Sweet Sensations

Which Central and South American vegetable product is the most popular in the world, adored by all ages from toddlers to great grandparents?

Chocolate.Brought to Europe by Christopher Columbus in 1502,the cacao bean was so treasured in its native lands that it was even used as money right up to about a hun dred years ago. But if you want to enjoy the most sophisticated of chocolate delights, there's no need to travel back in time or even to South America,because the cream of the chocolate choice is right here in Gibraltar, in the ICC, at The Chocolate Shop.

Butowner,manager and,(as she said herself), prime consumer at the specialist shop. South African Louisa Duthie has another love as well as chocolate-Gibraltar.T love it here, I really do.' she said with great enthusiasm when I caught her in a rare quiet moment at the shop.'1 love the people, and I re ally appreciate the way they look after each other.' Originally Louisa and her Scottish husband Stewart took over Macap Frames in Town Range, having moved here from PortJicawl in south Wales.So how did the idea to open a chocolate shop come about?

'After three years we were think ing about opening another busi ness,' Louisa explained,'when by chance a gentleman from the UK wandered in. Named Neville Stein, he had come to Gibraltar because he had a chocolate shop in England called Les Chocolats Beiges and wanted to open another one, pos sibly on the Rock. I told him that 1 absolutely adored chocolate, and asked him if he'd mind if 1 pinched his idea. To our surprise he agreed at once, saying that he'd open his second shop in the UK after all. And on top of that he gave us all the help he could, including the names of the leading suppliers of Belgian chocolates, which to me are the world's best.'

There was a lot to sort out,find ing a supplier who would open an account for a small distant shop, but after a lot of dogged determi nation and help from her family here, Louisa came to an arrange ment with the top choc company House of Sarunds to deliver to

Overland Express's depot in Brit ain, where her stock of chocolate is now delivered in a refrigerated truck once a fortnight.

Louisa opened The Chocolate Shop last August, a quiet time of year because chocolate is more suited to the cooler months,espe cially those that contain fresh cream. This gave her a chance to geteverything sorted,and then the customers started coming in, first a trickle then a steady flow.'We had no idea how it would work out, but nobody else sold a vari ety ofloose chocolates that you can pick and mix,' said Louisa. 'Against that, we don't sell the mass-produced bars and boxes that you can get in many Main

Street shops, so we were offering a new service that didn't take away from existing businesses.'

It is a different service indeed. The choice in the shop is not to be seen elsewhere in this part of Eu rope, and The Chocolate Shop has special services as well:'We deliver made-up boxes for parties and the like;' Louisa continued, 'and we are also doing more and more de liveries to lawyers' offices for cor porate gifts and we now supply some of the top hotels with their chocolates. 1 like doing those spe cial orders, they're like bouquets of chocolates. Usually they are a kilogramme of mixed colours in a gold tray topped off with ribbons and bows and a card.' The shop also makes up boxes for weddings and has even delivered to Spain.

Another aspect of the business that appeals to Louisa is the tre mendous variety of people who come in, people of all types from all over the world — even the crew ofthe recent USsubmarine stocked up with chocolates to take home recently,and she also has a new fan club in the form of a group of local teenage boys who have started coming in with great enthusiasm every day.'And they're not cheap chocolates;' she emphasised,'but the quality is so outstanding that nobody thinks about the cost.' And, quality apart, the quantity can be as small as you like — quite a few people have bought a single special chocolate in a box, as a ro mantic token

The whole selection can only be indicated,but amongstthe display are Dessert Cups(like open flow ers with chocolate petals). Praline Croquant, Baileys Truffle, Butter scotch Wit (with fresh cream), marzipans,sugar mice and choco late mice, fudges, Turkish De light... and a big choice of sugarfree and kosher sweets. All at The Chocolate Shop, Unit Fla, (first floor), ICC.

The shop is open from 10am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 1pm on Saturdays and the phone number is 41266.

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restaurants

Biancas Restaurant

6/7 Admiral's Walk, Marina Bay. Tel: 73379 Fax:79061

Popular and pleasant restaurant on the Quayside at Ma rina Bay with large quayside terrace. Try chicken tikka raita, avcKado & smoked salmon or fresh carrot & ginger soup to start,followed by barisecued spare ribs, beef viagra,swordfish steak,Cajun Ceasar salad,kuku nyama pizza,orchicken and smoked salmon tagliatelle to name but a few for the main course. Crepes, pies, ice cream sundaes etc for des sert. Children's menu, vegetarian dishes, daily specials. Great for alt the family.

Open:7 days,9am - late.

Caf« Solo

Grand Casemates Square. Tel: 44449

Modem Italian eatery set in Casemates. Everything from cajun spiced langcustines Caesar salad,or aromatic prawn salad on romaine leaves bound in wild mushroom & sherry mayonnaise, to pastas {eg; smoked haddock risotto with ma.scarponeand basil oil;open ravioli of swiss chard,basil, garlic and potato with parmcsan cream sauce) and pizzas (eg:Quatto Stagioni topped with mozzarella,ham,chicken, pepperoni and mushroom).

Claus on the Rock

Queensway Quay. Tel/Fax:48686 international menu served on the quayside for lunch,afterntH)n and dinner. Well worth a visit, especially if you ap preciate good wines and cigars.

Open: Lunch & Dinner. Closed Sundays.

Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant

1M3 Market Une. Tel: 77313 HM

C(H>d no fuss Chinese Restaurant off Main St near Post Of fice serving all the traditional favourites including Spring Rolls, Chicken Satay, Buddha Duck in Black Bean Sauce, Pork Sweetand Sour,King Prawns with Spring Onion Gin ger Sauce, Shredded Crispy Beef, Special Noodles and Chicken in Black Bean Sauce on a Sizzling Plate-

Open:12-3,6.30 - midnight every day.

Marrakech Restaurant

9 Governor's Parade. Tel: 75196

New Moroccan restaurant situated in the quiet square next to the Eliott Hotel. Lots to try including Bastilla(mixture of chicken,spiced eggs and roast nuts wrapped in filo dough, baked and served with powdered sugar and cinnamon), harira (Moroccan lentil and bean soup), various couscus.

Grouper fillet Marrakech (spiced and marinated in shermoula sauce and baked, served with saffron rice and saut^ seasonal vegetables), Lamb and caramelized apri cots(braised leg oflamb inhoney-nuitmeg sauce,caramel ized apricots,roasted almonds and sesame seeds),and Sul tan's Kebab Feast (assortment of chicken, beef and lamb kebabs, specially marinated, skewered andgriled, served with saffron rice and chef's choice vegetables). Open:8.303.30,6.30-llpm last orders.

Palm Court Restaurant

Eliott Hotel, Governor's Parade. Tel: 70500

A splendid choice of international dining lunch and eve nings uniquely blended with a Mediterranean flavour. Fin est regional wines. All highlighted with paintings from lo cal artists and sophisticated atmosphere. A la carte menu includes starters such as Moroccan spiced prawns,nwsted goats cheese with herb crust, pesto dressing, toasted dabatta,and pan fried scallops with five spices on sauted leeks with lemon and dill butter. Main courses from grilled sea bass with fettuccine and ratatouille sauce,to pan roasted guinea fowl filled with ricotta and thyme on spinach and mushrooms Madeira jus, and griddled pepper fillet steak sliced on balsamic roast red onions and red wine jus. The lunch menu includes baked mussels with garlic, tomatoes and breadcrumbs, chilli oil, and Italian cold meat platter with artichokes,gherkins and capers.Air<onditioned,park ing.

Da Paolo

Marina Bay. Tel: 76799

Da Paolo serves a high standard of attractively presented international cuisine righton the waterfront at Marina Bay. Try baked leek & wild mushroom tartlet or lobster bisque to start, or for main course,crepe of fish & prawns glazed with hollandaise sauce; baked aubergines filled with ratatouille gratinated with mozzarella; or perhaps the loin of pork baked in cider with cirmamon. Continental/Eng lish breakfast,lunch,inc. tight meals & baguettes, and full a la carte dinner served. Quayside terrace.

Open:from 9.30am. Closed on Sundays.

The Rib Room Restaurant, Rock Hotel.

Tel: 73000 www.rockhotelgibraitar.com

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With sturuiing views of the bay,the Rib Room is acclaimed for its high standard of service and cuisine. Ultimate venue for intimate dinners, or larger gatherings, the Rock Hotel rises to the iKcasion with style and sophistication. Glass of fino and appetiser welcome diners. Summer a la carte and daily house menu from £21.95 p/p specially prepared by the Executive Chef with classical cuisine and a modem in terpretation. Comprehensive wine list. Sunday lunch £14.95 for a welcome Manzanitla,4-courses always includes mast sirloin and some of best Yorkshire puds in town. Sunday newspapers. Relax afterwards to the resident pianist/gui tarist. Air-conditioning, parking, kid's menu/high chair. Open:7pm-10pm daily. Credit cards: AE,D,E, M,V

Simon's Restaurant

44 Cornwall's Lane. Tel:47515

Excellent food in a sophisticated, intimate atmosphetv. Hosts Suzanne and Simon ensure everyone receives per sonal attention- Start with Simon's own pate with red on ion jam and hot toast, or king prawns thermidor with tar ragon mustard, white wine and cheese cream sauce or per haps baked New Zealand mussels with garlic butter and melted cafticmbert. Main courses include kebab of swordfish and king prawns with creamy dill sauce, breast of chicken with mushroom, bacon, rosemary stuffing and masala sauce,and roast tenderloin of pork wrapped in ba con with apple, sage and calvados sauce. Or try the roast rack of lamb with mint, redcurrant and red wine sauce or the grilled fillet of mero with avocado and prawns. There is something to delight every palate. Fully air<onditioncd. Open:evenings(bookings recommended)

Thyme Restaurant

5 Cornwall's Lane. Tel: 49199

Modem international restaurant serving dishes with a fu sion of British, Mediterranean and Eastern flavours. Try the Seafood Siammers, orange and Lime Caramelised Chicken or Thai Fishcakes. Main menu changed season ally and specials run daily. Everything made on the premises using only the l>est, fresh ingredients.

Open: Mon - Fri 12..30-3pm, Mon-Sat 7.30pm - 12am.

The Viceroy of India, Horse Barrack Lane.Tel: 70381 mm

Pleasant, quality restaurant for banquets/intimate meals off Main St opposite post office. Weil presented dishes in clude tikkas, samosas, bhona prawns, pakora, tandooris, kofte curry, lamb Jalfrazi, and prawn biryani. Air-condi tioned.

Open:noon- 3pm,7pm - late.

informal .itiivj

AI Andaius Bar Restaurant

3 College Lane. Tel: 49184

Small eatery in the centre of town serving lots of tasty food from sandwiches and baguettes to barbecues(lamb chops, fillet steak, mixed grill etc) and tajines. Try the cous-cous (beef, veggie,chicken or lamb)or the tapas - £1 (eg:Span ish omolette,boiled crab legs,garbc chicken,cuttlefish stew).

Open:Sam • late evening. Now ser\'ing breakfast from Sam.

Al Fresco's 2/3 Casemates Square. Tel: 74195

Good variety of food from breakfasts and fbh and chips to toasties,jacket potatoes,entrecote steak and tasty local fare such as calentita, stuffed aubergines,croquettes and spin ach pie. Definately one to try for a taste of Gibraltar!

Open: Monday - ^turday 9am - 7pm

Barbary Ape

Opp. Queen's Hotel. Tel: 44380

Homemade food, breakfast, lunch and dinner, including English breakfast, toasties, club sandwiches,salads, burn ers and fish & chips. Kid's menu. Enclosed terrace, park ing, near cable car.

Open:from lOam Monday - Saturday. Closed Sundays.

The Black Kat Bar - Restaurant

104/106 Irish Town. Tel: 47181 Fax:46645

Fully airconditioned bar -restaurant. All private parties ca tered for including kids' birthday parties.

Buddies PasU Casa

15 Cannon Lane. Tel: 40627

Tasty Italian specials in pleasant ambience. Lai;ge selection of starters from garlic bread to calamari. Main courses in clude fettuccine de formaggio, spaghetti alia carbonara. fusilli al salmone, and entiecote al whisky to name a few. Tasty desserts and variety of wines.

Open: Monday - Wednexiay 10am - 5pm,Thursday, Fri day and Saturday 10am - 4pm and 7pm - midnight.

Chariie's Steak House Grill Marina Bay. Tel/Fax:79993 Um

Geoige and Paula are your hosts at Charlie's whom you will find a wide selection of international food including sizzling steaks,tandooris and seafoixl dishes plusdaily spe cials. Try the special sizzling mixed grill which includes tandoori and garlic chicken ba-asts, slices of prime fillet, king prawns,sausages,bacon,tomato and peppers. Regu lar theme nights. Qiaaysidc terrace.

Open:9am • late every day.

Le Coq D'Or

Unit9-10 Watergardens. Tel: 43601

Eat-in or take-away at this busy eatery for all the favourites such asfish and chips,pic and chips,.sausages,dormer and chicken kebabs, nwst chicken,curries, pinchitos, pakoras, salads and Moroccan cakes.

Open:10am - late 7 days a week.

Just A Nibble 1!^

Isl Flf International Commercial Ctr. Tel:78052

Full blown licensed cafeteria serving English breakfast,vast range of toasties, rolls, and other snacks. Meals include steak and kidney pie,chilli con came,cod and chips,jacket potatoes and burgers/hotdogs. Home cooked daily spe cials. Vegetarian sausages/burgers/English breakfast and lasagne, ideal meeting place.

Open: Monday - Saturday from 9am.

Just Desserts

Isi Floor ICC Tel: 48014

Comfortable bright and airy cafe serving vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine from bmakfast and lunch to after noon tea. Homemade des.serts a speciality. Eat-in or takea way at sen.sible prices. Outside catering service.

Open:Sam •5.30pm Monday to Friday.

Hie Lunchbox

301 Eurotowers. Tel:49310 with orders

Fresh filled baguettes and Vienrw/wholemeal rolls, paninis

Serranito style (roast pork,green peppers and sauce), brie, ham & tomato or mushroom,or tuna mayo and sweetcom, Calentita, salads, baked potatoes, chilli beef with cheese nachos. Relax with the C/iron/cfr in the coffee and TV lounge. Range of local dishes, homemade cakes and desserts.

Open: Monday - Friday 7am - 6pm.

Munchies Cafe

24 Main Street Tel:43840 Fax: 42390

A great sandwich bar/cafe offering an unusual range of sandwiches on white or granary bread, plus salads, ba guettes,sou ps,desserts,homemade ice<ream and hot/cold drinks. Business lunches, parties and kids parties also ca tered for (for party and office platters phone or fax order by 5.30pm day before - minium orders for delivery £12).

Open: Mon - Fri 8.30-7,Sal 9-4,Closed Sun.

Piccadilly Garden Bar/Restaurant

3 Rosia Road. Tel: 75758

Pleasant bar near cable car/Queen's Hotel with lovely ter race for drinks/meals. Tasty Spanish/English cuisine in cluding fresh seafixid,breakfast, churros and hamburgers. Open:from breakfast to late.