Best Buy October Issue 2013

ISSUE 77 october 09, 2013

bestbuy. your MONTHLY shopping guide distributed with The Times

interview.

home.

eating & drinking.

meet presenter John bundy

on trend this winter

fabulous food

IN THIS

ISSUE...

Look out for your chance t ow a toshib in a portabl e hard dr ive on pg 04

motoring. caring for your car

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Contact us now for a free site visit and quotation on mob: 7947 2557.

Royal Sundays at the Grand Hotel Excelsior “Sunday is the golden clasp that binds together the volume of the week.”

The Royal Sundays at the Grand Hotel Excelsior are a never-ending exploration of the world’s finest cuisines, offering authentic, ethnic dishes including Indian tandoori, the Levantine Arab shawarma, Japanese sushi prepared with the freshest sea produce and the traditional carvery.

You will indulge in a culinary journey to taste and explore – from Asian, Indian and Turkish to French, Lebanese and Spanish.

Excelsior’s team of chefs uses only the freshest ingredients guaranteeing the finest in five-star cuisine. There’s live entertainment for the grownups and animation to keep the young ones occupied while you relax. And those wonderful harbour views from Spice Island complete the perfect setting for a relaxing Sunday afternoon.

Leading pianist and singer Paul Giordimaina will be entertaining you with live music.

Call the Grand Hotel Excelsior on tel: 2125 0520 to make your booking for Sunday lunch or email food.beverage @excelsior.com.mt

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Best Buy is the leading shopping guide distributed with The Times every month on a Wednesday.

Articles appearing in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without the written permission of the publishers is strictly prohibited.

Dates, information and prices quoted are believed to be correct at time of going to print, however the publisher cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.

Publishers

Content House Group Mallia Buildings, 3, Level 2, Triq in-Negozju, Mriehel.

Tel: +356 2132 0713 Fax: +356 2132 0714 Email: info@contenthouse.com.mt www.contenthouse.com.mt Advertising Advertising Sales Executives Mark Barbara Advertising Sales Coordinator Lindsey Ciantar DESIGN SWITCH Design & Brand Strategy Tel: +356 2131 6770 www.switch.com.mt Printer Progress Press Ltd

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13.11.13 DOn'T MISS IT

ISSUE 77 - October 09, 2013

Winter in the air At the start of October, most of us, particularly those who have children and those who have returned to their studies, found ourselves immersed in the winter routine.

Some love it, some loathe it; but the fact is that the winter season is upon us and the best way to face it is to make the most of it.

This issue’s Vox Pop asks around how people are readying themselves for the winter and what they are most looking forward to about the new season. Find their replies on page 4.

At the hint of cooler temperatures many of us tend to look around the house to see how we can cosy it up. In this issue we dedicate a number of articles to the home; from Sarah Micallef’s tips on how to keep out the chill on page 11 to Jo Caruana’s ideas on how to add warmth and a cheery touch to your living room on page 16, we have you covered.

For home-lovers we also have some additional reads – we talk latest trends and technologies that will take your kitchen to a whole new level on page 13, help you

out if you are in search of a new washing machine and/or tumble dryer (on page 18) and discuss home security matters on page 20.

This issue is full of other interesting articles. Popular TV host John Bundy invites us into his home and shows us his wonderful collection of 127 watches, while sharing some stories about his treasured daughter and shopping habits.

and sure to impress your guests. Read his recipes on page 24 and get cooking!

And finally we also have some practical car care tips (see page 30). The main message of Sarah Micallef’s article is not to wait till your car develops a fault to give it some tender loving care – check and service your car regularly to keep your car safe and well cared for in the long-term.

Aaron Degabriele from Aaron’s Kitchen also let us in – in his case to his kitchen – and divulges some fantastic recipes that are easy to follow

Our Children Are Obese: So who is to blame? By John F Xuereb

Dogs need dental care too

Parents are kids’ first teachers and mentors, and set life expectations, either verbally or nonverbally. Parents can choose whether to feed their children healthy food, or not. Parents can decide to set expectations for their children, or not. From a very young age, children see the world through their parents' eyes... whether positively or negatively. Children’s attitudes tend to reflect those of their parents’.

Dental disease in dogs is the health issue that is most frequently reported to vets. However, when still in the early stages, many dog owners do not seem to be aware that their dogs may already have some form of oral disease.

The main causes are similar to those in the case of humans. Food and bacteria build-up on the teeth forms plaque. Plaque then builds up on the teeth and turns into tartar. This causes bacteria to colonise and harm the gums and teeth. Bad breath, oral pain, periodontal disease and tooth loss can then occur. However, the bacteria not only cause disease in the mouth. If left untreated, bacteria can enter the body through the blood stream and cause infections elsewhere, potentially causing problems to major organs such as the heart and kidneys.

One of the biggest issues we are faced with today is obesity in our children. Kids don’t play or exercise much and they eat what is put on the table in front of them. Children are very much influenced by the example set by parents; so if we want to teach children, we urgently need to educate parents on how to be positive role models, about healthy eating and about the importance of feeling good and developing confidence and esteem by maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

For more information visit www.bodiesnmotion.com

Eukanuba is the only premium dog food brand that offers total dental care across its range of Adult and Senior retail and Veterinary dry diets. Eukanuba 3D DentaDefense™ provides total oral protection with no compromise on tailored nutritional benefits with every meal, whatever a dog’s size, age or lifestyle. Feeding with Eukanuba 3D DentaDefense™ means that there is no need to feed special dental care diets.

ISSUE 77 - October 09, 2013

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PHOTOS BY matthew mirabelli

Getting ready for winter As the heat of summer begins to fade, many people’s attention soon turns to readying themselves for the winter months. Best Buy takes to the streets to talk preparations for the cold chill of winter.

Bertie Mercieca, Zebbug

C. Mifsud, Cospicua

How do you prepare for the change of seasons? I change my wardrobe and cover the garden furniture.

How do you prepare for the change of seasons? I bring out the curtains that I would have put away in summer.

Do you dry clean items and put them away for next year? Yes, I put things I don’t need in storage.

Do you dry clean items and put them away for next year? I wash everything and put them away.

What are you most looking forward to about winter? Less heat and picnics with my family.

What are you most looking forward to about winter? The cooler weather – the heat bothers me.

Danica Farrugia, Naxxar

Donatella Del Cappo, Bormla

How do you prepare for the change of seasons? I get ready for winter by going shopping for new season clothes.

How do you prepare for the change of seasons? I clear out my wardrobe and change to winter clothes, but I much prefer summer!

Do you dry clean items and put them away for next year? No, I tend to wear the same things but add a jacket or cardigan.

Do you dry clean items and put them away for next year? I wash everything and clean out drawers and cupboards before putting things away.

What are you most looking forward to about winter? Staying in and watching movies, Christmas and the colder weather in general.

What are you most looking forward to about winter? I’m looking forward to getting back to my beauty studies.

Dorianne Jones, San Gwann

Hugh Grima, Valletta

How do you prepare for the change of seasons? I tend to wear the same clothes in winter, but add jackets.

How do you prepare for the change of seasons? I bring the carpets out and switch to warmer attire, but not until November!

Do you dry clean items and put them away for next year? Not really.

Do you dry clean items and put them away for next year? Yes.

What are you most looking forward to about winter? Christmas!

What are you most looking forward to about winter? Shopping for Christmas presents and perhaps a winter break.

WRITE IN & WIN This month we invite you to write in and tell us why you or a nominee deserve to win this Toshiba portable hard drive, kindly provided by The Notebook Centre.

The first reply will win this useful device with a storage capacity of 500GB.

Store it fast and smart: If you want an easy way to hold your growing digital library – files, pictures, music and videos – Toshiba’s Canvio Basics 3.0 portable hard drives are a great solution, offering simple drag-and-drop storage that’s ready to roll right out of the box. They offer plug-and-

play, drag-and-drop convenience in sizes ranging from 500GB to 1.5 terabyte (1TB). Offering a built-in internal shock sensor and ramp-loading technology, these hard drives help safeguard your data against accidents, drops and unfortunate real-life scenarios.

Available from The Notebook Centre, Triq Bella Vista, San Gwann.

Tel: 2777 4442; www.thenotebook centre.com.mt; facebook.com/ thenotebookcentre Write to: Best Buy Competition, Content House Group, Mallia Buildings, 3, Level 2, Triq inNegozju, Mriehel QRM3000 or email info@contenthouse.com.mt

LAST MONTH'S

WINNING

LETTER Last month we asked you to write in and tell us why you or a nominee deserve to win a pampering package, worth €75, kindly provided by Carisma Spa & Wellness.

The first reply was from Claire Schembri.

“I think I deserve to win this great relaxing prize since I am looking forward to settle into the winter routine after spending a whole summer running around and trying to entertain my four-year old son, which was quite tiring, although it was a pleasure of course. Winning this prize would be a nice kick-off to the new, calmer and more soothing routine which comes with winter!”

Claire won a pampering package and a visit to an authentic Hammam, kindly provided by Carisma Spa & Wellness at the Intercontinental Malta St Julian’s or Seashells Resort at Suncrest, Qawra. www.carismaspa.com

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PHOTOS BY Lionel galea

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interview.

Being Bundy As a local household name who’s graced our radios and TV screens for nearly three decades, John Bundy needs little introduction. Here he chats to Jo Caruana about family, fashion and the Father’s Day gift that meant the world.

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arger-than-life presenter John Bundy is known for his entertaining shows on TV and radio. His most recent have included Affari Taghna on One TV, and Ma’ Bundy on TVM. “I first joined Xandir Malta in 1986,” he recalls with a smile.

“That was followed by Radio 101 in 1991, TVM in 1993, Net TV in 1998, Bay Radio in 2003, A3FM in 2004, XFM in 2007 and One TV in 2009 – it’s been quite a journey!”

A real family man, John is quick to praise his parents, Rose and Alfred, for their hard work and dedication when raising him and his two younger brothers, Andrew and Pierre. Now a dad himself, he is careful to dedicate as much time as possible to his wife Claudette (to whom he has been married for 25 years) and their daughter Samyra.

How would you describe your relationship with money?

It’s complicated. The truth is there was never a relationship; it was and still is just an affair.

I will never bow to it and it will never own me, which is probably the main reason why I am not rich.

What percentage of your life do you spend shopping?

I do enjoy popping to a mall or a busy shopping street when I have time. This doesn’t necessarily mean I am buying, but I love to see what’s on the market. When I shop and buy it’s usually pre-planned so it only takes a little time.

Do you think that because something is more expensive it is automatically better?

No, not at all; that is only perception, good marketing and obsession. I have experienced a lot of disappointments buying branded items, but have had satisfactions too. I have also bought many things that were cheaper than their branded versions and they have

proved to be better than their expensive counterparts.

What’s a hobby you spend money on?

I love watches, so when I walk past a watch dealer I always stop. I don’t always buy anything, but I will always be tempted to if I have the cash.

How would you describe your style?

My style is my age. I am 53 and love fashion – not just because it’s an important factor in my job, but also because I always want to feel good. I am into men’s Italian fashion and have an eye for suits and jackets.

What’s the one fashion item you couldn’t live without?

The only one thing I couldn’t live without is my family and friends. That said, I wouldn’t feel ‘complete’ without a nice pair of shoes, sunglasses and a cool watch… not necessarily all three together, though, as it depends on what I’m wearing at the time.

When you plan to shop where do you tend to go?

I always do my shopping here as you can find everything in Malta. Sure it may not always be cheaper, but it is just as good.

When I do shop abroad it has to be in Italy; whereas the rest of

the world is for sightseeing and food.

Do you collect anything – if so what is it and how many do you own?

I collect watches and consider them to be pieces of art. I don’t go for super brands or classically-expensive names that I can’t afford; I go for design. If I love the way a watch looks I go for it, even it if it’s the cheapest model on the market. At the moment I have 127 watches, including my latest acquisition – a pocket watch (polka) that was given to me by a friend. It was in a disastrous state, with no glass and a missing ‘hour arm’. My daughter’s boyfriend, Justin, told me about someone who could fix it for me and I was thrilled with the result.

Do you hoard things or regularly throw stuff out?

I am watched, investigated and interrogated by the two special agents in our house: my wife and daughter. I throw things away all the time. I have managed to get myself into quite a bit of trouble over the years because I have thrown away items of some importance to the agents themselves! But I believe that things you don’t use for a year should be thrown away or given to someone who can make good use of them.

What’s the best bargain you’ve ever made?

It’s a while ago now – back when I was 20, in fact. A British friend was leaving the island and he offered me his bicycle for LM50 (€120). I offered LM10 (€23) and he accepted! I think this was the only real bargain I’ve ever Continued on page 8

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"the father's day gift i will always treasure" Continued from page 7

As a presenter, what show would you most like to present and why?

The Oscars. Aside from the prestige of the show itself, I would love to meet my favourite stars – Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Jack Nicholson, Anthony Hopkins, Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep and Bruce Willis. Plus I’d like to take a few out to dinner too, namely Catherine Zeta Jones, Salma Hayek and Halle Berry!

made; ever since, I have failed at business.

What is your favourite thing in your whole house?

On Father’s Day this year my daughter surprised me with a box containing a lovely statue of a man, sitting cross-legged and holding his baby daughter to his chest. I love it. It’s very special with deep-felt meaning that I treasure.

If you won the million euro lottery what would you do with the money?

Quite a lot! Firstly I’d pay off any debts, then I’d buy my daughter a house, give a considerable sum to charity and buy the VRSCDX Night Rod Special Harley Davidson bike.

What three items would you take to your desert island?

My motorcycle, mobile phone and a water-powered electric generator.

What’s been the best thing about summer 2013?

After a long struggle I finally got the green light for a TV show within PBS’s summer schedule, so that was great news. I also enjoyed a five-day holiday in Sicily with my friend Lino Pisani.

Given the choice, would you drink champagne or beer?

Neither – I don’t even like the smell or the taste. I have never drunk alcohol and never will.

Instead it would be a soft drink, sparkling water or a nice cup of tea!

What’s the most money you’ve spent in one go?

It was the Lm5,000 (€12,000) I saved up to buy my motorcycle.

And who would be your ideal co-presenter?

Well if it were a foreign male I would love to present with Gerry Scotti, Jay Leno or Simon Cowell, whereas my foreign female of choice would be Ellen Degeneres, Oprah Winfrey or Kirsty Gallaher. Locally I would choose Claire Agius, Valerie Vella, Mariella Scerri, Crysander Agius or Carlo Borg Bonaci. I have my reasons for all of them!

What would be three things on your ideal celebrity rider?

I would definitely want chamomile tea, +1.5 reading glasses and a mirror.

What would you never buy?

Sex.

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take note.

Phoenicia Sunday lunch moves exclusively to Pegasus Hotel Phoenicia, the pioneer of the Sunday lunch buffet in Malta, has promoted the Pegasus to its flagship Sunday lunch venue with a new à la carte menu delivering fresh and healthy Mediterranean flavours cooked à la minute.

Pegasus is now the sole venue at Phoenicia for a delicious freshly-made Sunday lunch.

Besides the à la carte menu it also features a fixed price table d’hôte menu at €32 per person which incorporates a speciality carvery featuring a classic traditional Sunday roast freshly cut any way you like it by skilled service staff.

Our love affair with Sunday lunch has been reinvented in Malta thanks to the efforts of Francesco Perricone and Saul Halevi at Pegasus, who have introduced a new Sunday lunch experience as the showpiece for the outlet’s first Sunday lunch since its relaunch. Fans of the popular Valletta eatery have hankered after this for years, but Pegasus was not open for Sunday lunch to give the hardworking award-winning kitchen brigade a well-deserved rest at the end of a busy week. All that, however, is about to change with the new Sunday lunch restaurant concept that puts tranquillity and fresh new tastes at the heart of every Sunday lunchtime.

Attracting curious diners to its signature restaurant with a new beat-the-crowds offering is only a small part of the story.

Pegasus has been transformed and for those who have not yet experienced this first-class dining establishment there are many ways for grown-ups to be tempted across its rather elegant doorstep.

Sampling the great atmosphere at Pegasus is also about a way of living and enjoying food.

Food & Beverage Manager Francesco Perricone says, “the authenticity of our fresh local ingredients means our food is alive with flavour and nutritional value. Yes, you can enjoy our carvery and still benefit from all the lovely local produce, healthy food choices and absolutely fresh ingredients, many of them sourced from our kitchen garden here on part of the 7.5 acres of grounds that surround the Phoenicia Hotel. Ours is a commitment to be at least 80 per cent local and 100 per cent natural.”

Pegasus benefits from the various sustainability and green programmes initiated at Phoenicia which have been

recipients of numerous awards, partly for showing commitment to the use and promotion of local produce, which forms part of the hotel’s ECO certification.

Executive Chef Saul Halevi is showcasing this at Pegasus with the natural Mediterranean kitchen concept.

The Mediterranean diet is the world’s most famous platform for a healthy life, full of enjoyment. Malta is part of this Mediterranean tradition. Malta’s food

is particularly fresh due to the proximity of production areas to the Pegasus. Nowhere is more than 20 kilometres away, so fresh means exceptionally fresh in a Maltese context due to the short distances the produce has to travel. This freshness translates into flavour on the plate and gives Halevi’s cooking a vibrancy and immediacy that adds tonal value to every dish.

Pegasus is an alternative for those who wish to escape

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the maddening crowds, offering a sophisticated service environment and the excitement of having freshly carved meat from the succulent joints on the shiny carvery trolley, with an expert carver standing by to ensure fresh prime cuts just as you like them. Pegasus provides a wide selection of prime roast meats, all carved to order and complemented by a choice of fresh, healthy Mediterranean dishes, freshly prepared

vegetables and salads, and rounded-off with a range of desserts that you can linger over very happily.

From mid-October the Pegasus will be open daily for lunch and dinner with special emphasis on business lunches during the week that allow for business partners to be hosted in complete confidence at one of Malta’s most ideal settings to conduct business over a delightful and healthy lunch.

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home.

Keeping out the chill Although it seems like only yesterday that we were desperately trying to cool ourselves and our homes down, with the change of seasons now upon us, it’s time to direct our attention to preparing for the colder months. Sarah Micallef looks into what you can do to keep your home warm this winter.

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s the weather turns colder, the issue for a comfortable home becomes one of keeping in the heat. There are several measures one can take to ensure a warm and comfortable indoor space come winter, including installing all manner of heating appliances such as gas or electric heaters as well as underfloor heating, however taking other steps such as insulating apertures can reduce the need for this, helping keep your home warmer and preventing hefty energy bills.

As Ing. Patrick Spiteri Staines maintains, with the costs of heating always increasing, any measures that maintain and keep the heat generated inside will save you money in the long run. Be it to shield ourselves from summer’s excessive heat or protect ourselves against winter’s chill, properly insulating our properties will result in a comfortable living environment and reduce our energy bills at the same time.

For modern properties, attaining a more climatecontrolled environment begins at planning stage, with architects today often

keeping sustainable design considerations in mind in terms of orientation, ventilation, shading and insulation, that can make a big difference in controlling a building’s indoor environment.

When it comes to insulating your home, Ing. Spiteri Staines highlights a number of options available on the market today.

“T4B Services Ltd provides an external wall coating system from BUFFA called Thermovita, which wraps external walls.

This system is ideal for keeping your home warm in winter and also helps with keeping it cool in summer, ensuring maximum comfort. T4B can also supply insulating plasters for internal walls that increase their thermal resistance and help in keeping the inside warm.

These are especially suitable for homes where one cannot apply the Thermovita system externally. In addition to wall insulation, T4B Services also offer roof insulation tiles that are dry laid on the roof and help tremendously in keeping your home warm in winter.”

Aside from these, for older houses with bare external stone walls that absorb humidity from the rain and as a

result get very cold, Ing. Spiteri Staines maintains, “in this case prevention is better than cure, and T4B Services provide transparent wall waterproofing from BUFFA that once applied to the dry external walls does not allow water to penetrate,

thus keeping the walls dry and the inside warmer.”

As well as insulating exterior walls and roof, other areas from which warm air can escape are windows and doors.

These also need to be paid

attention to and insulated, with many techniques available on the market today such as double glazing, designed to keep out extreme weather temperatures.

8 steps to a warmer home Close the windows.

This might seem obvious, but drafts from open windows can make the air inside a lot colder, especially in the evenings.

On the other hand, if the sun is shining during the day and the temperature is higher outside, opening the windows will let heat in.

Put up curtains.

Heavier curtains work wonders in blocking drafts and cold air from doors and windows. Remember to open them when the sun is shining, though.

Get a draft dodger.

Draft dodgers (left) eliminate drafts from underneath doors and windows, and could thus serve to keep your home warmer.

Close unused rooms.

If you have rooms in your house that you don’t use a lot, close them off so as not to waste energy heating them.

Use carpets. Reduce heat loss through the floor by using carpets, which also provide a warmer surface to walk on.

Bake. Besides resulting in a lovely home-cooked meal, the heat from your oven will help to dry the air and heat the kitchen and surrounding area.

Light some candles.

You’d be surprised how much heat a candle can produce, besides providing a romantic atmosphere.

Just be careful not to leave any lit candles unattended or to place them in any precarious positions.

Use incandescent lights. Incandescent light bulbs can release up to 95 per cent of their energy as heat rather than light, making them a great source of both.

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home.

Heart of the Home Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a whole army, you need a kitchen that fits the bill – and does so beautifully! Here Jo Caruana discovers the latest trends and technologies taking this room to a whole new level.

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ho doesn’t love a great kitchen? Somehow it’s always the space that ends up attracting people – children gather to do their homework or play while the grown-ups cook dinner, couples come together to craft a meal after a long day at work, and, during a party, everyone flocks to be near the food table and drinks in the fridge.

So, for these very reasons, it makes sense to invest plenty of time, thought and, ideally, budget into your kitchen.

If you’re planning yours from scratch then careful organisation is key, as there’s nothing worse than a disordered kitchen. Start by considering your requirements, such as how many people will be using it, and how much time you plan to spend cooking. Always work around the ‘triangle’ system to connect your sink, cooker and fridge. As a general rule, these items should all be within a few feet of each other so that you don’t waste lots of time whizzing around making a meal.

Also, be organised. If you know that you want to recycle, for instance, you’ll need to plan around having enough bin

Take Note

space to do so while it’s vital to consider the amount of storage space you will need for long-life foods such as tins and prepackaged items.

Next, think about the appliances you need and whether you want them to be built in.

Doing so will definitely be more aesthetically pleasing, but it can make life more complicated in the long run, should you ever have a leak or need to find a replacement model that fits exactly. Do bear practicality in mind too, thinking carefully

Meanwhile, if you’re planning on updating your kitchen instead of starting over, then there are some fantastic new trends for you to follow.

From unique LED lighting to pop-up rangehoods and stands for your tablet (that help to make it even more useful as a recipe book), there’s something for everyone. We also like the smart appliances that can be synched with your smart phone to make your life easier. After all, who doesn’t want to be able to switch their oven on as they leave the office?

For instance, gadget lovers will adore the latest technology advancements for savvy chefs.

If you’re going for something more classic, then you could jump on the trend bandwagon

about the number of plug sockets you will need to power all your gadgets, as well as the ideal size of your oven and hob, and the amount of storage space for crockery, pots, pans and food.

Gadget lovers will adore the latest technology advancements for savvy chefs such as stands for your tablet that help to make it even more useful as a recipe book.

by painting your cabinets white – a style the International Kitchen and Bath Association say is absolutely key this year. ‘Bright white’ is the most popular and, while it can seem daunting, it is the ideal hue if you want to achieve a blank canvas. This gives you plenty of scope for adding accent colours, such as lime, purple and grey, all of which have also been highlighted for 2013.

Darker, furniture-like finishes are also popular, while any ‘middle ground’ (such as natural oak) is completely out. While white usually stands out in an Continued on page 14

top tip Be organised. For example, if you know that you want to recycle, you’ll need to plan around having enough bin space to do so.

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clever and on trend kitchens Continued from page 13

otherwise-colourful household, dark finishes help to integrate your kitchen into the overall scheme; so it really boils down to what you hope to achieve.

Either way, kitchen islands remain a must-have, especially as they add valuable storage space, as well as food-prep areas and extra seating. They’re also great for directing traffic flow within an open floor space, and channelling guests towards a dining room or seating area.

Of course, if your space doesn’t allow for a full island, you could opt for a rolling cart that’s there when you need it, and which slots away neatly when you don’t.

Finally, find ways to bring nature into your kitchen, as this will help to add texture and personality. When it comes to countertops, marble is once again the most popular choice, while treated wood finishes are gaining ground too. As for bringing the outdoors in, it’s always nice to have a little herb garden, even if it’s just on your windowsill. Pick a few pots in your accent colour and fill them with parsley, coriander and basil; the plants will make your kitchen smell great all year round, and you’ll always have the right finishing touch for your dishes.

top trends When it comes to countertops, marble is once again the most popular choice, while treated wood finishes are gaining ground too.

The ‘Alternative’ Trend If you’d like to try something completely different, then why not opt for open shelving?

Although it is a little controversial, the idea has taken off in a big way in recent years, especially as it can make small kitchens look much bigger and is a great way of showing off items with personality.

In a nutshell, all you need to do is remove your cabinet doors to see how it will look. In the long run you can replace those doors with glass or, if you’re feeling daring, do away with cabinets altogether and replace them with shelving. The downside is obviously that all your ‘mess’ has to be ‘out and proud’ for your guests to see, but, usually, the results are so striking that homeowners choose to stick with it.

top tip Do bear practicality in mind, thinking carefully about the number of plug sockets you will need to power all your gadgets.

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Let’s Get Comfy and Cosy!

‘Comfort’ may not always have cosmopolitan connotations but it is possible to make a modern space comfy and cosy!

This winter Jo Caruana discovers how to use bright colours, warm fabrics and touchable textures to add a cheery touch to any living room.

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old away the outdoor furniture and cover up the barbecue set! This time of year is all about moving back indoors and getting cosy – cuddling on the sofa, lighting candles to add atmosphere and curling up for a few blissful months of hibernation.

Now that the bright lights of summer have left us for a while, it’s time to think about how you can enhance your home environment to make it as comfortable as possible this winter – and your living room is actually one of the best places to get started.

As a multi-purpose space that probably has all kinds of roles to play (from an entertainment area for friends and family, to a romp-around room for the kids, to a nook where you can finally put your feet up at the end of the day), it’s vital to plan exactly what you’d like to achieve here.

“The first thing to consider is the full function of the room,” says Mariella Scerri, director and stylist for Orienta.

“A living room could be so many different things to the different people in your home… is it a smart space for meetings with clients? Will you and your family gather here to relax? Or is it more of an entertainment space for you and your friends? Either way, you need to examine what primary roles it will play

and focus on function before anything else.”

furnishings such as a rug or throw and the right lighting.

At this stage you can plan exactly how much work you’d like to do on your living room.

This may be the right time to purchase a new sofa or to give the room a lick of paint to spruce up the space as a whole, or you may just need to add warmth with some key soft

If you are starting from scratch and are hoping to add warmth at this early stage, you can begin by working with the right colour palette. While blues, greens and white will always make for a calming, bright space, it’s the more earthy colours that will add

atmosphere. For this reason we love shades of red, burnt orange and berry, all of which will instantly make the room feel cosier. In fact, one of the key hues this season is ‘cranberry’, which adds brightness in an instant and lifts any space beautifully.

Of course if these aren’t your colours of choice then you

don’t have to make them a focus, but you could still add bright accents to an otherwisesubtle scheme. To do this, choose blankets, throws and rugs that complement the space, and give them a permanent position in view.

If you purchase a few throws in different textures and colours, you’ll provide a bit of visual variety, and you’ll also

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home. create a welcoming space that encourages people to curl up and enjoy their surroundings for a while.

And, depending on the size of your living room, you could also consider breaking the area down based on its distinct functions. For instance, manoeuvre your sofa to create a ‘family’ area around the TV, and position a small armchair by your fireplace for reading or relaxing. Lighting will also help the final effect; strong, general

Latest Living Room Trends Doing up your living room?

We take a glance at the latest trends for updating your space.

• The use of natural colours and materials has become ever-more popular lately. Wooden beams, slate tiles and solid oak all contribute to this look, and the finish will be both contemporary and stylish.

• French and renaissance themes are strong at the moment, especially when it comes to French doors, or prints by great artists such as Rembrandt, Picasso, Van Gogh and Monet. Floral patterns, on the other hand, have become less of a focus for autumn.

• Wallpaper is making its comeback yet again, in fact we’re pretty sure it’s here to stay. Fabrics and throws that look like wallpaper are a good alternative if you don’t want to make such a design commitment, or don’t have suitable walls.

• Rooms with personality are very in vogue right now, so don’t be afraid of a little clutter and character. Whether you love books, films, antiques or photos, display your items proudly so as to make your home feel more ‘you’.

• Finally, Mariella adds her own trends suggestions.

“Trends are actually very personal,” she says, “and different people will interpret them differently.

That said, one key trend is the move away from the minimal styles we have seen everywhere in recent years, to a more eclectic ambience. Rich veneers are also back in, especially in woods such as walnut.”

lighting is needed for the room as a whole, while little lamps and fairy lights will help to create the nooks and crannies that will make it more inviting, enticing and relaxing.

Finally, Mariella suggests adding a rug or carpet too.

“They’re a must-have,” she smiles, “whether or not you place a coffee table on them.

Not only do they insulate, but they make a room feel stylish and complete.”

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Wash, Dry, Go! Washing machines have certainly come a long way since they appeared on the scene over 100 years ago! Here we take a look at the latest advancements in washing, drying and energy-saving technology, and highlight the most important features to look out for.

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side from those in the kitchen, your washing machine and tumble dryer are likely to be the most hardworking appliances in your home. Thus, it makes sense to put quite a lot of thought into their purchase, whether you’re buying them for the first time, or simply upgrading to better models.

So what sort of things do you need to consider?

“Beyond anything else, you need to think about efficiency and reliability,” says Keith Spiteri, general manager for Digital Planet.

“Knowing that you are buying a reliable brand, such as Panasonic for instance, will give you the peace of mind that you are investing in top-notch technology and a company that will give you good after-sales service, as well as an energyefficient product.

“Our latest models come after years of research and the results are impressive – our 8kg NA-148VG4 model, for instance, has a long list of features such as an inverter motor for quiet, energy-saving operations, as well as an Eco/Speed mode that saves water, energy and time.”

Speaking of energy efficiency, this is now one of the key elements to consider when choosing a new washer or dryer.

When shopping around, look for ones with an ‘HE’ symbol, which stands for ‘high efficiency’. This means that your machine will allow for as many energy and money-saving options as possible, by reducing the amount of water and electricity used in every wash. Also look out for a general energy grading which is rated between A++ and G (with A++ being the most efficient).

Of course it’s also vital to think about how much you plan to use your washing machine. For instance, a large family with young children may need to run cycles two or three times a day, while those living alone may only need to wash clothes once or twice a week.

“Some people may be fine throwing in a couple of large loads at the weekend, while others will often need to run

top tip It’s worth assessing your lifestyle and preferences to ensure you purchase a machine that matches.

smaller cycles more often,” continues Keith. “It’s worth assessing your lifestyle and preferences to ensure you purchase a machine that matches.”

You’ll also need to consider other needs, such as the types of clothes you wash on a regular basis. For instance, how many different spin cycles, temperature settings and wash setting would be ideal for you?

As a rule, you’ll be able to choose from hot washes, gentle cycles, eco washes and cycles that target stains or very soiled clothes. Before selecting your model of choice, look at your options to determine whether the cycle you are likely to use most is included.

When it comes to the water level on your washing machine, most models will now allow you to set the size of your load of laundry to determine the amount of water the machine uses. Some newer machines also have sensors that automatically determine the size of your load of laundry and adjust their water output and usage accordingly.

And for gadget lovers, there’s other new technology that could transform the future of the way we do washing completely: one company recently unveiled a model that washes, dries and irons clothes without using any water or detergent!

Tumble dryers, meanwhile, are less essential in our Maltese climate than in some countries overseas, but many families do still use one. If you’re shopping around you could opt for a standalone model, or one that’s built into your washing machine, and both have their pros and cons.

All-in-one models may not be as efficient and will usually only be able to manage lighter

loads; separate models, on the other hand, will require you to transfer your washing from one machine to another, and will take up more floor space.

Either way, it boils down to ensuring you purchase a machine that matches your lifestyle and requirements.

Finally, we’ve got some helpful tips that should help to keep your washing machine and tumble dryer in good working order for as long as possible: Keep them clean: Wash out dispensers and attachments at least once a month, to avoid product build-up and blockages.

Leave a crack: If possible, leave your washer or dryer door open a little after each use, to allow the drum to dry.

Don’t overdo it: Piling your washer too full could damage it. If you need to pack your clothes in, then there are too many of them. Split the wash in two.

Make it hot: If you like to wash in cold water, it is useful to regularly do a hot wash cycle without any washing in the machine. This will remove any build-up that develops before it can harm the machine or your clothes.

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A Sense of Security Whether you have a sprawling villa or a chic studio apartment, your home is your castle and it’s vital you feel safe in it. With this in mind, Jo Caruana takes a look as the security features worth considering.

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omehow we never think it’ll happen to us but, sadly, security issues are a real threat. Whether it’s the risk of your home being broken into or the possibility of a fire breaking out, it makes sense to take tangible precautions that could keep you safe and, in extreme situations, even save your life.

“People spend a lot of time and money on their homes, so it’s natural to want to protect them,” explains Gary Grech, managing director at Unitech. “It’s worth bearing in mind the fact that burglars don’t just take away objects, but memories too. Think of a laptop, for example. If it gets stolen they’ll be taking data, documents, photos and memories you can never get back.

“As a result of the trauma that comes from burglary, most people who have experienced it tend to move house afterwards to avoid the worry of it all and to start afresh. In this respect, having a security system installed is certainly cheaper and easier than putting yourself at risk, both emotionally and financially.”

With this in mind Gary explains that prevention is better than cure, and adds that it makes sense to assess your home in an objective manner, to work out where you could do with boosting your security, and to put a plan into action.

“If you want to feel safer, the most important thing is to have an intruder alarm,” he says, “regardless of whether your property is vacant or lived in. An alarm will let you know if there’s someone inside your house whether you’re in it or not, which means you never have to worry about opening your door and finding a stranger opposite you in your own space. Additionally, CCTV can be used to complement an intruder alarm, rather than just guard your home by itself.”

Of course, it’s easy to assume that security isn’t an important concern if you live in a block of flats, but is that really the case?

top tip Be sure to have a fire blanket in your kitchen and a powder fire extinguisher somewhere in an easy-to-reach spot.

“It’s actually the complete opposite,” Mr Grech goes on to explain. “A house has a front door that usually leads onto a road or a street. If a burglar is trying to break in, chances are he will be spotted by a neighbour and everything will end there. When it comes to flats, many people are out at work, shopping or at school in the morning, and if a burglar manages to get into the communal area he’s hit the jackpot!”

Thankfully, there are many ways to boost your apartment’s security, starting with an intruder alarm. Additionally, you could come to an agreement with the other tenants about the external door, and agree not to let strangers into the building as you are leaving or entering, unless they show some form of official ID (such as for fixing the lift, or reading the meter).

Also, add a chain door to secure your own front door, as well as a peephole with a

wide-angle view. Finally, make sure the lights work in your communal areas, and be sure they cast enough light on all parts of the block.

“Meanwhile, if you have a large home or if security is a major concern, then there are other things you can do,” Gary continues. “Starting with the basic CCTV and intruder alarms, you could take things to the next level by partitioning your house into rooms, floors or areas.

This will enable you to know exactly where the intruder

is immediately. On top of that, there are also full-scale security systems available that send messages to your phone to warn of danger, and others that can be controlled via phone, laptop or tablet.”

Finally, it is also vital to fireproof your house as much as possible. While fires in the home are, thankfully, quite rare in Malta (due, largely, to the way our houses are built) they do still happen. Cooking is the leading cause, while heating equipment can also spark accidents if not used properly.

“Again, the basics are essential,” Gary says. “Be sure to have a fire blanket in your kitchen and a powder fire extinguisher somewhere in an easy-to-reach spot, as these are multipurpose and can be used on different kinds of fires.

“As with everything, it’s vital to think ahead and to accept the fact that, yes, an accident or incident could happen to you.

Careful preparation is your strongest means of defence,” he advises.

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A healthy lifestyle in wet nutrition Royal Canin is a complete solution to feed your cats with a wet and dry health nutrition programme which is suited for their age, size, lifestyle, specific sensitivities and even for their breed. This means a complete nutritional support for their health and well-being.

Therefore, meeting cats’ nutritional requirements implies a specific diet that takes into account not only their lifestyle or age, but also their health, neuter status, specific breed features and particular sensitivities, so as to support them well throughout their life.

Were you aware about these characteristics of your cat?

• Jaws designed to cut, not to chew • 30 sharp-cutting teeth • Their saliva contains no digestive enzymes • Their stomach is designed to digest quickly swallowed ‘preys’.

Mix feeding wet and dry food is a solution in the case of some cats due to the fact that it is often easier for the cats to receive some nutrients through wet food. The added benefits of feeding wet and dry food – in the case of kittens and in weaning when the kitten is moving from only milk onto solid food – include an increased chance of caloric dilution and urine dilution when wet food is added to the diet. Wet food diets are also a solution in cases of constipation as Royal Canin Wet nutrition helps in reducing the stools’ odour. The proteins and fatty acids in a wet diet also increase the beauty of your cat’s coat. Help your cat to live a healthy lifestyle and look amazing with Royal Canin.

The cat distinguishes itself from other animals by a very specific dietary behaviour.

Indeed, this nibbler can indulge in 12 to 18 small meals a day, for an overall duration of less than 30 minutes spread over a 24-hour period, ingesting only a few grams each time.

This style of feeding means that food actually reaches their stomach in large chunks.

Free meal for your cat

by Royal Canin!

Buy any Royal Canin 2 kg bag with dry kibbles and get 1 free meal of Royal Canin wet meal for your cat! Look out for the bags with the pouches attached. Available from leading pet shops and garden centres.

Offer available until stock last.

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home.

recommended home improvement suppliers wp LTD

D Gypsum and Lights

WP Ltd is one of Malta's leading names in the laying of waterproofing, rubber spraying and the provision of elastic bituminous and liquid membrane adaptable for metal sheet and asbestos roofs.

At D Gypsum and Lights we provide a one-stop shop for all interior requirements. We provide gypsum services such as flat ceilings, bulk heads, partitions, etc. We also import and distribute lights throughout Malta and Gozo including high power LEDs, fittings, gypsum trimless fittings, LED sticker ropelights, decorative lights, etc. We also import the latest switches ‘Trendy’ as well as supply a large variety of blinds. Visit our shop at Palm Street, Paola, or email us at dambrogios@yahoo.com to fix an appointment with our gypsum and lights designer. We will help you design your room and upon confirmation of order, we will prepare a 3D design of your room detailing the gypsum works and the lights layout.

We specialise in waterproofing services to accommodate every client’s needs be they for households or businesses. Our waterproofing membrane – be it reinforced polyester, non-wover polyester, or other types of high quality membrane – is certified to be of the best quality and is available in various options both in terms of colour and size.

All our waterproofing membrane solutions carry a 10-year warranty.

We are here not simply to get the job done; but to get the job done right!

Contact us now for a FREE inspection WP Ltd – Waterproofing Specialist Tel : 2148 8972/2143 8326; mob: 9944 5527/9949 3840; email: williamm@go.net.mt; www.wpmalta.com

Ceilings & Walls We specialise in all types of gypsum board work including: flat ceilings, curved ceilings, bulkheads, partitions, wall lining, coving, gypsum plastering, painting, parquet and light fittings.

We also specialise in the new method used for stretchable ceilings.

At D Gypsum and Lights we don’t just build, we create.

Brands International For more information contact us on mob: 9944 9234 or send an email to info@ceilingsandwalls.com.mt

VCT Leaders in the supply of lighting and electrical market on the islands, our portfolio mainly consists of the largest variety of lamps available. With more than 5,000 different lamps and approximately half a million pieces of lamps available at any point in time, our portfolio also includes a series of tungsten halogen, metal halide, sodium vapour and filament lamps, fluorescent tubes and studio lamps for theatre lighting, as well as our renowned range of compact fluorescent lamps and LED lamps. The company boasts the latest innovations of indoor and outdoor lighting manufactured by reputable firms and the latest designs in modern, retro and architectural lighting. VCT Ltd has also been awarded the CSQM (Customer Service Quality Mark) for

For more information visit www.dgypsumworks.com or our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ DGypsumandLights.

We’ve got your floor covered! Discover the many innovations and inspiring flooring ideas Brands International Ltd have to offer, suitable for both residential and commercial applications.

composite decking. Furthermore the maintenance-free options available make the luxury of a real wood look, cost-effective and practical. Great prices till December 2013!

We offer a full range of laminate, engineered and vinyl waterproof click system parquet flooring, wall panelling concepts, as well as timber and

Brands International Ltd, Triq tal-Balal, San Gwann. www.brands.com.mt

MG Interiors the third consecutive year.

Image here shows suspended lights

by Fabasluce Italy-Serie GARY. Price €225.

VCT Ltd, Triq Ponsomby, Mosta.

Tel: 2143 2571/2143 6186/2143 2951; email: info@vct.com.mt; www.vct.com.mt

Specialists in domestic and commercial projects. Contact us for all kinds of gypsum designs: flat ceilings, wall linings, partitions, bulkheads, soundproofing, covings, rockwool sound insulations and suspended soffits

(60x60). We offer quality material at competitive prices!

Call Michael Grech on mob: 7925 0895; email: m.grech@live.com

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PHOTOS BY Lionel galea

HEARTY AUTUMNAL DISHES With the heat behind us, summery favourites take a back seat to the flavourful dishes boasting autumn’s freshest seasonal ingredients.

Chef Aaron Degabriele of Aaron’s Kitchen serves up some quality fare that’s perfect for the onset of the colder weather.

GRILLED PORTOBELLO MUSHROOMS Stuffed with Maltese sausage, pumpkin and crumbled gbejna INGREDIENTS 2 portobello mushrooms 1 large onion 200g pumpkin 2 boiled Maltese sausages 100g roasted almonds A few cherry tomatoes 1 gbejna 150ml white wine Fresh breadcrumbs Thyme sprigs Chopped parsley Fresh seasoning Olive oil

with olive oil and grill the mushrooms on both sides, setting aside on a baking tray when done.

METHOD 1. Wash and pat dry the portobello mushrooms.

Drizzle a griddle pan

3. Slice the sausages and add to the pumpkin mixture, together with the cherry tomatoes and almonds.

2. Peel and chop the onion and pumpkin, and halve the cherry tomatoes. Take a large frying pan and cook the onion slowly in a few drops of olive oil and thyme.

Next, add the pumpkin and cook for a few minutes.

Deglaze with the wine.

Mix to combine, simmer for a minute or two and remove from the heat.

4. Spoon the stuffing into the portobello mushrooms.

Crumble the gbejna onto the filling and sprinkle lightly with breadcrumbs, parsley and seasoning.

5. Bake in a hot oven until the cheese has melted and forms a golden crust. Serve the mushrooms warm, accompanied by a fresh salad.

BEEF FILLET STRACCETTI With pine nuts, balsamico and truffle oil INGREDIENTS 5 thin beef fillet slices 1 clove garlic, skin on Extra virgin olive oil Crema di balsamico Pine nuts 100ml beef stock Rocket leaves Parmesan flakes Truffle oil Fresh seasoning method 1. Heat up a double bottom frying pan and add a spoon of olive oil and the garlic clove.

Quick-fry the beef fillets on each side, deglaze with the balsamico and beef stock.

Aaron’s Kitchen Chef patron, Aaron Degabriele, resident chef of Malta’s no1 TV cooking programme, ‘Aroma Kitchen’, brings more than 20 years’ experience right in the heart of the capital city, Valletta. A newly designed à la carte menu is being served, prepared with the freshest ingredients on the market. Dining at the restaurant is a Mediterranean gastronomic experience with a special focus on Maltese and Italian cuisines. We take the pride in serving a variety of daily specialties, which include fresh fish and shellfish, pasta and grills. A list of home-made desserts, that are changed regularly, is hand-written on our black boards.

Highly rated on Trip Advisor.

Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. Sundays and public holidays lunches only.

Reservations are highly recommended.

Tel: 2123 0636; mob: 9945 8356; email: aarondegabriele@yahoo.com

Simmer quickly on high heat until the sauce has thickened.

Remove from heat, remove the garlic clove, sprinkle with pine nuts and season to taste.

2. Arrange the beef fillet slices so that they overlap in the centre of a serving plate.

Spoon over the sauce and dress with the rocket leaves.

Drizzle the truffle oil over the rocket leaves and top with parmesan flakes.

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SACHER TORTE INGREDIENTS 100g unsalted butter 120g dark chocolate 5 egg yolks 110g caster sugar 5 egg whites 60g sifted flour 100g pure ground almonds Apricot jam For the ganache 200g dark chocolate 200ml fresh cream METHOD 1. Place the butter and chocolate in a mixing bowl, and melt on a bain marie on a slow fire. Whisk the yolks with 50g of the caster sugar until pale and creamy. In a separate bowl whisk the whites with the remaining 60g of the caster sugar until stiff. Fold the melted chocolate mixture into the whipped yolks.

2. Mix the flour with the ground almonds and fold in the chocolate mixture.

Finally, fold in the meringue.

3. Transfer the sacher torte into a greased and floured 10’’ cake tin, and bake for approximately 30 minutes at 175°C, until the cake springs back when pressed gently.

4. Allow the cake to cool completely. Split in two and spread with the jam.

Sandwich the cake.

5. Melt the ganache ingredients together and pour over the cake. Serve at room temperature accompanied with a strawberry salad and chocolate ice-cream.

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wine & dine this autumn Check out our recommended restaurants.

l'aroma Situated on the Sliema seafront, L’Aroma restaurant is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Malta’s shopping centre. L’Aroma prides itself in the preparation of traditional Mediterranean cuisine using recipes passed down through the generations. The menu comprises a selection of mouth-watering fresh fish, fine meat cuts and pasta dishes all at a great value for money. One of the house specialities, the traditional rabbit dish, is regarded by many locals as the best in town.

Whether for a relaxed dinner or a lazy lunch L’Aroma is a great spot to sit down, unwind and watch the world go by.

We offer free parking to our customers at the Piazzetta and at the CCCP Tower Super Market.

L’Aroma, 17, Ghar il-Lembi Street, Sliema. Tel: 2131 7633; email: laroma.restaurant@maltanet.net

Vermell Bistro Get ready to take a bite out of Vermell – meaning red in Catalan – which best describes the red theme which flows through our bistro, creating a warm ambience. Tucked away in a relaxed corner of St Julian’s, Vermell has a glass facade from where one can enjoy the gorgeous view of Spinola Bay from within or from its outdoor terrace. Our menu focuses on Mediterranean cuisine, and our signature dishes are made using fresh local fish, seafood and different cuts of meat. We strive to offer our customers genuine food, efficient and friendly service with a smile, and most importantly, a dining experience worth remembering.

Open Monday-Sunday lunch (by bookings only) and dinner from 6pm till late.

Vermell Restaurant, Spinola Bay, St Julian’s. Tel: 2137 5567; mob: 7944 6158/7902 0991.

Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa The Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa in Mellieha hosts popular Sunday lunches at its main restaurant, Les Jardins. The restaurant is illuminated with natural light that streams through the large glass windows facing a wonderful garden.

Patrons start off with a vast selection of freshly prepared antipasti, complemented with chilled sauces, seasonal dressings and home-made herb oils, followed by home-made soups and a choice of freshly prepared pasta dishes. The main course includes fish, gammon and the carvery station plus a varied choice of vegetable and potato dishes, as well as themed tables, alternating from Spanish, Curry and Asian to Caribbean – delicious!

The dessert counter offers a huge selection of mouth-watering cakes, pastries, fresh fruit salads and a cheeseboard. For our young guests we prepare a children’s buffet and a bouncing castle.

And all this is complemented with coffee and limoncello at only €19.90 for adults and €9.95 for children.

PARTY LIKE A ROCKSTAR AT THE HARD ROCK! Now accepting group bookings for the Christmas season It’s never too soon to Jingle Bell Rock at Hard Rock and the Hard Rock venues at the Valletta Waterfront and Bay Street Complex are offering an array of group packages.

Let Hard Rock organise your staff event for this Christmas season! You can choose between the Hard Rock Bar at the Valletta Waterfront, or the Hard Rock Café at the Bay Street Complex.

Complete buy-out of venue is available upon request.

Ask about the party that rocks on tel: 2372 2250 or email: events@hardrockcafe.com.mt or chat with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Photo by Matthew Grech

Hard Rock is a full-service event-planning facility for any occasion; from glam receptions to buffet lunches, open-bar parties and live concerts.

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Enhance your space with textured paints Antica Signoria paints are not just any other paints! These high-end textured paints are mainly used for feature walls and create texture and depth

in your room. Be it a satin finish or a rough shine this paint will surely brighten your living space, giving colour and texture to your environment.

Finding a focal wall and putting a nice piece of furniture is sometimes essential to complete a room, but adding colour to it enhances and highlights this space. Colours vary from light gold to satin pink, from shiny silver to a pale blue; so it is really down to your tastes, colour scheme and the contrast you want to create. The texture makes the wall stand out and complements any soft furnish-

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ings or objects placed against it, and our Antica Signoria range presents a variety of styles to experiment with.

The types of paint textures vary as do the corresponding applications. Some need an experienced hand to apply, such as our fantastic Travertine stone finish, while others, such as our Chic and Chiffon range, can be easily applied by anyone at home.

Try out our range – visit our warehouse in Luqa Road, Qormi, or contact us at sales@patabone.com

‘Best-in-market’ offers on home and car loans from HSBC Malta Home loan interest rates starting from 1.99 per cent HSBC Malta launched two new ‘best-in-market’ fixed interest rate home loan offers and an equally attractive deal on car

loans. These offers are set to close on 31 December 2013.

The HSBC home loan offers are: 1.99 per cent fixed until 31 December 2014, and 2.7 per cent fixed until 30 June 2015.

Both offers apply on new loans and amount up to €1,000,000, although requests for amounts above €1,000,000 will be considered on a case by case basis.

The car loan offer provides a fixed interest rate of 4.99 per cent for the entire duration of the loan, which may be for two, three, five or seven years – although the latter term is only available for loan amounts of €10,000 or more. No early repayment fees will be incurred for early or additional repayment and further discounts on processing fees are available for HSBC Premier and HSBC Advance customers.

“These new time-limited deals offer HSBC customers the most competitive home loan interest rates currently on the market as well as the peace of mind that only a fixed rate can give,” said HSBC Malta’s Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management, Paul Steel.

More information about HSBC Malta’s special offers is available on www.hsbc. com.mt, by calling Customer Service on 2380 2380, or by visiting any HSBC branch in Malta and Gozo.

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motoring.

recommended car improvement specialists hilltop Garage Professional service at reasonable prices under one roof!

• We specialise in Japanese cars but repair any other cars • Professional panel beating and spray painting services • 24hr towing service • Suppliers of parts required for repairs • Free on-site surveying on damaged cars • AA insurance approved

• We accept company contracts • Oven baked spray paintingwindscreen repairs • Plastic bumper repairs-body modifications • Toyota repairs specialists Hilltop Garage Car Crash Repair Centre, Triq Gharram, Zebbug. Mob: 9987 3827; email: htp@maltanet.net Mention Best Buy and you will be entitled to a 10 per cent discount

balsons At Balsons we offer the following: • Car services • Mechanical repairs • Engine rebuilding • VRT preparation • Electronic car diagnostic • Performance modification • Silencer installation and repair • Fast service

Why choose us? We repair all makes and models, and offer a fast and efficient service. We garage all cars all the time. We get your parts ourselves.

At Balsons we do the impossible.

157, Birkirkara Road, St Julian’s.

Mob: 9940 3200; email: balzanmatthew@hotmail.com

Solutions for your exhaust system problems Josie Silencers, Mosta, offers a solution for all cars and light commercial vehicles with exhaust system problems. We import all our high quality products and distribute them to other outlets, and are sole agents for Stelco and Sigam systems, which carry a two-year warranty. We also specialise in stainless steel systems for both performance and conventional systems, and offer an extensive selection of stainless steel boxes and tips, catering for individual tastes. No job is too small or too complicated – customer satisfaction is our motto.

We boast the most competitive prices in Malta.

9, Triq In-Naqqax, Mosta. Contact Joseph Sant on tel: 2143 4910; mob: 9947 0323; fax: 2141 2948; email: joesil@maltanet.net

Leader in parts, availability, prices and customer service For the past 25 years, Joem Auto Parts Ltd has been a leader in the automotive aftermarket industry in parts, availability, prices and customer service.

We are among the foremost suppliers of quality auto parts for European, Asian and Japanese vehicles, and have two outlets; one in St Julian’s and another in B’Kara.

Bosch products include brakes, electronics and electrical drives, fuel systems, steering systems, vehicle diagnosis, wipers and batteries.

Joem Autoparts Ltd, 67, B’Kara Road, St Julian's.

Tel: 2134 1138; fax: 2133 7074.

We are distributors for several quality brands such as Sachs clutches and shock absorbers, Filtron filters, Dayco belts, Ashika for Far East applications and Elring gaskets. Our latest achievement is Bosch Automotive. Bosch is one of the major suppliers for OEM parts in Europe and is becoming more frequent in Japanese vehicles.

Mechanic in a Bottle STP® MPMT (Multi-Purpose Motor Treatment) contains a special blend of fuel and lubricant additives to clean and protect your engine, as well as ingredients to prevent corrosion, remove moisture and stabilise oil and fuel. Does not contain alcohol. Safe to use with other STP® additives.

Whether it’s your car, motorcycle, boat, lawnmower or other motorised equipment, STP® MPMT keeps all your engines in top running condition.

Distributed by A Falzon AutoXS, importers of Armorall and STP products Mob: 7947 8949; email: afautoxs@onvol.net

New and second-hand parts for Japanese and European cars T.P.G Malta Ltd is a family run business with a large stock of body parts, running gear and mechanical gear for Japanese and European cars. We ensure to stock the best quality pattern parts which are approved by TUV, THATCHAM, CZ and many others. We also offer second-hand parts including doors, rims, mechanical gear, engines and gearboxes. Delivery is free around Malta and is offered at a small fee for deliveries to Gozo. Deliveries are made daily and maximum delivery time is three days.

311, Triq L-Imdina, Qormi. Contact Philip Pullicino on tel: 2144 1265; mob: 7944 4801/9999 4801; email: info@tpgautoparts.com; Find us on Facebook as TPG Autoparts Ltd or T.P.G Malta Ltd

ISSUE 77 - October 09, 2013

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ISSUE 77 - October 09, 2013

motoring.

Car care tips

top tip

We all know the importance of checking and servicing our cars regularly, yet many of us still tend to put it off and ignore any problems until it’s too late.

Prevention is always better than cure, so besides avoiding taking your car to the mechanic only once something is wrong with it, there are a number of little things you can do to ensure your vehicle is safe and well cared for. Sarah Micallef looks into the measures we can all take to make the most of our cars.

E

nsuring your car is regularly serviced is the first step to a reliable and well cared for vehicle. As Mark Anthony Vella, General Manager at Ray Auto Dealer explains, upon buying a car, be it new or second-hand, its manufacturer’s service manual generally gives an indication of how and when to service it. When buying a second-hand vehicle, the manual can sometimes be missing, in which case it’s a good idea to purchase one from the local agent or online.

Another useful piece of information when buying a second hand car, Mr Vella maintains, is its service history. Without it, it will be quite impossible to have a clear idea of whether the vehicle was adequately cared for. “A regularly serviced vehicle will always give you less problems in the future,” he advises.

A comprehensive service is commonly recommended every 20,000km or 12 months (whichever comes first), while if your car gets a lot of use, you may want to have it looked at more frequently. If you only drive locally, chances are you don’t drive long distances, so this benchmark may be slightly high, though do be aware that driving for shorter distances can still affect your car. As Mr Vella explains, “it is advisable to take in consideration that these manuals consider the distances travelled abroad on high gear at low revs, thus certain models should be serviced a bit more frequently, as wear and tear on certain parts occurs faster when driving very short distances.”

What servicing your car will consist of depends on the

vehicle itself, though extras such as replacing anti-freeze and brake fluid could be worth asking for every couple of years in addition to what your manual recommends. In general, a service will consist of a checkup and lubrication of all working parts, an oil change, oil filter change, new spark plugs or fuel filter as well as safety checks on ball joints, tyres, steering and suspension. Other checks include lights, fan belt tension, fluid levels and wipers.

Properly caring for your car takes more than regular servicing. Paying attention to any noises, leaks or warning lights is also an important part of car care. To this end, there are various checks you can carry out yourself to ensure your car’s condition. As Mr Vella asserts, “you do not need to be a mechanic to open the bonnet and check the liquids. The oil, water and hydraulic are always clearly marked with a maximum (MAX) and a minimum (MIN) liquid level – ensure the liquid is neither under the MIN nor over the MAX.” Besides keeping an eye on fluid levels, another part that requires attention is tyres.

Mr Vella warns, “never avoid investing in good tyres; these will often be the determining factor when you require braking that few metres earlier to avoid an accident, or that extra grip when in a curve in wet conditions.” You should also check the depth of tread of your tyres (the minimum should be 1.6mm) by placing a coin into the lowest tread depth – if you can easily see the outer rim, the tyre needs to be replaced.

Other than your tyres, Mr Vella identifies a number of other warning signs that you should be aware of. “One of the most obvious signs is leaking liquids, so from time to time a look under the car when parked will tell you if any liquids are leaking. Most vehicles also have sensors, so do not ignore a warning sign on the dashboard just because the car still works perfectly – acting on an early warning will avoid hefty expenses. Another clear sign is fuel economy. If the car starts wasting more fuel while on the same routes, then you need to service it or change one of the filters. The exhaust can also

give you hints of the engine’s well-being. If you see any smoke coming out of the exhaust, visit a mechanic to have

do not ignore a warning sign on the dashboard just because the car still works perfectly.

it checked. No matter what vehicle you have, without regular servicing even the toughest will eventually break.”

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ISSUE 77 - October 09, 2013