The Roundup

SUE MIFSUD CERAMICS AT BAHIA

Sue Mifsud Ceramics was recently commissioned to created functional ware that would compliment and work with Bahia Restaurant’s brand image. Together with Bahia, she created warm, rustic ware with organic elements that sit well in the restaurant's cosy, predominantly limestone backdrop. "The simple sound of a spoon, for example, on the surface of a bowl can change depending on whether the clay used is porcelain or earthenware. This is subtle, but is part of a whole dining experience," says Sue Mifsud. "The beauty of handmade ceramic functional ware is that they have an appealing aesthetic and are far more tactile than mass produced items, so a diner's attention is further drawn to how and what they are eating."

CHERRY BLOSSOM!

Holy mother of cherry. Häagen-Dazs has just released a limited edition of cherry blossom flavour ice cream for this Valentine’s Day in the UK. The flavour and colours come from sakura extract, cherry blossom flowers and a swirl of cherry sauce. Oh my goodness...

CRUST DELIBAKERY

MasterChef quarter finalist and local celebrity chef Sean Gravina has just launched deli-bakery Crust in St. Julians. After two years of working on the dream, striking doors are now open, bringing visitors the Chef's modern interpretation of food.

WATERDROP

Most of us don't drink enough water. Virtually all 'interesting drinks' have calories, including flavoured water. Waterdrop is the calorie-free solution: it's the microdrink which offers loads of great ingredients compressed into one little cube. It's available in four flavours, is easily transportable, and just requires water to drop it into. It's currently available in Malta at StudioFifteen gym in St. Andrews, or online at www.waterdrop.com.

JAMIE'S ITALIAN

Jamie Oliver's Italian restaurant chain will close sites and pay reduced rents to landlords as part of efforts to keep the company trading and from collapsing entirely. Jamie’s Italian has suffered from the increasingly brutal trading conditions in the casual dining space. The industry is facing cost pressures from rising business rates and the national living wage.

AWESOME NEW GADGETS

Bringing your foodie friends and family joyful (and bizarre) little kitchen helpers.

Whisk Wiper

What is it exactly? It eliminates the need to contort your tongue to the awkward grooves of your whisk tines. It simply wipes off icing in one fell swoop.

Kitchen Gizmo Snap 'N Strain Strainer

What is it exactly? It strains pasta with ease by clipping it on to the side of the pot, eliminating the need for bulky bowl strainers.

OXO Good Grips 3-in-1 Avocado Slicer

What is it exactly? It eliminates the need to dirty multiple utensils to peel and slice an avocado. This multitool can cut, pit, and slice your avocados.