Reminiscing 1565 A series of events mapped out for 2015 to remember the Great Siege of 1565.
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his year marks 450 years since the infamous clash between the Ottomans and the Order of St John in 1565, when a colossal Ottoman fleet invaded the Maltese islands, igniting four months of fierce fighting and bloodshed. While centuries have passed since this momentous period, it still captivates the interest of locals and foreigners alike, and to commemorate this event, Heritage Malta (the national agency for museums, conservation practice and cultural heritage) is organising a series of events throughout the year. Keep an eye out for 1565 – an International Exhibition, to be held at the Palace State Rooms of the Grand Master’s Palace in Valletta (see p47), from September to December 2015, and which will incorporate some of the most important objects to survive the Great Siege. From Sunday 6 to Tuesday 8 September 2015, members of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta will travel to the islands to participate in various cultural and liturgical activities along with other Maltese delegates. Further ancillary activities are being planned, and you can get all the facts and regular updates from Heritage Malta’s dedicated blog: www.heritagemalta.org/1565
The vegetarian movement Vegetarian, vegan and healthy food spots are mushrooming. Here’s a list of the ones that shine. The Grassy Hopper This humble food outlet put vegetarian and vegan cuisine on the Maltese map and is one of the most popular eateries around that caters for this lifestyle. It began with a mobile food van and evolved into a take-away food outlet in Valletta and a hip café in Gzira. Using the freshest local and seasonal ingredients, the team behind The Grassy Hopper is on a mission to make vegetarian and vegan options tastier and more filling. Ask for the signature spicy chickpea burger or buckwheat salad. St George Street, Gzira, 2131 1676/Old Theatre Street, Valletta, 9934 1473, www.thegrassyhopper.com Roots the Vegetarian Food Truck Dubbed the ‘eco kitchen on wheels’, this charming ‘food truck’ is green from beginning to end: the equipment is low impact and eco-friendly, packaging is compostable and cleaning products are chemical-free. The team here produces vegetarian and vegan food using carefully sourced local and organically grown produce to concoct humble but flavourful vegetable-based dishes. Following the success of its launch at Earth Garden festival this year, this cute van is one to watch – just keep an eye on the Facebook page for updates on the truck’s location and daily food offerings. 9914 0837, Facebook.com/RootsTheVegetarianFoodTruck Jangal This vegetarian bistro, which forms part of the long-established reggae hangout Juuls Bar (see p82), is a relatively new addition to the scene but quickly gaining popularity. For the most part, the menu at Jangal is vegan and offers a selection of delicious food options, including home-made sweet potato burgers, Portobello mushroom burgers and a range of vegan curries, and experiments with Indian, Pakistani and Thai flavours. 7 St Joseph Street, St Julian’s, 7904 1841, Facebook.com/JangalVeggyBistro Soul Food Located in the heart of the capital, Soul Food offers Italian regional cuisine with a generous range of vegetarian and vegan dishes, some prepared according to the Indian Ayurveda philosophy, using cereals, seeds, herbs and spices to create bold and unique flavours. The signature burgers – lentil, chickpea, soy and mushroom – are among the most popular dishes, which you can wash down with a glass of vegan prosecco. Soul Food also prepares a choice of pastas, salads, piadini, artisan cakes and fresh smoothies. 76 Merchants Street, Valletta, 2123 4311, Facebook.com/SoulFoodValletta J’Oli Sandwich Salad Bar This concept eatery raises the bar for salads and healthy eating on the island. It allows customers to design their own salad or choose from an extensive variety of prepared gourmet salads, such as the salmon and mango one or the Santorini Greek-style salad. Those after something healthy that isn’t a salad can take their pick from a choice of wraps, bagels, soups and daily specials. J’Oli also caters for vegans and vegetarians. Gaiety Lane, c/w High Street, Sliema, 2133 3007, www.jolisandwichsaladbar.com
Island apps Cruise through your holiday with ease. VisitMalta Destination Guide This is a comprehensive mobile guide to the Maltese islands, including general information, activities, an interactive map and an updated calendar of events. Malta Culture Guide Locate cultural highlights on a map with ease, complete with images and practical information. Malta Dishes Get easy-to-follow recipes through this app dedicated to timeless and popular Maltese cuisine. Malta Info This one is aimed at helping visitors make their way around the island by suggesting the best places to visit and the top sights to see. Malta Weather Get up-to-date, accurate and easy-to-read seven-day forecasts of Malta’s weather so you can plan your days ahead. Malta Wi-Fi Find free and public Wi-Fi spots in open spaces, cafés, bars and restaurants, pin-pointed on a map for easy viewing. Malta on the Move Under the name ‘MALTA’, this app presents a list of things closest to your location, including restaurants, public restrooms and speed cameras. Next Gozo Ferry This travel app informs commuters of the ferry schedule between Malta and Gozo. My Maltese Guide Get your own tour guide complete with four different audio tours. You can also avail yourself of discounts and offers on presentation of the app. Malta Mass Find your way to the next and nearest church, and get all the latest information on churches and mass times around Malta with the Curia’s official app.
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