ROQUETA
03
JULY 2023
WELCOME JULY 2023 - ROQUETA MAGAZINE WELCOME TO THE SECOND EDITION OF THE NEW ROQUETA. THE FEEDBACK FROM OUR FIRST ISSUE WAS SO POSITIVE AND ENCOURAGING I BECAME QUITE EMOTIONAL. IT HAS SPURRED US ON TO PRODUCE ANOTHER EDITION PACKED WITH NEWS, FEATURES AND USEFUL INFORMATION ON SUMMER EVENTS. I took a quick trip back to the UK to visit my sisters and picked up a copy of the June Condé Nast Traveller magazine at the airport. I was pleased to see that Menorca is still in the spotlight with an article entitled ‘The Quiet Sister’ (I am not sure if that is me, John thinks we are all too quiet as he comes from a very noisy family!) It describes the global art scene that has “invaded Menorca’s shores” and the people “hopping east from Ibiza and Mallorca preferring the “Balearics’ unshowy recluse”. We have certainly seen a change in the quality and range of food on offer in Menorca, and every week we seem to hear of another country house that has been reformed into a beautiful and often ‘re-imagined’ boutique retreat in which to hide out. This month our Big Interview is with Chris Hammett of Hammett’s Mestizo who has taken over the restaurant vacated by Way in Mahon. Not all locals are keen on the idea of the island being transformed. Some despair that there are now fewer restaurants offering the traditional Menorquin dishes. This month, to mark the 50th year of Roqueta, we have compiled a list of the restaurants that have been open since 1973 or before. You will see that many are still offering traditional dishes and those that have updated their menus are still offering local products of Menorca but with a new twist. Also, on the 70’s theme, Sarah Folley has written a wonderful account of her memories of those years in Menorca. We will be featuring more of these articles in the months to come. I am looking forward to hearing all about the infamous water-ski school in Cala en Porter set up in the 60’s. As each week goes by, more people get in touch to offer their expertise as contributors and we look forward to the definitive article on Menorca – the Nelson Trail in August, by a Nelson and Georgian expert. Someone commented that there was so much in the first issue we might run out of things to write about. I can assure you that we will never be short of stories about the fascinating people with homes on the island. I have had to hold back several features for next month due to lack of space (the Port article for one). The island may have fewer British residents now than 20 years ago but the ones that remain have countless stories to tell. An opening line by Stefanie Rafanelli in the aforementioned Condé Nast Traveller article reads “The dawn is a dissipating memory – a Rorschach test of cloud, backlit by fire through the Arabic windows of my bedroom”. I would like to finish by inviting any writers who feel they could contribute such erotic and vivid prose to get in touch. As the former Editor of a metal packaging magazine, I feel I will disappoint anyone expecting something similar from me, although I could describe to you the process of necking, flanging and wall ironing a beer can.
Liz Parr
John Davies
IN THIS ISSUE ISLAND NEWS
04
ISLAND NEWS, SUMMER CELEBRATIONS, THE BIG INTERVIEW WITH CHRISTOPHER HAMMETT, SOLAR PANELS, ELECTRIC BOAT, VISAS, ELECTRIC CAR, FINCAS SUNSHINE AND PROPERTY NEWS
MEMORIES OF THE 70’S
22
A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE AND RESTAURANTS STILL IN BUSINESS SINCE 1973!
FOOD AND DRINK
26
EATING OUT, GALICIA WINES, ROQUETA RECIPES AND MASTER & COMMANDER WINES
ART IN MENORCA
32
CHRISTINA QUARLES AND TONY PARSONS
GRAPEVINE
34
BLUEWATER MENORCA
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
36
CIRCULAR WALKS AND CYCLE RIDES AROUND THE ISLAND AND SUMMER FUNDRAISING GALA
LOCAL NEWS
40
FROM SPIRITUAL WELLBEING TO CHARITIES AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN
WHAT’S ON
54
A GUIDE TO EVENTS AROUND THE ISLAND
WELLBEING
61
BODY, MIND & SOUL AND NUTRITION & FITNESS
READERS’ CORNER PIG TALES AND FUN IN THE SUN
Cover Photo Credit: Heather Colbert ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
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ISLAND NEWS
04
JULY 2023
ISLAND NEWS
By Christine Brooker
SANT JOAN CIUTADELLA Hello again Roqueta readers! The fiestas of Sant Joan will be finished when you read this, but here are a few points. The strict protocols in Ciutadella still do not allow women to ride in the ceremonies and there have been protests about this for years. There was yet another meeting between the two factions about possible solutions to the “discriminatory” rules. The “initiatives” continue to be studied. The bell tower on the Sant Joan de Missa hermitage where all the riders go on horseback to meet for mass before the fiestas start was badly damaged when it was struck by lightning on 28th November last year. Fortunately, this happened on a Monday, and no one was hurt. The bell tower and part of the church were restored in time for the fiestas. Not so fortunate was the ancestral home of the “Caixer Señor”, the chief rider in the fiestas who always comes from one of the aristocratic families in the town. After first being given the all clear by the ayuntamiento, a second architectural survey found it unsafe and the festivities had to take place in the grand house known as Vivó Truyols. The latter dates from the early XX century and is situated in the Alfonso III square more commonly known as the Plaza de Las Palmeras.
THE ISLAND NEEDS CARPENTERS The association of carpenters/joiners/cabinet makers, or the equivalent is one of the oldest members of PIME (the small businesses association). The president Lluis Hidalgo is concerned as the younger generation is not taking over in the sector. There is a lack of qualified artisans and he says although many things are prefabricated nowadays, the type of client that has recently been buying property in Menorca has money and wants bespoke carpentry. Hidalgo says that it is a national problem as alternative university careers have been pushed (have we heard this before, in the U. K. Possibly?!). Hidalgo says that in 1985 he studied in a professional school in Barcelona when he was 14. Things soon changed and the school closed its carpentry section for lack of pupils. He believes that the local schools should see the potential as many going to university graduate and cannot find jobs, whereas in carpentry they are guaranteed work as soon as they finish. In Germany they have a successful scheme, but here he says companies are not interested in helping and there is a general lack of interest amongst the students.
PROCESSIONARY CATERPILLARS A new campaign has been started against moths when they are at the processionary caterpillar stage. Many readers will be familiar with the traps with pheromones that are sometimes installed in the pine trees - and some have seen the local police shooting the cobweb structures full of caterpillars out of the trees. Now “rings” have been installed on some pine trees in Mahón that will prevent the caterpillars crawling down in the familiar line, as they can cause severe allergies in humans and animals. D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
ISLAND NEWS
05
JULY 2023
ANSA PER ANSA The creator of the local brand Ansa per Ansa, Yola Febrer, is delighted that Queen Letizia of Spain has been photographed wearing one of her handbags, a fuchsia colour patent leather in a classic style. The business has another connection to the Royal Family as her workshop, shop and offices are situated in the building owned by the Hespería Foundation, in Ses Voltes, Ciutadella. The building was donated by the King and Queen after they inherited it. All the bags are designed there and clients can design their own, assessed by Yola. The brand also has a shop in the Boutique Hotel Gran Melià in Santo Tomás.
LETTERS FROM MENORCA TO ENGLAND IN 1813 The historian Jesus García Marín, working in a library in Madrid, discovered a volume of letters edited in Chiswick in 1875. The letters were written by George Augustus Frederick Henry Bridgeman (1789 -1865). His family owned the manor house Weston Park in Staffordshire and between 1812 and 1814 he visited various islands in the Mediterranean. He was accompanied by Robert H. Clive (grandson of Clive of India), and Lord John Russell of the Whig party who was subsequently prime minister twice, in 1846 and 1865, and was grandfather to the famous radical philosopher Bertrand Russell. Bridgeman wrote some letters to his mother which were interesting because he described a Spain at war with Napoleon at a time when Wellington was causing the French severe losses. After visiting Portugal and Spain, including seeing a bull fight in Madrid, the group arrived in Menorca, they also visited Mallorca and they thought the north coast there (Serra de Tramontana) and the orange groves at Soller were marvellous. However the description of Menorca was less than flattering; he wrote “Menorca is a flat island, ugly, full of rocks and empty of trees. Mahón is an excellent town, cheerful and clean with a good tranquil society, although with few fiestas”. They were in Menorca altogether for about two months. Bridgeman knew he couldn’t give his mother too many details because of the war situation, in case he was considered a spy, García speculates that maybe he was...
ZARA AND ABARCAS Once again Zara the fashion chain, of the Spanish Inditex group is to sell Menorcan sandals (abarcas) from the Ría factory in Ferreries throughout their shops.
CIUTADELLA PUTS BRAKES ON ELECTRIC SCOOTERS Ciutadella has joined other municipalities, Mahón, Es Castell and Sant Lluis in limiting speeds in the bicycle lanes. Ciutadella has put these at 25 km/hour and the others at 20 km. This new rule is particularly aimed at electric scooters. There is also a difference in age, in the eastern towns one must be 15 to ride electric scooters and in Ciutadella 14, crash helmets must be worn for those under 16. Scooters must have front and rear lights, and reflective ones. The use of mobile phones and ear phones is strictly prohibited. Scooters are not allowed on roads or pavements and in stretches where pedestrians have priority the scooters have a maximum speed of 20 kms. and must respect a distance of 5 metres in a continuous line. Fines of 100 Euros will be imposed for underage riders, those without crash helmets or reflective waist coats, using the road when a bicycle lane is available, parking in pedestrian zones, having more people on the scooter than is legal and going without lights or insurance. ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
ISLAND NEWS
06
JULY 2023
WATER FROM SAN ISIDRO The Ministry of Defence will once again cede 30.000 cubic metres of water from the well at the Son Arroçet farm that supplies the military base at San Isidro, to the town of Mahón. The agreement was in place last year but only 15.000 cubic metres were provided due to the state of the aquifers and only half of this was needed as the rain water was sufficient. The water is provided free and, in exchange, the ayuntamiento pays for maintenance, analysis and takes care of the supply to the military installations who use 20.000 cubic metres; 10.000 cubic metres must always stay in the well as a reserve.
PREPARATIONS FOR FESTIVAL LAZARETO The music and gastronomical festival that started last year on Lazareto, the old quarantine island in the port of Mahón has changed its venue to the ground of the ruins of St. Phillips Castle (San Felipe) at the mouth of the port, (but its name will still be Lazareto). This year concerts will be on for 13 nights with seating for 2000 including some “balconies”.
TWO MEDALS FOR GRAHAME PEARCE BEER The Grahame Pearce beer that is made in Sant Climent continues to win prizes, recently in the Barcelona Beer Challenge, the stout won a gold medal in the Irish beer category, in 2022 it was considered the best in Spain. And a silver medal was awarded in the Experimental Category for the Menorcan talaiòtica. LEGAL OFFER FOR TOURISTS This year the number of legal tourist places in Menorca is the highest ever registered at just over 84.000. The number of places continues to grow as properties are included which presented their applications before stricter laws were introduced in March 2022. Obviously the illegal offer (which is considerable) is not in these statistics. There are now 5.800 houses with 30.318 places after an increase of 4.2%; the villas provide far more places than apartments and even hotels and apart hotels. Statistics show a gradual increase from just over 66.000 in 2014 to the present figure. The increase in the number of bars and restaurants has slowed down considerably, this year with a total of 1.354, nine more than last year; there is one restaurant less and nine bars or cafeterias more. The number of places is just over 84.000 which curiously coincides with the number of tourist places.
Last year there were complaints about the loud music, particularly from Es Castell residents. This year music will be orientated towards La Mola fortress using special sound barriers. The festival starts on Thursday 27th July just after the Es Castell fiestas until the 8th August. Acts will be on between 7.30 p.m. and 9.30 p.m and there will be DJ’s until 3am There will be wooden terraces with sea views, a 4* Michelin restaurant, 20 food and drink stalls and a chill out area. The artists include Anastacia, Ainhoa Arteta the Spanish opera singer, Village People amongst others (see the full list in our What’s On section). Tickets cost between 50 and 100 Euros per night, though parking spaces and table reservations are extra. Over 1.5 million Euros have been invested and 130 staff are coming from Barcelona, Madrid and Menorca. Golf carts will transport people with mobility difficulties. PARKING IN ES CASTELL As from the 1st June non-residents can no longer park in the town in Es Castell between 18.00 and 24.00 hours. This rule was introduced by Joana Escandell the alcaldesa last year and was very controversial with protests from the bars and restaurants. Now the new alcalde Lluis Camps is keeping the rule in place saying that it was approved by the town council at the time and it is not that easy to change it. The rough ground next to Calle Fontanillas at the beginning of Es Castell is to be used officially for 900 cars; a decree has been ratified by the outgoing town council with the owner of the plot of 18.000 sq. mts. whereby it can be used for four years initially. Escandell said that one of the problems had been identifying the owners of some of the plots that need to be compulsorily purchased; she said that this is well on the way to being solved; now Camps will take over the paperwork.
NEW WORK ZONES IN THE AIRPORT The airport in Menorca now has four new ‘work’ zones for passengers, with plugs to charge electronic devices, two on the arrivals floor and two in the check in area. These are in addition to the ones in the embarkation zone for local flights. D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
ISLAND NEWS
07
JULY 2023
RESTRICTIONS ON WORKING IN THE HEAT The prohibition on certain types of work in the open air will be applied in Menorca when temperatures rise to over 39 degrees centigrade. This is a sign of an orange alert and if the temperatures rise to 42 degrees this is a red alert in the Balearics. Although on the mainland last year there were over 41 days of extreme heat, in Menorca there was only one with 39 degrees, on 14th August. Builders start their day at 6 a.m. and finish at 12.30 p.m. in order to avoid the heat, but this can lead to clashes with local police as rules do not permit disturbing neighbours. Gardeners, beach workers and other sectors where people work in the open air are also affected.
HUNTING RESERVES TAKE UP THREE QUARTERS OF THE ISLAND TERRITORY When you drive around Menorca you sometimes see at intervals on the tops of walls or nailed to trees, small squares in black and white with a diagonal dividing line and signs that say “Coto de Caza”. These mean that the shooting rights have been sold by the farmers to local hunters. Recent statistics show that three out of every four hectares on the island are taken up in this way. The sport tends to be an expensive one, as hunters need a licence, insurance, a gun, munitions, and a dog…. There are six hunting societies registered with The Balearic Hunting Federation. Nearly all of them are specialised in some way, for partridges, rabbits and for those using falcons for example. There are also “social” hunting areas deeply rooted in the farm workers culture where costs are shared. Authorizations are issued by the Consell and cost nearly 118.000 Euros annually. Farms in municipalities where there is more countryside obviously benefit most, such as Ferreries and Es Migjorn Gran. The smallest hunting area is 3.5 hectares and the largest 1.289. At the end of the eighties a farm in Ciutadella owned by investors tried to organise commercial shoots but with little success.
RED PALM WEEVIL The Red Palm Weevil is still killing palm trees in Menorca. Nine palm trees have had to be cut down in the port of Mahón, the preventative treatment they received has not been sufficient to save them. Port Authorities will replace them but with a different species that does not attract the weevils or their huge appetites. Most of the palm trees were in the Rochina Park area, just near the steps from town leading down to the port.
ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
ISLAND NEWS
09
JULY 2023
SUMMER CELEBRATIONS: LOCAL TRADITIONAL FIESTAS IN JULY THERE IS ALWAYS AN OCCASION TO CELEBRATE IN MENORCA by Vanessa Jeny, Menorca Blue
One of the quintessential aspects of Spanish culture is that every week of the year in various places around the country, different towns are celebrating their local fiestas. There is always a reason to celebrate, and isn’t that what life is all about? Spanish know how to party and they always make it a priority. That is my kinda life philosophy! During the summer months, Menorca continues to unsettle the typical tranquility of the island with its own traditional fiestas, filling up the summer calendar with festive spirit. Even after all these years the fiestas are still one of my most favourite aspects of island life. Menorcans are Masters of Ceremonies and Celebration. Almost all of the fiestas centre around a Patron Saint and seamlessly fuse together a religious ceremony with tradition and street parties to create some of the most memorable events you will ever experience. As a professional special event manager, I’m always fascinated at how these fiestas appear to run on automatic with a life of their own.
Everyone seems to be born knowing what they are doing without an event coordinator or production schedule in sight. It’s a credit to the councils, stakeholders and townspeople for making it happen each year so magically. Traditions are passed down through generations, and months of preparation go into it. There is a time and season for each task leading up to the event. It has been that way for as long as anyone can remember, and everyone plays their part with precision.
MENORCA’S FIESTA TRADITIONS Following the grand opening of the fiesta season with Sant Joan in Ciutadella at the end of June, there are a couple of (much needed) weeks to recover as the preparations are finalised in the other towns around the island. Each town has a different patron saint and their own version of what can be affectionately summarised as ‘Horses & Jaleo’. Celebrations continue through the whole of summer during July, August and September. Some of towns have fixed dates as the fiestas are held on the same day every year regardless of the day of the week. In other towns, the fiestas are on fixed weekends of the month, meaning that the dates shift slightly each year. The theme of each fiesta is the same, true to what has come to be known as the traditional Menorcan Fiestas of this island. The aforementioned Horses and ‘Jaleo’, celebrate the Equestrian tradition on the island. The incredibly beautiful and skilled Menorcan Breed of Horses, honouring the farming families, and the local bands are the protagonists. Each town has their own official protocols and schedule of events, but all include the main traditions, albeit on a smaller scale than Ciutadella.
HERE ARE THE PROTOCOLS THAT ARE CONSISTENT IN ALL THE FIESTAS OF THE ISLAND: ‘Primer toc des Fabiol’: The first tap of the drum and sound of the flute marks the official start of the fiesta. The person who plays the flute and drum throughout the whole fiesta is known as the ‘Fabioler’, usually someone with experience in the job, a healthy set of lungs, rhythm and ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
ISLAND NEWS
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JULY 2023
stamina, and often a town official. Resembling what we know in English to be ‘The Pied Piper’, this person asks for permission from the head horserider of the cavalcade to start the fiesta and then plays the first sounds of the drum and flute. The Fabioler then rides through the town whilst playing the fiesta tune to collect the other riders who form the cavalcade of horses. ‘El Jaleo’: Once the whole cavalcade is assembled and complete in order, the cavalcade makes its way to the central square of the town, where the local band will play the fiesta tune known as the ‘Jaleo’ as the horses lap the central square in order, occasionally rising on their hind legs whilst the crowds shout ‘¡Olé!’. A spectacular display of the equestrian abilities of these well-trained and experienced horses and their accomplished riders. ‘Sa Missa’: I have paraphrased here as each town has a different name to refer to the religious ceremony held in the church in honour of the Patron Saint and the town fiesta. Missa means Mass, each town celebrates theirs at a different time and with a different name, this is usually reserved for official participants or local townspeople depending on the size of the church. ‘Sa Convidada/ Recepció’: There is usually at least one official lunch or supper for the riders with the local council or religious leaders. This is a closed event for official participants. ‘Darrer toc des Fabiol’: The fiestas officially close the same way as they open, with the final tap and flute of the ‘Fabioler’. ‘Fins l’any qui ve, si deu vol.’ meaning ‘Until next year if god wishes’ - the traditional phrase said by many to close each fiesta.
ADDITIONAL ASPECTS Carnival Rides & Stalls: Most of the towns have carnival rides and stalls open during the days of the fiesta depending on the space available at each location. Check specifically for each town and the corresponding dates. Always great fun for the kids in the morning or early evening. ‘Els Gegants i Capgrossos’: Several of the towns create what translates to ‘Giants and Big Heads’ which are usually big puppets and costumes with oversized heads that participate in the official order of events. Also good fun for families with small children. Each town also has their own unique touches to make the fiesta their own, and the streets are always filled with the townspeople celebrating together as friends and family.
‘LA FIESTA DEL VIRGEN DEL CARMEN’ - CELEBRATING THE PATRON SAINT OF THE SEAS In addition to the traditional local town fiestas with horses, July also sees the celebration of the Feast Day of the ‘Virgen del Carmen’, the patron of the sea and fishermen. The official Feast Day is on the 16th of July this year which is a Sunday but celebrations are also taking place on the Saturday. In the Ports of Ciutadella, Fornells and Mahón, there is a Maritime Procession of Boats to pay homage to the Patron Saint. The largest procession is in Mahon including boats from the Navy, Fishing Boats, Recreation Boats and Sporting Boats. This year the procession is being held on the evening of 15th July between 19:00 and 21:00. Quite the sight to take photos if you are there to see them sail out to the entrance of the port to as the sun sets. The Banda de Música de Maó will also be playing in the Port of Mahon at 20:00 followed by a Menorquin group with guitars singing local and seafaring songs at 21:00.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR JULY So the good news is that you are likely to be able to catch a local celebration in July as this month they are spread out in different parts of the island. Here are the events in date order, check out the Event Guide at the back of the magazine for more details, or visit my website menorcablue.com where you will find an article on each celebration with a more complete schedule on the traditions and timings of each fiesta. Times are orientative so you know approximately between what times activities take place. Es Mercadal: Sant Martí - 15 & 16 July 2023 Feast of Saint Martin, Patron of Es Mercadal. Annually on the third weekend in July. Saturday 15th - Primer Toc 5.00pm & Jaleo 7.00pm Sunday 16th - Primer Toc 9.00am & Jaleo 11.00am Ports de Maó, Fornells i Ciutadella: Festes de la Verge de Carme - 15 & 16 July 2023 Feast of the Virgen Carmen, Patron Saint of the Sea. Procession of Boats in the evening. Port of Mahon: 15th July 19:00 – 21:00. Fornells: Sant Antoni - 22 & 23 July 2023 Feast of Saint Anthony, Patron of Fornells. Annually on the fourth weekend in July. Saturday 22nd - Primer Toc 5.00pm & Jaleo 8.30pm Sunday 23rd - Primer Toc 9.00am & Jaleo 12.00pm (approx. after Mass) Es Castell: Sant Jaume - 24, 25 & 26 July 2023 Feast of Saint James, Patron of Es Castell. Monday 24th - Primer Toc 10.00am & Jaleo 8.00pm Tuesday 25th- Primer Toc 7.45am & Jaleo 1.00pm (approx. after Mass) Es Migjorn Gran: Sant Cristòfol - 29 & 30 July 2023 Feast of Saint Christopher, Patron of Es Migjorn Gran. Saturday 29th - Primer Toc 6.00pm & Jaleo 9.00pm Tuesday 30th- Primer Toc 9.00am & Jaleo 12.00pm (approx. after Mass)
D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
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JULY 2023
LOCAL FIESTA TIPS Same advice applies for all fiestas, here is a quick review: 1. Check the dates and times of the events and the bus timetable to get there from where you are. Designated Drivers will have to leave the cars parked on the outskirts of the towns, or book a taxi. Bus company information at the back of the Roqueta. 2. Dress comfortably & travel light. No strollers, skirts or open shoes recommended. 3. Local Fiestas are spirited at times, especially with the horses and when the band is playing, so keep your distance. Watch where you walk and keep looking behind you when near the horses. 4. Private homes are invitation only yet the atmosphere of the street parties is authentic and fun. 5. Pace Yourself with the Gin & Lemon, which is called ‘Pomada’ everywhere else on othe island except Ciutadella where its ‘Gin amb Llimonada’. If you ask them for ‘Pomada’ in Ciutadella they will send you to the pharmacy as ‘Pomada’ also means ointment. (Don’t ask me why… something shifts in the air in the 16 km between Ciutadella and Ferreries. The accent changes as does the terminology. Menorcan logic, makes perfect sense to everyone here, so just go with it! Pomada it is til June next year, unless you visit Ciutadella before then!) ‘Bones Festes’ as the locals say which means Happy Fiesta! If you are enjoying yourself the way the locals do then you’ve successfully adapted to the local lifestyle! Written by Vanessa Jeny, Founder of MenorcaBlue.com - Peek inside Paradise & Live the Local Lifestyle
ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
ISLAND NEWS
THE
12
JULY 2023
BIG
INTERVIEW WITH
CHRISTOPHER HAMMETT
This month we talk to Chris Hammett, the restaurateur behind Hammett’s Mestizo Menorca. This is a new restaurant in the Port of Mahon located in the prominent harbourside location vacated by Way. The restaurant describes itself as a vibrant, Latin-american inspired, fusion social dining and drinking experience. It is the second restaurant opened under the name of Hammett’s Mestizo and becomes the fifth catering establishment in the Hammett’s Collection. This is the first of their restaurants to be located outside Malta.
Hammett’s Collection forms part of the Von der Heyden Group, headquartered in Malta. Chairman and Founder, Sven von der Heyden is well known in Menorca, where he set up a yachting business and created the hospitality brand Cugó Gran. Executive Chef Jorge Lugo and Director, Chris Hammett
I asked Chris how he first got together with Sven I first met Sven in 2016 when I was running events at Villa Brasserie Restaurant in Malta, and we hosted the Von der Heyden staff party. A year later we met again when I was opening Hammett’s Gastrobar and Sven had just acquired an iconic building on the Grand Harbour in Malta, where he opened Cugó Gran Macina. We decided to work in partnership, and over the next few years we launched the restaurants of the Hammett’s Collection as well as the restaurant at the Macina. In 2020, we opened Hammett’s Mestizo, and in 2022 we launched ‘Hammett’s Monastik’, which is based on sustainability. When the Way restaurant building became available it was an opportunity to bring our concept to Menorca. Although Sven no longer lives on the island, he still holds it close to his heart and he was proud to create new jobs and contribute to the ever-growing quality hospitality sector. What is the Concept behind your restaurants? All the time we are looking to create something different and invent something new rather than looking at what other people are doing. We have a lot of things in common across the different restaurants. We always want to create a relaxed atmosphere where you can have fun with family and friends. I wanted to overcome the problem of regretting you hadn’t ordered the dish chosen by your friend! In our restaurants we produce sharing plates. everything is designed to be shared at the table. All our dishes come in starter-size portions, designed to be shared between 2 to 3 people. You can choose 5 or 6 things from the menu, and they are brought to the table one after another with an explanation from the waiter. I basically designed the concept around how I like to eat, enjoying excellent food but without having to choose from a long menu. We have moved away from the idea of a starter, main course and dessert. What can diners expect in Menorca? The dishes are created using local ingredients prepared in ways that celebrate the diverse cuisines from the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America all the way down to Patagonia. The executive chef of Hammett’s Collection, Jorge Lugo, who happens to be Venezuelan, will be
taking over the kitchen of Hammett’s Mestizo Menorca for this season with his sous chef and brother. In Menorca, we have a selection of raw, fresh and cured dishes, and I can highly recommend the Cerviche Peruano, which is a local fish with lime, red onion, chili, coriander, cancha (maize) and sweet potato. For vegetarians we have an Ensalada Criolla with avocado, onions, tomato, palm heart, lime and quinoa. We have corn Esquites, with cheese and sour cream, and tacos with Menorquin lamb. From the BBQ we have Chuleton of Wagyu beef (ribeye) from Menorca, Entrecot Angus or Picanha (Beef Rump), all served with chimichurri and mash potato or fried cassava. For fish lovers we have mussels in lime and chilli, an Escabeche, or Marisco Saltado with calamari, prawns, panca chilli, onion, tomato, spring onion, coriander and potato. There is an extensive and interesting Drinks and Cocktail Menu We have developed a great range of cocktails inspired by the meso-south American drinking culture. Our Nina Dulce has Cuban aguardiente, fresh lime, dulce de leche, berries and ginger foam. Or try our Sierra Negra with tequilla, mezcal, fernet branca, berries tea syrup, fresh lime juice and aromatic smoke. We have some classic cocktails with a twist such as our Maracuya Caipirinha or our Mata Cochinos, which has homemade chili infused tequila, lime, ginger, banana and raspberry puree. Of course, we have some alcohol-free options which we call our Inocentes, and a wine list with South American options. Will you be open all year? The restaurant opened in mid-June after a light renovation of the three storey property. In winter 2023/24 further enhancements and embellishment works are planned which will mean the restaurant will have to close again for a while. It is a large building with great scope to develop a bar scene and hold special events. There is a wonderful view across the harbour to Isla del Rey and of course we are located next to the iconic Club Maritimo, with the bonus of a public elevator giving easy access to parking.
D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
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JULY 2023
Sven and wife Mimi
Marisco saltado
So, can we go back to how it all started. How did you first become a Chef? I first started cooking for my friends when I was very young and it soon became a passion so, at 21, I decided to leave everything, including the family clothing business, and move to London to learn how to be a chef. I took a diploma course with Cordon Bleu, before starting my first job with the Galvin Brothers. One year later I moved to Harrods and worked at The George, a fine dining restaurant on the rooftop. After some time, I was recommended to Chef Pascal Aussignac, a Michelin star chef who ran a small french restaurant, Club Gascon. There I experienced a very experimental kitchen with some scientific techniques. I took a break for a while, preparing lunches for a shop and learning baking and how to make wedding cakes, before moving on to The Duke of Cambridge where I became Head Chef. This was an organic restaurant certified by the soil association based on sustainability. It was a challenge finding products in winter and, I learnt a lot about food preservation.
What does the future hold? We are already exploring the idea of opening a second Hammett restaurant in Menorca in Ciutadella. I am also involved in a new project with a catering company where I have recently been appointed CEO so there are many new challenges and always new things to learn. I am passionate about my work and like to enrich myself with new experiences. Every year I say I will try to ease the pressure in my life, but I never manage to do it.
Contact: Hammett’s Mestizo Menorca, Moll de Llevant, 274, 07701 Maó. Tel 971 67 56 65
The whole London experience was much harder than I had expected, and I had to work very long hours under great pressure. If you didn’t meet the high standards expected you were out, but in the end it paid off and I learnt from some of the best. After 4 or 5 years, my girlfriend had finished University and we decided to move back to Malta to start a family. Tell me about your move back to Malta I arrived back in Malta at the age of 26 with the idea to have a summer off and relive my childhood holidays. However, as soon as we arrived, I went straight to see the owner of Villa Brasserie, a big restaurant in Malta. He had been calling me as he needed a chef. He was desperate for me to go and work for him and so I had only 3 days of holiday before starting work…. and I was there for 9 years, eventually buying the business! We had an a la carte menu and hosted weddings and parties and built an excellent reputation. And what about your plan to start a family? Yes, that all went to plan, and now I have four sons between the ages of 4 and 10 years old, Jack, Alan, Dean and Hugh. One of my cardinal rules is to dedicate quality time to them. They have all inherited my love of football and I make it a point to watch matches with them. Like me, they are all Manchester United supporters, but I gave them no choice in this matter! ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
Maracuya Caipirinha
ISLAND NEWS
14
JULY 2023 Although there were grants available, they didn’t apply as the funds were running out at the time and there was uncertainty as to whether an application would be successful. Nevertheless, they qualify for a refund against their annual IBI (council) taxes, although this is limited to 300€ a year (every municipality in Menorca has a different deal on the IBI refund). Azimut 360 were recommended to them by Som Energia, a cooperative in Barcelona. A360 helped with all the paperwork and set up the installation so that they receive credit back from the grid through their supplier, Fenie Energia. The excess energy produced but not used is put into a piggy bank at the end of each month, known as a ‘Monedero solar” or “Batería Virtual”. The excess is fed back into the grid and between 15 and 20c per KWh is credited to their account, depending on the electricity supplier. Currently, it does not make economic sense for them to install batteries to store the excess. In October 2022 David and Penny invested in a second installation of 9 slightly larger panels (total 4,95 kWp) on the roof of their rental villa. The cost of this installation, including the inverter, was 7200€ + IVA. They expect this to pay for itself in 5-6 years. “Last summer the electricity bills in the rental villa were 380€ in July and 450€ in August. This compared to 28€ in July and 29€ in August in our own house using our photovoltaic energy”
LIVING WITH
SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS IN MENORCA Case Study from Binissafúller After the extreme heat and high electricity costs of last summer, many people are now installing photovoltaic (PV) panels in their villas in Menorca. We visited David and Penny Rendall who installed the panels at their house in 2021. Pleased with the results, in October 2022 they added a second installation to a villa that they rent out in summer. They had installed solar panels for hot water at both houses several years ago and were keen to see how much the PV panels would help to reduce their electric bills. The initial installation of 15 PV panels (6,75 kWp) was set up on a plot of land adjacent to their villa in Binissafúller in November 2021. The cost of the installation, including the clearing and preparation of the land, the solar panels and the Huawei inverter, came to 10.600€+IVA. The work was carried out by Azimut 360 based in Alaior.
David and Penny have been learning the tricks of living with PV panels, running their appliances during the day when there is peak generation. David also has an electric car which he charges at home. When we visited, on a cloudy day, the rental villa’s panels were producing 3.84 kW of power, with 2.255 kW being used in the house with the remainder fed to the grid. At David and Penny’s own house the 15 solar panels were producing 5.9 kW and they were consuming 4.6 kW as the car was also on charge. All this information is accessible in real time using the Huawei App on a mobile phone. Wat Air – Producing drinking water from thin air! We were very interested to see that the couple have also installed an Atmospheric Water Generating machine in their house. This extracts ‘water from air’ and converts it to pure and fresh drinking water. The technology produces high-quality drinking water and of course there is no need to buy and transport expensive bottled water. This eliminates plastic water bottle waste and the need for delivery of water bottles/containers, thus reducing the carbon footprint. The technology requires relatively high humidity and high temperatures to operate to maximum effect although the main requirement is humidity which, as we all know, is in abundance in Menorca! The AWG simply plugs into a standard electrical socket. They sourced their AWG from the UK for £1400 and, although they had to pay Import Duty of 475€ to bring it into Spain, it was still less than half the cost of buying a similar model in Spain. It costs them nothing to run the machine during the day because of their photovoltaic panels. The filters need to be changed once a year at a cost of €180. We enjoyed a glass of water chilled straight from the machine, but it can also produce hot water. This AWG stores 12.5 litres of water and can produce up to 30 litres per day at 30 deg C and 80% humidity. There are 15L, 30L and 60L capacity machines for domestic use as well as much larger commercial models. If there is no mains electricity available all units can be powered by an electrical generator or pv power. In emergency situations in developing countries, NGOs quite often use industrial scale AWGs where no mains water or wells are avalaible. Contact for photovoltaic panel installation: Azimut 360 SCCL (www.azimut360.coop), Centre Bit Menorca, Av. des Camp Verd, 4. 07730 +34 656 981 608 balears@azimut360.coop Contact for AWG machines: Ian Ivory, Wat Air UK ian@watairuk.co.uk Tel : +44 7951471144 www.watairuk.co.uk
D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
ISLAND NEWS
15
JULY 2023
A REVOLUTIONARY ELECTRIC BOAT ARRIVES IN THE PORT OF MAHON CANDELA C-8 - RACING CAR MEETS FLYING CARPET! On board, the Candela C-8, has a sleek design with much attention to detail. The spacious interior is designed to provide comfort for all passengers. The boat has high-quality leather seats, a well-lit cabin and a spacious deck where you can relax and enjoy the sun and the sea.
Photos: Candela
Pedro´s Boat is now a distributor of Candela C-8 on the island, a revolutionary electric boat that has an innovative hydrofoil system and can navigate without generating polluting emissions. Candela C-8 has been named the European Powerboat of the Year 2023. One of the standout features of the Candela C-8 is its flight capability. Yes, you read that right, this boat can fly on water! Thanks to its hydrofoil technology, the Candela C-8 rises above the waves, providing a smooth and jolt-free sailing experience. In addition, this feature significantly reduces power consumption and increases the efficiency of the boat. The C-8 hull is vacuum infused from 100% carbon fiber, which allows the weight to be significantly less than similar boats. Samuel Pons of Pedro’s Boat tells us “If you pull the wheel hard, you’ll feel the driving sensation of a racing car, thanks to instant feedback from the fly-by-wire steering. Combined with the hydrofoil’s silent, magic-carpet ride in rough conditions, the C-8 offers a superior experience at sea. The boat is available for our clients and friends to test until 7th July.” Electric hydro foiling makes the C-8 the only electric boat with real range at speed. The Candela C-8 is equipped with a powerful electric motor and a high-capacity battery that gives it impressive self-sufficiency. You can navigate up to 50 nautical miles on a single charge, allowing you to explore the most remote corners of Menorca without worrying about power. Plus, the boat is easily charged via a conventional plug, making it a convenient and affordable option.
Perhaps the most important feature for passengers is that the boat offers a silent and environmentally friendly journey. Without noise or vibrations, you will be able to enjoy the tranquillity of the natural environment of Menorca while you navigate through its crystalline waters. You will also contribute to the preservation of the environment, since this boat does not emit exhaust gases or produce noise pollution. A traditional 7.5 m petrol boat consumes about 15 x more fuel than a family car, leaving a heavy footprint on our planet. Samuel says. “We firmly believe in the importance of sustainability and the Candela C-8 represents the future of electric boating and we are excited to share it with you.” Background to Candela Candela was founded in 2014 by Gustav Hasselskog. Determined to find ways to make electric boats with both range and speed, he gathered a task force consisting of some of the world’s leading experts with the mission: to make an electric boat with better performance than the fossil fuel competitors. At the end of 2016, a full-scale prototype was launched, reaching the target of more than 50 nautical miles per charge at a speed of 22 knots. Serial production of the world’s first electric hydrofoil boat started in 2019. In 2020, Candela C-7 became the best-selling electric boat in Europe. The most advanced electric boat battery pack ever comes from… a car. The new Candela C-8s, including the Polestar edition, use the same 69 kWh pack as the Polestar 2 electric performance fastback. Gustav says “We’ve made the first no-compromise electric boat: fast, with long-range, and fun to drive. But also 95% cheaper to operate, totally silent, and it doesn’t create any wake. An electric hydrofoil boat is inherently unstable, which means it can’t fly unless a computer continually adjusts the hydrofoils. To develop the sensor suite, hardware and software that create a smooth, stable and safe ride took 5 years of R&D. The first flight was magical.”
ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
ISLAND NEWS
16
JULY 2023
VISAS
THIS MONTH WE LOOK AT THE NOMAD OR TELEWORKERS VISA. THIS IS A NEW VISA FOR PEOPLE WORKING REMOTELY FOR COMPANIES SITUATED OUTSIDE SPAIN. FOR EXAMPLE, YOU MIGHT BE EMPLOYED BY A COMPANY IN THE UK, BUT THE COMPANY GIVES YOU PERMISSION TO WORK FROM MENORCA. THERE MAY BE TAX BENEFITS AS YOU CAN QUALIFY FOR A LOWER NON-RESIDENT INCOME TAX RATE FOR 5 YEARS. THERE CAN ALSO BE CAPITAL GAINS SAVINGS FOR THOSE ABOUT TO RETIRE.
The Digital Nomad Visa Spain passed the Startups Law at the end of 2022, with the aim of attracting remote workers, digital nomads, and new startups. They were catching up with other countries in the EU offering this type of VISA. The visa’s full name in Spain is the “Visado para teletrabajadores de carácter internacional” but it has become known as the Digital Nomad Visa. Before this visa was introduced, it was not possible for British residents visiting Spain as tourists to take part in any economic activity. The new visa permits UK nationals working remotely for UK companies to relocate to Spain, provided that their Spanish income, if any, is below 20% of their annual income.
renewal periods of two years taking you up to the five years required for permanent residency. After 5 years of residency, you can apply to become a permanent resident in Spain. How long does it take to get a Digital Nomad Visa? The Digital Nomad Visa application process promises a turnaround time of only 20 days. Also, it uses a legal system known as “positive administrative silence” which means that if the administration fails to respond within 20 days of submitting the application, it will be considered approved!
The visa allows the applicant to work remotely in Spain for any foreign company at which they have been continuously employed for at least three months and with an agreed contract of at least one year, where remote working terms and conditions are agreed. In addition, the company must have been trading for at least one year before the intended relocation.
Requirements for the VISA application
It allows non-EU citizens the opportunity to live in Spain for up to 5 years. 80% of your business income must be generated from outside of Spain. You may provide a service to Spanish customers or businesses, but this must equate to a maximum 20% of your total income.
Like the NLV visa which we covered last month, you must submit a range of documents such as a criminal records certificate and a declaration of no criminal record for the last 5 years and private health insurance with full coverage throughout Spain.
How to Apply for the Visa You can choose to apply for the visa while you are in Spain or from your home country. If you are in Spain as a tourist (less than 90 days) and apply for the visa while here, the visa will be valid for an initial three years. Alternatively, you can apply from a Spanish consulate in your home country. Using this method, the visa will be valid for one year. In both cases, the visa can be extended for up to five years. If initially applying from Spain, you will have one renewal period of two years taking you to the five years. If applying from outside of Spain, you will have two
You must show evidence of either 3 years of work experience or a degree from a reputable university, vocational training, or business school. You must not have been living in Spain within the past 5 years before your application.
Proof of Income You must demonstrate adequate financial resources to support yourself while living in Spain. This equates to 200% of the Minimum Interprofessional Salary (SMI). As of January 31, 2023, the Spanish monthly minimum wage was €1,260 (€1,080 over 14 payments). Therefore, you must have a minimum income of €2,520 per month or €30,240 per year. For the first dependent (spouse or partner) the amount is 75% of the SMI which is €11,340 per year. For each child, the amount is 25% of the SMI which equates to €3,780 per annum
D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
ISLAND NEWS
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JULY 2023
• Digital nomads will pay a lower non-resident income tax of 24% on incomes up to €600,000 and 47% for incomes above this threshold (the threshold may vary in different regions of Spain). After five years, you will move to the Spanish general tax regime.
Tax specialist León Fernando Del Canto of Del Canto Chambers at Middle Temple in London, states “The Beckham rule regime should be an excellent option for anyone with employment income between €20,000 and €600,000 in Spain, coupled with substantial assets and income outside of Spain. Before deciding if this regime is favourable for a UK national, their worldwide assets, including investments and real estate, as well as the income and gains generated by those assets, should be considered carefully, as the Spanish general residency regime could be more advantageous.”
• There is no requirement to complete modelo 720 for wealth tax declaration.
Benefits for People about to Retire
Tax Implications - Beckham’s Law
According to Blevins Franks, this visa could be particularly attractive to UK people who plan to retire in the next few years. They say, “If, as part of your retirement plans you will be selling shares in your UK company, and if you dispose of them while living and working in Spain under this visa, you escape capital gains tax in both countries. This could be a considerable saving.”
Features of the Visa • The visa allows free movement throughout the EU for workers and their family members.
To be eligible for the visa you must reside in Spain for at least 6 months a year. Once you have been in the country for more than 183 days you will pay your taxes in Spain and as stated above you will benefit from a lower non-resident income tax rate for 5 years. After 5 years you will lose this benefit. “Beckhams Rule” is the popular term for the Spanish tax law of 2005 which introduced a special lower rate of income tax for non-residents. It was aimed at attracting highly skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors to Spain, also known as the Special Tax Regime for Impatriates (SIRE in Spanish). The law was named after the well-known British football player, David Beckham, who reportedly benefited from this tax regime when he played for Real Madrid in Spain. Under the Beckham Rule foreign income is not considered a taxable event. Additionally, the term extends up to five complete tax years plus the year of application: six tax years in practice. In broad terms, according to the Spanish non-resident tax rules, the only taxable income for the individuals will be revenue generated or taxable in Spain. Additionally, the legislation limits the wealth tax application to those assets in Spain. Therefore, the Beckham rule excludes wealth tax, capital gains tax, and income tax arising outside Spain for the applicant and their family.
If this applies to you, seek advice from a cross-border wealth management firm such as Blevin Franks, that understands the intricacies of both Spanish and UK taxation and the interaction between them. Whatever your circumstances, you should consider seeking professional tax advice before applying for a Digital Nomad Visa to assess if it is the right choice for you, and to ensure that you comply with all the requirements and obligations. They have made it very easy to apply for the visa, but it is a new law and there are many factors which need to be taken into consideration. References: https://www.blevinsfranks.com/spains-new-digital-nomad-visa-whoseligible-and-the-tax-benefits/ https://delcantochambers.com/a-new-digital-nomad-visa-for-spain/ You can see the official publication of the legislation in the Official State Gazette (BOE) https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2022-21739
ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
ISLAND NEWS
18
JULY 2023
Mike with his Fiat 500 Electric
ELECTRIC CAR OWNERSHIP
Case Study – Fiat 500E owned by Mike Horseman
which regulates the charge. It is an intelligent charger with 5.7 potencia and so it knows when we are boiling the kettle etc. I have the Endesa Happy Tiempo electricity contract which gives me one day of free electricity every Friday. I have pre-programmed the car to start charging at midnight and so this is free.
Last year, local resident Mike Horseman decided to change his rather desirable Audi A4 soft top, 3 litre petrol rocket ship with a diminutive Fiat 500E (E is for full Electric Powertrain).
When I bought the car most public chargers were free to use. I found that some were not working, such as those outside hotels closed in winter. There are many different providers now and you need a different app on your phone for each one. Currently I am using MELIB and Endesa. The chargers at the hospital are free and many of the shops. The chargers vary in cost from 34c/kw to 45 c/kw. Fiat shows you all the chargers available on your phone app or you can find them on the car’s navigation map. It tells you if they are available and working or if they are already being used by another car. The app on your phone has other cool features, such as a valet mode to stop other people driving the car, climate control, and a summary of the vehicle’s health.
Why did you choose the Fiat 500 E? I love the look of the car, the way it has been designed and it is very gadget friendly. When it comes to new technology, I am an ‘early adopter’. I like to have the lastest Apple iPhone, iPad, and digital camera etc. I used to be a graphic designer in the UK, and I had the first Fiat 500 convertible in the country when I was living in Poole. It was bright red with every possible extra, and looked like an Abarth. I think it cost me £17,000 at the time. This time I wanted an electric car, attracted by the fact I can charge it at home for free and the running costs are virtually zero. The environmental aspect is also important to me as I have grandchildren. Did you receive a grant to help purchase the car? Yes, the car cost 26,000 Euros. If you trade in your own car, you can receive a grant of €7,000. I decided to sell my car privately and so I received a lesser grant of €4,500. There was a lot of paperwork involved and I went through a gestoría in Manacor, Mallorca, which was recommended by the Fiat garage. It cost me €85 Euros. In November 2021, the local gestorías were not up to speed in the process but I expect it is different now. The authorities ask to see copies of all the paperwork from the garage to ensure there are no fraudulent claims.
I have been very pleased with my purchase. Once a year I pay 46 Euros for a plug-in test and Fiat have been brilliant. There have been no other maintenance costs so far. I have driven 5117km in 18 months and you can drive 13000km before the first major service. This is simply a plug-in diagnostic to check mainly the status of the batteries as well as normal air filter/air con gas check and general condition plus any system upgrades which may be needed.
I knew the grant would take some time to come through, and it took exactly one year for the money to arrive in my bank account. However, what I was not told at the time, and what I did not expect, was that at the end of the financial year I would be taxed on this ‘income’. That was a recent, nasty surprise! What have the running costs been like in Menorca? As a household we have 2 cars and so I do not use the Fiat all the time. I use it as a run-around and I get 165 miles or 265 km out of one charge. A specialist electrician fitted a DPS home charger in my garage with a voltage controller
EasyWallCharge made especially for Fiat 500e
D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
ISLAND NEWS
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JULY 2023
Background to Owning an Electric Car on Menorca Incentives by National Government: The Spanish government has implemented a series of incentives to make EVs more accessible to its citizens. One of the incentives is the Plan MOVES III that was developed to encourage the purchase of electric cars, PHEVs, and fuel cell vehicles. The plan consists of an allocation of 400 million euros for the installation of recharging stations, the promotion of shared electric mobility solutions, and the implementation of measures to promote electric vehicle penetration in the country. Another central government incentive is the Bonus VEA 2021. This is a €7,000 grant given to individuals or companies for the purchase of a new electric car with a sales price of less than €45,000. The EV must have a range of over 90 km, CO2 emissions must be under 0 g/km, and be registered in the buyer’s name for a period of two years without being sold or transferred. Furthermore, Spain also offers financial incentives for replacing combustion vehicles with electric vehicles: a €1,000 incentive to replace an old diesel vehicle with an EV. Incentives by the Local Government Local governments have adopted their own incentives to complement and reinforce National incentives. The municipal council of Madrid encourages electric mobility with progressive tax exemptions for electric vehicles, as well as free parking in regulated areas. In addition, between 7 am and 10 pm, electric cars can be parked at area-regulated parks and streets without time limits. Also, Valencia has announced an incentive plan called Plan Respira València, which aims to reduce pollution levels by promoting electric mobility. The plan offers free public charging points, zero-emission zones, and incentives for businesses to switch to EVs. Plans going forward In July 2021, the Spanish government announced its intention to ban the sale of new petrol, diesel, and hybrid cars in 2040. The plan seeks to have at least 70% of passenger cars and 30% of trucks and buses being EVs by 2030. The government also set up the Green Mobility Fund, aimed at supporting research into more sustainable methods for transportation. The fund is expected to be in operation by 2023, and it will provide financial support to research institutions, start-ups, and EV manufacturers. The Cost of Electricity Electric vehicles, such as the Fiat 500, use electricity to power their engines. The cost of electricity in Spain is among the lowest in Europe, with an average price of €0.15 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Depending on where you live and the tariff you have, the price can vary slightly, but it is still much lower than the cost of gasoline. Maintenance Costs Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts and require less maintenance than gasoline-powered vehicles. The Fiat 500 electric has a simpler drivetrain, which means that there is less wear and tear on the components. Additionally, electric motors do not require oil changes or air filter replacements, which saves money on maintenance costs. The Fiat 500 electric also benefits from regenerative braking, which recovers energy as you slow down. This means that the brake pads and rotors will last longer, again reducing maintenance costs. ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
ISLAND NEWS
20
JULY 2023
The Fincas Sunshine team from left to right: Juani, Anthony, Carol and Vanessa
FINCAS SUNSHINE
CELEBRATE 25 YEARS
Fincas Sunshine, the Estate Agent based in Es Mercadal, is run by Carol Thomas. Carol first started the business in Playas de Fornells over 25 years ago where she set up her first office. In 2004, she moved the main office to Es Mercadal, with the Fornells office opening during the summer months. 5 years ago she joined forces with Portal Menorca, the group of 6 local estate agents pooling their resources in Menorca. Carol now has a team of 4 working from the main office, and they have been together for several years. Vanessa and Juani are both from Alaior; Juani has been with Carol for 12 years. Anthony, from Belgium, a trained architect, is the newest member of the team. Like many British people living in Menorca, Carol came to the island 43 years ago as a rep and then worked in a hotel in Cala Galdana, before changing career to become an estate agent. She loved working in the property business and successfully studied for her API, the official qualification for Estate Agents in Spain. As the owner of the company, Carol was the only member of the team allowed to leave her house and visit properties during COVID. Self employed people were allowed to continue working as there was no initial help for them from the Government. Covid changed the way of working with video viewings becoming the new normal and Carol was delighted to sell a house to British clients in the UK without them visiting the property. 2021, the year following COVID was the best year for the business as the property market caught up with the latent demand and Menorca became a popular place for second homes and relocations. The market has continued to remain strong albeit restrained by the lack of properties available. Fincas Sunshine works with a local developer, building quality apartments in Es Mercadal. They also recommend a local company Engin Menorca, a specialist in solar energy which helps with installations and grants for homeowners. The estate agency business also provides property management, organising cleaning, laundry and refurbishments for their clients. Fincas Sunshine sells property all across the island. They have many British clients who prefer to deal with an understanding agent in their native language, making the process simple and stress free, but they also have customers from France, Belgium, Italy and Germany as well as the Spanish mainland and many loyal residents in the local area. The relationship with Portal Menorca is working very well. The company quotes Henry Ford “Coming together is the beginning. Staying together is progress. Working together is success”!
CONTACT: 0034 971 15 44 17 E: FINCAS-SUNSHINE@TELEFONICA.NET W: WWW.FINCAS-SUNSHINE.COM D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
ISLAND NEWS
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JULY 2023
PROPE RT Y
NEWS PRICE GROWTH AROUND THE ISLAND JO LA FOSSE, CASAS EN MENORCA “At present, what characterises the property market in Menorca is the continuous growth of prices all over the island. And there is a reason for this. Menorca has a limited territory and as a result, it is an increasingly attractive place for foreigners to buy a second home or as an investment. On average, one in three houses are sold to foreign nationals. Among the most expensive locations, we find the area of Fornells ( 4.113 €/m2 ) where the market is dominated by large historic rural estates and properties with sea views. However, among the most sought-after residential areas of the island, are Mahon and Ciutadella, with prices in Ciutadella being slightly higher. Our real estate agency Casas en Menorca.com currently has a larger portfolio of properties in the Mahón area, as we have two offices in the capital. In Ciutadella, the property portfolio represents 20% of the total with one office in the centre. In terms of prices, in Ciutadella the price per m2 is 2.733 € while in Mahón it is 2.514 €/m2. Flats in Ciutadella range from 200.000 € and among the most sought-after coastal locations are Son Xoriguer (with luxury villas for sale for up to 4.000.000 €) and Cala Morell where villas are for sale from 800.000 €. In the other coastal areas of Ciutadella we can find villas from 350.000 €. Flats in Mahón are around 180.000 € and among the most coveted coastal areas we find Cala LLonga (with villas from 500.000 €) and Cala Sa Mesquida with an average maximum price of almost 3.300 €/m2.”
JUAN MATEO - BONNIIN SANSO Brexit had a notable impact on the real estate market in Menorca, causing uncertainties and a decline in demand from British buyers. However, as the logistics and regulations surrounding Brexit have been progressively sorted out, there is a growing resurgence of interest from British buyers in the Menorcan property market. Brexit led many British buyers to adopt a cautious approach when considering real estate investments in Menorca. Currency fluctuations and changes in regulations created a sense of hesitation and prompted some buyers to delay their plans. As a result, the real estate market in Menorca experienced a temporary slowdown in British buyer activity. However, as time has passed and clarity has emerged regarding the post-Brexit landscape, there has been a noticeable uptick in interest from British buyers. With clearer guidelines and a better understanding of the new regulations, British investors are regaining confidence in Menorca’s real estate market. Additionally, the logistics and administrative procedures have become more streamlined and predictable since the initial confusion caused by Brexit. Buyers now have a better grasp of the legal requirements, residency permits, and tax implications, making it easier for them to navigate the property purchase process in Menorca. Furthermore, Menorca’s real estate market is benefitting from the traditional ties and cultural affinity that exist between the UK and the island. The historical connection, familiarity with the local language and customs, and the established presence of British communities on the island contribute to its enduring appeal for British buyers.
BONNIN SANSO PROMOTES SA LLOSA HOMES IN MADRID Bonnin Sanso participated at SIMA, the leading Real Estate Exhibition in Spain, which took place in Madrid, as part of the Neinor Homes stand. Members of the sales team provided clients with first-hand information of the Sa Llosa Homes development in Son Parc. Sa Llosa Homes, is an exclusive development of 50 villas in Son Parc, Menorca Furthermore, Menorca’s real estate market is benefitting from the traditional ties and cultural affinity that exist between the UK and the island. The historical connection, familiarity with the local language and customs, and the established presence of British communities on the island contribute to its enduring appeal for British buyers. ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
MEMORIES OF THE 70’S
22
JULY 2023
Menorca Airport c. 1975 Photo: Antonio González Rodríguez
A TRIP DOWN ME MORY L AN E
1970’S MENORCA By Sarah Folley
You could have a drink with your friends and watch them pass through a small gate, waving them off from the garden area as they walked across the tarmac. I also learnt to drive at Sol del Este, in our old Seat 600 with the engine in the boot. I have to admit that there were not many bushes left intact on our dirt track course, as we drove timed races on the “roads” they had laid out for the future development. Sol del Este was then just the Tramuntana villas - La Gardenia didn’t exist, nor any other houses or apartments all the way to Santa Ana which just had a smattering of large villas mostly overlooking Calas Fonts.
Calas Fonts c. 1975
This was a defining moment in my life! No, not the stern ticking off I was receiving from my father for some serious misdemeanour at school but rather his announcement. While I was stood on the mat in front of his desk, head bowed in shame, he followed up with the news that he had purchased a villa on a tiny Spanish island. And so began a lifelong love affair with Menorca.
And oh, Calas Fons! (as we used to call it). Then THE place to go for all youngsters looking for fun. Trebol and Nikki’s (then Dumbo’s) are still in the original ownership they were back then. The port of Mahon had very little to offer in terms of restaurants or bars. My foray into “acting” was at Bar Port Nelson where free drinks were being offered to all the extras for the film “Spanish Fly” with Terry Thomas and Leslie Philips. The parents were none too pleased with the group of drunk teenagers rolling home later that day!
Number 1, Sol del Este was one of a group of 25 villas with a pool developed by Andrew Manners, whom many of you will know from his days with Don Cars or as Chairman of the Menorca Cricket Club. The deal was struck for under £5,000 in the Bar Andalucia next to the American bar, where most of their sales were signed up! It was the early 70’s, flights were few and far between - the days of Aviaco, Dan Air and Freddie Laker. In 1969 the “new” airport opened on the current site with one runway and two check-in desks. It was all very casual.
Filming Spanish Fly, Calas Fonts 1976
D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
MEMORIES OF THE 70’S
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My first jobs were here too. Scrubbing old antifoul off the bottom of boats on the portside and bar work in Calas Fonts. The bars there were nothing more than caves with a few benches and tables outside. The sanitation was primitive and ventilation was the open door at the front of the bar but we did enjoy the simple pinchitos and chips they served. Restaurants were mostly pretty basic with a limited choice of menu and I remember arriving with a suitcase full of sausages, steak and bacon! Mind you, you could always head for The Rocamar, considered to be the best restaurant on the island, sadly derelict these days. In the late 70’s my mother was renting out several villas at Sol del Este for other owners. She was incensed one day watching TV in the UK that a bid for a children’s charity donation had been reneged upon and set-to, organising a holiday for some disabled children from a specialist home in Bristol. That afternoon she had secured the villas she looked after plus flights, all donated for the off-season break. Children of all disabilities came with their carers. Menorca came to the fore – restaurants, bars, residents and supermarkets donated meals, drinks, food, boats, ice creams and hire cars, even Tonic laid on a private disco session, which the children absolutely loved. Such was the kindness of individuals and businesses on the island. Tony Hatch wrote a song about their stay, mentioning each child individually, which he played and sang to them at a dinner at Scandals restaurant. Seeing them change over the week and the smiles on their faces when they left made everyone’s generosity so worthwhile. Of course, Menorca is an island of sun, sea and sand and boating became a large part of our holidays here. Our small speed boat was duly moored in front of Sol del Este and water skiing was then allowed in the harbour. We used to set up a slalom course of cans of beer on the edges of the canal through to the lagoon (aka Cowards’ Cove), which we had to touch on each side as we skiied through. Our main mode of transport though was by Mobylette. No helmets and you could always tell who had been riding one as you could not avoid the burnt leg from the exhaust pipe!
Moll de Llevant, Mahon c. 1970
Me driving “Snoopy” in Mahon Harbour 1977
THE NIGHTCLUB SCENE As a teenager in the 70’s the nightclub scene here was a big deal. My brother and I would bring sets of the top 20 singles on vinyl which would secure free entry to that disco for the season. Tonic, Si, the Caves of Xoroi and Flistons were our favourites while later, others such as Lui, Stars and Pacha were considered the cooler clubs. We thought the dance podiums and lighting up dance floors were great. The water feature with bridges to reach the bars may have looked amazing but what a ridiculous idea that was with glasses and revellers taking regular dips! Our night out at the disco, would end at 7am, having picked up some fresh bread from the bakers in Villa Carlos with which to watch the sunrise from the rocks in front of the villa (the most Easterly place in Spain). We would then be woken at 11am on a Sunday morning as the cannon was fired from Lazaretto - a weekly event which took place for many years. La Mola was still being used for National Service, so was very active, as were the military buildings in Mahon and Villa Carlos. Isla del Rey was a ruin where we used to go for picnics by boat and later my boys used to play with their BB guns in and out of the colonnades.
Mobylettes at Sol del Este
In those days houses were usually left unlocked, as were cars, often with the keys in the ignition -Well, if they were stolen, they couldn’t go far. This was very useful if someone was parked in your way, as you could just hop in and move it! Pretty much all the ex-pat community knew each other, life was simple, fun and at an easy-going pace – so that hasn’t changed much. Despite the enormous amount of development, Menorca has maintained that unpretentious charm that so many of us adore. My love of and connection to this little Mediterranean rock has only grown stronger over the years. My mother and later, my father, lived here, I met my husband here, all my children’s holidays were spent here and now my young grandchildren are developing their love for it too. I can only hope that they have as many happy memories of this very special island as I do!
Flistons Discoteca in Villa Carlos c. 1970 Photo: Pedro Cladera Torres
ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
MEMORIES OF THE 70’S
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ROQ U E TA C E LE BR ATES 50 YE ARS
RESTAURANTS STILL IN BUSINESS SINCE 1973! I think it must be regarded as a tribute to the character and tenacity of many families on the island that, despite all the numerous upheavals over the years, whether it be economic, political or pandemic-related, we were still able to track down a very good selection of restaurants which have withstood the storms and upheavals, the doom and gloom, and stood the test of time and tenacity by still opening their doors to us in 2023! We wanted to highlight these stalwarts, specially to mark the fact that our ROQUETA MAGAZINE is 50 this year, so let’s celebrate this by enjoying a meal or three in some of these venerable establishments. We have been reasonably liberal in our selection, and I am sure there are omissions, so please feel free to let us know of any we have missed. The basic criteria here is that the restaurant must still carry the same name and be in the same ownership or family. Some have had a few hiccups along the past half century (haven’t we all!). Special congratulations to those who have not only updated their decor and facilities but also embraced a more modern and innovative approach to their menus. Let’s hope they will survive another 50 years and beyond. We have included a few which may not still be in the same family but which have a historical interest.
HERE THEY ARE: MAHON AREA C’an Nito La Marina is located at the bottom of the steps down through the winding road and handy for the new lift. It is a classic, said to be the oldest restaurant in the Port of Mahón. Mario and his daughter Sonia are the third and fourth generation at the helm of the business whose beginnings date back to 1885. Especially beloved of Menorquins of the “old school”! No fripperies to attract tourists, but a great selection of fresh fish and meat, cooked in a traditional way. C’an Pota, Portal del Mar 11, is located at the top of the aforementioned steps, on the corner overlooking the fish market. Founded in 1881 is has great food, great service, excellent Menu del Dia. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it! El Trueno a great pit stop if you are shopping in the main market. It’s in the corner by the fruit and veg, but also has outdoor tables overlooking the port. A real stalwart this. In 1892 grandfather Bernat , who also owned an inn in Plaça Reial, opened the place as a bar. In those days, merchants and peasants went there to sell produce, sealing the deal with a coffee. There, they started conversations, referred to as “fer el trò” which, some say is how the business got its name. His son José and his grandsons, Pito and Bernat took over the business until 1995 when they retired. It then passed into the hands of José Bonet, a hospitality professional, who brought the business up to date and renamed it “Bar Sa Plaça”. From the beginning of 2018, it passed into the hands of the current owners who unanimously decided to recover the name by which many older people in Menorca still know the cafe, “el Trueno”. Es Dineret (Bar Nou), Carrer Nou number 1 opened in 1854. It became the home of the Casino de los Menestrales, which moved to this location in 1889. The name apparently came from the owner Juan Deyá who was known as Dineret, a nickname given because he demanded the payment of a dime, or dineret, from his nocturnal clients. This was supposedly used to pay for the oil to light the room, allowing them to prolong the evening. Check out their “Seven rules of life”! Good advice!
Sa Lliga (traditionally linked to the Club Marítimo) on the Mahon waterfront has been keeping sailors fed and watered over many a year. It is a great place to watch the larger yachts and their comings and goings, whilst one Googles the eye-watering weekly charter fees! Tom who works in the bar is especially proud of his beautifully presented café con leches. There are some great breakfasts available but ask for your egg to be cooked if you don’t like it translucent. Sa Granja, right in the town centre. Those who like an early breakfast (with or without a “ginet” or cognac) will find this served from around 0700, to sustain the workers in this traditional manner! It’s in Calle Rosario 51. La Murada, Plaza Bastión 12, is considered by locals to be one of the oldest tapas places in the city. It owes its name to its ancient location inside the Bastion or Wall that the Arabs built to defend the city in the 14th century. The bar, from the early 1900s, was reinstalled in its current location at the end of the 40s. Little remains of the ancient walls which surrounded and protected the original much smaller city of Mahon, but the one remaining arch is quite spectacular. Can Avelino (“Tapes”) is still in the same family, but with a very modern take on Tapas for sharing (actually “raciones”). Great value for money and some unusual and delicious offerings. Casino Sant Climent. Celebrating its 85th year! On the main road opposite the square with the church. Something for everyone on offer here, with a covered terrace and plenty of indoor seating. A great meeting place, always popular. The much-improved village car park is a great asset too.
D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
MEMORIES OF THE 70’S
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El Gallo past and present
CIUTADELLA AREA
CALAS FONTS (ES CASTELL)
Café Balear was officially the first restaurant in Ciutadella opening in the 1970’s, and still going strong. Originally a “seafarers tavern”, Juanita, the mother of the group’s current owner served delicious fish and seafood-based tapas for the fishermen before they went out to sea. The family have brought it up to a very high standard of fine dining, whilst still offering the freshest seafood in a wonderful waterfront environment, just by the bridge. Tables on the terrace cannot be booked in advance so expect to see queues all summer.
Trébol needs little introduction! It opened in 1969 and became famous almost immediately through its starring role in the film “Spanish Fly”! It has maintained its original formula well, specialising in the freshest fish delivered to the door, and always can be relied upon for charming and efficient service. People from all over the world book literally months in advance for tables in the summer months!
Restaurant Bar Tritón, waterfront. Closed Tuesday but open from 06:00 (or even 05:30 for the fishermen!) to midnight every other day of the week! A real stalwart since 1966! They offer a whole range of typical dishes. They survived the recent “purge” of the old waterfront restaurants with awnings attached to the historic walls, so of course it’s very popular! Club Nautico de Ciutadella in the Yacht Club. Founded a century ago, the Club has been offering nautical opportunities to members and dining facilities also available to the general public for a very long time. It has undergone a major recent upgrade to keep abreast of current trends, and of course, offers spectacular views up and down the harbour. Now known as “Es Nautic”. Sa Nacra, Cala Santandria, to the south of Ciutadella. Right on the rocks! Serving fine seafood to loyal customers over many years. Fabulous sunset views and you can watch the fish swimming below. Es Caliu, on the road towards the Cap d’Artrutx lighthouse and Calan Bosch, has delighted customers over many years with their very wide range of meats and other foods cooked on a large open grill. Originally a 17th century farm building, it maintains a rustic setting in the countryside. Ideal too for large parties. Bar Imperi, on the corner in Placa des Born opened its doors in 1941. It retains its elegant atmosphere, which is part of its charm. The bar specialises in tasty bocadillos containing Sobrasada y Miel, Cuixot con Queso de Maò Tortilla de patatas. It is one of our favourites for a place to read the local paper and enjoy a delicious ensaimada. There is terrace seating on two sides and also a patio at the rear. The acoustics created by the vaulted marés ceiling in the back room can make conversation quite interesting. Be prepared to enjoy the stories being told by the person sitting in the opposite corner while not being able to hear your friend sitting next to you.
SAN LUIS La Rueda, in the high street opened in 1956. Their tapas on the ground floor is highly sought after, especially their liver and kidney dishes! The menu is classic like the décor and very good value. It doesn’t change! Why would it?
farmhouse located on an estate called “Son Martorellet”, a Menorcan estate more than 200 years old. It was opened by the current family in 1973 so special congratulations on their 50th birthday too. According to El Diari, the Rayas family, left behind their life in Granada to work in the Hotel Cala Galdana. This was half a century ago when Andalusia experienced one of the largest migrations of the modern era in Spain. They then took over the El Gallo, which at that time was ‘a snack bar with precarious infrastructure run by a man from Ciutadella and his English wife’. Famous for its “Mesón el Gallo” menu of natural products and grilled meats, especially the tenderloin made with authentic Mahón cheese. ALIAOR
Casa Fermin, in Punta Prima opened in 1952. The first “on the strip” and still going strong. Just to prove they move with the times; they are offering a trendy Asiatic menu this year alongside their regular dishes. Not only Sushi but also Wok creations and Tempura.
There are two iconic bars of historic merit, Bon Jesus and Sa Teulera. The latter has recently undergone a major refurbishment and offers a large interior and also a terrace.
FORNELLS
Hotel Xuroy, on the beach was the very first “resort” hotel to offer a “beach hotel” experience in 1947! It’s been upgraded, expanded and modernised regularly over the years. This year, the younger generation of the same family have really got a grip on the terrace restaurant, and we’ve enjoyed some of the best meals here. It’s great to see such a “grande dame” now offering top food, plus they’ve completely rebuilt many of the rooms! Fresh fish is a speciality, plus many claim they make the finest paella known to man! It is a glorious spot and a great place to have a group meal with friends.
La Palma in the “square” in the harbour is a “goto” spot for many visitors to Fornells, whether for a refreshing cold drink or a full meal. It’s also a comfortable Hostal with modern rooms and a swimming pool. Es Cranc, Carrer de Ses Escoles. Whilst not on the waterfront, this emblematic seafood restaurant was one of the first to introduce the famous Lobster Caldereta to Fornells. This really put this sleepy fishing village on the map and now people travel from all over the world to sample it in the various locations where it’s now on offer. Not the cheapest dish, but a “must” at least once. Our foodie friends go for the prawns which they say are the best on the island. FERRERIES Loar, in the centre of town offers a very different perspective if you choose to stay somewhere a little out-of-the-way. A charming town, with a lively weekly market. It started as a bar in 1960 and the second generation turned it into a hotel and restaurant in 1988. In 2006 it was totally refurbished and became a 3-star hotel. The restaurant seats 150 for hotel guests and the general visitor. They have a daily menu and a special menu and they are glutenfree specialists. El Gallo, near the Truvi Garden Centre, on the Cala Galdana road. El Gallo is a very old rustic ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
ALCAUFAR
ES MIGJORN GRAN Bar Peri has 1948 proudly emblazoned on its toldo. Es Migjorn Gran is a very special village, with a population of about 1,000, including many talented artists and musicians. This is where everyone congregates come rain or shine and there is great tapas. It is of course en route to Santo Tomas, so there is plenty of passing trade! SANTO TOMAS The beach bar or Chiringuito everyone knows, right by the roundabout is Es Bruc! Founded way back in 1950, you may well have to queue in the summer months at peak periods, and also to view the sunset. Try one of their huge salads or some steamed mussels, eaten off a paper tablecloth of course. The owners have this year opened a second Chiringuito on Santandria beach.
FOOD & DRINK
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EATING
OUT
By Lorraine and the team
the modern, tastefully decorated restaurant – or outside on the terrace which offers beautiful views over the north coast. CAN DELIO Calas Fonts by Graham East.
Excellent fresh food, welcoming and HIÀFLHQW VWDII DQG D wonderful view – what more could you ask from a restaurant? Here we have some recommendations and observations from our trusty team of tasters. THE CORNER BAR, Addaia by Anne Jones The Corner Bar in Addaia offers all of the above. Their menu makes the most of carefully selected, local ingredients with daily specials and ‘Catch of the Day’. Chef Jonas Garcia’s thoughtfully chosen menu offers an interesting selection for both meat and fish eaters, with imaginative and creative dishes which are all beautifully presented. My favourite main is slow cooked roasted lamb with apricot and peach chutney served with potatoes and seasonal vegetables. My husband loves the Solomillo with Menorca cheese, mushrooms and foie gras. As well as larger plates, there is a range of tasty, freshly prepared tapas. Paella is available at lunchtime. Delicious, home-made desserts complete your meal – with cheesecake made from Mahon cheese being particularly recommended. The owner, Natalie, and her staff offer a very warm welcome, as well as friendly and professional service and are eager to discuss menu choices with you. There is the option of eating inside
A party of 4, we went to Can Delio for their 25 euro menu del dia with a choice of 3 starters, main courses and postres. We started with an amusebouche of a deep fried vegetable beignet. Two of the party had the fried mussels, a good size portion whilst the others had smoked sardine on Russian salad, nice presentation and taste. Two of the party had the grilled sea bass as their main and one had the roast lamb shoulder. The lamb was tender and moist and fell off the bone. Typical Spanish main course with minimal vegetables but well cooked and presented. The other diner had the vegetarian paella which was an individually cooked dish with asparagus and mushrooms, an unusual combination but enjoyed. For desserts, all home made, one diner had the tiramisu, strong coffee flavour and creamy top. The other 3 had the cheesecake which was a good flavour and texture though the biscuit base was very hard and too thin. Overall we were well satisfied but if you had a good appetite you would probably find the portions a bit on the small side. They also have an extensive a la carte menu and we would certainly visit again. With drinks, a bottle of Emilio Moro, coffee and tip the final bill was 140 euros. TRÉBOL, Calas Fonts. 971 367097. €€€€ Who remembers the hilarious 1976 film “Spanish Fly” starring Terry Thomas and Leslie Phillips? It’s all about a man accidentally turning some poor tasting wine into a “love potion”. Incredibly nonPC! You can still get it on Amazon! Anyway, the star of the show was Trébol restaurant, little more than a cave in those days! It set them up quite well, and they are featured in our list of 50-Yearold restaurants still in the same family! They were founded in 1969. Incredibly popular, and very well booked up! People come back here year after year to enjoy the freshest fish and the friendliest and most efficient service. Don’t expect fancy sauces or “chef’s tricks” here, just honestly and simply prepared top quality fish brought in every day. And of course, a choice of alternatives for non-fish eaters!
Buying fish by the kilo can surprise you a little, as the weight includes the head, the tail, fins and entrails! So check it out if you are worried! The local and delicious Cap Roig fish, for example, has a huge and heavy head! SA PUNTA, Calle Miranda de Calas Fonts. 690 854671.€€€€ My top choice for a very special restaurant meal in Menorca! So many plus-factors: Open every day of the year! The finest imaginable location with 300 degree views of Mahon harbour and Calas Fonts! Very professional and attentive staff! Delicious food with some very exciting dishes, with new ones on the way! They own two gin brands too (GLOP and INNAT), so you will find these integrated into some of the dishes! Plus, round off your meal with their delicious selection of organic Hierbas. Definitely a cut above the usual offering. They are testing new dishes which may include: Tartar of wild tuna, kimchi and white garlic, Pancetta glazed with sweet sherry and Chinese Five Spices, Paella with rabbit and roast peppers, Hake with Pak Choi, sautéed with a touch of garlic and basil (a real winner as the fish was top quality). Baby roast chicken with lemon, bulgar wheat and harissa, plus a delicious, simply, fresh truly genuine Green Salad, a rarity in Menorca! HOTEL XUROY TERRACE RESTAURANT, Cala Alcaufar. 971 151820. €€€ Here is another venerable establishment, having opened in a much more modest way in 1947! It was in fact the first “resort hotel” in Menorca, and is still in the hands of the same family. The current “younger generation” is now in charge and, best of all, the beautifully situated terrace restaurant has a fabulous chef this season! Six of us had a recent lunch and we were all delighted with it. The best croquetas ever (seafood), the most delicious mussel and prawn spaghetti (can’t wait to have it again), great selection of fresh fish, even on a Monday. Sardines were highly commended, as was the John Dory. They offer an a la Carte menu plus a list of Specials, and a variety of fresh fish brought in that morning. An exceptional meal. We drank the House Rosado, which was pale and very palatable. They are famous for their paellas too, and it’s recommended that you order this in advance.
D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
FOOD & DRINK
ES RACO DE MACARET, Carrer de sa Costa 21, Na Macaret 971 112039. Macaret is such a charming former “fishing village” with a lovely beach, and no actual hotels. Made famous as the landing place of the last British occupation forces in 1898. They chose a good spot. They were mainly Scottish troops and thought they’d arrived on the Clyde in unusually kind weather! Obviously, it will be very busy indeed come July and August, but in June it was almost deserted. There are two very pleasant restaurants just back from the car park, and now there is this new establishment, which used to be a local bar. What a discovery! They have separate menus for lunch and dinner. (Check out their website). Prices very reasonable. Their Lobster and Rice stew is a mere 28€ per person! We tried some unusual dishes, such as Leeks cooked on a barbecue grill with an anchovy hollandaise sauce, cured rump of beef with courgettes on a “coca” pastry, and deep-sea red prawns with garlic and red peppers. We washed it down with a reasonably priced Rose from Bordeaux for a change. A lovely experience. Don’t be in a rush, and do book! TAPES (CAN AVELINO), Fort de l’Éau. Carrer Sa Sinai des Murat 39. 971 091104. €€ There has been a restaurant on this premises in the same family ownership for many years. In recent years the younger generation have completely revamped the dining room, added an outdoor terrace and developed a really innovative menu. As the name suggests, the offering is indeed ¨Tapas¨,
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but with a difference. In fact, they are more like ¨raciones¨. If you can gather a few friends together, then you can order a great variety to share, as each item is enough for one person, but ideal to share between four people. That’s the joy of dining in Spain in my opinion, but I do know some people who absolutely insist on having their “own dish¨! Well, that´s their loss in my humble opinion!
CARDAMOM, Moll de llevant 267, near the original lift. 871 504602. €
Some of our favourites include octopus salad, with avocado, tomato, crispy wanton and lime vinaigrette, Thai Wok vegetables with prawns and rice, Fillet steak with foie shavings, caramelised onions and Pedro Jimenez reduction or try the sword fish carpaccio with pistachios and ginger.
All the Indian regulars plus some special recommendations. They also offer a Menu de Dia for 17.90 Euros with a choice of three starters plus various styles of chicken or vegetable curry, and various levels of chili heat of course!
Great desserts include Chocolate and Guinness cake. Wines from 3 euros per glass or 16 euros a bottle. CAN AVELINO 23, Carrer Sinaí des Muret 23. 971 091744. € Although in the same family ownership as Tapes, it could not be more different! They specialise in feeding quite large groups very efficiently and offer great value. But don’t let this put you off if you simply want to eat with a friend on a table for two. You will receive the same attentive service. The outside tables offer a most unusual view of a small Llaut floating in a blue pool! Their “menu del dia” changes regularly, offering five different starters and five main courses, and home-made desserts. The price is a mere 13 euros which includes beer, wine, water or soft drink. Hard to beat which is why it is always busy!
ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
As the name suggests, this is an Indian restaurant, and in my view offers the most authentic food from that Continent in Menorca, utilising only fresh Menorcan ingredients. They also offer take-always and home delivery.
THAI MENORCA, Carrer de Levant 40, Binisafua. 971 151586. (Booking online recommended). One more ethnic restaurant for this month’s issue which I unreservedly recommend for authenticity and deliciousness. I have been to Thailand many times, and this is about as good as it gets without actually being in the country! And what’s more, Thai massages are also available to book! Werner, the German owner, is a “charismatic” gentleman whose family have been in Menorca for very many years, and his chefs are all from Thailand. The full and very tempting menu is on their website. The hotness of the dishes are indicated by the chilli symbol. A wide range of meat, poultry, seafood and vegetable dishes are on offer. This is definitely a place for sharing plates!
FOOD & DRINK
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JULY 2023
By Michael Stevenson
THE WINES OF
GALICIA INCLUDING BIERZO
Galicia is the isolated North Western Valdeorras is further inland which makes the climate more continental: warmer summers and cooler winters. The whites are Godillo with some region of Spain. It has the reputation as Albarino and the reds Mencia. Names to know are Rafael Palacios, the rainiest area of the country; Santiago (famous for his stunning Godellos) Telmo Rodriguez, Godeval and de Compostela, the most famous city in the Valdesil. region is one of the two wettest in Spain, Monterrei is a small DO on the Portuguese border with traces of Roman winemaking. There is a mountain there which once belonged to a king, the other being San Sebastian, so it is a hence the name. The reds are Mencia and the whites Godello. The best cool drizzly place to grow grapes. Climate of the local winemakers are Jose Luis Mateo and Candea (Mateo with change is affecting Galicia and recent the star Raul Perez). harvests have been hotter and drier than Mencia wines from Bierzo formerly. The Galician DOs (denominacion Whilst Bierzo is just outside the boundaries of Galicia it produces de origen) are Rias Baixas, Ribiero, Ribiera lovely reds and whites from Mencia and Godello as does Galicia. The area’s arrival on the world stage has been driven by three people, Sacra, Monterrei, Valdeorras and we shall Raul Perez, Ricardo Perez Palacios and his uncle Alvaro Palacios. include Bierzo which is on the border of The red is mid weight, crunchy fresh and perfumed like Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc but it is more than likely that Mencia is is Galicia and has the same grape varieties, Gamay related to the Portuguese Jaen from the Dao. With few exceptions all principally Mencia and Godello. Mencia wines are for drinking soon. Mencia offers a real opportunity Rias Baixas is the most westerly of these DOs and is famous for its white wine made mainly from the Albarino grape which has been in Galicia since Roman times. The grape has a thick skin which is useful in a wet region and good levels of natural acidity which makes a perfect match for the local seafood. Other white grapes that can be used or blended are Louriera and Treixadura. Names to know in Rias Baixas are Palacio de Fefinanes, Forjas de Salnes, Pazo de Senorano, Paco & Lola and Zarate.
for Spanish reds. The wines are different in stature, weight and power compared to most of Spain’s warmer regions so for drinking seek wines with light alcohol, lift and refreshment. Mencia, especially from Bierzo will fit the bill exceptionally well. Generally wines from Bierzo are consistently well made. The leading winemakers are Raul Perez (googling him is worth it to see his amazing beard), Descendientes de J Palacios, Dominio de Tares, Lovada, Luna Berberide, Mengoba and Veronica Ortega.
Ribiero is further up the River Mina from Rias Baixas. It is an old established wine region. There are records of the export of wines to England in the 17th century. The principal white grape is Godillo with some Louriero and Treixadura, and some crunchy reds. Names to know are Vina Mein, Casal de Arman and Coto de Gomaris.
There are plenty of Galician and Bierzo wines available in Menorca. De Vins on Cami Ses Vinyes in Mahon has a very wide choice as does Enrique Penalver, Avda Central 37 Poima Mahon, Ulisses in Mahon and Ciutadela and Catchot on the Mahon Poligono to name but a few. Supermarkets such as Eroski, Mercadona and Binipreu also stock some.
Ribiera Sacra is north of Ribiero with vineyards running down to the River Sil. Reds are made from Mencia grapes and the whites mainly from Godillo, Louriera and Treixadura. The climate is marginally warmer than Rias Baixas but still pretty cool. Names to know are Adegas Moure, Algueira, Guimaro and Castro Candaz.
Galician and Bierzo wines are very worthwhile seeking out. If you have never tasted them before I am sure you will be very pleasantly surprised. Happy drinking.
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Now for this month’s recommendations:
TINTOS
BLANCOS
PETIT PETTACUM, MENCIA 2019, BIERZO, 14% ABV, ENRIQUE PENALVER 7.64€ Dark red with a dark fruit seductive nose. Lovely ripe dark fruit with good balance and soft tannins but some complexity. Very sapid and quaffable. Stunning value. Excellent with meat dishes both hot and cold.
GODELLO MAR DE UVAS, DO MONTERREI, 13% ABV, MERCADONA 5.50€
THE FLOWER AND THE BEE, SOUSON, COTO DE GOMARIZ, RIBIERO 2020, 13.5% ABV, DE VINS SPECIAL OFFER 8.46€ AND OTHER LOCAL WINE MERCHANTS. Dark ruby with a soft interesting nose. Ripe subtle layers with good balance and acidity and grows in the mouth. Dry but delicios, damson and dark berry fruit from the local Souson grape, good dark fruit finish. ULTREIA, MENCIA, RAUL PEREZ BIERZO 2020, 13.5% ABV, DE VINS 14.95€ Lovely cherry colour with dark red fruit nose. Ripe dark fruit, cherries and a hint of cranberries. Very tasty, aromatic, good tannicity, fresh and crisp and still evolving. Lovely wine made by the great bearded winemaker Raul Perez. Good with meat.
Lemon gold in colour with a good citrus apply nose. Nice classy Godello, stunning fruit and typicity. Mercadona’s own label, a very drinkable bargain with complexity and a long finish. Fill your car boots with it! ABAD DOM BUENO, GODELLO, BIERZO 2022, 13% ABV, DE VINS 9.55€ Very pale with a fresh fruity nose. Crisp pure Godello fruit, good balance and acidity. A tasty mouthful but delicate and delicious. A good finish. Very good with prawns. THE FLOWER AND THE BEE, TREIXADURA, COTO DE GOMARIZ, RIBIERO 2020, 13.5ABV, DE VINS 9.95€ Pale greenish gold with a nice aromatic citrus nose. Crisp complex fruit, typical Treixadura. A well made nice elegant wine with a lovely finish. Highly recommended. Good with shellfish and fish dishes.
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FOOD & DRINK
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JULY 2023
ROQUETA RECIPES By Sharon Pickersgill
Primarily running sailing events across the globe, Sharon initially trained as a cook back in the late 80’s. Her passion for food has never left her and after sailing to Menorca for the first time in 2016, she believes the Mediterranean is the holy grail to some of the best ingredients in the world. Here she shares some summer dishes to enjoy in the sunshine.
MANGO CHICKEN
A wonderfully versatile dish which can easily be made the day before. Served chilled, it’s perfect for all those summertime occasions, picnics, buffets, sandwich fillers. Or, for a delicious midweek dinner, load it onto a fluffy baked potato. The chicken will need to be cooked in advance and chilled before making up the dish so it’s best to plan slightly ahead. I promise it’s worth it. Ingredients:
1 lime (zest & juice)
4 large chicken breasts (boned & skinned)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 heaped tablespoons mayonnaise
Pinch of rock salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground red peppercorns 550ml chicken or vegetable stock (I use good quality jelly stock pots) Sprig of local thyme 250g diced mango (fresh or frozen, defrost before use)
2 heaped tablespoons unsweetened plain Greek yogurt 1 tablespoon chopped dried cranberries 1 tablespoon flaked almonds (toasted for 1 minute in a dry frying pan) 1 bag mixed leaves of your choice
Heat your oven to 180’c. Season each chicken breast with salt & pepper and place in a small roasting tin. Separate the sprig of thyme and pop a few strands around the chicken, drizzle with the olive oil. Make up or heat the stock to boiling temperature and pour over the chicken. Cover tightly with tinfoil and bake in the oven for 30 mins. With a sharp knife cut into the thickest part of the chicken breast to check it is cooked through. If the juices run clear, the meat is cooked. Larger portions of meat may take longer, if required, place back in the oven for a further 10 minutes. When cooked, turn the chicken over, cover over with the tinfoil again and leave in a cool place for approximately 30 minutes.
HOUMOUS SHARING PLATTER Enjoy this colourful sharing platter as a light lunch. It also makes a wonderful starter at a BBQ.
Once cooled, refrigerate, still in the stock, for a minimum of 2 hours or until the meat is completely chilled. When you are ready to assemble the dish, take the chicken breast out of the cooking liquid and dice the meat into bite size pieces. Using a large mixing bowl, add the chicken, mango, zest and juice of the lime, mint, mayonnaise and yogurt. Using a spatula, lightly fold the mixture incorporating all the ingredients. Check for seasoning, it may need a little more salt and pepper. To serve, place washed lettuce on a large platter, spoon chicken mixture over the top and sprinkle with toasted almonds and dried cranberries. I guarantee there won’t be any left on the plate! Ingredients:
1 lime (zest & juice)
400g homemade or good quality houmous
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
Snap the asparagus ends off and gently simmer the spears in a pan of boiling water for no more than 2 minutes. Drain and run under cold water to chill and retain the lovely green colour. Slice into 10cm pieces and set to one side.
Drain on a couple of pieces of kitchen paper and leave to cool.
20 approx. slices chorizo
2 heaped tablespoons mayonnaise
4 spears asparagus
Spread the houmous on a plate or wooden board with the back of a spoon & top with all the ingredients. Drizzle with good olive oil and serve with crispy breads.
60g or handful of Feta cheese diced
2 heaped tablespoons unsweetened plain Greek yogurt
Using a nonstick frying pan, sizzle the Chorizo slices (no need to add oil) until it just begins to crisp on the edges.
As a no-meat alternative, replace the chorizo and Feta with lightly fried Halloumi cheese and toasted pine nut kernels.
20 approx. olives (alternative sundried tomatoes) Handful of green pea shoots (cress or rocket can be used as alternatives) Pack of mixed flatbreads or thinly toasted sourdough
1 tablespoon chopped dried cranberries 1 tablespoon flaked almonds (toasted for 1 minute in a dry frying pan) 1 bag mixed leaves of your choice
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M ASTE R & COM M AN D E R
WINES Master & Commander Wines is named after the brilliant Patrick O’Brien novel that begins with the chance meeting, in April 1800, at the Governor’s Palace in Mahon, of its two central characters, Captain Jack Aubrey, and Stephen Maturin his Irish/ Catalan friend, naval surgeon and gentleman spy for the British government.
THIS MONTH: SA CUDIA WHITE & TORRALBENC ROSE Hello everyone! Today is the second in a series of wine recommendations intended to bring pleasure and insights to all wine drinkers, both experts and beginners. I only write about wines that are available in Menorca and give special attention to wines that display a unique sense of place, a singular style and that send the senses soaring!
oak, lingering acidity and a long, long, vibrant fruit finish. The creamy, but taught elegant texture is memorable, not heavy, and allows the wine to accompany many dishes of fish, veal and cheeses, but is probably at its best when paired with the island’s famous dish, Menorca Lobster stew, Caldereta de Langosta.
DRINK FROM NOW THROUGH 2033
In my June article I was pleased to recommend the wonderful Menorcan red, Muntpalau 2016, a wine that stylistically brings together the best qualities of traditional barrel aged Rioja, mature Priorat and fine Bordeaux. Having started by choosing the best Menorcan red wine, vigorously Spanish with a touch of France, I have now selected the best white, Sa Cudia Barrel Fermented Malvasia, and the best rosé, Torralbenc Rosé. Both are ultra-limited cuvees so be quick to find and buy them! Both are quite French in style, with great fruit definition, little or no oak and a finely balanced palate. Nomad white Burgundy and Provence rosé. The same quality at a fraction of the price!
WHERE TO BUY: CATOHET, Tienda Gourmet, C/S’Olivar, 4, Mahon Poligono, 20,93€/Bottle, and in many top restaurants such as Sa Punta, Es Castell.
SA CUDIA BARREL FERMENTED 2022
Nothing could be more deliciously refreshing than this vibrant local Rosé – like diving into our pale blue Menorcan sea in July or August. Made from Monastrell, Syrah and Merlot fermented separately in small stainless-steel tanks and blended before bottling, this is a tour de force in winemaking. It out-performs many top Provence Rosés given its knife edge balance of ripe delicate fruit and Miocene acidity! Only 4.000 bottles are made each year of Torralbenc Rosé which compares to over 5.000.000 bottles of Whispering Angel so it’s clear where the consistent quality will be found!
If you are looking for a Menorcan white that tastes like a top white Burgundy, (Puligny Montrachet), look no further than Sa Cudia Barrel Fermented 2022. Although it’s a 100% Malvasia cuvee (one of the oldest Mediterranean grapes) with no Chardonnay, you will find the similarities clear, particularly in its delicately balanced ripe fruit, lively acidity and rich texture that comes from being part fermented in 225 litre French oak barrels. Although the winemaking is important in this world class white wine, the real key is the cool, wild and wind swept 40-year-old vineyard planted on light Devonian shist soil near Favàritx, making it, by my definition of the geological divide that runs between Mahon and Ciudadella, a North coast Menorcan wine. Dry and ecologically farmed, the winery produces low yield, but high-quality Malvasia fruit, and only 6,000 bottles of Sa Cudia are made each year. The 2022 I tasted was bottle number 459 from a bottling of 3,360 so Burgundian in micro plot production also. Pale straw yellow in colour, Sa Cudia reaches out to us with an attractive aroma of limes, ripe white peaches and hints of toast and vanilla. The palate is beautifully balanced, with ripe apricot fruit to the fore, balanced by a touch of French
TORRALBENC ROSÉ 2022 Having chosen 2 wines from the North coast, Muntpalau and Sa Cudia I now turn to the South coast (and the hard Calcaeric stone soils from the Miocene geological period,) for what I believe is the best Menorcan Rosé. Torralbenc Rosé is made at the luxury Hotel/restaurant and vineyard, Torralbenc, near Cala en Porter, founded in 2011 with the first vintage dating back to 2016.
Pale rose petal in colour, the Torralbenc Rosé 2022 offers a beguiling aroma of red berry fruit with delicate hints of lavender and thyme. On the palate there is a plenty of fruit, pomegranate and red berries, well integrated acidity and a refreshing finish that goes on and on. I recommend you don´t over chill this wine to appreciate it at its best, c. 8ºC (like the Sa Cudia too) and enjoy as a wonderful aperitif with classic Menorcan cured meat and cheese, or with grilled Menorcan fish such as Cap Roig (Scorpion fish) or Mero (Grouper).
DRINK NOW THROUGH 2024 WHERE TO BUY: Direct from Torralbenc. info@torralbenc.com. 971 377211. 23,00€/Bottle
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ART IN MENORCA
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JULY 2023
SUMMER EXHIBITION AT HAUSER & WIRTH, ISLA DEL REY 17 JUNE – 29 OCTOBER
CHRISTINA QUARLES ‘COME IN FROM AN ENDLESS PLACE’ Los Angeles-based artist Christina Quarles visited Menorca to unveil her new Exhibition at the Hauser & Wirth Art Gallery on Isla del Rey. This is her first exhibition in Spain, coinciding with a major presentation at Hamburger Bahnhof in Berlin and follows her participation in last year’s celebrated exhibition ‘The Milk of Dreams’ at the Venice Biennale. On display are her paintings on canvas and paper and her drawings, all produced especially for the exhibition. Christina visited Menorca last summer. She was fascinated by the history, texture and shadows on the walls in the gallery and intrigued by the meditative experience of arriving at the island by boat. She took into consideration these surroundings when creating her critically acclaimed pieces. At the Press launch Christina explained how the paintings display fragmented, polymorphous bodies embedded in rich, textural patterns and her fascination with the subject of bodily experience. Tangled arms and legs transform across her paintings (often too many for the bodies), while perspectival planes bisect bodies, simultaneously grounding and dislocating them in space. She explained that as individuals we can only see our own arms and legs and not our own faces and so our limbs give us a unique perspective of our own bodies. Quarles begins by making initial sweeping marks on the canvas that then evolve into line drawings of human forms and body parts. A graphic artist for many years, she then photographs the work and uses Adobe Illustrator to draw the backgrounds and structures that ultimately surround the figures. As a queer, cis-gendered woman born to a black father and a white mother, Quarles has described her position of engagement with the world as ‘multiply situated,’ an experience of embodiment reflected in her art. When she told school friends she had a black father they would not believe her and she felt the struggle to project her own identity. Her figures question the boundaries of identity. Vibrant magentas, blues, greens, and yellows serve not as a means of describing reality but as a way of actively resisting the viewer’s instinct to assign binary classifications to the figures such as male or female, white or Black, abstract or representational. In addition to the paintings, ‘Come In From An Endless Place’ features Quarles’ fine-line drawings, where figures are often accompanied by phrases written into the composition, evoking the artists’interest in language’s potential to create and disrupt meaning. The sentences, written in a mixture of slang and phonetic D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
ART IN MENORCA spelling, draw from a wide range of references; overheard phrases, poetry, or pop songs, such as‘Hallelujah’ by Leonard Cohen, or ‘Self Control’ by Frank Ocean. In ‘Wish We’d Grown Up on tha Same Advice’ Quarles writes Ocean’s lyrics into a serene scene with figures that recline and embrace. Drawing is a key principle in Quarles’ work as she began the practice at the age of 12, attending life drawing classes after school. The Education Lab at the gallery provides a dedicated learning space which addresses Christina Quarles’ approach to the body and language. It has been created in collaboration with students from CREAE Espacio Creativo in Menorca, a non-formal arts school for drawing, painting and ceramics. Hauser & Wirth has Education Labs at its galleries in Menorca, Somerset, and Downtown Los Angeles, as well as Chillida Leku museum. Each is a collaboration with the local community. I would recommend you visit the lab to watch and listen to a video made by Christina, to get an insight into how she creates her paintings and drawings, before returning to view them once more in the gallery.
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TONY PARSONS
PAINTS ON HOLIDAY
Quarles was born in Chicago in 1985 and raised by her mother in Los Angeles. In 2007, Quarles graduated from Hampshire College with dual BA degrees in Philosophy and Studio Art, then trained and worked in the field of graphic design. She became influenced by Marlene Dumas, Leonora Carrington, Jack Whitten, David Hockney, and Philip Guston. Seeking a vehicle for expressing the feelings and experiences, Quarleswent on to attend Yale University, where she received her MFA in 2016. She participated in an intensive artist residency at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture that same year. You can combine a trip to the Gallery with a tour of former Hospital on the Isla del Rey. The Foundation provides tours in English on Sunday and Thursday morning. Make a day of it with lunch at La Cantina or take a picnic to eat while you take in the surroundings. To visit, book the Yellow Catamaran shuttle service to the Isla del Rei from the Port of Mahon. The price is 10€ for adults and 3€ for under 18s. Children under 3 go free.
menorca.hauserwirth.com/en/book/shuttle-boat/1 All Images:©Christina Quarles Courtesy the artist, Hauser & Wirth, and Pilar Corrias, London.
Tony Parsons, an artist from the UK, visited Menorca in late May and treated us via the Everything Menorca Facebook page to a series of paintings he produced from the Island’s beaches. I spoke to Tony, who told me that he normally travels alone to places such as the Caribbean, the Canary Islands or Cairo, where he paints 2-3 pictures a day. He then leaves them to be sold through a local gallery. This time his wife booked a family villa holiday to Cala Galdana. It was the first time he had visited the island and he was amazed by the light and shadows on the coastal scenes, saying it was nicer than the Caribbean. He is planning to return to do more painting and perhaps arrange a group paining holiday. Tony sets up his easel on the beach and he says the children come up to talk to him first and watch him paint, he even lets them paint on his canvas. He says that parents then become interested and like to take photographs of the painting. Being on holiday he didn’t have time to make an arrangement with a local gallery and so he took his paintings back to Lewes. The pictures can be viewed on his website Artistonthehill.co.uk. Tony also does live paintings at events such as weddings. So, if you fancy something completely different for your special event then he would be delighted to come along, set up his easel and either create a painting of the day, a special moment or portrait painted sketches of your guests. He says “it is a fairly bespoke service, but it combines my history as a landscape painter and a caricaturist, with my love of feeding people into paintings as they happen”. Contact Email: artistonthehill@gmail.com
It’s Been 7 Hours, 2023 Acrylic on paper Photo: Fredrik Nilsen
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GRAPEVINE
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JULY 2023
GRAPEVINE
BY DAN SULLIVAN AND KATY PAINE
BLUEWATER MENORCA NEW OWNERS FOR THE DIVE CENTRE I N C A L A’ N B O S C H Blue Water Menorca, a renowned dive school with a rich history, is now under new ownership with Genis Mir and Isabella Mastrangelo at the helm. Situated near the picturesque Lighthouse Cap d’Artrutx in Cala’n Bosch, the dive center has a prime location next to numerous dive sites. Menorca’s stunning beauty, extends its allure to the underwater realm, offering crystal-clear waters, a diverse ecosystem with vibrant corals, and lush Posidonia (seagrass) teeming with marine life. And what better way to discover this underwater paradise than through scuba diving? Blue Water Menorca is driven by the philosophy of educating both divers and non-divers about the wonders of the underwater world while promoting fun, safe, and relaxed diving experiences. With Genis’ background as a marine biologist and Isabella’s expertise in coral restoration programs, each dive promises a special touch with fascinating insights. The team consists of highly trained instructors with years of experience, ensuring an unforgettable and secure experience, whether you’re taking your first plunge into scuba diving or seeking to embark on an adventurous dive certification journey. Blue Water Menorca is also the go-to place for certified divers looking to explore the the countless caverns around Menorca. D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
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Courses for all Abilities and Ages Blue Water Menorca offers a range of activities for everybody. For those eager to experience scuba diving for the first time, there’s the “Try Scuba Dive” option, open to participants aged 8 and above. This introductory experience allows you to discover the magic beneath the surface. The next step would be the Open Water course, a thrilling three-day adventure that culminates in a certification recognized worldwide, granting you access to dive anywhere on the globe. If you’re already certified and seeking new challenges, the Advanced Adventure course might be your calling. Over two days, you can choose from five exciting adventures, including deep diving to 30 meters, underwater navigation, night diving, and many more. For those looking to enhance their skills and be prepared for any underwater emergency, the twoday Rescue Diver course is highly recommended. And if diving is your ultimate passion and you aspire to become a professional, Blue Water Menorca offers Divemaster courses where you can learn to be a dive leader.
Isabella and Genis Isabella and Genis share a deep love for the underwater world, having dedicated many years to diving and working as instructors in different countries across the globe. Genis (Catalan), with his background as a marine biologist, has actively participated in survey programs in the Mediterranean Sea. Isabella (Swiss), during her time as an instructor, spearheaded a coral restoration project in Thailand. Equipped with their vast experience, they decided to establish their own dive center on the captivating island of Menorca. Their objective is to provide a relaxed and secure environment for diving education while showcasing Menorca’s vibrant underwater world and creating unforgettable experiences for their guests. For more information contact: Isabella Mastrangelo, Bluewater Menorca, Calle Llevant, Local 1-3, Cap d’Artrutx (Cala’n Bosch), 07769, Ciutadella de Menorca. Tel: +34 660 646 150 info@bluewatermenorca.com website: bluewatermenorca.com
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THE GREAT OUTDOORS
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FAVOURITE CIRCULAR WALKS AND CYCLE RIDES AROUND THE ISLAND By James & Caroline Warne
We have been exploring this incredible island by foot for over 25 years. More recently, we’ve been discovering the island’s extensive cycle paths and lanes we didn’t even know existed on electric bikes. We’ve started putting together a selection of our favourite walks and cycle rides to share. For walkers, the island’s famous 185km circular coastal path, the Cami de Cavalls, is well documented. Our walks are ones less well known, each offering a variety of views and interesting things to discover which, for us, make Menorca the incredible gem that it is. Our mottos; not too strenuous, circular (so you don’t have to get taxis or buses) and there has to be at least one bar for “essential” refreshment halfway around or at the end!
WALK 1 – SANT TOMAS to ES MIGJORN GRAN Approx 5.5 miles – 3 Hours – mostly gentle with one short rocky/steep bit. Highlights - Takes in a walk along one of Menorca’s most iconic beaches with the bluest of water, the magnificent cathedral-like cave of Cova des Coloms, walled lanes and a village stop-off halfway. An area of woodland with a magnificent avenue of holm oak trees, culminating in a sundowner at the beach restaurant with one of the island’s best views of the sea. Park at the Beach car park next to the Chiringuito Es Bruc beach restaurant. Turn right and head along the new boardwalk of the Cami de Cavalls, past the little boat house and along the elevated path above the Binigaus beach enjoying the amazing views across the blue water bay to the wooded headland. At the end of the beach, bear right onto the pretty walled path which is still the Cami de Cavalls. After approximately 200 metres walking inland, the path forks left BUT on the right is a gate and large red sign “Cova des Coloms” Take this path. After 500m, passing through a stone gap, the path forks again – Turn RIGHT through the gap in the wall (next to a lone rectangular stone on the path) and follow the well-trodden flat path approximately half a mile or so all the way up the floor of the Binigaus ravine. Passing the turning for a smaller cave, stay left at several forks until eventually there is a sign pointing right to the cave. Cross the valley floor and up the other side following the zig-zag path up to the narrow entrance to the cave. D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
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Prepare to be amazed – the cave is vast, known locally as La Catedral. Several million years old, 330ft deep and 90ft high, bats live in the roof and one can’t help but imagine what stories the walls could tell, the cave having been a burial site and a site of magical and religious significance. Leave the cave, re-join the path turning right and ascend the stoney section up to the (thankfully level) track and lane (Cami de Binigaus) to Es Migjorn. This lovely traffic-free lane arrives at the immaculate Cemetery on the outskirts of the village. You can explore the Poblat Talaiot adjacent or take a pit stop in the village but our walk continues from the end of the little cemetery carpark. This lane culminates at the road from Es Migjorn to Sant Tomas which we cross, turn right and walk along for 300m before turning left onto a lane signposted “Depodura” passing the Santa Monica estate and the small treatment works. As the lane descends, turn right off the lane. At the end of the lane we enter the wood by climbing the stones over the wall to the right and enjoy an enchanting walk along the Cami de Sant Tomas through a tunnel of holm oak trees – giving way to pine trees. At the end go through the gate at the farm, turning right and exiting into the urbanisation of Sant Tomas. Staying right, descend and cross the road to the beach turning right and heading to the restaurant for a well-earned sundowner!
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THE GREAT OUTDOORS
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SUMMER FUNDRAISING GALA 27TH JULY 2023 AT 8PM LA MOLA – MAHÓN MINIMUM DONATION PER PERSON*: 225€ Fortaleza de La Mola – Photo credits: Consorcio del Museo Militar de Menorca y Patrimonio Histórico Militar del Puerto de Mahón y Cala San Esteban
Join us for a very special night in aid of Menorca’s sustainability Following the success of last Summer’s Fundraising Gala, we at Menorca Preservation are focusing on organising a new and exclusive Summer Event with the aim of raising funds to continue supporting and developing environmental projects on Menorca. Since our constitution in 2017, we have awarded over 850,000€ to the implementation of more than 80 environmental projects on the island.
La Mola Fortress Our chosen venue for this year is the beautiful Fortress of La Mola, one of the most impressive and emblematic places on Menorca, located at the entrance of Mahón harbour with spectacular views of the bay and the coastline. This Fortress is not only one of the largest European fortresses built in the 19th century, but it has also been declared a Protected Area for Birds and a Site of Community Interest to guarantee its protection.
8pm Cocktail at La Mola’s mirador & amazing welcome surpise! We will greet you at 8pm inside the Fortress of La Mola with a very special welcome surprise – please, make sure you are on time in order to enjoy the experience! Then we will have a wonderful cocktail prepared by S’Algar catering while enjoying the sunset from one of the miradors of La Mola.
9.30pm Dinner – Menorcan Essence Menu by S’Algar Catering Once again, the wonderful team at S’Algar Catering has prepared a special and exclusive menu using the best products from both Menorca’s land and sea, such as tomatoes from Binissaida des Barracons.
11.30pm A charitable auction of one of a kind experiencies We are very honoured to once again be able to count on Beatriz Ordovás, Director of Christie’s Spain and international specialist in contemporary art and digital art for the auction of one of a kind experiences. Very soon, we will release all the experiences on our website so that you can start bidding until the day of the event...And a Charitable Raffle!
Fortaleza de La Mola – Photo credits: Consorcio del Museo Militar de Menorca y Patrimonio Histórico Militar del Puerto de Mahón y Cala San Esteban
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LOCAL NEWS
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CLUBS AND ASSOCIATIONS
JULY 2023
NEWS
AGE CONCERN MENORCA Our news: The Shop is still very busy and well-stocked. Thank you for your donations and custom! A very big thank you also to all our volunteers who work hard to make the shop such a welcoming centre to visit. We are still in need of more volunteers. Even if you are only available one morning a month, or during only a few weeks every year, we’d love to hear from you. Watch out for Lee, our Shop Manager, putting his regular Shop Video Tour on Facebook: Age Concern Menorca 2015
Age Concern Lunch and Coach Trip to Ciutadella On Thursday 8th June, Age Concern ran a coach trip to Ciutadella. Over 30 Janet and Chris at friends and members had a great day Castell de Sant Nicolau out. We stopped off in Ciutadella for a morning´s shopping and a walk about, followed by a superb three course lunch at Cala Blanca. On our way back we stopped at Truvi Garden Centre to top up on our summer garden plants. Lunch at Cala Blanca
Our Lifeline service offers confidential help to those in need. The team of volunteers led by Carol is very busy supporting individuals in different ways. We help people of all nationalities and often act as a vital bridge between them and the local social services. If anyone you know needs our help, please get in touch. If you would like to join our Lifeline team, please contact Carol. The medical equipment short-term loan service is also still busy. Please make an appointment with Jan (essential!) if you need a wheelchair, crutches, walking frame etc. (Deposit required. No rental fee but we do ask for a donation when the equipment is returned, and you get your deposit back. You can collect from us, or we can deliver anywhere on the island. Loans for up to 3 months.) It’s been wonderful to have our social activities up and running again. However, we are taking a holiday break from our regular lunches during July and August. We will be back with lunches and a Day Out in September. Both our weekly ‘drop-in’ sessions are up and running. Every Monday from 11-12.30 at the Jubilado Centre on the Esplanada in Es Castell and every Tuesday from 10-12 at Bar Pons, Cala en Porter. Please come along and make new friends or meet current ones. The Tuesday ‘drop-in’ has been running for many years and is well supported. The Monday club, at Es Castell, is going from strength to strength thanks to Roy and Elaine Keep your eyes open for more news, visit our website or Facebook page, email us for the latest information or just ‘drop-in’ on a Monday or Tuesday. Our membership numbers are very healthy. Membership not only means you are supporting us but also entitles you to discounts at all our social events. Please contact our Membership Secretary, Shelley, if you would like to support our work by donating 12 € a year and becoming a Friend of Age Concern. You can pay at the shop, at our lunches or by bank transfer.
John, Jane, Diana and Beverly on a stroll in the Placa dels Pins
Thank you all for your continued support through donations, purchases, membership or as a volunteer. We couldn’t do any of this without you!
D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
LOCAL NEWS
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Tony Rawlins Simon Rees
KEY INFORMATION: “Paseo orillos del mar” (1909) by Sorolla
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday, 09.45 – 13.15. (Closed Afternoons) For the latest information and current offers follow us on facebook or visit our website. General Email: Visit Our Website: Follow Us On Facebook: Social Secretary:
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Menorca@Ageconcern.org.es Www.ageconcernmenorca.com Age Concern Menorca 2015 Menorca@Ageconcern.org.es Sandy: 699 901 777 or 650 729 439 Chris: 669 949 370 Secretary:menorca@Ageconcern.org.es 620 017 437 Lifelineminac@Gmail.com 676 904 487
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THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
As we have moved into summer, the Arts Society Menorca will be taking a couple of months off. So far, we have enjoyed three speakers this season and there will be two more in September and October. We began in April with Toby Faber, of Faber and Faber, who have built a reputation as one of London’s most important literary publishing houses. T.S. Eliot was famously an early recruit on their editorial team. Toby traced the history of Faber and Faber through its illustrations, covers and designs. Toby has written several non-fiction books on a plethora of subjects and in 2019 wrote his first novel, called “Close to the Edge” a real thriller. In May, our lecturer was Julia Korner a leading specialist in fine arts conservation. She made the point that conservation is not the same as restoration. “The Conservation of Painting” was a fascinating journey, illustrating how much dedication is needed to bring a painting back to life in order for it to continue to tell its story. Provenance of a painting can also be confirmed by this process, which takes an enormous amount of knowledge and forensic detective work. In June we enjoyed a lecture on “Joaquin Sorolla: Painter of Sunlight.” Dr. Kathy McLauchlan brought Sorolla’s paintings to life through her knowledge and expertise. Sorolla was a highly successful artist of international renown in his lifetime, but outside Spain and the United States he has largely been forgotten today. His paintings are full of sunlight and optimism, featuring women and children at the seaside, landscapes, and areas of Spain. Coming up in September, the return of Simon Rees. A freelance writer and lecturer, Simon will be lecturing on Bizet’s opera, Carmen. The opera is based on a novella by Prosper Mérimee. You may recall the lavish production (pre-covid) of Carmen at Maó Teatro Principal. Concluding the season in October, Tony Rawlings will be back. This time lecturing on “Mad Men and Artists: How the Advertising Industry Exploited Fine Art”. Another great season of the Arts Society Menorca. You can still become a member, as membership is for a full year, not just a season. Contact Malcolm for individual ticket information as well: menorca@theartssocietymenorca We are grateful to our friends at Blevins Franks for their support and sponsorship. The AeroClub San Lluís, The Anglican Church Menorca, and Ses Bruixes for their generosity. Thanks to Jorge Fernández Alday for the use of his painting in our graphic design. See you at the lecture! Your Committee
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SPIRITUAL WELLBEING
SPIRITUALITY FOR A NEW DARK AGE? There’s a retired bishop of the Church of England, whose sister lives in Menorca. While I was chatting to him during a recent visit, he mentioned that it has been suggested that he should write a book (he is a well-published author) on the subject of ‘Spirituality for a New Dark Age.’ It’s an intriguing idea - and it raises a lot of questions. It has its roots in the idea that the Church played a role in moderating the darkness of the dark ages. What has historically been known as the Dark Ages usually refers to the period after the fall of the Roman Empire in Europe, the ‘early Middle Ages,’ when the order of Empire collapsed in the face of invading forces from (mostly) the east. The term originated with the Tuscan scholar Petrarch in the 1330s, who wrote: ‘Amidst the errors there shone forth men of genius; no less keen were their eyes, although they were surrounded by darkness and dense gloom.’ Given the tendency of Christian thinking to use the imagery of light and dark as a metaphor for good and evil, the impression given is that these were difficult times, and they certainly had their moments: this was a time of poor communication, lack of education, deteriorating public health, misinformation and superstition (but what had the Romans ever done for us?!). By the time the Black Death (bubonic plague) devastated large parts of Europe in the fourteenth century, the kind of superstition that regarded cats as mysterious carriers of bad luck contributed to the spread of the disease: killing cats is a rather silly idea, since they prey upon rats, which carry the fleas that in turn carry plague bacteria. One thing about the Dark Ages is that they were not necessarily completely dark. Even Petrarch himself alluded to the light that shone in the darkness. Many historians object to the use of the term, which has in fact been ambiguously used to describe either the early Middle Ages, or later parts of the Middle Ages, or the entire 900 years from the fifth to the fourteenth century. It was during the age of Enlightenment that philosophers helped the myth of the Dark Ages to take hold, with the rise of scientific discovery and technological developments. I suspect that there is a certain degree of intellectual snobbery involved here: assigning the adjective ‘dark’ to any time that is not one’s own! Certainly, during this time there were advances in all areas: science and education (universities), power generation (water and wind mills), architecture (gothic cathedrals), agriculture (crop-rotation, heavy plough, horse-collar), warfare (cannons, heavy-armoured cavalry), music (musical notation) and much more. All of this partly owes its origins to a reactionary movement against organised religion that emerged during the Enlightenment. When the Roman Empire collapsed, one thing that was left in place was the Church, which had
By Rev Paul Strudwick
become the official religion of the Empire in the early fourth century. With its headquarters in Rome, or Constantinople (competing factions existed even then), the Church emerged as an influential force where there was a vacuum of civil order. Was this, ultimately, a good idea? By the time Martin Luther emerged on the scene in the 1500s, he perceived the Roman Catholic Church to have become a sort of Empire in its own right, with a privileged hierarchy that subjugated the poorer classes as much as any civil government did, exploiting ignorance. He protested against this, which is why we now have Protestant churches that broke away from Rome. So the Church may have ameliorated some of the darkness, but not without acquiring some dark habits of its own. Anyway, what about the idea that, first, we are witnessing a new dark age, and secondly, that Christianity has something to say? One of the characteristics of the dark ages was poor communication, resulting in misinformation and superstition. Today we certainly don’t have poor communication - at least not in a technological sense. Information in the form of multimedia can be passed around the world at the speed of light. Ironically, rather than suppressing misinformation, this has had the effect of making the sort of ill-informed opinion and plain fantasy that promote superstition, fear and anger all too readily available to the point where it is sometimes difficult to tell where the truth lies. This is indeed reminiscent of the dark ages. How do we distinguish between the rule of law and witch hunting, for example? What might Christianity have to say about all of this? Perhaps one counterintuitive advantage of the decline of churches in the past few decades is that organised religion in many states cannot claim to have any kind of ‘official’ status. Many believe that the Church of England will, in the foreseeable future, become disestablished (i.e. not the religion of the state). In this regard, the Church will have to look back to a time when it was a minority institution, during the first three centuries of its existence, although we might hope that the persecutions that flared up during those centuries could be avoided. This would be a good start, but we live in a different era from that time, and while we might hanker after a purer form of spirituality, we must be realistic about the world in which we live. Personally, I believe that the Church made a strategic error during the early years of Enlightenment, as humanity came to know and understand more about the nature of the world and the universe in which we live. Instead of engaging in a dialogue with scientists and philosophers, the religious establishment decided to oppose it - Galileo was accused of being a heretic, for example, for daring to suggest that the earth revolves around the sun, rather than vice versa. The Greeks had in fact decided this centuries before; all too often
D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
LOCAL NEWS we congratulate ourselves on gaining knowledge and information which was already known. The role of science, broadly speaking, is to explain how things work. The role of religion, in equally broad terms, is to try to understand why. A good example to illustrate this might be the way we understand the word ‘myth.’ Nowadays, we tend to treat ‘myth’ in the same way as ‘legend:’ fanciful ideas or stories that don’t necessarily have any grounding in truth. But there is truth in the mythology of humanity: the truth of a myth is in its meaning. We make sense of the world in which we live by telling stories about it. Most cultures have some sort of creation story or myth. The Judeo-Christian creation story does not have to be taken literally to unearth the truth that there is order and purpose in the created universe, that there is a spiritual dimension within it, that there is divine inspiration in creation, that humanity has a responsibility to exercise good stewardship of our world, and so on. If human beings are intrinsically spiritual, which I believe they are, then the darker aspects of the age in which we live can be lightened by tending to that spirituality. And doing so can provide a framework with some guiding principles about how to live in the face of rampant anger, fear and superstition. Practices that feed us spiritually, such as prayer and meditation can offer inner peace. And guidance for living? When Kate was about to be discharged from hospital in California recently after an appendectomy, the nurse who was caring for her asked me about my favourite verse from the Bible. That might be a moving target, depending upon context and mood! But most commonly I return to a verse from the prophet Micah. ‘What does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?’ How might our world be different if those were prevailing principles that we all followed? Would darkness be lifted?
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CANCER SUPPORT CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS Due to a massive increase in new patients since the beginning of the year, we are launching an appeal for new volunteers. Volunteering for CSG can be a very rewarding experience, we don’t ask for a commitment of many hours, if you are able to just offer a few hours a month that would be a great help. While speaking Spanish can help, it is not essential. Many tasks do not involve translation. Likewise, for those who feel hesitant to offer their help directly to patients, there are many other admin and fundraising tasks. We offer ongoing training and preparation so that volunteers feel comfortable and equipped for any task to which they are assigned. Presently there is a pressing need for German speaking volunteers on Mallorca, having said that we welcome anyone, whatever language they speak and wherever they live, Mallorca or Menorca. There is a place for everyone at CSG! If you can help or would like to find out more, please email info@cancersupportmallorca.com
WALK AGAINST CANCER CHALLENGE We would like to give a massive thanks to all those who contributed to the Walk Against Cancer Challenge. Anita and her team have been doing a walk every year now (apart from during COVID) either in the Sierra Tramuntana in Mallorca or the Cami de Cavalls in Menorca. This year she came up with a challenge for those who couldn’t join her team, so that they could do the walk virtually. The idea was that during the month of April people registered to walk the same amount of steps (about 200.000) but at their own pace and time during the whole month. This was the first time arranging such an event and we had no idea how it would go. We were amazed that 84 people registered to take part in the challenge, many of them children taking part with their parents. As well as those taking part, we would like to thank the many local businesses that donated prizes for the final event. It was a glorious day, and a lot of extra money was raised thanks to these amazing prizes. Thanks too go to The Olive Tree and Sa Vinya for their generosity in hosting the opening and closing events. And of course we can’t forget all the volunteers that worked so hard behind the scenes to make the whole challenge a success. Thanks to all of you we raised over €9000 that will go a long way in helping cancer patients on the islands. So now we are ready to start planning next year’s challenge!
CHURCH NEWS Worship in the church of Santa Margarita takes place on Sunday mornings at 9am and 11am, as well as at 11am every Wednesday and morning prayer with a focus on healing at 11am on Friday (also on Zoom). Santa Margarita continues to offer worship online, to respect the needs of those unable to worship in person at the church. During the weekend of 22/23 July, our Bishop, David Hamid, will be visiting Menorca, to celebrate the mini-fiesta of Santa Margarita on the evening of 22 July, and to worship with us and preach on 23 July. The church web site will continue to be the place to seek up-to-date news and information about online worship: anglicanchurchmenorca.com.
The phone number for the chaplain, Paul, is +34 617222382 and his e-mail is chaplain@anglicanchurchmenorca.com ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
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ISLAND INFORMATION CONSULATES How do I contact the British Consulate? You can call or send an email to our contact centre Tel: 933666200 Email: spain.consulate@fco.gov.uk (Make sure you put ‘Menorca’ in the subject line) They will be able to answer most general enquiries and will pass you through to the team in Palma, should you need further assistance. www.gov.uk/government/world/spain. Germany San Andreu 32, Mahón. Tel 971 36 90 12 EMERGENCY NUMBERS General Emergencies 112 (equivalent to 999 in UK). 24 hour service in 4 languages. Domestic Violence 016 Local Police 092 National Police: 091 Police station Mahon: 971 363 712. Police station Ciutadella: 971 363 066 Fire Service 971 35 10 11 Sea Rescue 900 202 202 Emergency Ambulance 061 OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION Tourist Information visit www.menorca.es. Offices in Mahón and Ciudadela Taxis 971 36 71 11
Chemist shops are closed on Sundays, but some are open on Saturdays. Shop Opening Hours 09.00 – 13.30 and 16.30/17.00 – 20.30 Larger supermarkets Monday to Saturday 09.00 – 21.00 Sunday mornings in summer Banks Monday to Friday 08.15 – 14.00 If hiring a car, you are required to keep with you: Hire documents, driving licence and a photocopy of your passport. NB: Seat belts are compulsory, and children must be in the back of the vehicle For a comprehensive list of all bus times on the Island, please visit www.tmsa.es Internal flights in Spain from Menorca: Iberia – www.vueling.com, www.iberia. com POST OFFICES Carrer de Ciutadella, 76, 07701 Maó Plaça des Born, 9, 07760 Ciutadella de Menorca Carrer Llevant, 5-7, 07720 Es Castell Carrer Lepanto, 43, 07740 Es Mercadal Carrer de sa Lluna, 13 (antes, Carrer de Sant Esteve, 14), 07710 Sant Lluís HOSPITALS WITH 24 HR EMERGENCIES MAHON Hospital Mateo Orfila Rda. de Malbúger, 1, 07703 Mahón, Phone: 971 48 70 00
CIUTADELLA Canal Salat C/ Sant Antoni Maria Claret, s/n 07760 Ciutadella Tel: 971 480 112 PRIVATE CLINICS CLINICA JUANEDA Avenida Vives Llull, 6 07703 Mahón Tel. 971 351 115 info.menorca@juaneda.es CLINICA JUANEDA Jose Delfin Serra, 10, 07760 Ciutadella Tel. 971 480 505 info.menorca@juaneda.es POLICLINICA VIRGEN DE GRACIA Av Vives Llull 6, 07003, Mahon Tel: 971351115 RED CROSS CREU ROJA MAÓ C/ Josep Anselm Clavé, 162 ·07703 Tel.: 971 36 11 80 Creu Roja Ciutadella c/ de la Creu, 2 07760 Tel.: 971 38 19 93 CREU ROJA FERRERIES Av. Jaume Mascaró, 66, 07750 Tel.: 971 37 31 39 Creu Roja Es Mercadal C/ Veterinaris Gomila, 12, 07740 Tel.: 971 37 53 00 CREU ROJA ALAIOR C/ Orient, 39 · 07703 Tel.: 971 37 12 38
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CREU ROJA SANT LLUÍS C/ Pere Tudurí, s/n · 07710 Tel.: 971 15 10 01 CHEMISTS Chemists or Farmacias are found around the island. For emergencies out of hours, there is a list of duty chemists displayed on the chemist door. GAS All cooking gas used in Menorca is bought from REPSOL BUTANO. Bottles can be exchanged at petrol stations and at the depots. Mahon: Avinguda de Fort de l’Eau, 125, BJ, 07701 Mahon: Main Road. Maó-Ciutadella ME-1, Km. 3,5. 07714 Ciutadella: Cala Morell Road, c/ Algaiarens, km. 1,5, 07760 See the website for opening hours https://gasmenorca.es/centros-dedistribucion/ FLIGHTS FROM THE ISLAND For all information and timetables regarding travel by air and sea to and from the Island please refer to the airline websites. To contact the airport, call 971 157 000 We will update the website as and when we receive the most up to date information which is kindly supplied by Viajes Pons Sans.
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RED ARROWS RETURN TO MENORCA 26 SEPTEMBER 2023
It’s amazing! But it’s true that, for the fifth time, the famous Red Arrows aerobatic team of the RAF will be returning to Menorca and thrilling us all, old and young, with their incomparable air display in the famous Hawk fast jets. The date is set for 26th September and will take place over “En Caragol” between Binibeca and Punta Prima as in 2018. This year will see an 8 aircraft formation following some intensive training in Croatia and Greece to prepare for a more dynamic and updated display. Now in their 59th season the visit to Menorca will be following their display in Malta and before continuing to Gibraltar. So now the work for us begins, a good deal of planning and preparation needed by many, most especially Pablo Gonzalez who once again has agreed to be our Air Show Director, and for collaboration and co-ordination between the diplomatic authorities and the military authorities responsible for the Red Arrows. We owe a big thank you also to the sponsors, Fairline Menorca, Martin Betts amongst others, not to mention the indefatigable Ian Warren whose “list of things to do” already covers several sheets!
CA’N DULCE CLOSES AFTER 17 YEARS In June, Andrew, the owner of Ca’n Dulce took the difficult decision to close the door on his shop selling British groceries, cards and sweets in Sant Climent. Since it opened on 1st September 2006, it has provided all our nostalgic, favourites, especially at Easter and Christmas. Andrew told us “Firstly, in 2006 there were 7000 UK residents on Menorca but now there are only 2000. Historically, they were more mature residents who were big card buyers. Today’s younger generation generally no longer send birthday cards. We were hit hard by the Pandemic and had to survive 5 months without deliveries or stock and with no help from the Government. Finally, Brexit has meant that a colossal amount of paperwork is needed to import products from the UK, such as Export Health certificates. We overcame some of these problems by changing our supplier to Ireland, however the product range is much more limited. You will see now that the shops in Menorca offering British products all have the same limited range. Pre-Brexit we could offer a personal, exclusive service, sourcing and bringing in products for customers in just a few days. This is no longer possible. I would like to take the opportunity to give my heartfelt thanks to all of those customers past and present who have continued to support me through some difficult times and also the fun times too!” Andrew and his wife are expecting a baby in August and he will take a break for the summer before deciding on his next move. We wish him the all the best for the future. D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
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HESTIA MENORCA
By Steve Morgan
The Play-offs Spain, as you know, is quite big, so the Silver league is split into West and East (oeste y este) and Menorca was promoted to the Silver league (este) in 2018. This season they finished in 2nd place. This meant they qualified for the play-offs for promotion to the Gold league. A total of 16 teams entered the ‘play-offs’ (the top 8 from each region) then a knockout league was formed Each team played two games against their opponent, one home and one away, the scores were accumulated, and the winners proceeded to the next round. Photo: Hestia Menorca
BASKETBALL TEAM PROMOTED TO THE GOLD LEAGUE As someone who has never really followed sport (my father supported the football team which I think was called ‘Fulham Nil’) I really can’t remember why Polly and I, and a couple of mates, decided to go and watch a home game of Hestia Menorca, Menorca’s topflight basketball team, but boy, are we glad we did! For those of you who think it’s a game where someone gets a ball, passes it so a fellow teammate who then throws it into a net… well, technically you’d be right but you couldn’t be more wrong! It’s a fast-moving game of 4 x 10-minute periods (no running off to a corner post to hug other team players after you score!) with just 5 players on each side but multiple substitutions are allowed from a maximum of 12 players in the team. The players only have 24 seconds to try and score or they lose the ball to the opposing team. Also, once you pass the halfway line there’s no going back over it, so the attack is continuous. If you live in Menorca, then you must go and see at least one home game. The stadium, ‘Pavelló Menorca’, is situated near the Mateu Orfila hospital, at Bintaufa, and it is big! There is seating for 5,000, whereas at some of the away games I’ve been to watch you’d be lucky to get 500 people in them. Basketball is a sport for all ages of supporters; from toddlers to, well, let’s just say, us ‘oldies’. If you can cheer/shout/stamp your feet, then it’s for you! Ten years ago, the original Menorca team were in the top league and Bintaufa was often at full capacity, the noise of the crowd was amazing! Sadly, like most things in life the team has had its ups and downs, but now they are on the up again!
The competition ended with CB Prat playing against Basket Navarra and Clavijo against Hestia Menorca. CB Prat won their two games so were promoted to the Gold league. How did we do? Well, the ‘away’ game against Clavijo was a hard-fought battle with Menorca winning by just 8 points, an advantage they could carry onto their home game, but as pointed by our coach, an advantage that could be lost in the blink of an eye! Before I report any further, let me ask you a question… How many sports on his tiny little Island could attract a crowd of 5,150 very noisy supporters? Not many, eh? But Basket Menorca did! The return home game was the most exciting game I have seen in a long time. Passions were running high and whilst Menorca held the lead most of the way, the points gap was cut down to just 2 on occasions. Even Clavijo’s coach started arguing with the referee (something you are not allowed to do) and just 1 minute to the end of the 2nd quarter he was sent off and had to spend the rest of the game in the dressing rooms! The final score? I’m glad you asked… On the night Menorca won by 67 points to 61 so yes, Menorca will once again return to the topflight Gold league next year and it’s going to be an exciting journey! It’s important for Menorca as an Island to be in Gold but we want as many people who have chosen this wonderful place as their home to come and support the team. I promise you, you won’t be disappointed, who knows I might even buy you a beer! For more information why not follow the team on Facebook or check out their web site at www.basketmenorca.com As the team’s motto goes “Una Illa, un equip” See you there!!
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HATS&HORSES
By Emma Iverson
There was a great turn out for the HATS&HORSES Day at the Maó Hippodrome. A day of fashion and socialising, combined with our famous Menorcan Horse Trotting Races. The organiser, Ariadne Villalta, took her inspiration for this unique event from Britain’s Royal Ascot. She has since expanded to other venues including Mallorca, Dubai, Madrid, Barcelona and Maryland, USA. So, ladies, this is an excuse to go shopping! Get your glad rags on, a hat or a fascinator. Gents, get smart, a Panama hat, or even a Top hat, will put a finishing touch to your outfit. This year the event celebrated the iconic image of the Menorcan horse, combined with an exhibition of vintage cars, a boat, live music, and award winning Menorcan gastronomy. The event was sponsored by Colibri Handmade Hats from Madrid, and many local businesses; Riccy, the beautiful boutique on Carrer Nou in Maó from where I purchased my fabulous cerise pink and feather fascinator. INNat Gin by Biniarbolla-Licors Artisan who have been distilling for over 50 years. You will of course have read the interview with Matthew Meacham in the June Issue. Pons Quintana, in business for over 60 years and exporting to over 50 countries Worldwide. Son Bou Rutas a Caballo, offering organised horse rides of 1 or 2 hours in the countryside, coastal paths and beaches for all ages and abilities. There were further Menorcan companies with stands to show what is on offer on our Island. The first stand I visited was Sa Ponsa, a luxurious countryside hotel, that has been cultivating vines for many years. I, of course, had to check that their sparkling Rosé was up to scratch! It certainly was. Pedro’s Boat from Maó had an ‘on land’ boat for photo opportunities also promoting a new business idea for people that like boating but without ‘owners’ costs. All were all serenaded by the duo, ‘angels-i-pau’. Our host Ariadna coerced my husband into being a judge for ‘Best Dressed’ awards at the end of the day. Dressed in our finery, he in all British and me in all Menorcan, we made our way to the judging stand. James was wearing a three piece ‘country gent’ suit from Marc Darcy London. For me, my fascinator was from Riccy, dress from Dress Code boutique Maó, and a pair of Mascaro heeled sandals, makers of the worldfamous Pretty Ballerinas, which often feature in Vogue or on the feet of the Royals. A European selection of judges awarded the prizes; The Best dressed couple were from an Alaior-based handmade Saddling business. Best dressed gent went to a Menorcan born, Spanish actor and influencer, and best dressed lady has links to our Menorcan cheese and farming produce industries. So, readers, if you find yourselves here on the last Saturday of May, get your finery out for HATS&HORSES Maó 2024. Website: hatsandhorses.com Facebook: Hats and Horses
ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
Photo: Hats & Horses Menorca
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CLUB MENORCA REVIVAL By Rose Edwards
Located on the south coast of the Island, right on top of the cliffs, is the restaurant and hostel Club Menorca. I have lived in Cala en Porter since my family moved here in 1996. Back then Club Menorca needed some TLC. Five years ago, the owner and his son finally took it over again. I got the chance to catch up with son Alex to chat about his experience. Alex is 32 years old and originally from Kent. He was marketing manager at Madame Tussauds in London for many years, although deep down, his heart was back here in Menorca. His Welsh great uncle had a villa here in the 1970’s to 80’s and he fell in love with the place as it reminded him of Anglesey with dry stone walls, but also with sun! He and his dad both live here now, as well as his sister and family and his mum and her partner. Club Menorca has been a big project, with two terraces and restaurants inside and outside. Alex could see there was an opportunity to make it something special. Boy did he prove us right! It is a family guest house and they have currently applied for hotel status, hoping to get a three star rating. With a fabulous location it is the perfect place for any celebration. In the past they have hosted weddings, birthday parties, bar mitzvahs, and many other special occasions. Alex told me how they have already had two film crews using Club Menorca as a location for filming . A German film crew came to film for Love Boat and in 2021 Below Deck for Netflix. Although the season has only just started, it is already looking impressive with the rooms fully booked until September. Club Menorca has gone from being the abandoned building on the cliffs edge to an idyllic paradise. Alex told me about all the improvements they have done and how the list is never ending! He says it has been a very positive move, and he never gets fed up with the ‘wows’ you hear as people walk through the place with all its quirky original yet stylish decor. So, visit for breakfast on the cliff top terrace or lunch 80 feet above the waves, or eat your dinner with your own panoramic view of the beautiful beach of Cala en Porter. Don’t forget to book!! Contact: Club Menorca, Carrer de sa Mina 2, Cala en Porter, 07730 bookings@clubmenorca.com
LADIES LUNCHEON CLUB
LADIES PROBUS LUNCH
Just a brief note from the Menorcan Ladies Luncheon Club this month; more news next time! We had a very enjoyable lunch at The Grill just near the airport with varied starters to share and a good selection of main courses and puds. This time wine and coffee were not included. Elizabeth had some excellent raffle prizes and although we didn’t have a speaker we nattered... In July we are eating at the Oveja Negra in Punta Prima, so look forward to seeing you all then.
There were 33 ladies at the lunch at Pan y Vino on the 15th June. We were seated on the terrace, as the weather was fine but a little breezy. Two new members Maggie Hatch and Debbie Bayley were welcomed by the President. The new card system worked well except for a few members who wished to change seats. We had a good conversation on our table about eye operations!! Noellia and Patrick the chef presented the food beautifully and there was a choice of 3 starters 3 mains 3 desserts.
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TREBALUGER EQUINE RESCUE CENTRE On 3rd June the Trebaluger Equine Rescue Centre held an open day to raise money and explain their work. Samantha Lake opened the centre in 2018 when she realised there were many abandoned and neglected horses and donkeys on the island. With the help of family and friends, she was able to give them a permanent safe and loving place to live freely. Samantha showed us round the facility which extends over 4 hectares. There were 29 horses, donkeys and mules at the centre when we visited, along with 30 cats, some chickens and new parents, Elvis and Priscila the ducks. The centre receives 2000 Euros a year from the Consell but has outgoings of 2000 Euros per month. The cost of renting the land, food and vets bills all must be raised from donations. The horses are rescued from around the island where they have been left to deteriorate and they arrive at the centre physically and mentally scarred. Samantha explained that it costs a farmer or owner 1000 Euros for a horse to be cremated and so they are sometimes just left in a field to waste away. With much love and care, Samantha and her team of volunteers bring them back to good health and slowly win back their confidence. Unfortunately, some of them never return back to their former condition or be able to be rehomed but they will always support and care for them. The horses are allowed to roam free around the land, but they tend to form their own social groups. At 5pm it is feeding time and they come in to eat and shelter for the night. John was worried before our visit that he would find it too upsetting. On the contrary, it was an uplifting experience to see the horses now in such good health. Horses which had arrived emaciated or with a broken jaw, were now back to full fitness and enjoying the company of the others. Samantha explained that donkeys, for example, are social animals and they can deteriorate or behave badly if left on their own.
We met a mule called Aries whose mother had arrived with burns and an eye injury and a donkey called Brusca who had been allowed to get too fat by his owners, leading to health problems. A horse had been brought in described as a devil with his ears back and biting and he was found to have ulcers. Once cured he was perfectly behaved. Samantha came to the island 35 years ago in 1987. She met her partner and together they have a daughter called India. She says it was only when India started riding that she became involved with horses. She worked for James Villas for 25 years but when COVID hit she was made redundant. Since then, she has worked full time at the centre. At the Open day there were 2nd hand clothes and food stalls and local artists had donated pictures, jewellery and many other beautiful items to help raise money. Visitors are welcome at the centre every day between 9:30 and 12:30 and can help with the work, which involves cleaning the stables and paddocks, filling water troughs and making up hay bags. Importantly there is time set aside to just ‘be’ with the horses and build up their trust and confidence around people again. Samantha also works with groups from the penitentiary and those with drug and alcohol problems. They find it healing to work safely outdoors with the animals. Trebaluger Equine Rescue Centre 10A Cami De Ses Cometes Trebaluger, Es Castell Menorca, Spain 07720 9.30-12.30 every day Others times can be arranged via WhatsApp +34 689 802 108 (Spanish & English Speaking) trebalugerequinerescue@gmail.com
ANTIC MOTOR CLUB DE MENORCA We went along to the first ‘Retro’ a vintage auto jumble and meet, arranged by the Antic Motor Club in Mercadal. There were lots of interesting vehicles on show and for sale. A few stalls were selling what looked, on first glance, like rubbish, but if you are a car nut like me, it was all gold. We met some interesting characters, such as Carlos and Gonzalo, and I was impressed by the knowledge of their members. I was taken by the lovely Citroën Traction Avant for sale, but Liz kept a firm hold of the wallet that day. There was a very tidy Willy’s Jeep, complete with olive paint, star on the bonnet and of course an axe strapped to the side. If you have an interest in old motor vehicles both cars and bikes, (even a tractor was spotted) then you should consider joining. There is a Cars & Coffee meet every 1st Sunday of the month and I am reliably informed that if you go to every one you can reclaim your membership fee in free coffees! There are around 237 members, and the club has been going for 35 years. This MG belonging to a member was not there unfortunately, but I’ve shared it with you because its such a beautiful thing. ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
LOCAL NEWS
ENFUSION CHOIR At the Aero Club on the weekend of the 9 and 10 June the choir EnFusion performed their summer concert entitled ‘Nostalgia’ including iconic songs from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Amongst a couple of Beatles numbers, there were reminders of The Three Degrees, Abba, Roy Orbison, Perry Como, The Mamas and the Papas, Bobby Darin, to name but a few and, importantly, the Queen of rock and roll, Tina Turner... a tribute to her having been including in the eclectic mix just recently. We hope we did her and the others the justice their incredible talents deserve. An audience of 90 plus attended on each night and fun was had by all. The EnFusion choir was formed over 10 years ago. We are a happy, informal and democratic choir and we meet Tuesdays at 4pm and Fridays at 10.30am for practicing at the Aero Club. This will re-start in September after our summer break. Do come along, listen to us and maybe think about joining a happy band of like minded folk who simply love to sing. Please look out for further announcements in Roqueta for the start date of practices for our Christmas concert.
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CHARITY CRICKET AND GOLF Many famous cricketers came to Menorca to support a two-day cricket and golf event to raise money for charity. The cricketers joined local players in an excellent game with some outstanding performances for a worthy cause, the JP21 Foundation. These photos show what a wonderful day was had by all in attendance. Tim Hayden, the organiser from Hagley West, said ‘Last year I had a conversation with JP Duminy about putting on a charity cricket match… and it happened! It was unbelievable that these legends came out to support our dream and help raise funds for the JP 21 Foundation. To see Gladstone Small, Monty Panesar, Owais Shah, John Embury and JP playing at Menorca Cricket Club was incredible, a day all of us here won’t forget” The JP21 FOUNDATION is dedicated to revitalizing the game of cricket in underdeveloped communities, where there is gang violence and substance abuse. Through their programs, they make cricket accessible to all learners and allow children to dream. In addition, they promote healthy lifestyle living and importantly creating a spirited environment. The benefit of sport encourages boys and girls to stay in school, improve discipline and respect their peers. The dry wit of Gladstone Small on the microphone kept the onlookers entertained. Little did he know that he was sitting under the nutcrackers sign with Alison Truelove. After a dinner in S’Algar the next venue was Son Park Golf.
OUT N ABOUT THE PORT The once iconic floating terrace of restaurant La Minerva is no more. On 20th June local workers and divers removed the last of the floating pontoon and unceremoniously towed it down the port! Leaving nothing but the echo of lunches and dinners past from the many revellers who frequented this unique eating place. Also spotted the same day, Solar Panels being installed on the frameworks that have appeared along the port. Many of the car parks in Menorca have now been covered with solar panels, including a large installation at the hospital. Solar car parks enable electricity production in open spaces in urban areas and have the added benefit of shading the cars from the sun.
ECB- Friendly- Menorca CC JP Duminy XI v Menorca CC Hagley West XI Charity Game Result: (20 overs) Hagley West XI: 134-5 T. Hayden 40 ret, O. Shah 37, S. Cotton 30 JP Duminy XI: 135-8 A. Lavin 43 ret, J. Hagger 2-26 A very close game ended with JP Duminy himself finishing the game with a 6 2nd Congratulations to the winners! Mens scratch winner jp Duminy. Mens hcp winner Andy Truelove, nearest the pin Owais Shah, longest drive Gérard Puigarnau, Ladies winner Marta Peña.
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WHAT’S ON
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JULY 2023 Every month we try to list events that we know are happening to help you plan ahead. Of course if you hear of anything else yourself that is of interest to the readers, then please let us know info@roquetamagazine.net
LOCAL FIESTAS DATES SUMMER 2023: Mercadal: Sant Martí 15-16 July Fornells: Sant Antoni 22-23 July Es Castell: Sant Jaume 24-25-26 July
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BANK HOLIDAYS Everything closed, although in the summer months, many shops tend to stay open. All shops and businesses remain closed during the respective local fiestas. 15 August: Assumption Day 12 October: Spain’s National Day 1 November: All Saints’ Day 6 December: Constitution Day 8 December: Day of the Immaculate Conception. 25 December: Christmas Day.
GETTING AROUND THE ISLAND If you prefer using public transport as an alternative to taking the car, there are three bus companies covering different parts of the island. Buses are very punctual, although bear in mind timetables vary greatly depending on the time of year. Up to date bus timetables can be checked online. TORRES www.bus.e-torres.net Torres buses run between Ciutadella and resorts along the west coast, as well as to the unspoiled beaches to the north and to the south of Ciutadella. TMSA www.tmsa.es TMSA buses run across the island connecting all the main towns, as well as routes to the resorts on the southern coast and eastern coast AUTOS FORNELLS https://www.autosfornells.com/ Connecting Mahón with the north-eastern coastline up to Fornells, also connections to Alaior and Es Mercadal.
Es Migjorn: Sant Cristófol 29-30 July Llucmaçanes: Sant Gaietà 5-6 August Alaior: Sant Llorenç 12-13 August Sant Climent: Sant Climent 19-20 August Ferreries : Sant Bartomeu 23-24 August Sant Lluis: Sant Lluis 26-27 August Sant Lluis: Sant Lluiset 2-3 September Mahón: Mare de Deu de Gracia 7-9 September
MARKETS FARMERS’ MARKETS Ciutadella: Wednesdays and Saturdays 8am to 2pm in Plaza de la Libertad (by the fish market). Mahon: Sundays 9am to 2pm, in Carrer de s’Arravaleta and Carrer Nou (by the American bar).
Es Mercadal: Sant Nicolau 9-10 September
Mahón Tapas by the fish market: Monday to Saturday, 11am to 11.30pm. Also open Sundays in July and August.
Cala’n Porter: 16-17 September
Ferreries: Saturdays, 9am to 1pm in Plaza España (main square).
CRAFT MARKETS Mahón: June to September, Tuesdays and Saturdays, Plaça del Carme, 9am to 2pm. Mahón: July and August, Tuesday evenings, in the streets of the town centre, 8 to 11pm. Ciutadella: 1 June to 15 September, Mondays and Fridays (also Wednesdays in July and August), in Plaça des Born 7pm to midnight. Ciutadella: 1 June to 30 September, daily, on the steps down to the port, 7pm to midnight. Ciutadella: 1 June to 30 September, daily, in Portal de la Mar (slope down to port), 7pm to midnight. D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
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Es Castell: 15 June to 15 September, daily, in Cales Fonts, 7.30pm to 1am. Es Migjorn Gran: July, August and September, Tuesday evenings in the town centre, 7.30 to 11pm. Alayor: 1 June to 15 September in the town centre, Wednesday evenings, 7 to 11pm. Es Mercadal: July to end September, Thursdays, in the town centre, 7 to 11pm. Es Mercadal: October to end May, Thursdays, Carrer Nou, 10am to 1pm. Ferreries: Saturdays in Plaça Espanya, 9am to1pm. Fornells: 12 June to end September, Mondays, Carrer Major and Plaça Esglesia, 7 to 11pm. Sant Lluis: 15 June to 15 September, Friday evenings in town centre, 7 to 11pm.
STREET MARKETS Mahón: Tuesday and Saturday 7am to 3pm in the Plaza Esplanada. Mahón: Daily, Pla de Baixamar, 10am to 8pm. Ciutadella: Monday and Friday 8.30am to 3pm in the Plaza Borne. Alayor: Thursday morning in town centre. Fornells: Wednesdays, 9am to 2pm. in Carrer de la Mar. Sant Lluis: Mondays and Wednesdays, 10am to 1pm in Pla de sa Creu. Es Castell: Mondays and Wednesdays, 8am to 2pm in Plaza Esplanada. Ferreries: Fridays 9am to 1pm in Plaça Espanya.
EXHIBITIONS Deus Ex Petra: Photographs by Carlos Permuy. Open Monday to Friday 9am to 1pm and Tuesdays and Thursdays 5 to 8pm until 10 September at Can Victori, Camí des Castell, 28, Mahón. De profundis naturae” art by Xavier Jansà, artista and scientist. Open Tuesday to Saturday 6to 9pm, also Saturday mornings 11am to 2pm until 1st July. Sala Sant Antoni, Carrer s’Arraval, 32, Mahón.
TEATRE PRINCIPAL This is the oldest opera house in Spain, dating from 1829, with a wide programme of shows and concerts. Address: Carrer d’en Deià 40, Mahón Guided tours in Spanish on Thursdays at 12 noon.
Joan Miró at the Galería Cayón. Open Mondays: 6 to 9pm. Tuesday to Saturday: 10.30am to 2pm and 6 to 9pm. Open 3 June – 31 August. Carrer de Sant Roc 24, Mahón. Admission free.
See website for full programme. Tickets available online or from the box office. Box office open mornings Tuesday to Saturday 11.30am to 1.30pm. Afternoons: Thursday and Friday 6.30 to 8.30pm.
LÔAC: Contemporary art gallery located at Calle Santiago Pons Quintana 56, Alaior. Open Tuesday to Sunday 5 to 8pm, also Saturdays and Sundays 10am to 1.30pm. Admission 5€.
www.teatremao.com
Mites# at El Roser exhibition hall at Calle Roser 11 Ciutadella. Open Monday to Saturday 11am to 1pm and 6 to 9pm. Until 15 July. Admission free
1 July: Dance show performed by students of ballet of all ages, 7pm.
Menorca i la llum del Nord: Can Oliver. Calle d’Anuncivay 2, Mahón. Open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 1.30pm and 6 to 8pm and Sundays 10am to 1.30pm. Until 24 September. Admission 5€. Menorcan House: Calle Isabel II 4, Mahón. Open Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am to 1pm.
Programme: 8 July: Beethoven’s 9th symphony performed by OCIM (Menorca Chamber Orchestra), 9pm. 27 July: Baba Ganoush Quartet, 9pm. 3 August: Ballet gala show, Fundació Rubio, 9pm. 10 August: Drama Nomeolvides. 9pm. 23 August: Standup comic Ángel Martin, 9pm. 22, 23, 29 and 30 September: Cartografies sonores: Maó. Ciutat submergida. 24 September: Flamenco Rocío Marquez + Bronquio, 1pm. 30 September: OCIM (Menorca Chamber Orchestra) performing Bach and Handel, 8pm. 5 November: Concert performed by the Orquesta Sinfónica de las Islas Baleares with Xabier Anduaga and Susana Markova, time to be advised.
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WHAT’S ON
FOSQUETS DE LÍTHICA Festival taking place in Líthica quarries, on the outskirts of Ciutadella. Tickets available from www.fosquetsdelithica.com 7 July: Beethoven’s 9th symphony performed by the Menorca Chamber Orchestra, 9pm. 13 July: Bolérame, performed by Maria Camps (soprano), Pere Arguimbau (guitar), Lluis Gener (double bass) y Guien Pons (percussion), 9pm. 20 July: Avishai Cohen performing for the 25th anniversary of the Menorca Jazz Festival, 9pm.
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SUMMER CLASSICAL MUSIC FESTIVAL CIUTADELLA www.jjmmciutadella.com/ 7 July: The Orquesta de Cambra Illa de Menorca performs Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, 9pm at Líthica quarries. Tickets available from fosquetsdelithica.com 17 July: Albert Guinovart (piano) and Elisabeth Franch (flute) performing at 9pm in the Claustre del Seminari, Carrer des Seminari.
27 July: Los rostros del amor en el Barroco italiano, performed by Lorena García (soprano) and Rafael Bonavita (theorbo), 9pm.
24 July: Obac Trio, performing at 9pm in the Claustre del Seminari, Carrer des Seminari.
1 August: Full Moon night. Folk and dance show performed by Deira i A plom i vol, 10pm.
31 July: String and piano quartet Gerhard and Judith Jáureguir, performing at 9pm in the Claustre del Seminari, Carrer des Seminari.
6 August: Cor Jove Nacional de Catalunya, 8.30pm.
6 August: Choir Coro Jove Nacional de Catalunya performing at 9pm at Líthica quarries. Tickets available from fosquetsdelithica.com
10 August: Concert of Persian music performed by Yassamin Shahhosseini, Efrén López and Ruven Ruppik, 8.30pm. 17 August: Concert by Ismael de la Torre y su Trova, 8.30pm.
7 August: Irene Mas Salom (soprano) and Marc Serra (piano), performing at 9pm in the Claustre del Seminari, Carrer des Seminari.
24 August: Bach concert performed by cellists Ramon Bassal and Frances Barlett, 8.30pm.
14 August: Lucie Horsch and Justin Taylor, performing at 9pm in the Claustre del Seminari, Carrer des Seminari.
31 August: Drama Informe para una Academia by F. Kafka, performed by Cant del Cigne, 8.30pm.
21 August: Juan Pérez Floristán (piano), performing at 9pm in the Claustre del Seminari, Carrer des Seminari.
2 September: Quimera, dance performed by Art en Moviment, 8.30pm.
28 August: Kaleidos Trio, performing at 9pm in the Claustre del Seminari, Carrer des Seminari.
10 September: Guiem Soldevila performing Intimari, 8pm.
D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
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PEDRA VIVA Music and scenic arts festival in beautiful locations. 27 July: Rufus Wainwright performing Folkocracy, 9pm at Torre-Saura. 25 and 26 August: Els Pirats, (an adaptation of the Gilbert and Sullivan musical comedy, The Pirates of Penzance), 9pm at Torre-Saura. Full programme and tickets from www.pedravivamenorca.com
MENORCA MUSIC FESTIVAL 4 – 11 August: sustainable music festival held in the Recinte Firal in the town of Es Mercadal. Doors open 7.30pm. Concert starts 9.30pm. 4 August: Amaia 5 August: Melendi 6 August: Crystal Fighters
TEATRE DES BORN
7 August: Tom Odell
https://www.teatredesborn.com/
9 August: Vanessa Martin
Tickets can be obtained online or from the ticket office in the theatre (open Tuesdays 11.30am to 1pm and Thursdays 7 to 8.30pm, as well as one hour before the start of the show).
11 August: Pablo Lopez More info and tickets: https://menorcamusicfestival.com/
2 July: Children’s show El Pot Petit, 6.30pm.
LAZARETO FESTIVAL
7 July: TraTraTra by Toni Jodar, 8.30pm.
SUMMER CLASSICAL MUSIC FESTIVAL MAHÓN
This year the festival is to be held at Castillo de San Felipe, at the mouth of Mahón port. Live music featuring well known groups, food trucks etc. 27 July: Ainhoa Arteta 28 July: The Christians
www.joventutsmusicalsdemao.cat/
29 July: Taburete
8 July: 25th anniversary of the OCIM, performance of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, 9pm in the Teatre Principal
30 July: Anastacia
12 July: Xisco Aguiló (double bass) and Isabel Fèlix (piano), 9pm in Claustre del Museu de Menorca.
1 August: Village People
26 July: David Russell (guitar), 9pm in the Teatre Principal.
3 August: Gipsy Kings
26 July: Pura Corda, with Eura Fortuny (viola), Mendelssohn & Mendelssohn, 9pm in Claustre del Museo de Menorca. 2 August: The Barcelona Clarinet Players, 9pm in la Mola. 16 August: Marco Mezquida and Salvador Sobral, 9pm in the Teatre Principal.
31 July: Rigoletto 2 August: Earth, Wind and Fire Experience 4 August: Sara Baras 5 August: Tony Hadley 6 August: Boney M feat. Maizie Williams 7 August: Antonio Orozco 8 August: Chambao More info and tickets from https://www.lazaretofestival.com/
CRANC FESTIVAL 2023 21 September: Nada Surf. The Cicely Satellite, Es Claustre, Mahón. 22 September: Belako/La Paloma. Por las Noches. Black Sea Deluge. Barrera, at Bar Akelarre (port of Mahón). 24 September: Rocío Marquez. Bronquio/Tercer Cielo, at Teatro Principal, Mahón. More info and tickets from www.crancfestival.com
MENORCA GROOVE FESTIVAL 15 -17 September in Es Claustre, Mahón.
MUSIC FESTIVALS SUMMER 2023
http://www.menorcagroove.com/ ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
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WINE TASTING Binitord is a small family run bodega located just south of Ciutadella. Guided tours in English with wine tasting on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 5pm, and Wednesdays at 10am. Bookings and more information on the website https://www.binitord.com
SAVE THE DATE 26 September: The Red Arrows are planning a display, possibly along the south coast of the island. 11 October-10 November: Menorca Doc Fest. Documentary film and photograph event. See website for more details. https://www. menorcadocfest.com/ 20-22 October: Cheese festival to be held in Plaça Esplanada, Mahón.
LIVE MUSIC AT ES CLAUSTRE The courtyard in Es Claustre, by Iglesia del Carmen in Mahón town centre is the scene of many live concerts, including jazz concerts every Sunday evening until 1st October. https://www.esclaustre.com/es/agenda/
LIVE MUSIC AT JAZZBAH Located in the port of Ciutadella, jazzbah regularly holds live concerts. See full programme on https://jazzbah.es/
EARLY MUSIC FESTIVAL
NEW MUSEUM Thalassa is a maritime museum dedicated to the seafaring heritage of Menorca. Open near the windmill, Es Castell. Admission is free during 2023. Opening hours: Until 15 July: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: 5 to 8pm. Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays: 11am to 2pm and 5 to 8pm. 16 July – 31 August: Mondays to Sundays: 11am to 2pm and 5 to 9pm. 1 – 15 September: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: 5 to 8pm. Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays: 11am to 2pm and 5 to 8pm.
3 – 10 August in Es Migjorn. musicaantigaesmigjorn.com Quietud Musical: held in Lithica’s Medieval Garden every Wednesday during the summer. Concerts held at 8pm in July, 7.30pm in August and 7pm in September. Tickets available from www.fosquetsdelithica.com
NIGHTS OUT: La Terraza Discoteca Menorca: DJs nightly from 9.30pm to 4am as from 30 June until September. More info re guest DJs on Instagram: laterraza _ discoteca. Cova den Xoroi: sunset and night sessions. Guest DJs. Tickets from https://www.covadenxoroi.com/ Karaoke nights: every Monday evening in July and August 8.30 to 10.30pm in Sa Plaça, Alaior.
LIVE MUSIC 8 July: concert performed by Please, the U2 tribute band, 9pm in the Cales Fonts car park. Tickets available from entradium.com 20 July: Jazz concert in celebration of 25 years of the Menorca Jazz Festival, 9pm in Líthica quarries, Ciutadella. Tickets available from fosquetsdelithica.com Street Art Ciutadella: Another edition of street art in Ciutadella. Artists will create temporary works of street art in the town centre, from July to end September.
FILM AND CINEMA
D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
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MENORCA FILM FESTIVAL 8 – 12 SEPTEMBER
GUIDED TOURS
The Film Festival is back, taking place on 8 and 9 September at Fornells castle, 9 and 10 September, at Es Moix cinema in Ciutadella and 10, 11 and 12 September at parc Es Freginal in Mahón. Tickets from website. https://festivalmenorca.com/festival/
Fort Marlborough: Fridays at 10am (in English). Tickets online https://www.menorca.es/en/ Visitas_guiadas_al_Fort_de_ Marlborough/16037 Torre d’en Galmés: Sundays at 10am (in English). Tickets online https://www.menorca.es/es/Visitas_guiadas_al_poblado_de_ Torre_den_Galmes/15447
OCIMAX CINEMA MAHÓN: https://www.aficine.com/cine/ocimaxmahon/ Open Wednesday to Sunday, 4.30 to 9.30pm. Cineclub films shown in the original language on Thursdays at 8.30pm. 13 July: Carmen, Bizet’s opera, screened from the Arena di Verona, Italy. 27 July: Madam Butterfly, Puccini’s opera, screened from the Breganz Festival, Austria. 10 August: Aida, Verdi’s opera, screened from St Margarethen, Austria. 24 August: La Traviata, Verdi’s opera, screened from the Breganz Festival, Austria
CINEMES MOIX NEGRE CIUTADELLA http://www.cinesmoixnegre.org/ Films shown in the original language most Wednesdays at 8.30pm. Cineclub films screened every Tuesday and Thursday at 8.30pm. 13 July: Carmen, Bizet’s opera, screened from the Arena di Verona, Italy, 8.45pm. 3 August: Jonas Kaufmann Bajo Las Estrellas, screened from Waldbühne Berlin, 8.45pm. 17 August: Madam Butterfly, Puccini’s opera, screened from the Breganz Festival, Austria, 8.45pm. 31 August: Aida, Verdi’s opera, screened from St Margarethen, Austria, 8.45pm.
Es Castell guided tours in Spanish and English of the town centre every Saturday at 7pm, from 17 June to 9 September. Departing from the tourist information centre in the windmill Molí de sa Creu, Plaça s’Arraval vella, Es Castell. Free. Cova de s’Aigua, in Cala Blanca: guided tours in English daily at 9am and 3pm. https://www.menorca.es/es/Visitas_guiadas_la_Cova_de_ sAigua/14052 Lazareto Quarantine Island: Guided tours in English on Thursdays at 5pm. Departure from Cales Fonts, Es Castell. Tickets from tourist information offices and from nanventura.es
LÍTHICA Guided tours in Spanish of the quarries Pedreres de s’Hostal every second Sunday of the month at 11am. Stone cutting workshops held every Saturday at 9.30am. https://lithica.es/en/lithica/
HAUSER & WIRTH Contemporary art exhibitions on Illa del Rei. Admission free. After the Mediterranean, curated by curator, writer and art researcher Oriol Fontdevila, until 29 October. Exhibition: Christina Quarles until 29 October. Several activities (tours, concerts, workshops, etc) are organised throughout the summer. Please see website for more information. https://menorca.hauserwirth.com/en/home
SPORTS EVENTS 4 -9 July: Sailing regatta. Menorca 52 Super Series Royal Cup. From the port of Mahón https://www.52superseries.com/events/2023/eu/menorca-52super-series-royal-cup 29 August- 2 September: 19th Copa Del Rey Classic Ships sailing regatta. www.velaclasicamenorca.com 16 September: The Trail Fars Nocturn, night run, consisting of two races, setting off from Favaritx lighthouse (23km) and Es Grau (13km). https://traildelsfars.com/nocturna 24 September: Artiem Half Menorca Triathlon. www.artiemhalfmenorca.com 13-15 October: Mountain bike tour of Menorca. www.menorcabtt.com 20-22 October: International cycling tour. www.menorcacicloturista.com ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
WELLBEING
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BODY, MIND & SOUL HEAL AND RESTORE WITH SIOBHAN & ALLI Siobhan has dedicated her life to health & wellness starting with a degree in health psychology before receiving qualifications in a variety of movement therapies such as yoga, pilates and dance. She currently teaches classes at her studio in Mahon, LunaFly, while training to become certified as a functional nutrition practitioner. She believes that education leads to better choices and better choices lead to better health. Alli has long been a practitioner in health and wellness, having a diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy and NLP. She is also a reiki healer and massage therapist amongst other healing modalities and believes in using all these and other natural therapies to help balance the immune system and promote a healthier life style.
MIRACLE TEA ELIXIRS
Tea time is always a special time to unwind & relax. Today we would love to share with you some of our favourite miracle tea elixirs and their many benefits! Dandelions are among the most easily recognised plants, easy to find on our beautiful island and brew delicious, healthy teas! Dandelion greens are packed with vitamins A, C, E, & K (aiding hair, skin, bone, vision & immune health!) as well as minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc, & magnesium. Plus they are also about 14% protein! Dandelion greens are especially beneficial for detoxing the liver and aid in flushing out toxins and remineralising the body. Nettle can be mistaken for a bothersome weed however it has been used as a folk remedy for thousands of years for its high nutrient content and ability to combat inflammation. It is ideal for supporting our bodies through periods of stress, it’s an amazing anti-inflammatory for tired organs and can aid the adrenal glands and reproductive system. It’s also been known to provide relief for hay fever which is a problem for a lot of us this time of year!
Hibiscus tea* is a delightful red tea with a vibrant flavour made from the flower petals. Notes of sweet flowers contrast with tart undertones for a beverage that will intrigue your tastebuds. Antioxidants within have been noted for their positive effects on supporting the liver, lowering cholesterol & blood pressure as well as having powerful anti-cancer properties. It may also be beneficial for weight loss, depression, sleep disorders, constipation, preventing bladder infections & mood swings. *Hibiscus may cause unwanted side effects for pregnant or nursing mothers.
The teas can be bought at any health shop, or you can make your own. Contact Siobhan Tomlin: info@lunafitlife.com ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
WELLBEING
62
JULY 2023
NUTRITION AND FITNESS WITH TOM AND JESS
7 Reasons To Exercise (That Have Nothing To Do With Weight)
Most people who come to see Tom and me for nutrition/training have a body composition goal; 9 times out of 10 they want to lose weight. It’s a pleasure to be able to help in that capacity and we love nothing more than helping someone to feel better about themselves. When old clothes fit again, and the reflection in the mirror looks much more streamlined, it’s a great feeling. Surprisingly, or unsurprisingly depending on your health history and your shape journey over the years, most of the thousands of people we have worked with over the past decade plus are often more pleased about the non-aesthetic side effects that they experience as a result of regular resistance training and cardiorespiratory training. 1. They feel happier - happier in their own skin and in a better overall mood. 2. They live better - feeling more alive with fewer aches and pains. 3. They stay stronger - picking stuff up that they had thought was physically out of reach years ago. 4. They sleep deeper - and feel more awake with more energy throughout the day. 5. They think faster - exercise increases blood and nutrient flow to the brain. 6. They burden others less - the realisation that as they age, the healthier they are, the less strain they are on family and friends in the years ahead. 7. They inspire their children or grandchildren - kids are always watching and love to get involved. What better way to spend your time with younger generations who are at such an impressionable age. Having more energy is a big one. Tom and I truly believe ‘energy’ is one of the biggest markers of good health and a great life. Good energy is a game changer. Yes, ‘looking’ better is fantastic, but I would argue that feeling better trumps anything aesthetic-related. It’s also okay to have both. There is no drug or cocktail of drugs on the planet that is able to be prescribed by the medical industry that comes with the health and longevity benefits that regular movement and resistance training bring. If movement currently doesn’t make a regular feature in your week, figure out a way to make it happen, and it’s never too late to start. Pick a form of exercise you could grow to enjoy and gives you the endorphin lift you’ll grow to crave. Find an accountability partner or a team-based sport so that you are surrounded by a support network and other like-minded people.
Let us know by connecting with Tom on LinkedIn here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomdyercoaching/ or dropping us an email on hello@jessntom.com
Look at your average daily step count and try and get it close to 10,000 steps. Can you weave in a morning walk before the temperature gets up or a post-dinner walk when the day is cooler? Walk and talk meetings or the fold out treadmills whilst you work are becoming increasingly popular in the workplace for the health benefits that are becoming increasingly appreciated when it comes to keeping the body movement versus static. What are your thoughts? Do any of those 7 health benefits stand out to you and have you noticed these in your own life? Would you make any additions?
D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
WELLBEING
63
JULY 2023
Sea Sickness?
7 Natural Strategies to Tackle Travel Sickness on a Ferry The next 4 minutes of reading could really save your life, well your sea legs at least. I took a ferry from Mallorca to Menorca yesterday afternoon. It was the worst ferry trip I have ever had, and I have had a few hairy ones over the years. It was a small and fast car ferry, so little weight to hold it down. It is called Jaume III, some of you may know it well. On calm seas it is a great boat. However when sailing against the swell and a strong side wind, it is not so great.
took a cafe con leche 15 minutes to arrive. So I arrived hungry and ferry food was useless. Don’t be me, stock up on healthy stuff pre-trip. (In fairness to me, I was having a great time driving about little lanes off the beaten track to get to know Mallorca, hence sacrificing food, which I do a good job of eating every other day ;-)
The boat was doing what is known as corkscrewing apparently. Rises up, and to one side, then corkscrews down and to the other side. It reminded me of a slow roller coaster at Alton Towers. Usually this would make me reach for the speciality bags they have on the back of every seat. Many others were suffering badly, really badly. But not me yesterday thankfully, here are some life savers that I wanted to share!
Another game changer for me yesterday was focusing on taking long slow, deep breaths. 5 seconds in through the nose and then I made the exhale as long as I could stomach. Bonus - escape the ship’s interior and experience the invigorating embrace of the open air. Soak up the natural light too, unless it’s a night crossing. I didn’t escape the interior as i was so focused on staying where I was.
1. Go Ginger
6. Mindset: Calm Amidst the Waves
Who knew, but there is untold power in ginger - a natural remedy renowned for its ability to calm even the most turbulent waves of travel sickness. I did not know this, but bought some natural travel sickness tablets that contained ginger one hour before travel. Life saver!! You can also get inventive and have a shot of ginger (Pret sell them, if in UK), or a ginger lozenge, ginger ale. Not sure about a Moscow Mule though.
I had to fight with my mind. It was telling me how bad the trip was, that my car would move it’s position, that I was going to be sick. I was hearing others doing the last part and I had to ‘have a word’ with myself and reset my mind. The breathing helped with this. You may want to listen to calming music. In hindsight I should have as it would have taken my focus away from the people around me and the stewards walking about with sick bags and wearing rubber gloves ;-)
2. Seasickness Survival Kit Arm yourself with a well-prepared collection of anti-nausea essentials, carefully chosen for your comfort. Explore the world of acupressure wristbands (arm yourself pun), aromatherapy oils - ginger oil and grapefruit oils are great, and effective herbal remedies, like the one I took that will keep motion discomfort at bay.
5. Breathe
7. Pick your seat wisely Seat position is important. Explore different areas of the ferry, from the centre for stability to the lower deck for added comfort. I sat right in the middle, as the ferry was not full. I also paid a little extra for a reclining seat as laying as flat as you can helps too. This makes a big difference.
3. Fix Your Gaze, Steady Your Course
Conclusion:
Fixing my gaze upon a stable point on the horizon really helped, allowing my brain to recalibrate its perception of motion. This time-tested technique really helped me maintain balance while others were not so balanced! Helps stop the dizziness.
I was lucky yesterday. I think taking the ginger supplement was the main factor, but they all came into play. Well apart from number 4. Be prepared and save this as you never know it may be a lifesaver one day as it was for me yesterday.
4. You are What you eat
PS the boat in the pic is the pilot boat that greeted us just as we arrived at Ciutadella, Menorca. So happy to see this little tug boat.
Look to eat easily digestible, non-greasy snacks and meals that won’t burden your stomach. Naturally I failed here, I had tried to get some healthy food on the way to the ferry terminal but failed as the amazing place I stopped at only opened yesterday and it
Nutrition Support - Personal Training - Yoga - Island Hikes - Cooking Workshops www.jessntom.com
ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
READER’S CORNER
64
JULY 2023
PIG TALES DOTTY’S TROTTERS - PIG PMS
By Rachael Adams
to my mother’s trouser leg. She follows her everywhere and ev sleeps next to her. Sometimes they’ll have a full-on row even an and bawl at each other for ages about nothing! O Over the years I’ve devised strategies to manage her ho hormonal rampages. One of her tricks is to stand stock sstill with her head down and refuse to budge - presumably bbecause she hopes I’m a boar. This poses a problem as she w weighs 70 kilos. The only way around it is to off-balance her bby lifting her back trotters high in the air and wheelbarrowing hher forwards! No small feat either. Another naughtiness is to gguard the gate…which I thought was cute until I realised w what she was really plotting… One day Dot’s piggy stars aligned; mam was in a hurry to get to work, and Dot was in a hurry to find a boyfriend. The Toyota Yaris was hurriedly reversed out of the drive at 3 minutes past 3, while pig stood stock still in the middle of the road. An ageing lady with a rickety hip, mam hadn’t quite mastered the wheelbarrow technique. And all the other rickety lot at the hospital where she works as a nurse were waiting for her to get there to sort them out. So, stupidly, ma mam left the gate open, threw a sausage in it and hoped pig would go home. I was conveniently in Madagascar at the time. Pig, instead, zoomed off as fast as a pot belly can zoom, right down the street to the roundabout. Which of course was being manned by the Guardia Civil, as is their wont in these trying Menorcan times. I learnt later that they impounded her. That my sister had to borrow someone’s van and pick her up from Es Pinaret. That my mam had to pay 100e… Now what is the matter with that gissy*? A God-almighty staccato of earsplitting squeals is doing speedy laps of the garden. Dot barges through the door, trotters clacking on the tiles, jumps right up on the couch and bites me! She’s so cute at 6 months old, I love her to bits. We play ‘hidey-under-theblanket’ and she squeals again in disgust then charges off for another lap of the grounds. It’s not her fault she’s a teenager. When my pot-bellied pig got to six months of age her front bum swelled up and she went berserk. I call her ‘warehog’ today because she’s on her piggy moon days. These consist of two days of screaming and one day of crying and being extra clingy. Her mood changes every second, and pigs can scream louder than a jet engine. My family and the population of western Menorca will have to endure it for the rest of her life. Unfortunately, pigs never get the menopause. Most mammals don’t. Only humans, pilot, and killer whales do. According to the ‘grandmother hypothesis’, in long-living species like ours with close-knit families, grandmothers forfeit having more children of their own. In this way, they can help care for their grandchildren and there is more food, firewood etc. to go around. Dot comes into heat every 21 days. A quick check under her tail confirms we’re in for it again. Her fits can be at any time of the day or night. The first two dreadful days she screams like a deranged hoyden; she’ll tear all around the garden and even up flights of stairs to do laps of the roof. Her legs are minute so she never usually goes up stairs. But in times of need, she puts her snout on the step then levers her whole body up in the air and hooks a trotter onto the step! Her third day is spent crying and, for some strange reason, attached
The little pink slip of official paper states “Small Vietnamese pig circulating unaccompanied on a public right of way”. The box saying gender is ticked to female. They got that right! I thought it was hilarious and was having a right chuckle until a few days later…a few days after the new people moved in next door. The bloody police came round again! “There’s been complaints you’re housing a warthog”. “Eh!?” I gestured to Dot in the yard a few feet behind me. She was mercifully quiet for once, busy eating her dates from the palm trees like butter wouldn’t melt in her snout. They all burst out laughing. Then I, also capable of a rapidly changing mood, mercurial they say, went round to pay the new neighbours a quick visit – funnily enough we’ve never had any trouble since- and Dot has been squealing to her heart’s content. I sit with her dozing at my feet as I write this. And wonder to myself what considerations most people worry about before acquiring their first-ever pig. Rootling the lawn up? Or raiding the kitchen, perhaps? Probably not piggy PMS. Spaying must be done before the pot belly appears – otherwise, surgery is too invasive and further complicated by the need for a special anaesthetic. Therefore, most vets in Menorca aren’t willing to do it. And we didn’t find the right one until after she developed her fully formed paunch. If only we’d known what we were letting ourselves in for! Find a video of her being naughty on her Instagram #dottytrotters ‘Gissy’ is a dying-out Geordie term for pig. I’m Geordie so am going to use it as much as possible throughout my articles.
D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T
READER’S CORNER
65
JULY 2023
FUN IN THE SUN E N G L I S H C RY P T I C Across
Down
1. Suites in each amber space. (8)
1. Stitch rope. (5)
6. Beige ship. (5) 7. Brenda hides a gun, (4)
2. Camera I shake about the country. (7)
8, Leading light. (4)
3. Corrupt singer. (6)
9. Health club in despair. (3)
4. Collect sequence of prayers. (5)
10. Transmit time from east to west. (4)
5. Satisfied? Everyone agreed, seemingly. (7)
11. Interferes with gongs, we hear.(6)
6. Makes a messy secret. (7)
13. Summer flavour. (6)
12. Menorca amended relationship. (7)
14. Protect dope purpose. (6) 17. Adenoidal quadruped? (6) 18. Rushes back for a car journey. (4) 20. President of Ikea? (3)
13. Isle can adapt for plant. (7) 15. Investigate, or expel, somehow. (7)
21. Chastise eldest son, soundly. (4)
16. Aim for top of the tower feature (6)
22. Drink in Portugal. (4)
17. Dye in Chennai, (5).
23. Cut into man? (5)
19. Observes jottings. (5)
24. Doughnuts being set differently. (8)
S PA N I S H TO E NG L I S H Across
Down
1. Cortinas. (8)
1. Curva. (5)
6. Solído. (5)
2. Acordar. (7)
7. Erupción. (4)
3. Ágil. (6)
8. Tizon. (4)
4. Vaso. (5)
9. Ver. (3)
5. Anuncios. (7)
10. Anguilas. (4)
6. Cuentos. (7)
11. Bengalas. (6)
12. Águilas pescadoras. (7)
13. Queso. (6)
13. Arrugado. (7)
14. Vallas. (6)
15. Encadenado. (7)
17. Pirata. (6)
16. Estrecho. (6)
18. Granero. (4)
17. Probar. (5)
20. Aire. (3)
19. Anotado. (5)
21. Año. (4) 22. Unidad. (4) 23. Cantante. (5) 24. Varado. (8)
Crossword 2 Answers Across. 1. Curtains. 6. Solid. 7. Rash. 8. Smut. 9. See. 10. Eels. 11. Flares. 13. Cheese. 14. Fences. 17. Pirate. 18. Barn. 20. Air. 21. Year. 22. Unit. 23. Elvis. 24. Stranded. Answers Down. 1. Curve. 2. Resolve. 3. Nimble. 4. Glass. 5. Adverts. 6. Stories. 12. Ospreys. 13. Creased. 15. Chained. 16. Strait. 17. Prove. 19. Anotado. Crossword 1 Answers Across. 1. Chambers. 6. Camel. 7. Bren. 8. Star. 9. Spa. 10. Emit. 11. Medals. 13. Season. 14. Defend. 17. Hoarse. 18. Spin. 20. Ike. 21. Cain. 22. Port. 23. Lance. 24. Beignets. Answers Down. 1. Cable. . 2. America. 3. Rotten. 4. Amass. 5. Allayed. 6. Creates. 12. Romance. 13. Sanicle. 15. Explore. 16. Aspire. 17. Henna. 19. Notes.
ROQ U E TA M AGA ZI N E . N E T
ROQUETA
MARKET PLACE
66
JULY 2023
www.roquetamagazine.net Publisher: John Davies Editor: Liz Parr Printer: LV Grupo Grafico y de Communication, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat Dep Legal ME: 187/1973 No. Registro: 1037/3.992 The Publisher reserves the right to edit any material submitted for publication.
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WRITING TALENT ROQUETA is always looking for new writing talent to enhance the content of the magazine. If you would like to make a regular or occasional contribution, we would love to hear from you. The subject matter is always Menorca focused and the topics that we are specifically looking for are in the areas of maritime and nautical matters, recipes, music, entertainment and fashion. If you would like to be a part of the ROQUETA team, then drop me an email. Please outline your general area of interest, suggest a few specific themes within this area that you could address, and attach a sample article of no more than 500 words that you would consider appropriate for publication in ROQUETA. info@roquetamagazine.net TO RENT: Large family villa in Es Castell. Quiet location overlooking Calas Fonts and the harbour of Mahon and a few minute’s walk from restaurants, shops and all the amenities of Es Castell. Not a resort. 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 sitting rooms, pool, garden, BBQ, terraces in a residential area with wonderful views. No air conditioning but high up so always a breeze. Fans for all bedrooms. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms downstairs, 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms upstairs. Very well-equipped kitchen as it is a family home. Wifi, toys and children’s books. TV for DVDs only. 2 cots, stair gates, 2 highchairs etc. 2023 fully booked but now booking 2024 mid June - early September. Contact owner email stevos.chiswick@btconnect.com or 00447917717919 FOR SALE Furniture/Household items Sofas, Dining table/chairs, Coffee tables, Armchairs, Yamaha Upright Piano & Piano Stool, Book cases, Bedside tables, Mirrors, Rugs, Curtains, Lamps, Paintings, Single bed hardly used, Designers Guild single bedding duvet sets/sheets, vases, candlesticks, cushions, throws, cafetières, lovely ornamental items, DVD’s/ CD’s, books, plant pots. Contact Angie for further information: angie@roquetamagazine.net FOR SALE Designer Clothing/Shoes for sale Vintage/pre-owned Designer label clothing for sale size 8/10 and Designer label shoes for sale size 4/37. Gucci/ Dolce & Gabbana/Prada and many more. Contact Angie for further information: angie@roquetamagazine.net Tofinou 9.5 Sailing Boat. year 2006. New paint and varnish in May 2022. New cruising sails, full set of racing sails with gennaker and code 0. Trailer. 90000€ tel John 609851186/ email menorcajohn@gmail.com Harley Davidson 1200 custom, 2004 injection and 6500km. Price 8500 euros Call John for photos and spec of this beautiful bike. 609851186/ menorcajohn@gmail.com Triumph Thunderbird 900 custom, 1999, around 50k kilometers, all parts to restore bike to original, 5000 euros Tel 609851186 for photos menorcajohn@gmail.com
SERVICES Veterinary surgeon Caroline Langlois opened in Mahón, in Plaza Ibiza, Santa Victòria 30 on June 27th. After 15 years practising in her own clinic near Paris, she will be delighted to welcome her new patients (in English, Spanish and French)! More information and appointments by phone or Whatsapp. (+34) 685 753 292. vetmenorca@gmail.com Sports/Remedial, Cranial & Reflexologist Therapist. Experienced and fully qualified. Tel Vicki +34 680227145 Physiotherapy and Acupuncture. Jan Peter Van de Graaf, Calle Madrid 22, Bajo Mahon. Tel: 971350850 619500200 Mehoca Lavenderia. Professional laundry service for business and the public. Calle de Sa Volta, 11-12, Poligono Sant Lluis. +34 971 15 15 91 laundry@menorcahomecare.com D O N ’ T M I S S A N E D I T I O N , S U B S C R I B E T O D AY ! V I S I T: R O Q U E TA M A G A Z I N E . N E T