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MAGAZINE
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KURT PARIS
INTERVIEW
We met Kurt Paris, a talented Maltese photographer who shared with us his vision, artistic style, passions and what make him today one of the most recognised fashion photographers in Malta. 2
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’ve always pictured an artist as a roaming soul, someone who is always searching for something new, for inspiration, for new ideas. Over the past 10 years, as I continued to immerse myself in the world of photography, this has become a pretty accurate description of myself. From an educational perspective, my background is a technical one, I am by my very own admission a geek. When I first started delving into photography I initially approached it with the same mindset, ready and eager to learn all the rules, understand lighting, understand every minute detail and of course own the best equipment. I’ve grown up a bit since then, I’ve learnt that rules are made to be broken, the subject, the angle, any outside elements, all are as or even more important than the rules of the game. I’ve been asked to define my work multiple times and I find it quite hard. My main focus is in the fields of portraiture and fashion but I also have a huge passion for nudes. I like shooting people, expressive faces and bodies, the human body is such an interesting, creative subject no two bodies are the same and the appearance and shape changes instantly with just one flick of a light, one movement of the camera, it’s like shading a painting. My first exhibition Incubus was actually centred around nude photography. The models wore masks created for the Venice Carnival, their identities were kept anonymous and the models felt free to move and express themselves using just their bodies.
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When it comes to fashion, it goes without saying that the clothes and styling play a big part but the model’s pose and expression are equally important, it is my job to extract that, to convey the right mood and feeling to the person being shot. A photographer must always look at a shoot as a collaboration, a meeting of different minds to create art, there can never be a disconnection between the model and photographer.
As an artist and a naturally ambitious person, I never truly feel satisfied with my work, I’m always yearning for that next element, that new technique to incorporate or simply a new subject or piece of equipment. I have many different ideas at the moment but the definite next two things for me are to start using a drone and to continue to explore nude photography.
I was awarded the Malta Fashion Award Photographer Award three consecutive times, this was an important milestone for me as it signified a recognition of my work by my peers and by the industry I work in. I followed this up by travelling to Paris to work on a series of photoshoots on the streets of Paris using Maltese designers. To date, this remains one of my favourite shoots. Paris as a city always fills me with inspiration and I felt inspired to merge this city with our local designers... Other notable works within the fashion industry is the campaign for Gagliardi, shot in Sicily, we were a team of ten people, different editorials for local magazines and TV programmes with countless different themes and lots of fashion shows (fashion weeks in Malta and abroad), both front-of-house and backstage. Another genre of photography I enjoy is food and travel though more in the hobbyist rather than purely professional way. I love to travel and I love to eat even more, it’s almost impossible to put away your camera when faced with a gorgeous scene or a historic building or a French patisserie crafted with love and excellence.
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HAPPY DREAMS
HAPPY DIAMONDS
MARITIME
An Anniversary Edition T
he year 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of the Rolex Middle Sea Race, one of the world’s most popular and revered 600-nautical mile races. Founded in 1968, the Rolex Middle Sea Race, starting and finishing in Malta, joins the Rolex Fastnet Race and the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, among others, as part of Rolex’s long association with offshore sailing.
A Sporting Challenge The Rolex Middle Sea Race resulted from the sporting aspirations of a group of passionate sailors. Jimmy White, an Englishman residing in Malta, and two local sailors, Paul and John Ripard, were members of the Royal Malta Yacht Club. Together with their mutual friend Alan Green (later the Race Director of the Royal Ocean
Racing Club), they mapped out a challenging, circular course around Sicily and a number of outlying islands. Even as the event has grown, most notably over the past fifteen years since Rolex’s involvement began in 2002, the intrepid spirit displayed by the founders remains a core feature of the event.
A Beautiful Racecourse Starting from Malta, an island located at the ‘crossroads of the Mediterranean’, the Rolex Middle Sea Race is a 606-nm circumnavigation of Sicily. ‘The most beautiful race course in the world,’ is how American Ted Turner once described it, an opinion endorsed by fellow-American George David, fourtime line honours winner and current race record holder. From the spectacular start in Valletta’s Grand Harbour, played out to cannons firing and encircled by the city’s imposing, historic bastions, the course features some of the most rugged and mesmerising landscapes of the Mediterranean. After the start, yachts head north to Sicily and the first active volcano of the race, Mount Etna. The tricky Strait of Messina follows, before the fleet rounds the race’s symbolic landmark, Stromboli, the second volcano. Passing along the northern coast of Sicily, the fleet turns south at the northwesternmost tip, negotiating the Egadi Islands, as they head to the islands of Pantelleria and Lampedusa, before the return leg to Malta. 6
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A Constant Challenge
An International Contest
A True Sailing Achievement
Frequent corners create identifiable course segments and expose the fleet to changing weather patterns and sea conditions. With most crews expected to spend at least five nights at sea, the Rolex Middle Sea Race is an exacting test of resources requiring excellent preparation, shrewd anticipation and mental fortitude. An ability to make precise decisions in a pressured environment is also critical. Most editions of the race involve a mix of conditions, from frustrating calms to exhilaratingly big seas and strong winds.
Regularly attracting a fleet in excess of 100 yachts, the Rolex Middle Sea Race is truly international in both allure and reach. A fleet of 104 yachts from 30 different countries encompassing five continents contested the 2017 edition. Further proof of its global appeal lies in the identity of recent race winners. Over the past decade, they have come from France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Malta, South Africa, Italy and Russia.
The Rolex Middle Sea Race is one of offshore sailing’s most fascinating and enticing challenges, becoming an increasingly permanent fixture in the annual calendar of many crews. Those who conquer it are compelled to return, drawn by its wild beauty, diversity and warm hospitality. The overall race winner receives one of sailing’s most revered and respected prizes, a Rolex timepiece – an enticing incentive that marks excellence and achievement on and off the water.
Edwards Lowell is the official retailer of Rolex in Malta. Visit www.elcol.com for more information. 7
LUXURY
Highline Suites
At InterContinental Malta, luxury is not only a state of mind; it is core to our beliefs and it is central to every aspiration and desire that our guests wish for.
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ll 30 Highline Suites range between 90 and 120 square metres and are beautifully designed with an emphasis on understated elegance. Each suite offers you an uninterrupted transition between its indoor and outdoor environments, enabling you to enjoy innovative luxury. The suites’ decor is chic and contemporary, with all bed linen and furnishings being custom made. Whilst residing in our suites our skilled Club team will cater for your every need and certainly exceed your expectations. Highline Suites’ service offers pristine attention to detail in the most luxurious contemporary environment. Apart from the services and facilities available within the hotel, guests staying in the Highline suites have the opportunity to relax and let the world pass by with stunning island views, the Mediterranean Sea and a rooftop infinity pool as company. The accompanying bar and restaurant provide all those enjoying the hotel’s Highline Suites with private and intimate attention whilst offering pristine comfort and enjoyment.
Should you wish further information concerning our Highline Suites, kindly contact your Concierge at your convenience.
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DISCOVERY
The sister island,
Gozo
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Temples of Ä gantija
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hey say a mystical giantess, who ate nothing but broad beans and honey, bore a child from a man of the island folk. The kinship with the islanders thus sanctified, she built a temple with the child slung over her shoulder, for them to continue their worship. Today, her myths may have been mostly forgotten but the temples of Ġgantija still stand, 5500 years after their construction, eclipsing the age of the Great Pyramids by a thousand years. Welcome to Gozo: an island where time stands still. Gozo is the sedentary sibling to Malta. Inhabited for thousands of years, it has seen ownership by the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Sicilians, French and British, among others, though the locals seem to see themselves as Gozitans first, throughout history. For the visiting traveler the island is a great source of little adventure: from rural hiking paths, to sun kissed beaches and scuba-diving sites. The Mediterranean cuisine never disappoints, and it does not require an exotic palate to try the specialty goat’s cheese ġbejna, both in its soft and dried incarnations as well as and savoury pastizzi pastries. Being rather small, it’s not too difficult to explore the island. A stroll through the capital of Victoria (Rabat) gives a great feeling of the old-world colliding with modern times; for instance there are two opera houses virtually facing each other on the main road. Their deep rivalry has resulted in Gozo being on many opera calendars, as their constant one-upmanship has elevated the production values to incredible degrees. Further up a steep hill is the Cittadella, the city fortress. During the Great Siege of Malta, Gozo had been ransacked by the invading Ottomans,
with the bulk of the population forced into slavery. Once victorious, the Knights rebuilt the fortifications here to prevent that from happening again.The Cittadella contains a number of churches and historic buildings from the medieval to the baroque, including the 17th century built Cathedral of the Assumption, the Old Prison and the Nature Museum. The Gozo Museum of Archaeology also resides within these bastions housing 3000-year-old sculptures and relics. Faith is deeply ingrained into the Gozitan and Maltese culture. In 1883 a woman is said to have heard the voice of Our Lady at the small chapel outside the village of Għarb. The site rapidly became a centre of pilgrimage and the number of visitors soon overwhelmed the little church prompting the creation of a larger and more fitting monument. In 1930 the architectural masterpiece that is Our Lady of Ta’Pinu was built, dominating the rural landscape. Visitors may follow the series of 14 marble statues representing the Way of the Cross run up Għammar Hill to the church. Marvelous paintings and stained glass adorn the church, and English services are also available once a week for the visiting faithful. If travellers to Malta loved the provincial and lax Mediterranean lifestyle, Gozo is happy to slow that down further whether it’s sipping tea in a café in Rabat or having a meader in the countryside. The footsteps of the giant goddess may have been blown away by the weather, but her mark of a strong, stoic and faithful people still remains.
Enjoy your visit. 11
12-14 OCTOBER 2018
06 OCTOBER 2018
BIRGU FEST Birgufest is set in one of Malta’s oldest and most historic cities, Vittoriosa. All the streets and houses are lit up with candles, chandeliers hang in the streets, and music ruminates throughout the winding pathways.
NOTTE BIANCA Notte Bianca is Malta’s biggest annual arts and culture festival. Festivalgoers can expect to experience the very best in music, dance, theatre, visual arts and literary events. During this free event, Valletta’s streets and public spaces are used in innovative, creative ways thanks to a mix of roaming and site-specific projects.
WHAT’S ON 20-27 OCTOBER 2018 LA TRAVIATA At Teatru Astra, in Victoria, Gozo, the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra will be under the direction of Mro Paul Walsh and the Artistic direction under Enrico Stinchelli to revisit this classic.
01 DEC 2018 - 06 JAN 2019 CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR The season is celebrated to its fullest on the Maltese Islands with decorations and events taking place in many establishments. Nativity scenes, displays of cribs, carol services and other events are organised in each locality. 12
25 OCTOBER 2018 ROLEX MIDDLE SEA RACE The Rolex Middle Sea Race is a highly rated classic, often mentioned in the sailing community as a “must do” race. The start of the race on the 20th October is from the Grand Harbour in the waters opposite the Saluting Battery in Valletta and Fort St. Angelo in Vittoriosa as thousands of people gather along the harbour to enjoy this spectacle of sail. Visit www.elcol.com for more information.
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15 DECEMBER 2018 VALLETTA 2018 CLOSING SPECTACLE This free event is playing host to a spectacular line-up of live shows, music.. and a few unexpected touches, paying tribute to the creative diversity that exists on our Islands, in Europe and beyond.
11-26 JAN 2019
DEC 2018 - JAN 2019 CHRISTMAS PANTOMINES One of the must-see events during the Christmas period is the traditional Christmas pantomime. Different productions are presented each year, with amazing costumes, fantastic sets and laughter is guaranteed.
FEBRUARY 2019
VALLETTA INTERNATIONAL BAROQUE FESTIVAL As one of the oldest working theatres in the world, Teatru Manoel, hosts the Valletta International Baroque. This year’s musical programme has once again secured some of the best contemporary exponents of Baroque music from the international and local sphere to contribute to the celebration of Malta’s capital.
CARNIVAL IN MALTA & GOZO Malta’s Carnival is a renowned celebration that dates to the 16th century. Today it is an explosion of colour in the way of decorated floats and costumes. This event takes place in Valletta and Floriana. At the date of printing, some events were not up yet on schedule, to get more events and information, please contact your concierge. 13
FOCUS ON
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Regeneration of Strait Street i n Va l l e t t a A
stroll down the shadow-strewn narrowness that is Strait Street harkens back to its shady past. A sordid collection of hostels, bordellos, music halls, bars and restaurants were all crammed into this one road in the heart of Valletta. Picture the sailors as they spill out onto the street, arm in arm, drowning out their homesickeness in drink and bawdy song. Ladies of the night standing at every other door and corner, offering negotiable affection to the men who had been at sea for months on end. Cabaret and jazz music echoes out from the windows, played on eagerly sought out records from the USA, while barmaids listen to sob stories as they pour another glass of tepid gin. It was a place to forget, a road to numb ill-feeling and loosen the hedonistic bonds. A place that visitors never forgot and the locals depended on for a living be they the bed warmers or the seamstresses, the hoteliers or the boot polishers. The women who sold themselves and the men who watched over them.
Fast-forward some decades and Strait Street has made a comeback as quite the hot ticket in an evening calendar, all seediness removed. While the dens of iniquity have been closed, numerous more gentrified bars and restaurants have reopened, often paying little homages and tributes to their infamous forefathers. A cafÊ and restaurant standing proud on the corner, for instance, does its best to retain the original ambience of its namesake, that had been shuttered for over fifty years. If you fancy yourself a connoisseur, then try a whisky bar that promises the massive selection to delight your palate. In contrast to the surroundings stands a 16th-century old palazzo, now an exquisite restaurant where one may delight on the noble architecture while dining, and perhaps be allowed to explore the small labyrinth beneath where a fair number of urban legends kicked off. The former hotel Splendid, is often open for art exhibitions, theatre performances and sometimes even stand-up comedy shows. The hotel has a historically macabre murder story to When the British forces put Malta behind them, boot, and a number of locals in the area will be national independence also cost this road all the more than happy to gleefully render their version trade it ever knew. One can only imagine the of the tale. vibrant nightlife as they walk this quiet lane, that sits a single parallel to the main road of Valletta. Letting one’s mind wander as you walk along the The sixty or more-year-old flaking, dilapidated street during the day and try the same stroll by signs tell many stories, but as the street heads night, and it’s wall to wall people in a cacophony ever East those signs seem to be renewed. For of talking and music. The transformation is like many things, great eras are cyclical. incredible, and it is best to abandon yourself to the spirit of Strait Street. Let yourself be taken in: the road may be straight, but the values are a little sly and crooked. Have fun. 15
BESPOKE
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dwards Lowell and Rolex announced the opening of a Rolex Boutique that is the first of its kind in Malta. Situated in Republic Street, Valletta, the Edwards Lowell Rolex Boutique features an innovative use of Rolex’s signature aqua pattern and a handcrafted stucco wall with a depiction of Valletta. The new boutique offers professional expertise in an elegant setting, one that promotes a sense of harmony, discretion and intimacy with the brand, which has been setting standards in watchmaking for more than a century.
distinctive history. A singular and world-class project
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This is an exciting new chapter in Edwards Lowell’s
that aims to set new standards in Maltese retail and pave the way for future projects.
- Malcolm R. Lowell, Managing Director of Edwards Lowell. 16
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Edwards Lowell Opens Malta’s First Rolex Boutique ONE BOUTIQUE, A WHOLE ROLEX WORLD Every element of the interior design features the elegant Rolex aesthetic and radiates the values of the Rolex crown. Excellence, precision and attention to detail emanate from the careful calibration of colours and patterns in the fittings and furnishings.
stucco panels that feature a view of Valletta from the sea. The intense green used around the boutique creates accents that harmonize a refreshed colour palette. The space also mixes textures from walnut-brown wood to beige coloured marble and leather, and includes notable marble counters with leather and wood detailing.
Sensitive lighting accentuates the beauty of a wide selection of Rolex models in display cases lined with beige leather with bronze trims.
Synonymous with luxury since 1925, Edwards Lowell is renowned for being a fine retailer of a curated selection of the most prestigious brands in the world. From its conception over ninety years ago, this family-run business has strived to offer its clients the world’s finest products alongside unique customer service. The Edwards Lowell Rolex Boutique is the first Rolex Boutique on the island and is set to be valuable addition to the Edwards Lowell family.
A striking emerald aqua floor highlights Rolex’s rich heritage – its wave motif referencing the iconic Oyster, the world’s first waterproof wristwatch. Used as flooring for the first time, the aqua material draws the eye across the boutique towards handcrafted
Edwards Lowell is the official retailer of Rolex in Malta. Visit www.elcol.com for more information. 17
FACILITIES
ALL THE COMFORT
you need
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C A R I S M A S PA & WELLNESS
C Y N E R G I H E A LT H & FITNESS CENTRE
ELITE COIFFEUR
Level 5
Level 5 South lifts or Level 7 from Nor th lifts
Level 3 South lifts
Carisma Spa & Wellness is available on level 5 for hotel guests to be pampered by professionally trained therapists in a sophisticated and personal environment. Here one can indulge in the secluded and individual atmosphere of the traditional hamam and benefit from Dead Sea salt exfoliation treatments upon request. A visit to these Turkish baths is not only a cleansing ritual but also a feast for ultimate health and well being. These diligently chosen treatments and programs guarantee a maximum amount of relaxation and recuperation for body and soul.
Whether you are looking to improve your fitness or simply to relax, Cynergi Health & Fitness Centre provides the ultimate in health and fitness technology. Boasting the ideal ambiance in a state of the art fully equipped gymnasium, with over 2,500 square meters of workout space. The extensive facilities include over 70 lowimpact cardiovascular machines, free weights, an aerobics studio with cardiovascular exercise equipment, two ISF approved squash courts and TRX suspension training equipment. The centre is also located immediately next door to Carisma Spa and Wellness and the hotel’s 17 metre indoor pool. Cynergi is open between 06:00 and 22:00.
‘Glamour first’ is the philosophy of Elite Coiffeur stylists. Their technique and form is certainly artwork and will truly make an individual stand out at any special occasion or event, also ensuring the perfection in creativity. Located on the third floor near the south elevators, the salon is classic and elegant, with knowledgeable stylists for all types of colouring, shaping and blow dries.
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CESARE SARTI Level 3 / Ground Floor Cesare Sarti, founded in Turin, Italy, in 1966, specialises in the creation of haute couture garments. These 100% Italian productions (BIELLA), are made with exclusive fabrics, of only Tasmania, Silk and Cashmere wool, all of which are hand sewn by Italian tailors in our showroom in Florence. The Cesare Sarti brand is found in Italy, Switzerland and now in Malta, at the InterContinental.
Our strength is experience, professionalism and above all the possibility to offer a unique and personalised product for formal, casual and elegant men. Well trained and talented staff can be found in our show rooms, where we will take care of all the details. We believe elegance is not to be noticed but to be remembered‌ 19
YOUR HOTEL
Your luxury stay at InterContinental Malta
S
ituated in the heart of St. Julian’s, one of Malta’s most sought-after destinations for both business and leisure, the InterContinental Hotel offers convenience, luxury and topflight care to all those seeking the best accommodation in what arguably is Europe’s sunniest destination. When staying at InterContinental Malta, we will make sure that you will always be well relaxed and thoroughly comfortable regardless of your choice of room, since all our accommodation’s options are elegantly furnished and feature all the amenities expected from a first-class luxury hotel. When booking a Deluxe Room, you will be surrounded by an elegant and modern interior, lavishly furnished, especially suitable for those that are travelling for leisure. 20
Our Deluxe Rooms are our luxury and family-oriented brand. Built to convey a sense of space and privacy, they are equipped with balconies, sumptuous king or queen size beds and a spacious private bathroom with a separate shower. Modern comforts are key to our core values, and so all our Deluxe Rooms are equipped with coffee and tea making facilities, as well as free Wi-Fi. If you want a truly pampered stay, or if you are visiting us for business purposes, you can upgrade to our top-of-the-line Highline Suites. With private check-in, beautiful panoramic views of Malta, a sophisticated design and the latest technology available in room, the Highline Suites are the epitome of elegance and comfort in our hotel.
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However, they will give you access to more than just a bigger and more comfortable room with a view. When upgrading your stay to one of our Highline Suites – from our Deluxe and Club Suites to the truly indulgent Penthouse and Presidential Suites – you will be given access to beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea and Malta’s unique skyline at our exclusive Club InterContinental lounge. This venue offers a range of premier services for our most discerning customers, including complimentary drinks and snacks throughout the day. When staying at the Highline Suites, you will also have access to our SKYBEACH rooftop pool and our SKYHIGH Lounge, where you will be able to relax and let the world pass by whilst swimming in our exclusive infinity pool and dining in a private and intimate surrounding.
But we know that not all our guests visit us for leisure, and so we also offer technologically advanced solutions for those that visit us on business. We have several private meeting spaces on our higher floors, as well as a boardroom, available to all guests that have upgraded their stay to our Highline Suites. Diverse as our rooms are, however, you can rest assured that, regardless of your choice of room, you will be truly pampered by an attentive and experienced staff during your stay at InterContinental Malta.
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HISTORY
The Fort St. Elmo The War Museum
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he siege has been unremittent for over a month and a half. Cannon and musket fire hammers the bastion walls from dawn till dusk, with reinforcements replacing the wounded under cover of darkness, secreted quietly across the bay. This is the night that the final orders came in: the Knights Hospitaller are to make a last stand, with no succour and no surrender as an option. It is 1565 and this is the beginning of the fall of Fort St Elmo. The defenders made a heroic stand worthy of any Hollywood film: outnumbered ten, perhaps even twenty to one with no rescue in sight against a horde of tens of thousands of soldiers from the Ottoman Empire. Malta may be a small island, but its position in the Mediterranean has been of strategic importance to many a nation who wished control over maritime trade and naval might in the sea. The island boasts the world’s oldest Neolithic temples and has been
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ruled by every empire that graced the European history books, from Phoenician to Roman, Arab to Spanish, the famous Knights Hospitaller to a brief stewardship by Napoleon himself, before English forces took control until the island’s independence in the 60s. With every new master, there came war and a repurposing of existing defences to face new technology. A walk around St. Elmo will demonstrate the fusion of middle age masonry and engineering all the way to more modern warfare. The starshaped massive bastions dealt with the threat of cannon fire from ships and troops trained in the use of gunpowder, while the structures atop it predate World War 2. Built by the English forces the rooms appear almost flimsy next to the thick fortifications: this was a war fought from the air, and the defenses are in the form of antiair gun placements. Their efficacy can be called into question as during the second world war, Malta was the most bombed place on Earth, another siege that lasted years.
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The National War Museum is appropriately housed here. Within, visitors may see various implements of combat that date back to the prehistoric times all the way through the bronze age and Roman occupation. However, the museum’s forte lies within the world war exhibits that feature equipment, weapons, vehicles and aircraft. Due to the valour displayed by the people during WW2, the island was bestowed the George Cross by the British Monarch, and the medal itself resides physically here, and also, symbolically on the national flag. St Elmo and the National War Museum is open Monday to Sunday: 09.00 - 17.00hrs. Last admission at 16.30hrs. Closed on 24, 25 & 31 December, 1 January & Good Friday. On Sundays, Fort St Elmo hosts the ‘In Guardia’ Parade. When the In Guardia is scheduled to take place, the museum opens at 12.00hrs (instead of at 09.00hrs)
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INGREDIENTS Scallop & tomato tartare 50g Scallop meat cubes 50g Chopped tomatoes 1 Shallot 1 Clove of garlic 1 Tsp chives Seasoning Chilled tomato saffron soup 200g Skinned & seeded tomato 1 Onion 2 Cloves of garlic 1 Tsp fennel seeds 100ml Wine 100ml Fish stock 1 Pinch of saffron ½ Tsp coriander seeds Seasoning 1 Tbsp tomato paste 24
Garlic aioli 1 Bulb of roasted| garlic Fresh mayonnaise: 3 Egg yolks 1 Tsp French mustard 300ml Vegetal oil 1 Tbsp white wine vinegar Saffron jelly 2 Lemon grass ½ Tsp saffron 500ml Lobster stock 11gr Agar-agar Anchovy beignet 4 Drained anchovies Batter: 1 Egg 50g Flour 100ml Sparkling water 1 Tsp baking powder Seasoning
Lobster 2 Lobsters 1l Salted water Mirepoix - rough cut of mixed vegetables Salted cod potato cannolo 2 Medium-sized potatoes 200g Salted cod 1 Tbsp finely diced leek 50ml Cream 1 Tablespoon parsley Smoked Paprika Crumble 50g Butter 50g Flour 1 Tbsp paprika 1 Pinch of salt
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Paul Bajada Executive Sous Chef, InterContinental Malta The sea is part of his soul. In the middle of a chaotic, industrious restaurant kitchen in action – amidst pans sliding off the gas hobs, knives clacking on hardwood chopping boards, dishes singing as they are placed on the workstations for plating - is Chef Paul Bajada rhythmically moving to it all like waves on a beach. His love of the ocean is in his blood, he stems from generations of fishermen and learnt the ways of taming the sea at a young age with his grandfather, a bit of a gourmand himself. There is something uniquely special about catching a fish with your own hands and then cooking and serving it to family on the same day. The sea played a part even when pursuing his love of cooking: he began his career
in a humble kitchen at a seaside lido, possibly the lowest start a chef can make. Paul wasted no time in building up his work skills in the first all inclusive hotel in Malta – ensuring the 1500 people at all hours of day had meals at their whim. His two-and-a-half-decade journey of culinary discovery took him across continents to Australia where he worked in Michelin star restaurants for a handful of years before his roots called him back home. The world may be his oyster, but Chef Bajada will more likely have a clever little recipe to prepare them with.
Deconstruction Mediterranean Seafood bouillabaisse Scallop & tomato tartare Chop the shallots and garlic and cook on a medium heat. Add chopped tomatoes. Cook until moisture evaporates. Add scallops, chives and season to taste. Chilled tomato saffron soup In a pan on medium heat, cook the onion and garlic. Add coriander and fennel seeds. Stir in the paste and tomato. Add the saffron and the wine and allow the soup to reduce by half. Add the fish stock and simmer for 30 minutes. Blend and add seasoning. Garlic aioli Blend egg yolks and mustard in a liquidiser. Add oil in a steady stream until it emulsifies. Add the seasoning.
Saffron jelly Bring the lobster stock to a boil, adding the lemon grass and saffron. Simmer for 10 minutes until flavours are infused. Liquidise (at boiling temperature) all, and add agaragar. Shape and cut as required. Anchovy beignet Beat egg with dry ingredients. Add water until it gets a thicker consistency. Dip anchovies into the egg wash and then fry. Lobster Boil water and vegetables and simmer for 20 minutes. Prepare lobster in flavoured liquor for 3 minutes. Cool lobsters under running water and remove the meat from the shell. Extra meat to be used for other recipes.
2 persons
60 min
medium difficulty
Salted cod potato cannolo Cut potatoes in a cylinder shape and cook in salted water until cooked/hot. Rinse the salted cod from the excess salt and chop into small cubes and place in a pan. Fry quickly the onions, the leeks, potato trimmings and fish in butter. Add cream and cook on medium heat until tender. Blend until it becomes paste. Smoked Paprika Crumble Rubbing in method. Add paprika and salt. Lay on oven tray and bake at 170°C for 15 minutes. Cool down and blend to a rough powder.
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GASTRONOMY
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WATERBISCUIT Ground level & level 4 Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
aterbiscuit offers a gastronomic experience to delight all with a charming and contemporary atmosphere and enthusiastically accomplished cuisine. Executive Sous Chef, Bradi Dalli crafts creative everenhanced dining using the freshest Mediterranean ingredients all combined innovatively and inventively, available daily for dinner. Meanwhile at the Waterbiscuit Bar healthy
HARRUBA Level 4 Breakfast Harruba is InterContinental Malta’s main restaurant. Hosting buffet breakfast daily, the restaurant provides a selection of tantalising dishes that lavishly portray the finest of world cuisine.
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breakfasts, lunches and dinners may be enjoyed throughout the day, though ultimately guests come for the cocktails and every creation seeks to exceed the wildest expectations. Aiding all is singular design concept making Waterbiscuit the most glamorous address on the Maltese Islands, whether for a business meeting, casual dining or evening social gathering.
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PARANGA InterContinental Beach Club - Lunch - Dinner Paranga is the hotel’s seaside restaurant, set on teak decking adjacent to the rippling Mediterranean Sea. Here one is certain to find and an enticing and exclusive atmosphere where the centre of attention is the pristine and unspoiled natural flavour
of the cuisine. The menu offers a superb array of stimulating and diverse Sicilian flavours interpreted with both a traditional and contemporary style. Fresh fish and shellfish arrive daily from local fishermen, creating with certainty a peak of individual interest or the ideal fare for any occasion. All of which may be enjoyed with ideally selected and impeccably paired wine, aperitif or digestif.
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CONCIERGE’S CORNER
Our Fall / Winter recommendations We have compiled some haunts for you to shop, explore and enjoy your time whilst you are in Malta.
1 Sarto Sarto has earned a fine reputation over the years and the boutique is synonymous with style in its most elegant and simple form.
2 Edwards, Lowell Co. Ltd Edwards, Lowell Co. Ltd is a family owned company established in 1925 and is the exclusive distributor in Malta Royal Malt a Golf Club for all their brands including Rolex, Patek Philippe, Chopard, Hublot, Girard-Perregaux, Dodo Established in 1888, the Royal Malta Parmigiani Fleurier, Breitling, Golf Club is one of the 66 golf clubs worldwide that carry the prestigious Tudor and Pomellato. “Royal” title. Located in Marsa, the Club welcomes beginners and visitors.
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Charles & Ron A contemporary lifestyle brand, presenting high-end practical clothing and bags with a distinct Mediterranean flair and a superior quality. Maltese culture is an integral part of the design ethic and vision.
Camilleri Paris Mode These shops located in Sliema and Rabat offer quality furnishings and branded lifestyle products, including home accessories, fragrances and luxury toweling.
5 4 Shopping in Valletta Shopping is among one of the favourite activities to many visitors during their stay in Malta. Valletta, The European Capital of Culture, offers numerous and diverse shops and boutiques which will offer you a variety to satisfy all of your shopping expectations.
Hugo Boss The menswear collection at this stylishly designed Boss store, features an extensive range of products, consisting of classicmodern business wear, elegant evening wear, relaxed casual fashion, shoes, accessories and fragrances.
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TAKE NOTE
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Insider M AGAZ I N E
01
BANKS & CURRENCY EXCHANGE
Banks are normally open between 08:30 and 13:30 from Monday to Thursday, between 08:30 and 15:30 on Friday and up to 12:00 on Saturday. Some banks open for longer hours. International bankcards are accepted and foreign currency is easily exchanged. Banks, Automated Teller Machines (ATM) and currency exchange offices can be found all over the islands.
02
CASINOS
Casino Malta, located on level 2, provides the islands most exciting gaming experience, offering world class levels of entertainment in complete comfort, 24 hours a day. Foreign nationals must be at least 18 years of age to enter and Maltese citizens must be 21 years of age.
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TIME DIFFERENCE
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SMOKING
Smoking is not allowed in all InterContinental Malta’s hotel rooms. It is also not allowed in entertainment establishments, including bars and restaurants, unless there is a designated smoking area.
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ELECTRICITY
The electrical supply is 230 volts, 50 hertz. The three-pin rectangular plug system is used, as in the United Kingdom.
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USEFUL & EMERGENCY NUMBERS
00356 International Code 112 Emergency Services 1182 Directory Enquiries 1152 Overseas Operator 195 Time Check 5004 3333 Flight Enquiries
Malta is on Central European Time (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of GMT in winter and 2 hours ahead between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October. Malta is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST) in winter and 7 hours ahead between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October.
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PHARMACIES
Pharmacies are found throughout the islands and are open during normal shopping hours. On Sundays, they operate on a roster from 09:00 to 12:00 in Malta and from 07:30 to 11:00 in Gozo. Details of the roster are available on the local Sunday newspapers and online.
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St. George’s Bay • St. Julian’s STJ 3310 • Malta Tel: +356 21 377 600 • Fax: +356 21 372 222 malta@ihg.com • malta.intercontinental.com