JANUARY2020 2022 AUTUMN If you were to ask anyone when the best time to visit the Maltese Islands was, you would, without a shadow of a doubt, be told the summer months. Though July and August are indeed optimal times to visit the islands, we’re here to introduce you to the myriad of things you can do on a trip to the country during the winter months. This issue of Oh My Malta is jam-packed with day trips and cultural outings, for the more adventurous lone travellers as well as for families with kids. As we enter the month of January, tourists from colder countries will surely appreciate that though it may be slightly too chilly to sit on the beach this month, outdoor activities such as walks, hikes and even picnics in sweaters are not only perfectly doable, but arguably even better suited for this beautiful crisp weather! In addition to our in-depth calendar of events, this issue focuses on local talent, such as a Maltese designer with 10 years experience in the industry, who is making waves overseas, traditional Maltese food and an exciting food tour of the silent city of Mdina. Speaking of the old capital, discover the city’s secrets as you navigate through its narrow, winding streets, following our tailor-made guide. Where the pandemic is concerned, Malta is one of the safest places to be in Europe at this point in time, with low infection rates and an impressive vaccination drive. Travel restrictions have been eased and measures associated with the majority of industries on the islands are almost non-existent, making Malta the place to be this month. We couldn’t be happier to welcome you!
Xlendi, Gozo
We launched the Malta Tourism Strategy 2021 – 2030, an ambitious initiative aimed at placing the industry on solid foundations, ready to face the challenges and grab the opportunities that lie ahead. Faced with the pandemic scenario, the Strategy is built on three pillars - Recover, Rethink and Revitalise; Three pillars that are a call to action to all private and public sector stakeholders. Three pillars to reboot our tourism industry, fire up its economic pistons again and strategise with the future as our focus. Our vision embraces a wide range of horizontal attributes ranging from the developmental to the environmental, infrastructural, digital, social, traditional, gastronomical and motivational attributes, amongst others. Turning to timelines, the Strategy will initially focus on recovery. The objective is to close the gap between current losses and the critical mass required to ramp up
the industry back to acceptable levels of operation and profitability. In parallel with rebuilding numbers, we will also be rethinking our entire approach with a view to revitalising it. This is the highway we shall be barrelling down till 2030. Tourism continues to be a key contributor to our country’s economic and social wellbeing. It brings out the best of who we are and what we have to offer - warm hospitality, natural and cultural diversity, a perfect climate, 7,000 years of history, creative innovation and participative experiences. The Strategy aims to enhance all that makes this great country of ours uniquely attractive to tourists and to us who live here. It also addresses those elements that require attention to ensure that the industry remains an economic powerhouse in the years to come. So I eagerly invite you to join me in the call to Recover, Rethink and Revitalise.
CLAYTON BARTOLO Minister for Tourism and Consumer Protection
CONTENTS Issue 14 • January 2022 Oh My Malta is a B2B publication, published quarterly in partnership, with the Malta Tourism Authority. It promotes Malta and Gozo as a destination and treats readers to different aspects of Maltese life, culture, culinary delights and business Published by
HISTORY AND CULTURE
WHAT'S HAPPENING Coordinating Editors Amy Micallef Decesare Philippa Zammit Sales Coordinator Marisa Schembri mschembri@mediatoday.com.mt Design Amy Micallef Decesare Philippa Zammit Photography James Bianchi Registered Address Vjal ir-Riħan San Gwann SGN9016 Malta Email mschembri@mediatoday.com.mt Contact Number +356 2138 2741 Cover St Paul's Cathedral, Mdina
6 Events happening
around Malta and Gozo
14
Exploring the old capital
19
A 17th century cathedral
20
Game of Thrones locations in malta
22
The Legends of Gozo
28
32
NATURE 26 Up and down Marfa ridge
42
FOOD, FOOD, FOOD
LOCAL TALENT
29 Tomato picking in in
42 Interview with Yana
32 Interview with
46 Take me home
Binġemma
Daniel Pisani
34 Traditional recipe 36 Eateries to help you stay healthy
40 Mdina food tour
Azzopardi
WHAT'S ON 1 January
MET Live: Cinderella Spazju Kreattiv Cinema, St James Cavalier, Valletta
Laurent Pelly’s storybook staging of Massenet’s Cendrillon is presented with an all-new English translation in an abridged 90-minute adaptation, with mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard as its rags-to-riches princess. Maestro Emmanuel Villaume leads a delightful cast, which includes mezzo-soprano Emily D’Angelo as Cinderella’s Prince Charming, soprano Jessica Pratt as her Fairy Godmother, and mezzosoprano Stephanie Blythe and bass-
baritone Laurent Naouri as her feuding guardians. Get your tickets from www.kreattivita. org
4 January
Vocal masterclass with Jennifer Larmore Palazzo De La Salle, 219, Republic Street, Valletta
A classical singing masterclass with the superb international star and mezzo soprano Jennifer Larmore. The masterclass is open to ten active participants and ten passive participants. Those interested and would like more information kindly email cv on clareghi@hotmail.com
6,9,12,18 January
The Lost Leonardo Spazju Kreattiv Cinema, St James Cavalier, Valletta | 19:30
A painting bought for $1175 becomes the most expensive artwork ever sold – and it may not even be by Leonardo da Vinci. He film tells the inside story behind the Salvator Mundi, the most expensive painting ever sold at $450 million, claimed to be a long-lost masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci. From the moment it is purchased from a shady New Orleans auction house, and its buyers discover masterful brushstrokes beneath its cheap restoration, the fate of the Salvator
Motherhood Exhibition
Mundi is driven by an insatiable quest for fame, money and power. But as its price soars, so do questions about its authenticity. Is this multi-million dollar painting actually by Leonardo – or do certain power players simply want it to be? Unravelling the hidden agendas of the world’s richest men and most powerful art institutions, The Lost Leonardo reveals how vested interests became all-important, and the truth secondary. Get your tickets from https://www. kreattivita.org
13 January
Motherhood exhibition by Mixa TMalta Society of Arts, Palazzo la Salle, Valletta | 13:00
Mixa is a narrative artist based in Malta. This exhibition looks at some of the different facets of Motherhood: the emotional, physical and spiritual aspects, portrayed through a series of oil paintings by Michelle Gialanze. Join her on her journey of painting and living as she exhibits a selection of paintings from her latest series.
13 January
Malta Indie Shorts Spazju Kreattiv Cinema, St James Cavalier, Valletta | 19:30 - 21:00
Malta Indie Shorts is an exciting event for local filmmakers and audiences. Each month, three notable short films which were produced and shot here in Malta, are showcased at Spazju Kreattiv
Yasmina Reza Cinema, There is also a chat with each of the directors. This audience interaction is vital for filmmakers. The public also gets a great chance to learn about filmmaking, through artists working right here in Malta & Gozo. For full programme visit www.kreattivita.org
14-23 January
Art by Yasmina Reza M Space, Oscar Zammit Street, Msida
WhatsTheirNames Theatre returns with a new production of this hilarious, widely acclaimed comedy by Yasmina Reza, directed by Malcolm Galea and starring Nathan Brimmer, Philip LeoneGanado and Joseph Zammit. Sage has bought a contemporary painting - a completely white canvas for a huge sum of money. Marc hates the painting and cannot believe that any friend of his could possibly want it. Yvan attempts, unsuccessfully, to placate both sides. As battle lines are drawn and a 15-
year friendship is pushed to breaking point, the three are forced to ask: What is the value of art, of friendship, of money? Are you who you think you are or are you who your friends think you are? Get your tickets from bluebox. azurewebsites.net
14-29 January
Valletta Baroque Festival 2022 Various Locations
The Valletta Baroque Festival has always been one of Europe’s most prestigious festivals, known for its eclectic programme of early 17th and 18th century music. The festival will be celebrating its decennial edition, now under the auspices of Festivals Malta, the cultural agency responsible for a diverse portfolio of festivals including Carnival, the Malta Jazz Festival, the Malta International Arts Festival, Notte
Joseph Calleja and Andrea Bocelli
Valletta Baroque Festival
Bianca and Mużika Mużika, among others. The festival will include a total of 36 concerts held in 18 different venues throughout Malta. Festivals Malta CEO, Annabelle Stivala, commented that the concerts will be held just over a period of two weeks, making it “a very intense but ultimately rewarding programme”. Kenneth Zammit Tabona, Artistic Director of the Valletta Baroque Festival, explains that while Baroque music was initially not as popular and central among local audiences, the festival gradually flourished and now attracts a
views of most of Malta (East to West practically), as well as spectacular sea views and some historical buildings and landmarks as you trek through Girgenti and Fawwara. The terrain is mostly garrigue and most likely dry even after rain. Don't forget to bring water, wear good trekking shoes and positive vibes.
performing in over 250 cities across more than 50 countries. Matt masterfully jokes about language, nationality, & global/regional customs; as well as his and our perceptions of them. Throughout, the show aims a focused message: that we dismiss the equation ‘familiar equals good.’ Get your tickets from www.eventbrite.com
16, 23, 30 January
Round Trek vast number of patrons both local and foreign. The programme is set to include a variety of performances, including Handel’s Water Music, Vivaldi’s Four Seasons for organ, Preludes and Moogs by Art of Moog, and the Handel’s opera Aci, Galatea and Polifemo among others. The festival also features performances by the Valletta Baroque Ensemble and the Monteverdi. For the full programme, visit www.vallettabaroquefestival.mt or send an email to info.fm@festivals.mt for more information.
16 January
Round Trek Siġġiewi Parish Church | 9:30am
A 12.5km trek starting from Siġġiewi Parish Church led by Jeremy Cutajar, where you can expect to take in
XFactor Live Shows MFCC - Malta Fairs & Conventions Centre, Attard
The four, final X FACTOR shows, will be held live from MFCC in January 2022. Attend these shows and be part of the audience to cheer your favourite contestant. Get your tickets from showshappening.com.
19 January
Not Sure When, but Then! With Matt Davis Valletta
Stand up meets storytelling in a show written around the world, as Matt Davis stitches a personal narrative underneath ideas developed while
Stand up comedy by Matt Davis
21-23 January
MedFilm in Malta Spazju Kreattiv Cinema, St James Cavalier, Valletta
The first edition of “MedFilm in Malta – We love the sea”, organised by Costantino Films Ltd in collaboration with the MedFilm Festival of Rome, chaired by Ginella Vocca and Giovanni Costantino, is part of an international partnership with the film festivals of Formentera, Palma de Mallorca, Menorca, Ortigia, Alghero and Montenegro and supported by National Geographic. MedFilm in Malta aims to combine the love of cinema with that of the environment and, in particular, the protection of the sea. In addition to this, it intends to make “all the cultural shores of the Mediterranean Sea get to know each other and establish a dialogue”. The theme of the Mediterranean and its many cultures is a stimulus to reconsider who we are and what our potential is. This is why we eight
XFACTOR Live Shows
Bolshoi: Jewels works are presented (4 feature films and 4 short films) directly from the MedFilm Festival in Rome, now in its 27th edition. With the four National Geographic documentaries and with the help of the Eco Marine Malta Team (who will speak at the end of the screenings), we will investigate the beauty and fragility of our sea, part of the vastness of the oceans but also the fulcrum of our cultures. For more information visit www. kreattivita.org
22 January
In DJ set, always faithful to the vinyl support to the point of cutting his own copies, or in live behind his machines, Umwelt delivers a fierce, dark and cinematographic music at the crossroads between the classics and an assumed modernity. Get your tickets from www.showshappening.com
22 January
SKETCH : UMWELT
Australia Day Two Buoys, 106, Triq Spinola, San Giljan
Liquid Club, San Gwann, Malta | 21:00
The organisers have got a few plans up their sleeve, including a special Aussie menu, a new location, the return of thong throwing, fairy bread
As a producer hailing from the underground Rave scene of the 90’s, Umwelt has gone through the ages
VBF Oh My Malta.pdf
without ever feel the need to be under the strobe or follow the hype. Author of an important discography including on his own Rave Or Die and New Flesh Recordings labels, his productions play the card of a specific and excessive electro-techno sound.
1
29/11/2021
(of course), Bundy Rum, and more! To book your place, send a message on their Facebook page twobuoysmalta
23 January
Bolshoi: Jewels (Live) Spazju Kreattiv Cinema, St James Cavalier, Valletta | 19:30 - 21:00
Emeralds for the elegance and sophistication of Paris, rubies for the speed and modernity of New York, and diamonds for an imperial St. Petersburg.
10:28
Joseph Calleja and Andrea Bocelli
C
M
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CM
MY
CY
CMY
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VALLETTA BAROQUE FESTIVAL
JANUARY 14 - 29, 2022 vallettabaroquefestival.mt In collaboration with
schools of Paris, New York and St. Petersburg that made a vital impact on the revered choreographer’s career.
27 January
Middle Eastern Sharing Plates Workshop
Mediterranean Culinary Academy, Triq l-Oratorju, Naxxar
Three sparkling scenes accompanied by the music of three essential composers, feature the styles of the three dance schools that have contributed to making George Balanchine a legend of modern ballet.
A colourful feast of dishes including pumpkin with mint and sumac, baked filo tart with ġbejna and kale and vibrant crunchy salad with an orange blossom dressing and much more. This workshop will showcase seasonal vegetables creating a diverse range of dishes to create a feast of colours and textures.
This glamorous triptych was inspired by Balanchine’s visit to the famous jeweler Van Cleef & Arpels on New York’s Fifth Avenue, and created as an homage to the cities and dance
The fruit and vegetables that you will use are sourced from local, young farmers, growing organically. Drawing upon flavours from the Middle East and the Mediterranean each dish will
Middle Eastern Masterclass
Photo: Paul Herrera
highlight how beautiful and satisfying vegetables can be if treated in the right way. The chef instructors will demonstrate how to create a balanced yet dynamic spread of food that will have all your friends showering you with compliments and asking for the recipes! Reserve your place from www. mcamalta.com
28, 29 January
Skald
Spazju Kreattiv Theatre, St James Cavalier, Valletta
Skald is a quintet recently to breathe life into Maltese literature and culture with their own blend of original music. Following their debut album Kura in June 2021, the local band Skald shall be hosting an event at Spazju Kreattiv whereby the audience can enjoy a selection of album tracks as well
Catherine Zuber. Baritone Quinn Kelsey, a commanding artist at the height of his powers, brings his searing portrayal of the title role to the Met for the first time, starring alongside soprano Rosa Feola as Gilda and tenor Piotr Beczała as the Duke of Mantua, with leading maestro Daniele Rustioni on the podium. Get your tickets from www.kreattivita. org
The Humans
30 January as new material in a more intimate setting. For more information visit www. kreattivita.org
28 January - 13 March
The Ordinary Lives of Women Space A, Spazju Kreattiv, St James Cavalier, Valletta
The rhetoric around feminism often focuses on the achievement of individual women, justifying equality with men through the accomplishments of a small number of talented women. This celebration of individual breakthroughs leaves little space in which to acknowledge the value of women going about their daily lives. Women make up half of the world’s population; their struggles are the world’s struggles. The Ordinary Lives of Women is a recognition of the value of everyday women, and women’s contribution to humanity. It acknowledges the trillions of woman-hours that are spent daily around the world in undervalued tasks of cleaning, caring and maintenance. The exhibition also recognises that ‘ordinary’ women have been pushed to extraordinary acts when their rights and lives – and those of their societies – have come
under threat. When circumstances dictate, women emerge from their traditional domestic roles to adopt a revolutionary stance.
The Humans
For more information visit www. kreattivita.org
Erik Blake has gathered three generations of his Pennsylvania family to celebrate Thanksgiving at his daughter’s apartment in lower Manhattan. As darkness falls outside and eerie things start to go bump in the night, the group’s deepest fears are laid bare.The piercingly funny and haunting debut film from writerdirector Stephen Karam, adapted from his Tony Award-winning play, The Humans explores the hidden dread of a family and the love that binds them together. The Humans features a great ensemble cast including Amy Schumer, Richard Jenkins, Steven Yeun and Beanie Feldstein.
29 January
Malta Film Awards Malta Conference Centre, Valletta | 21:00
The Malta Film Commission is proud to host the first-ever Malta Film Awards. Celebrating a story of 100 years of filmmaking, Malta will be awarding local crew for their skills and talent in local films, television series, documentaries, and short films. The Malta Film Awards will be broadcasted live on television and social media platforms.
Spazju Kreattiv Cinema, St James Cavalier, Valletta | 20:00
Get your tickets from www.kreattivita.
29 January
MET Live: Rigolettos Spazju Kreattiv Cinema, St James Cavalier, Valletta
Tony Award–winning director Bartlett Sher creates a bold new take on Verdi’s timeless tragedy, resetting the opera’s action in 1920s Europe, with Art Deco sets by Michael Yeargan and elegant costumes by
The Boat is nominated for Best Film Award Squid Game
A MUST-SEE COMEDY THIS JANUARY
Nathan Brimmer and Joseph Zammit in WhatsTheirNames production of Midsummer Night's Dream (2021)
WhatsTheirNames Theatre, the company behind the ever-popular Shakespeare in the Pub and Shakespeare in the Garden series, returns this January with the hilarious, widely acclaimed comedy Art by Yasmina Reza. Art, which was first produced in France in 1996 and has won countless awards including the Tony Award for Best New Play, dives into a 15-year friendship between three men who find their relationship pushed to breaking point when one of them pays a huge amount of money 12 OH MY MALTA
for a work of contemporary art: a completely white painting. Serge cannot understand why his friends aren’t as excited about his new artwork as he is. Marc hates the painting and cannot believe any friend of his could possibly want it. Yvan attempts, unsuccessfully, to placate both sides. As battle lines are drawn, old wounds reopen, and the basis of their friendship is called into question. The three are forced to ask: what is the value of art, of friendship, of money? Are you who you are or who your
friends think you are? Directed by Malcolm Galea and starring Nathan Brimmer, Philip Leone-Ganado and Joseph Zammit, Art holds particular significance for WhatsTheirNames Theatre. The company first staged the play, with the same director and cast, back in 2010, earning hugely positive reviews and firmly establishing the company’s presence on the Maltese theatre scene. The same team has been producing theatre together ever since, and is now returning to Art to kickstart a new season of work after the difficulties brought about by the pandemic. “Art was one of the first plays we ever worked on together, and to be able to return to it now and share this fantastic comedy with a whole new audience, and many people who heard about our first production but never got to see it, is incredibly special,” says Philip LeoneGanado, who plays Marc in the production.
Philip Leone-Ganado
“Just like our characters, we’ve now been friends for more than a decade. We’ve been through our ups and downs: we’ve worked, laughed and travelled together, we’ve changed as people, and we’ve also fought – a lot. We’re really excited to be able to bring all that history back into this performance and find out, like in all long friendships, what’s changed and what’s stayed exactly the same.” Joseph Zammit, who plays Yvan, describes the production as a treat for theatre audiences who love smart comedy that tackles big questions with a light, hilarious touch. “This play asks what happens when the people you’ve been friends with for ages are no longer the same people they were when you first met them, and how we deal with the people we love not loving the same things we do. But really, it’s uncovering what happens when the gloves come off and adults start to behave like children, when you finally reveal all the things your friends do that drive you up the wall,” Zammit says.
Joseph Zammit
“Author Yasmina Reza is known for the witty, sparkling dialogue that makes Art incredibly relatable and absolutely hysterical. We’ve been having an incredible time in rehearsals – reconnecting with these characters and trying hard to keep a straight face throughout it all. I have no doubt audiences will enjoy it as much as we do!” Art will take place on January 14-16 and 21-23 at the Blue Box Theatre at MSpace, Msida. The play will be staged in English. Tickets can be purchased online at www.bluebox.mt. For more information visit www. facebook.com/whatstheirnames or email whatstheirnames. theatre@gmail.com. Nathan Brimmer
EXPLORING THE OLD CAPITAL
Mdina, also known as Medina, Citta Vecchia, Citta Notabile is a fortified city, which served as the island’s capital from antiquity, all the way up to the medieval period. Even today, the city is still confined within its walls and has a population of 300. Let’s get into the history, shall we? The Silent City was founded as Maleth by Phoenician settlers around the 8th century BC, which was taken over by the Romans in 218 BC, becoming known as Melite. Ancient Melite was around three times larger than the Mdina we know today. At some point following the fall of the western Roman Empire, a retrenchment was build within the city, reducing it to its present size, to make the perimeter more easily defendable. In 870, Byzantine Melite was besieged by Aghlabids, led by Halaf al-Hādim. After the city fell to the invaders, inhabitants were killed, Melite was destroyed and the churches were looted. In fact, marble from Melite’s churches was used to build the castle of Sousse in Tunisia. Archeological evidence suggests that the city was a thriving Muslim settlement by the start of the 11th century. However, by 1091, Malta was subsequently incorporated into the County and later, into the Kingdom of Sicily. The city remained to be the capital of Malta throughout the Middle Ages, all the way up until the arrival of the Order of St John, in 1530. The nobles ceremoniously handed over the keys to Mdina to Grand Master Philippe Villiers de L’IsleAdam, but the Order settled in Birgu, with Mdina losing its status as capital city. During the 1540s, the fortifications began to be upgraded and in 1551, the city withstood a brief Ottoman attack. During the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, Mdina was the base of the Order’s cavalry and after the siege, fortifications were again upgraded when the De Redin Bastion was built in the mid-17th century. In 1722, newly elected Grand Master Antonio Manoel de Vilhena issued orders for the renovation of the city, during which strong French Baroque elements were introduced to what was still largely a medieval city. In 1798, Mdina was captured by French forces. However, a Maltese uprising broke out in September, leading to a two-year uprising and blockade and the locals setting up a National Assembly. It worked! In 1800, the French surrendered and Malta became a British protectorate. Today, Mdina is on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and as one can imagine, is one of Malta’s main tourist attractions, hosting around 750,000 a year. No cars are allowed in Mdina and the city displays an unusual, beautiful mix of Norman and Baroque architecture, Folk Festival including a number of palaces.
THINGS TO SEE IN THE SILENT CITY
ST PAUL'S CATHEDRAL
KNIGHTS OF ST JOHN EXPERIENCE
This spot is a Roman Catholic Cathedral, dedicated to St Paul the Apostle. Founded in the 12th century, it stands on the site where, according to tradition but often regarded as a myth, Roman governor Publius met St Paul, following his shipwreck on Malta. The original cathedral was severely damaged during the 1693 Sicily earthquake, and therefore, it was dismantled and rebuilt in the Baroque style, according to a design by Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafà between 1696 and 1705 and has often been regarded as his masterpiece. Tickets must be purchased to visit the Cathedral, which can be bought from the museum, on the right of the Cathedral.
The Knights of Malta experience takes visitors back to the 16th century, when the Grand Master L’ Isle Adam arrived in the silent city of Mdina and entered the gates of the fortified city. The special sound effects and lighting, coupled with the life-like figures allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the experience, which is tailor-made for the young and old alike, bringing to life both the terrors and the celebrations of what can only be described as an epic period of Malta’s history. The Knights of Malta experience is on Magazine Street in Mdina and is open seven days a week, between 10am and 5pm.
PALAZZO FALSON HOUSE MUSEUM
MUSEUM OF NATIONAL HISTORY
Discover the second oldest building in Mdina, the 13th-century palazzo, which exemplifies Sicilian-Norman style. During the Middle Ages, the palace was home to Maltese noble family of Capt. Olof Frederick Gollcher (1889-1962) but it has since been converted into a museum of fine arts and antiquities. Each of the rooms display a treasure trove of artworks, including the Alof de Wignacourt medal, which dates back to 1607, 17th century paintings by Nicolas Pouissin, Mattia Preti, Sir Anthony Van Dyck and others, as well as a library with more than 4,500 books. The museum is located on Villegaignon Street and tickets can be found online, as well as at the museum itself.
Mdina’s National Museum of Natural History is housed within the former magisterial palace of justice, an impressive and stunning 18th century building, which was designed in Parisian Baroque style for Grand Master Antonio Manoel de Vilhena. The museum has extensive collections of geology and palaeontology, as well as an ornithology collection. The highlight is the birds display, which features exhibits regarding the natural habitats of Maltese birds, fish and mammals, with sections dedicated to Malta’s national bird, Il-Merill and national plant, Widnet il-Baħar. OH MY MALTA
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A 17TH CENTURY CATHEDRAL As we focus on the old capital of Mdina in this issue, we cannot help but feature one of the city's main attractions: St Paul's Cathedral. With its tumultuous history and undeniable links to Paul the Apostle, we think it's worth a feature and a visit Though the Maltese Islands are famous for their stunning village feasts, most of which take place during the summer months, many don't realise that there are countless other feasts celebrated throughout the rest of the year, too! One of those feasts is that of the Conversion of St Paul the Apostle, which is celebrated locally during the liturgical year on 25 January, at St Paul’s Cathedral in Mdina. THE HISTORY The Metropolitan Cathedral of St Paul, commonly known as St Paul’s Cathedral is located in Mdina and is dedicated to St Paul the Apostle. As many have heard, according to the tradition, the site of the cathedral was originally occupied by a palace that belonged to St Publius, the Roman governor of Melite (ancient Mdina). According to the story, St Publius was the person who greeted Paul the Apostle, after he was shipwrecked in Malta. Though there are remains of a Roman domus in the crypt that is still present today and the tradition is commonly believed, the version of events is not completely supported by historians. Let’s fast forward! The first cathedral that stood on the site is said to have been dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. However, during the Arab period and after the Aghlabid invasion, the churches in Melite were looted and as revealed by excavations, the site was used as a mosque. Following the invasion of the Normans in 1091, Christianity was re-established as the dominant religion in the country and during the 12th and 13th centuries, a cathedral dedicated to St Paul was built on the site, in Gothic and Romanesque styles. The story doesn't end there however, as in 1679, bishop Miguel Jeronimo de Molina decided to replace the medieval choir with one built in Baroque style, and Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafa was appointed to design and oversee the project. A few years later, the cathedral was severely damaged during the 1693 Sicily earthquake and works
began to restore the building. Work on the dome was finished and thus the cathedral fully completed by 24 October 1705. The cathedral is often regarded as Gafa’s masterpiece. THE INTERIOR The Cathedral is built in the Baroque style, with some influences from native Maltese architecture. Most of the cathedral’s floor is made up of inlaid tombstones or commemorative marble slabs, similar to those found at St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta. The remains of a number of bishops and cannons, as well as laymen from noble families are buried within the cathedral. The ceiling has frescoes, depicting the life of St Paul, which were painted by the Sicilian painters Vincenzo, Antonio and Francesco Manno in 1794. Many artefacts from the pre-1693 earthquake survived and were used to decorate the cathedral, including a late Gothic, early Renaissance baptismal font, dating back to 1495, the old cathedral’s main door, which was made in 1530 and some 15th century choir stalls, as well as some paintings. The cathedral’s aisles, chapels and sacristy contain several frescoes and paintings, including works by Mattia Preti and his bottega, Francesco Grandi, Domenico Bruschi, Pietro Gagliardi, Bartolomeo Garagona, Francesco Zahra, Luigi Moglia and Alessio Erardi. THE FEAST As initially mentioned, the Conversion of St Paul the Apostle is celebrated towards the end of the month of January. St Paul was the greatest of the early Christian missionaries and first appears in the Acts of the Apostles, under the name of Saul. The feast speaks of his conversion which, according to the New Testament, was an event in his life that led St Paul to persecute early Christians and to become a follower of Jesus. It’s normally dated to AD 34-37, four to seven years after Jesus’ crucifixion on Friday April 7, 30 AD. OH MY MALTA
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GAME OF THRONES LOCATIONS IN MALTA
Malta’s history as a destination for film production goes back almost 100 years. The island gained popularity among the international film industry, hosting a large volume of foreign movies and television series productions, such as Gladiator, Munich, Assassin’s Creed, Orient Express, Queen of the South and even Game of Thrones. Over eight seasons, the HBO hit series Game of Thrones shocked and stunned each and every viewer, delivering plenty of jaw-dropping moments that helped make it one of the most popular series ever made. Set in the fictional medieval fantasy world, Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, the series tells the story of 20 OH MY MALTA George Attard
two powerful families, kings and queens, knights and renegades, liars and honest men who are playing a deadly game for control of the Iron Throne. Filming for Season One of Game of Thrones took place around Malta and Gozo for 37 days from September to November in 2010. So, if you’re hoping to chase the glory of Game of Thrones around Malta, these are some recognisable landmarks and notable locations that were featured. Immerse yourself in the world of the smashing hit series and relive some of your favourite scenes by visiting the iconic Game of Thrones locations in Malta. Here are some of our favourites...
MDINA GATE, MDINA Mdina Gate, also known as the Main Gate or the Vilhena Gate, is the main gate into the fortified city of Mdina, which was was built in the Baroque style in 1724 to designs of Charles François de Mondion, during the magistracy of Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena. The majestic Mdina gate portrays the gate leading to King’s Landing. In Season 1 Episode 3, Catelyn and Ser Rodrik Cassel ride into King’s Landing to figure out what led to Bran’s accident. It’s also the place marking Catelyn and Ned’s last scene together, where Ned bids farewell to Catelyn as she sets off from King’s Landing after the death of King Robert. MTAĦLEB CLIFFS, RABAT Mtaħleb is located in the vicinity of Baħrija on the western side of the island, reached by going past the town of Rabat for around a 10-minute drive into the countryside. Look out for this beautiful landscape during Season 1 Episodes 9 and 10, when Khal Drogo falls from his horse. He is then stripped of his Khal power and abandoned by his Khalasar. It is also on this site that the burning sequence takes place; when Daenerys emerges from the flames of hubby Khal Drogo’s funeral pyre accompanied by her baby dragons. FORT RICASOLI, KALKARA Fort Ricasoli is a bastioned fort in Kalkara, Malta, which was built by the Order of Saint John between 1670 and 1698. Films like Gladiator and Assassins Creed were shot here, as well as, as you may imagine, Game of Thrones. The gates serve as the King’s Gates; the entrance to the Red Keep, which feature when King Robert returns to the city and also when Arya Stark is trying to re-enter the city but the guards do not believe she is the daughter of the King’s Hand. FORT ST ANGELO, BIRGU Fort St. Angelo is a bastioned fort located on a hillock, at the end of the Vittoriosa (Birgu) peninsula, dominating the Grand Harbour and offering breathtaking views, including Vittoriosa’s picturesque marina, Isla (also known as Senglea) and the capital city of Valletta. This well-known landmark was part of Red Keep and this is where Arya overhears an important conversation between Varys and Illario whilst chasing a cat during Season 1 Episode 5 of the series.
THE LEGENDS OF GOZO Malta's sister island, Gozo, is steeped in 7,000 years of history, myth and legend and therefore, it's hardly surprising that the island has birthed the odd legend or two along the way. We've focused on two of the most well-known legends: the legend of Dimitri and the legend of Calypso
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Gozo is an island brimming with over 7,000 years of dramatic history, with many captivating legends passed down from generations of families. There are tales of saints, giants, fair maidens, barbaric pirates and slaves. One that springs to mind is Sansuna, a giantess with super-strength, who is said to have lifted the huge stones used to build our ancient Ġgantija Temples in Xagħra, without any hassles.
Ġgantija Temples, Xagħra
We're just scratching the surface with Sansuna however, as if you were to ask any local what their favourite legendary tale is, their greatest struggle would be naming just one. That being said, we're sure they will be happy to describe a couple from the vast number of stories that are linked to our landmarks. We thought it best to outline two of arguably the most well-known legends of Gozo: the legend of San Dimitri and the legend of Calypso. THE LEGEND OF SAN DIMITRI The legend of heroic San Dimitri is a popular local tale involving a mother’s love for her only son, barbaric pirates and a saint who saves the day. An old widow Natalizja Cauchi, known as Żgugina, lived near Ras San Mitri (The Cape of St Demetrius), a remote westerly part of Gozo beyond Għarb renowned for its rugged scenery and treacherous coastal conditions.
San Dimitri Chapel, Għarb
On a daily basis, Żgugina visited St Demetrius Chapel near her home to pray for the protection of her son, Matthew. At that time the island was regularly ambushed by marauding Turkish pirates who would steal the islander’s food and possessions and attempt to enslave its people, who were particularly at risk from these perilous attacks. One day a Turkish Galleon arrived and soon after, boatloads of pillaging pirates came to shore. The invaders ransacked St Demetrius chapel and Żgugina’s modest home. Outnumbered and scared, she prayed for protection, but nevertheless, the pirates destroyed her home, beating her son Matthew before forcibly shackling him and returning him to their pirate ship as a slave.
Calpyso's Cave, Xagħra
Żgugina pleaded for her son’s mercy by the shoreline but the pirates did nothing but mock her. Completely inconsolable, she visits the ruinous chapel and notices that the painting of San Dimitri is still intact above the altar and prays for help, reciting repeatedly “San Dimitri, give me back my son. Only you can perform this miracle”. As the legend goes, the heroic saint who was pictured on horseback, gallantly and gloriously takes human form and then gallops out from this painting, out of the chapel and towards the sea in pursuit of the pirate ship. Not long after, San Dimitri returns to the chapel carrying Matthew, reuniting mother and son. Overcome with emotion Żgugina embraces her son and is so pre-occupied that she fails to notice San Dimitri retreat back into the mural. As a poor, humble islander, Żgugina shows her gratitude by lighting an oil lamp in front of San Dimitri’s mural and keeping it alight every day. Some say the area was later damaged by a landslide and that this small 15th century chapel ended up submerged underneath our seas, remaining peacefully intact. Many years later, divers exploring the seabed claimed to have stumbled across an intriguing chapel with an alluring glow emitting from an oil lamp still burning brightly, not knowing this was fuelled by a mother’s love, giving thanks to the saint who saved her son. Nowadays, a 17th century chapel stands where St Dimitri’s Chapel once stood and if you were to visit, you will notice the altarpiece depicting the San Dimitri legend, with a mother in prayer, a son chained and a heroic San Dimitri on horseback. THE LEGEND OF CALYPSO The second legend is that of Calypso. The origins of this story are linked to Calypso’s Cave in Xagħra in Gozo, which is also found in Homer’s Greek epic poem The Odyssey. In fact, many locals believe that the island of Gozo is the mythical island of Ogygia referred to in this ancient text. This story involves the heroic Greek warrior Ulysses, who was kept as a prisoner of love by the beautiful nymph Calypso
in a cave by the cliffs overlooking the red sands of Ramla Bay. Ulysses had been sailing home to Ithaca after the Trojan war, following the siege of Troy when his ship was struck by tremendous thunderstorms. His shipmates all perished in the sea storms and for nine days and nights Ulysses battled the unrelenting tempest single-handedly. Finally, he was washed ashore clinging to debris from the ship in the direction of an unfamiliar island, brimming with beautiful flowers and with trees laden with bountiful fruits – the island of Ogygia, or as many believe: the island of Gozo. Lured by the song of the beautiful nymph Calypso, Ulysses ventured into a cave high up in the cliffs to have some rest. It was here that he met Calypso, the daughter of Jupiter, the God of War, and the Queen of Ogygia – who enchanted Ulysses. Calypso was a captivating, beautiful nymph offering Ulysses all the food, wine, love and power any man could ever wish for. Although, according to the legend, Ulysses’ dearly wanted to return to Ithaca, his homeland, Penelope his wife, and Telamon his son. Calypso offered Ulysses her island’s kingdom, eternal youth and happiness and it is said that he remained spellbound under her influence for seven long years, until the gods took pity on him and ordered the nymph to release him. After Ulysses was released he built a boat and set sail towards his home, Ithaca. It goes without saying that Gozo is a remarkable island, full of historical, geographical and cultural treasures and these riveting myths, legends and stories, only serve to add to the mystique of Malta's sister island. Now that you have discovered a few of the stories, why not explore the legendary little island for yourself, and maybe start your own memorable journey in our captivating towns and villages? After all, you never know, you might come across the remnants of another myth or legend yourself!
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UP AND DOWN MARFA RIDGE With the festive season coming to an end, for many January is the time to recoup, recover, refresh and re-establish our relationship with nature. In an attempt to achieve all these things, BirdLife have come up with a nourishing walk up and down Marfa Ridge
The walk up and down Marfa ridge in the Mellieħa area is a beautiful one, which takes you to all kinds of different habitats including farmland, wooded areas, beautiful bays, cliffs and garrigue. This Marfa Ridge walk begins at the northernmost point of the island, Ċirkewwa. The delightful, six kilometre walk ends at BirdLife Malta's Għadira Nature Reserve. Let's start at the top. UP Musa bus stop is at the very north of the island, just before the Ċirkewwa Ferry Terminal. As soon as you step off the bus the climb begins. Follow the road heading south, marked as the road to Paradise Bay, which immediately heads uphill. The road south runs parallel to constantly crumbling limestone cliffs. The boulder scree below is a clear warning of the volatility of these ancient walls. Just south of Paradise Bay the path swings west. This narrow stretch gives you sense of the scale of this shifting landscape and the uncontrollable, turbulent geology, beneath your feet. Now the path mixes with the natural garrigue habitat of the area, keep heading uphill, but be careful not to stray onto private land. Hidden along the side of this path is Għar Tuta. Known locally as the climbing cave, this natural curiosity is a half-covered cave scoured into the land. The way down is very steep and should only be 26 OH MY MALTA
undertaken with caution. Moving on up the ridge the path becomes even steeper as it passes the Rdum il-Qawwi cliffs. Just keep heading up, you’re almost at the top! THE RIDGE – 140M As the top of the ridge comes into sight, up the rocky trail you will see a cluster of abandoned buildings growing in size on the right-hand side of the path. This is the Old Radar Station that sits on the far west end of Marfa Ridge. On a clear day the views are truly spectacular. South, the coast dips in and out in a seemingly endless series of bays and inlets, whilst to the north Gozo’s length and Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs can be seen, with the ferries shuffling past Kemmuna and between the main islands. This old Radar Station is a brilliant sunset spot. The human history of this ridge reaches much further back than the Radar Station. On the south side of the path lies the ancient remains of Roman bee hives in the cliff face. Hidden amongst the Carob trees, the hives radiate a feeling of bygone days and will whisk you back to ancient times. Follow the path east towards the Red Tower – also known as St Agatha Tower – and enjoy the stunning views. Sea and sky can be seen on all sides. This is one
of the highest points in the north, and it feels that way! DOWN After passing the Red Tower, the walk swings into BirdLife Malta’s Foresta 2000 Nature Reserve. This is an area of restored Mediterranean woodland. Now boasting a huge biodiversity, this area used to be a hugely degraded site susceptible to erosion, construction, and development. If you still have life left in your legs and a spring in your step, Foresta 2000 is full to the brim with native Maltese fauna and flora. Explore the reserve to see if you can find some of its hidden benches, perfect for a quiet lunch amongst the pines. During winter, look out for the Blackcaps (Sylvia atricapilla) and Robins (Erithacus rubecula) that fill the air and feed amongst the branches.
By Angus Wilkinson
European Robin by Jonathan Caruana
This walk finishes at BirdLife Malta’s Għadira Nature Reserve. The seven hectare reserve is comprised of brackish lake and salt-marsh habitat. Due to the dry climate of the Maltese Islands, permanent areas of inland water are rare, making the Għadira wetlands an extremely important habitat for birds and other wildlife. Around 140 species of migrating birds are seen on an annual basis and most of the birds seen are migrants, stopping to rest and re-fuel (just like us during the month of January), before continuing their long migration journeys. The reserve is open between September and May on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between 2pm and 7pm and on Saturdays and Sundays between 10am and 4pm. We’re in winter, and the water level is rising again. Enjoy the lake from the shelter of the bird hides and look back at Marfa Ridge, looming over the valley. THE DETAILS Length of the route: 6km Suggested time for the walk: This walk is best undertaken on a clear day, as the ridge offers some of the best views in the north of Malta. However, the ridge can be equally as exciting in harsh weather, as those willing to brave it will feel the full force of nature on this exposed ridge. Starting Point: Musa (988) Bus Stop, Mellieħa (Malta Public Transport routes 41, 42, 221 & 222) End Point: Għadira Nature Reserve
Għadira Nature Reserve by Alexandr Krushlinsky
TOMATO PICKING IN BINĠEMMA Follow along with this column by Emily A Francis, as we explore further into the culture and cuisine of the Maltese Islands, starting off with fresh foods as a single item, grown and harvested locally
Words by Emily A Francis
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For today’s adventure, we met with Joseph Muscat from Malta Sunripe. He and his brother Charles are best known around the island and more specifically, within the farmer’s circles in Mġarr, for their freshoff-the-vine tomatoes, as well as their renowned sundried tomatoes. IT’S ALL ABOUT THE TOMATOES
Farmer Joseph Muscat
Tomatoes grow year-round in Malta however, there is a process that allows for that to occur. There are two different ways to grow tomatoes, the first is with the tomato bush, which is grown outdoors in the soil and makes use of direct sunlight to grow tomatoes perfect for tomato paste, as well as those that will eventually be sundried tomatoes. The second way is known as suspended growing. This refers to tomatoes that are grown inside a greenhouse. The tomato bush is grown during the summer months and the greenhouse tomatoes start growing in November, all the way through to the end of May. Of course, due to climate change, the exact times of harvest may vary. Last year, for instance, the summer heatwaves resulted in the production of very few sundried tomatoes. The heavy rains and freak storms that followed drowned much of the vegetation that was being grown. Thankfully, in the greenhouse, the heavy rain does not affect the tomatoes growing inside. According to Joseph, heavy rain and winds used to occur once every three years or so and now, it is happening so often that farmers have to recover much of the time from the damage. Therefore, farmers try to collect every drop of rain during winter, to be able to use during the summer months. THE MUSCAT BROTHERS Joseph and Charles Muscat have a total of five greenhouses around the Maltese Islands, in which they produce their winter tomatoes for the fresh market locally. With regards to those grown in the greenhouse, the tomatoes are suspended by a hook at the top, with eight metres of twine that runs all along the entire vine from the top and are securely tied at the bottom. Once the tomatoes start to ripen, you can find the ‘picking knot’, which grows between the tomato
stem, connecting it to the vine. Joseph showed us how to hold the tomato by placing one’s thumb on the knot and snapping the tomato clean off the vine, keeping the little green leaves at the top of the tomato in pristine shape so they can still look good for the fresh market. As he so eloquently described, “see, nature is perfect as long as we don’t mess it up!” Once a tomato is cut, it needs to be kept out on the table and not refrigerated, as placing it in a fridge will result in it losing its vitamins and mineral content. It can stay fresh for up to two weeks! TARI TARI PRODUCTS The family also has a second operation that they run with all their realtives, inlcuding their wives and their extended family, who make wine and oil, among other products. Their store in Mġarr sells local artisinal products, most of which are under their own label called Tari Tari. They carry beautiful offerings of sundried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, capers, jams and marmalades, chili sauce, olive oil, red and white wine, tomato relish, hummus, pickles, caponata, olives and aubergines in oil as well as lemon, pomegranate and prickly pear liqueurs. They also create stunning hampers with various gifts inside, that are available in a myriad of different shapes and sizes. The hampers are for sale the whole year round but are usually inundated with orders around Christmas time. At Malta Sunripe, the wine cellar is down below, where they make their Tari Tari red and white wines. On the floor above the main level, you will find a kitchen and a small theatre, where they show a documentary about their greenhouse farming and family history. They welcome groups of tourists, both local and travelers, who are curious to see how all the beautiful food and drink is made. In order to book a half-day tour at Malta Sunripe, complete with the tour of the greenhouse and the artisinal shop, all topped off with a traditional Maltese farmer’s lunch, you need to book through an agent to make your reservation. After visiting their shop, I would definitely recommend going for a visit or gathering a group for a day trip. For more information, check out www.maltasunripe.com
Emily A Francis and Joseph Muscat
oto: Paul Herrera
INTERVIEW WITH: DANIEL PISANI Oh My Malta recently sat down with Daniel Pisani, passionate foodie and founder of @lifeofmarrow, to find out a little bit more about his brand new recipe book filled with mouthwatering plant-based traditional recipes
CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT YOURSELF? I’m not really sure how to describe myself, but in a nutshell, a few years ago I was working as an IT manager with the family meat business. I’ve always loved food, but six years ago I made a change to my dietary preferences, which ultimately changed my life. Removing animal products from my diet gave me a new outlook on life and I was forced to experiment in the kitchen, which became very therapeutic for me. This change also led me to appreciate nature and its fruits much more. I couldn’t really take the office 9-5 life anymore. I stumbled upon a vacancy to work for an organic farm and I decided to go for it. Even though initially I was very nervous, it was the best thing I’ve ever done. WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST BENEFITS OF A PLANT-BASED DIET? I always reply to this question with three words: HEALTH, ANIMALS, ENVIRONMENT. The meat industry is one of the largest contributors to environmental destruction. In mainstream media, the focus is always on reducing pollution from cars and the transport system, with little mention to the huge quantity of greenhouse gasses produced by animal agriculture. Animals are artificially inseminated, forced to live in very poor conditions and injected with a whole lot of vaccines and antibiotics to prevent disease spread, and ultimately, that is the meat we are buying from supermarkets. People have lost their connection with the food they consume. They only see the final packaged product on display and the marketing used always presents happy animals grazing the green grass. This is far from reality! Ultimately, the chemicals, conditions and cruelty in the industry affects the quality of the food we are eating. IS MALTA VEGAN-FRIENDLY? The quick answer is yes. Malta’s size means that you are never really far away from options in restaurants and over the past three years vegan products have exploded within the industry and many shops stock a wide range of plant-based products. Where we are lacking is quality and to a certain extent, price. The web is full of ideas for plant-based meals, which are full of flavour and more often than not, if we stick to unprocessed foods, dishes are pretty cheap to make. So in reality, there is no excuse to offer better options within restaurants. Why should I pay the same price for a steak and an aubergine stuffed with lentils? It just doesn’t make sense to me. The people have also become more open to the idea of veganism due to its benefiting effects on climate change, health and animal suffering. However, you will still find a large portion of the population who think vegans have nothing to eat. In reality, it is the total opposite. When I switched to this diet I explored so many different ingredients; herbs, spices, legumes and so much more.
A few weeks ago I was serving traditional recipes like ross ilforn (baked rice) and mqarrun (baker macaroni) on a menu where I didn’t specify that they where vegan. When people came to tell me how good the food was, they where amazed that those dishes included no animal products and could not believe it. They where all happy nourished and stuffed and that's what mattered. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PUBLISH A RECIPE BOOK? Vincent's Eco Farm; the place where I work and spend most of my time was the greatest inspiration. I spoke to the farmers and local artisans, who inspired me to dive deep into the REAL Maltese and mediterranean way of living. Being surrounded by nature and fresh harvests daily made me appreciate the local cuisine. I created a vegan and more nutritious version of the Maltese bread pudding, which was a huge success. I even sold some at the shop and people loved it. This inspired me to create a collection of plant-based traditional recipes. I could also see around me that the local cuisine is often shunned in favour of westernised fads and dishes, so I wanted to create a book that would show pride towards the Maltese culture and cuisine! Throughout the whole time, I was living on the farm in a small room we call the barn. The book took me roughly two years to complete, with the bulk being done during the pandemic. CAN YOU GIVE US A LITTLE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT IT? The book is a collection of traditional Maltese recipes, which have been recreated to be more nutritious and plant-based. It is not only a recipe book but also a window into my life living closer to nature and appreciating the local countryside and culture. One thing you will find interesting is that the book is divided into four chapters mirroring the four seasons. This was done to raise awareness on the different produce available throughout the months and to stress the importance of eating seasonal and local produce. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE RECIPES? You will find a mix of sweet and savoury dishes based on the time of the year. All recipes are plant-based, however if one wishes, they can easily substitute with eggs and dairy, although I naturally do not suggest it. I tried to keep the recipes simple, short and with easy to access ingredients. I also took note of intolerances within the book, providing alternatives to the different allergens people might have. It is a very modern take on Maltese cuisine, and I believe, it is the first of its kind! WHERE CAN READERS GET THE BOOK FROM? The book is available at the islands’ book stores. It is available on my website, at Vincent’s Eco Farm and a handful of small businesses and friends selling healthy foods. For a list of retailers you may visit my blog or website lifeofmarrow. com OH MY MALTA
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IMQARRUN IL-FORN BAKED MACARONI
Imqarrun il-forn has origins in Sicily but is, without a doubt, a staple of traditional Maltese cuisine. This popular baked macaroni is quick to make, keeps well, is easily reheated and is comforting on those cold winter evenings. The result is something like a cross between lasagna and penne al ragù. Daniel Pisani's recipe below is for a simple, vegan version of this dish
INGREDIENTS 500 g wholewheat rigatoni or gluten-free alternative 280 g brown lentils 500 ml vegetable stock 500 ml tomato passata 1 tbsp dried Mediterranean herbs 5 tbsp tomato paste 1 onion 3 garlic cloves 4 tbsp nutritional yeast 4 flax eggs 100 ml red wine 1 tsp sea salt ¼ tsp black pepper 2 bay leaves 1 sprig celery 1 sprig parsley Olive oil
METHOD 1. Start by soaking the lentils for around 30 minutes, drain and set aside. 2. In a medium sized pan, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil. 3. Toss in the herbs, celery, parsley, salt and pepper and give it a good stir. 4. Add the lentils and stir once again. 5. Then pour in the wine, stir and add the remaining ingredients. 6. Bring to a boil. 7. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for around 40 minutes, stirring it every few minutes. 8. Once the lentils have softened, the sauce is ready. 9. Meanwhile, prepare the flax eggs and cook the pasta until it is al dente. 10. Combine the pasta with the sauce and the flax eggs, ensuring that the flax eggs are distributed throughout the mixture. 11. Bake the macaroni in an oven preheated to 200ºC for 40 minutes or until the top is crisp. 12. Let it stand for a short while to set, before serving.
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Valletta
LOCAL EATERIES THAT HELP YOU STAY HEALTHY Ready to start off 2022 on a healthy? There are a great selection of healthy restaurants in Malta offering nutritious and delicious food. We’ve rounded up a list of our favourites to help you stick to your New Year's Resolutions
Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum
Inquisitor's Palace
FUEL AND CO Fuel & Co is all about energising people and making them feel good in their own bodies. At this little eatery, they use fresh ingredients and whenever possible, local and organic. Healthy is definitely not boring here! We strongly recommend the charcoal based protein pizza, which is light, crispy and low in calories…guilt-free and simply top 36 OH MY MALTA
notch! You can even tailor it according to your preferences. We cannot get enough! Want to grab a quick bite whist on the go? They've also opened a food truck, which is located at the Sliema Ferries!
243, Main Street Mosta | +356 2786 3685
NO. 43
BALANCE BOWL
An excellent place for a break while exploring Valletta, offering fresh, healthy and varied salads. Feel free to customise your own salad and choose from a selection of vegetable and grains… everything from a variety of rice and couscous salads to cabbage, lentils and roast vegetables. A great place that guarantees a good lunch for only EUR10!
Struggling to find yourself a decent plant-based healthy meal? Then you haven’t crossed paths with Balance Bowl. The restaurant has a cosy vibe where you can enjoy delicious food while vibing to some music.The Chic-pea salad with homemade falafel balls, hummus, sweet and sour gherkins, tahini and chili sauce it something out of this world. Don’t miss out on this quirky spot… it’s a must.
43, Merchants Street, Valletta | +356 2703 2294
182, The Strand, Gzira | +356 27320556
YUE BISTRO
DR JUICE
Set in the beautiful town of Naxxar, Munchies YUE Bistro is a Mediterranean dining experience inspired by healthy living. This eatery offers guests full control over what’s on their plate, making it perfect for anyone on a specific diet. The menu, which offers a selection of healthy options, is designed by professional nutritionists with the help of staff with gastronomic acumen.
Great way to start your day with a nutritious smoothie from Dr Juice…Be it Berry Nice, Protein Charge or Raw Detox, the juices are among the tastiest, freshest and healthiest you can get. And let’s not forget to mention the food. Each dish is divine and offers a wonderful blend of flavours all perfectly combined. Finish off with one of their raw desserts for the complete Dr Juice experience!
Labour Avenue, Naxxar | +356 22589888
54, Gzira Road, Gzira |+35627552312
CRUDO
U BISTRO
Set in the heart of beautiful Balluta Bay, Crudo is a café specialising in Italian cuisine. As its name implies, Crudo is raw with positive energy and healthy food options. Their refreshing açaí bowls, avocado toast options, coffees and infused waters are exactly what we crave each morning. If you love treating yourself for a good breakfast, this is definitely the place to visit. Healthy, tasty and goodlooking… you’re in for a treat!
The restaurant offers fresh and tasty food and is set in a great location for people watching if you choose to eat outside. If you step inside, the first thing that will make an impression is the very stylish, but still very cosy design of the place. The menu changes every month and the food is sourced locally from seasonal produce. This place makes eating healthy food actually something to look forward to!
Main Street, Balluta Saint Julian's | +356 9914 0837
27, Censu Tabone, Saint Julian's | +356 2311 2361
SIXTH LEAF The tastes of each and every dish are well balanced and the menu is thought-out well and extremely original. The restaurant caters for vegans and vegetarians and does not offer the standard risotto or Parmeggiana as a Veggie option. Without a doubt, this restaurant is highly recommended. The restaurant has been awarded as the Best 38 OH MY MALTA
Healthy Dining Restaurant of the Year, during an awards ceremony presented by Dynamic Events, whichwas held last November.
Telgha tà Alla u Ommu, Naxxar | +3567703 8399
P-OK
J'OLI
A Hawaiian food outlet located in a food court at a shopping centre in Sliema, serving the freshest poke bowls with quality ingredients and tasty sauces. Add any veggies to your bowl such as carrots, wakame seaweed, sweet corn, edamame beans, and even pine nuts and sesame seeds fo that little crunch. Oh, and don't forget to finish off with their signature Po-k sauce. Thank us later.
This is seriously one of the best places from where to get your healthy but filling lunch fix. Veggies are fresh, wraps are hot and you can treat yourself to a refreshing smoothie, too. They offer a very good selection of salads, ciabattas and wraps, all of which are appetising and serving sizes are great, too. Definitely worth to stop by for a healthy vibe and fresh food.
Level 0, The PlazaFood Hall, Plaza Commercial Centre, Bisazza Street, Sliema, | +356 7933 8839
Sqaq Gaiety, Sliema | +356 2133 3007
MDINA FOOD TOUR Think there’s nothing more to Malta than its lovely beaches and bustl ing nightlife? Think again. Maltese food is known to be hearty and full of flavour and contributes to the country’s rich heritage. The team at Oh My Malta decided to tailor our own food tour round Mdina, where we got to visit some of the best eateries that showcased what Malta is all about
FIRST STOP: PASTIZZI AND TE FIT- TAZZA Our first stop happened to be located in Rabat, a two minute walk from Mdina. We headed to Crystal Palace better known as is-Serkin, Malta’s most famous pastizzi parlour and a somewhat institution with the locals. Pastizzi you ask? A local traditional pastry stuffed with ricotta cheese or mushy pees. These went down perfectly well with a good old ‘te fit-tazza’, a heartwarming cup o’ tea traditionally served with condensed milk in a transparent glass. We ate and drank whilst we enjoyed the hustle and bustle of this little bar crowded with locals. SECOND STOP: MALTESE PLATTER Soon after, we made our way to Mdina and after taking a brief walk around the city, we headed to our next stop, Fontanella Wine and Bistro, located just off Mdina’s main cathedral square. We were served a beautiful typical Maltese platter with a variety of local appetisers like butter beans, Gozo peppered goat cheese, sun dried tomatoes, honey soft goat cheese, grilled Maltese sausage and bigilla, a dip similar to hummus but made with brown beans, garlic and parsley… all served with fresh warm Maltese bread and galletti, crispy crackers for dipping, a staple in any Maltese platter. Keeping it 100%, I ordered an ice-cold bottle of Kinnie, a non-alcoholic carbonated beverage made with bitter oranges and produced in Malta. THIRD STOP: FRIED RABBIT We continued wandering the streets on foot, as of course, there was plenty to observe and discuss together with Nicky and the group of tourists who joined us. We made our way to Palazzo De Piro, a cultural centre as well as a café bistro. Here we were treated to one of the most traditional Maltese dishes you could ever ask for: fried rabbit cooked in red wine gravy and served with roasted potatoes, a cultural delicacy dating back to the Knights that contributes to Malta’s rich heritage. Our meal was accompanied with bread and a whole lot of white wine. The perfect sunset dinner overlooking a splendid view of the Maltese Islands… it doesn’t get more Maltese than this. FOURTH STOP: FRIED RABBIT To wrap up our lovely evening, we couldn’t help but indulge our sweet tooth at our final stop, The Xara Palace, with a sharing plate of mini mqaret, traditional Maltese sweets made with pastry and a filling of dates that pair extremely well with a homemade citrus liquor. Delicioso. Exploring the area on foot means you won’t be getting too full… or maybe you will. They say the history and culture of a place is best told through its cuisine… and this food tour did just that.
INTERVIEW WITH: YANA AZZOPARDI Yana Azzopardi is a jewellery designer and founder of Yana’s Jewellery. Inspired by her family history in jewellery making and an unquenchable passion for jewellery, she has dedicated the last ten years to creating a wide range of elegant and handmade, statement or minimal necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings
Designer Yana Azzopardi
OH MY MALTA
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HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN JEWELLERY DESIGN AND WHAT LED TO OPENING YOUR OWN BUSINESS?
The Mykonos set
Jewellery design was always a passion that I had and though it wasn't something that I had studied, it quickly became a full-time job. I’m self-taught and have a family history in jewellery making. In fact, my grandfather owned a jewellery shop himself! Back in 2011, I felt this great urge inside me that I needed to create something for myself. It all began from home and then after my brand started picking up, we decided to open a small shop in Msida, in 2013. So technically, I’ve been in the industry for almost 10 years. After five years, we decided to open our second shop in Sliema and we opened Paola this year. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR COLLECTION? WHAT MAKES THEM UNIQUE IN THE INDUSTRY? I would say that my collections are designed for women of all ages. We try our best to incorporate different styles, different colours, different textures. We make sure that we’re following trends while at the same time trying to make every single piece unique as much as possible. It’s no easy feat, because it’s all hand-made but we really try our best. I think what makes us stand out is our focus on custom jewellery. People can come to our shop, they can choose their preferred material and they can design. It’s an experience for themselves, too and we just love the whole process. AS A DESIGNER, WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION?
Aqua Charm bracelet
For me, inspiration is found on a daily basis. I could be driving and I see something or I could be listening to music and a specific beat or sound would give me this vision, which is eventually transformed into a piece. Traveling is also a huge part of my inspiration as well as researching any materials I come across, which is also a plus. The whole process excites me! Then, once everything is laid on the table, there’s a story behind it so we start to focus on the collection theme and the colour schemes and it all builds up and takes shape slowly. WHAT IS THE DESIGN PROCESS LIKE? When it comes to the design process, there are quite a few things that we need to take into consideration, such as quality checks, of which we do very many! The material has to be good enough for us to use and work with, so that the finished product is absolutely perfect. We use a lot of semi-
I Love Life rope necklace
precious stones, a lot of resin-based beads, as well as different textures and shells. We also use a lot of stainless steel as all our chains and components are made of stainless steel material. The whole process comes together once everything is in front of us, is working and we have a vision. The final piece is then created and it’s all done with a great deal of team work. DO YOU HAVE A MOST TREASURED ITEM? WHAT MAKES IT SO SPECIAL TO YOU? My most treasured piece is, I would say, a piece that I designed for my first exhibition, which was called a Colourful Journey, as it was an exhibition I had planned after my trip to Bali with one of my best friends. It was an amazing trip, as I had bought an insane number of beads there and visited lots of markets! After I designed this particular piece, which I still have to this day, we then created a range specifically focused on Bali. Therefore, that piece is very sentimental for me.
Mother of Pearl wrap-over
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR? My greatest achievement so far is when I decided to open my third shop. It wasn't an easy decision and it took a long time for me to actually convince myself to open a third establishment. When I finally did so and I signed the contract and realised that I actually owned three shops, that was a feeling that I will never forget. Hopefully we’ll stay as we are! YOU’RE CURRENTLY GAINING INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION. TELL US SOME MORE!
Sicilian Wisdom charm necklace
Yes! Recently I was featured in British Vogue. We had to create three designs specifically for the issues and we got great feedback both from Malta, as well as from abroad. The pieces were for sale from all of our outlets and it was just, all-in-all an amazing achievement.
George Attard and Emily A Franc
WHAT DO YOU ENVISION FOR YOURSELF AND THE BRAND FOR THE NEXT FEW YEARS? For the next few years, I’m planning to keep designing and come up with brand new and innovative ideas. We plan on doing more shows and hopefully collaborate with other local designers and maybe even some international, too. I also plan on continuing to boost my online business and running my shops as I’m currently doing. I’m very excited about the future. Mosaic pendants
TAKE ME HOME We’re sad to see you go but to make your departure a little bit sweeter, we’ve compiled a list of all things Maltese, which you should definitely make space in your luggage for
POSTCARDS FROM PARADISE This book reveals an ‘unofficial Malta’ – the story of the islands and its mutations, where time once was indefinable and events unfolded at a slower pace. The visual artist and photographer, Duška Malešević, is based between Berlin and Valletta
OCTOPUS + CALAMARI An on-going collaboration between Jimmy Grima and Max Saliba, producing limited edition prints drawn and hand-pulled in Gozo. Here are two prints, both of which are numbered and signed by the artist and printer: Octopus and Calamari, both a part of Series A, by Tiny Island Studio
AQUATIC LANDSCAPES An original painting called Aquatic Landscapes, painted with acrylics, indian ink, pastels and pen on A2 paper, which can be picked up from the artists’ studio in Valletta or delivered, with matt black framing, including a humidity foam board, by Denise Scicluna
IĊ-ĊITTADELLA The Citadel, iċ-Ċittadella, is in the very heart of Gozo and is believed to have been the acropolis of the PunicRoman city of Gualos or Glauconis Civitas. If you're travelling to Malta's sister island of Gozo, it simply cannot be missed. This is part of a series called The Colours of Malta, a celebration of the vibrant and iconic scenes of our beautiful country, presented in their purest form, by Te Fit-Tazza
MALTA PHOTOGRAPH Part of a series called MALTA, this one is titled MALTA 02. The photographer sees this phantom world where objects and situations shape-shift into totems that confound our attempts to decipher hidden meanings as a form of aerial poetry, by Supraterrae
REPOSE X A few prints from the series Repose, an on-going series of fine-art prints of hand-draw illustrations. As the title may suggest, they are captured during down-time, embodying an instantaneous unique and playful feel, by local artist Emma Fsadni
IRIDESCENCE This painting is the artist’s most direct attempt at capturing the iridescent beauty of industrial oil spills. Layers of paint of varying densities build to mimic the brands of colours in oil slicks that form on top of the water. This limited edition print is 60cm x 40cm and can be framed if you wish, by Ġulja Holland
NOT YOUR VIRGIN This print, called Not Your Virgin, not Your Whore, is a hand-printed photo-collage and illustration by Alexandra Aquilina, of an image by photographer Zvezdan Reljic. The Maltese silkscreen printer, artist and creative is based in Berlin and is inspired by Gen-X nostalgia, pop culture, female icons, religious imagery and cats. This print is by ScreenGirl
COLLARED DOVE The Collared Dove, or as scientists know them as, Streptopelia Decaocto, is a relatively recent arrival to the Mediterranean and can be heard cooing softly early in the morning and flying around in pairs. This print is part of a fourpack, all of which are birds native to the region. The Maltese illustrator, designer and visual artist, is based in Spain and his work is largely graphic in nature, by Steven Scicluna
SAIL AWAY Daydreaming about sailing into the sunset? Here’s a hand-made print to hang at home, which brings the dream a little closer to reality. The artists’ inspiration is drawn from the beauty of nature and the sense of escape and peace of mind it brings, by Swell Studio
SERVICES FERRIES
PHARMACIES
CAR RENTAL
Cirkewwa, Malta – Mgarr, Gozo Operates daily Departure time: Approx. every 30 mins From 12am – 23:15pm Crossing time: Approx. 25 mins
Brown’s Pharmacy +356 2124 4366 Marina Apartments, 10, Marina St, Pietà Opening hours: Monday – Saturday from 8am – 9pm
Unicar Hire Services Ltd
Cirkewwa Malta - Blue Lagoon Operates daily Departure time: Approx. Every 30 mins From 8:30am – 5:30pm
M4 Pharmacy +356 2143 6531 Attard Road, Attard Opening hours: Monday – Friday from 8:30am – 1pm/4pm-7pm, Saturday from 8am – 1:00pm
3 Cities – Valletta Operates daily Departure time: Approx. every 15 mins Monday – Saturday from 6:45am – 23:30pm Sundays & public holidays from 9:00am – 23:30pm
Royal Pharmacy +356 2123 9682 271, Republic Street, Valletta Opening hours: Monday – Friday from 9am – 7pm, Saturday 9am-7pm
Sliema – Valletta ferry Operates daily Departure time: Approx. Every 15 mins Monday – Saturday from 6:45am – 11:45pm Sunday & public holidays from 8:45am – 11:45pm
MEDICAL SERVICES
CURRENCY EXCHANGE
St. James Hospital +356 2329 1000 Triq Gorg Borg Olivier, Sliema St James Square, Zabbar Opening hours: 24/7
Fexserv Financial Services Ltd Alpine House, Triq In-Naxxar, San Gwann +356 2576 2576 Opening hours: Monday – Friday from 8.30am – 6pm, Saturday from 9am - 12.30pm
66A, St. George’s Road, St. Julians +356 2576 2785 Opening hours: Monday- Sunday from 9.30am – 8pm 61, Republic Street, Valletta +356 2576 2278 Opening hours: Monday – Friday from 9am to 2pm and from 3pm to 6pm
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Mater Dei Hospital +356 2545 0000 Triq Dun Karl, Imsida Opening hours: 24/7
Floriana Health Centre +356 2124 3314 F.S. Fenech Street, Floriana Opening hours: Mon-Sun 24 hours Gozo Health Centre (Victoria) + 356 2215 6820 Triq Enrico Mizzi, Victoria, Gozo Opening hours: Monday-Sunday 07:00-20:00
+356 2345 8706 9 Empire Stadium Street, Gzira www.unicarmalta.com GoTo Car Sharing Car Sharing Services Malta Ltd, Mdina Road, Zebbug, ZBG 9017, Malta
TAXI SERVICES Cool Ride-Pooling +356 2014 7600 www.cool.mt
Ecabs
+356 2138 3838 Head Office, Triq Santu Wistin, Paceville St Julians – STJ 3180, Malta
HAIR SALONS Prive Hairdressing +356 21 433 072 Prive Hairdressing, Triq it- Tin, Naxxar, Malta Toni&Guy +356 2373 3420 Hilton Malta, Portomaso, St Julians Opening hours: Monday – Saturday from 9am – 7pm Shimmer N Shin Hair and Beauty Salon +356 2789 4555 128, Triq il-Qaliet, Marsaskala, Opening hours: Monday from 10am - 6pm, Tuesday - Saturday from 9am - 7pm