the BBC iPlayer’s content, although there are a number of ways around this. The recent opening of the iTunes service for film purchase or rental from Malta is of course a great advance. Now light up the fire, cosy up on the sofa and turn on the box.

John de Giorgio

has been a gadgetman as long as he remembers with a long-standing interest in how things work. He has run a software company for the last 27 years, keeping him close to technology. indulge / Winter 2011 – 57

www.chimento.it

NObLESSE cOLLEcTION 18CT GOLD WITH semI-preCIOus sTOnes anD FuLL-CuT DIamOnDs

178, Marina street, pietà ST ANNE STREET, FLORIANA I HILTON mALTA PORTOmASO, ST. JuLIANS

www.victorazzopardi.com I TEL: 2010 3715, 2010 2949

FAMOUS CAR COLLECTIONS

Some names keep cropping up when it comes to famous car collections. Malcolm J Naudi looks at three of the more noteworthy.

Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic

Malcolm J Naudi

loves Christmas. He really would like to have more time: quality time for the family; time to enjoy life with friends; and the odd bottle of fine wine to enjoy with them

ollywood celebrities have their fair share of bling, yet the one personality who has turned his collection into a business is Jay ‘the chin’ Leno of The Tonight Show fame. Leno’s collection covers a century of car-making history from a 1906 Baker electric car and a 1906 Stanley Steamer to a 2006 Corvette. It includes a number of rare cars, like a Monteverde, the Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic, which is one of two surviving models (the other is owned by Ralph Lauren) and a turbine motorcycle. Among the favourite cars in his collection are a Duesenberg SJ, a McLaren F1, a 1913 Mercer Raceabout and the 1955 Buick with which, as a struggling comic, he first came to California. He also slept in the car outside comedy clubs until he made his name. Leno takes pride in restoring his cars and then also driving them on his local

60 –indulge / Winter 2011

California roads, where on weekends or during breaks from the TV show, he is often seen in some exotic car or waiting to be picked up after one has broken down. He is also an excellent cook and hosts friends and guests at his garage (read all about it at www.jaylenosgarage.com). The Sultan of Brunei has one of the world’s largest car collections – over 3,600, said to be worth in excess of $5 billion. He is the only Ferrari client for which the Italian supercar maker will build a stationwagon (he owns six). But that is not all; among his custom-built collection are Bentley 4x4s and stretch Range Rovers. The ‘regular’ cars in his collection include nine McLaren F1s, 130 RollsRoyces and 199 Ferraris, apart from hundreds of Mercedes-Benz models. The collection is housed in an enormous, humidity controlled hangar built specially for it.

Earlier this year, fashion icon Ralph Lauren had an exhibition of his car collection at the Decorative Arts Museum in Paris. Lauren once wrote: “I have always seen cars as art. Moving art. While friends of mine were into paintings, I somehow felt that the real beauty of owning a rare and magnificently designed car was the fact that you can use it.” He went on: “This means both enjoying the drive itself and going somewhere with it. How these cars were put together, the purposefulness with which they were created, in every detail – the engine, the mechanics, the outside ornaments, the design of the wheels, the whole spirit – is very, very exciting. “And on top of that you have the men who created these cars, Mr Porsche, Mr Bugatti, Mr Ferrari, and their backgrounds, their heritages, their fascinating histories, their reasons for driving and building these cars – I find it all very stimulating.” Apart from the 57SC Bugatti Atlantique Coupé, Lauren owns two McLaren F1s, including a special Le Mans version of which only five were made, the Mercedes-Benz SSK Count Trossi, possibly one of the most beautiful cars ever made, and the original 300 SL Gullwing, a 19329 Bentley Blower, a 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C, several Ferraris, including the 375 Plus

(1954), 250 Testa Rossa (1958), 250 GTO (1962), 250 LM (1964), Jaguars and the Porsche 550 Spyder of 1958. If you want to hear the sound of these cars’ engines, visit www. ralphlaurencarcollection.co.uk. One thing we always hear about cars is that they are a depreciating asset. Well, these three gentlemen have a different take on four-wheeled beauties. As with anything bespoke and limited edition, the rules of supply and demand mean that prices remain resilient. I would like to think that there is more than investment potential in these collections from personalities who have taken their love of cars to a totally different dimension.

“I have always seen cars as art. Moving art.”

Lotus Exige

indulge / Winter 2011 – 61

YA C H T M A N 3 IDEA - CONCEPT - ICON

178, Marina street, pietà ST ANNE STREET, FLORIANA I HILTON mALTA PORTOmASO, ST. JuLIANS

www.victorazzopardi.com I TEL: 2010 3715, 2010 2949

BEN STUART ENJOYS CRUISING INTO THE SUNSET

n the Autumn issue, I wrote about the upcoming events this winter. As you look out of your window it is clear to see that Winter has well and truly set in (yes indeed, squinting against the clear sunlight I can make out a cloud on the horizon, I hastily put on my long sleeved shirt) ...well ok... if you look at the UK weather you could confirm the arrival of Winter, for us it is somewhat a notional concept. Enough of that, the sea has its ups and downs (sic) just like the rest of us and it generally chooses to show us around January, early February and for some reason, Easter time. However, from my perspective, winter cruising is very much an opportunity. There is a whole aspect to sailing that generally gets left in the background and that is the topic of my writing today; Cruising. In today’s world yachting is very easily viewed as a few days gin and tonic sailing on the highest performance yacht one can afford. Cruising does not fit into this picture. Cruising ( at least to me) is the

romantic branch of the yachting world. Time is not that relevant if you are cruising. History, culture, beauty, romance are all ingredients in the cruisers world. It is a breath of fresh air in todays life and its inherent obligations. Cruising, all the trappings disappear and you find yourself surrounded by nature and after a while, if you allow yourself, you adopt the rhythm of the natural world around you. This is where the skills and seemingly oblique lessons taught by your sailing instructor or passed on by the old seadog down the end of some bar somewhere come into play. How best to lash a sail. How and where to lay your anchor for the night, reading the stars. It would appear that these are phrases from some Hornbloweresque novel however they are as true today as since man first went on a vessel to adventure on the seas. The lessons of the yachting world are best learnt in conversation and through practice. To this end winter provides a great opportunity to also catch up on the conversation side.

Locally the Malta Cruising Club use the winter time to organise talks and get-togethers aimed at sharing experiences and knowledge between members and those who are new to yachting or lack experience in travelling away from our shores. I have made it a goal to swim every week of the year! Which means, as I explained to my wife the other day... “that I need every possible advantage to get into the ‘zone’ mentally “ to allow me to achieve such a formidable goal, including having to sail up to Comino for the occasional weekend accompanied by my coach ( my mate Steve) my personal trainer (Leighton) and my foreign consultant on wellness (Dirk). My wife has been very obliging and promptly booked a shoe shopping trip to Florence – I didn’t ask her why I needed shoes or why she needed to go to Florence to get them but apparently Florence has some of the best shoes and somehow that will benefit my swimming. I am very lucky to have such a supporting wife. indulge / Winter 2011 – 63

Put a team of four together and spend Saturday afternoons on the water in a series of short races against other teams in identical boats. If the right days are chosen it really is a good time of year to sail. Failing which you also have the chance to sail on various levels. The Camper & Nicholsons Grand Harbour Marina Winter Series is set to go from mid January to end of March. Put a team of four together and spend Saturday afternoons on the water in a series of short races against other teams in identical boats. Grab one experienced sailor and get started. A great way to learn, have fun and compete. www.cnmarinas.com/ghm/fleetrace The Royal Malta Yacht Club have their winter race calendar in place. If you wonder how seriously we take sailing in Malta just remember that four of the top five placings overall were Maltese boats. So if you wish to get more competitive racing done. www.rmyc.org/races There is also a new organisation in town – the Malta Sail Training Association which offers the opportunity for individuals from all walks of life to experience sailing on a tall ship, a unique opportunity for a life changing adventure. Dont forget to keep up with the Malta49er’s ; Malta’s Sailing entry in The Olympics. www.malta49er.com So if it is joining me for a swim in Comino, meeting up for a drink and chat with the members of the Cruising Club, taking part in a local race or just watching Seb and Benji at the Olympics this winters yachting scene is very much alive and well in Malta. Remember; 86% of our territory is covered by the sea and there are now plenty of ways and reasons to explore it.

Ben Stuart,

General Manager at Grand Harbour Marina, talks to us about the pleasures and practicalities of yachting in Malta.

64 –indulge / Winter 2011

S & D Yachts Ltd

Tel: (+356) 2133 1515, 2133 9908 • Mobile: (+356) 9947 7753 • Email: info@sdyachts.com

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS There’s so much to do in the coming days, remember to enjoy yourself with your preparations, Christmas does just come once a year after all!

December 2nd

BOOK THE PANTO!

11th

TOP UP YOUR CHRISTMAS CAKE WITH BRANDY!

4th

VISIT THE ARTISAN FAIR AT THE PHOENICA HOTEL

13th

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SHOP TILL YOU DROP EVERY DAY AT

PUT UP YOUR TREE AND DECORATE!

Open From 10am to 10pm Christmas Eve- 10am to 6pm Christmas Day- Only restaurants open NYE- 10am to 6pm NY day- 10am to 10pm

19th

21st

LAST DAY FOR POSTING CARDS TO THE EU! Experience a white Christmas in Malta, inside Bay Street’s Giant Snow Globe. This attraction lets you enjoy a snow filled Christmas inside a life size snow globe with family or friends. It fits a group of eight people and is Christmas fun that both adults and children can enjoy. Each visitor will receive a complimentary memorable photograph. Visit the snow globe from the 26th November till the 8th January. For more information visit www.baystreet.com.mt.

8th

DO YOU NEED MORE GAS?

25th

178, Marina street, pietà ST ANNE STREET, FLORIANA I HILTON mALTA PORTOmASO, ST. JuLIANS