Gozo

gozo The Malta Independent on Sunday 6 August 2017

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The TRADITIONS continue

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n the year following their exceptional centenary celebrations the Magro Brothers’ Group of Companies has done anything but rest on its laurels. A little more than six months into 2017 the family firm has both won a very prestigious international award and, very recently, launched a new product in its famously popular Three Hills brand. But we’ll come to that later.

Firstly, Magro Brothers decided to take part in an exhibition they had not attended before. They chose the 2017 Gulfood Annual Food and Beverage exhibition. It is the largest of its kind in the world and is held in Dubai. As one of three companies from Malta, and the only one from Gozo, they joined 4,000 exhibitors from all over the world. Just imagine the competition!

And, the winner in the Best Condiment or Sauce Class was Spoon Stock, one of Magro Brothers’ latest creations. This convenient ingredient not only comes as beef, chicken, fish or vegetable stock, but is also fat and hydrogenated fat free, with 40% less salt than most cubes, and containing no monosodium glutamate, lactose or gluten – exactly what so many cooks, from family kitchens to multistarred restaurants, are looking for in today’s health- awareness world; and certainly the very definition of innovative.

A handsome trophy, brought back to Gozo, shows how Pinto’s Pride ticked all the boxes for the judges by following the company’s policy of continuing to develop the best lines for today and the future.

And this brings us to their latest delicious idea, Il-Ħelwa based, not surprisingly, on tomatoes and a Savina artisan product, totally in keeping with the

ethos of using the best local products in a time-honoured way. It is a fresh take on a condiment that buż-nanna would have worked so hard to prepare using only tomatoes, a little salt and a little sugar to create a dark, rich sundried tomato kunserva.

Twenty-first century production methods have replaced the labour of sieving kilos of tomatoes by hand, adding some salt and hanging the pulp in cotton bags to drain thoroughly before stirring in a little sugar and spreading the paste thinly in shallow dishes to lie in the sun, absorbing its heat and developing an intense sun-dried tomato flavour all of its own.

What better way to combine Gozo’s wonderful abundance of rich ripe tomatoes and Mediterranean sunlight. Within 24 hours of being picked, each crop is already being processed into the product for which it is destined.

Il-Ħelwa is available in shops and supermarkets now. And is sure to take its place among the classic foods for which the company is so well known. New and delicious ways of enjoying its versatility are ours to discover. And why not share the taste of sunshine by posting your ideas for original serving suggestions for Il-Ħelwa on the Three Hills Brand facebook page?

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The beautiful Gozo harbour that welcomes visitors today

Forty years on…

A GOZITAN ODYSSEY Jon Rosser remembers the effort it once took to get to and fro to Gozo

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et me be clear on this: I am a total unabashed Gozo-phile. I love the place and have done ever since my first visit, more than 40 years go.

To be quite frank, that very first trip over to our sister island was something of a struggle. Not the actual getting there, that was a doddle; well… but when I informed my then work colleagues in Malta that I quite fancied a day in Gozo, their reaction was unequivocal: “But why do you want to go there?

Don’t waste your time, there’s nothing there.” Of course, this flow of neverending negativity only made me more determined to go. And I am so glad I did.

In the first paragraph I implied that getting to and from Gozo was quite easy, in actual fact it wasn’t. Back in the 1970s if you wanted to visit Gozo with your car you had to take the car ferry MV Jylland from Marfa quay. There was one trip in the morning with the return voyage in the afternoon, at around 4pm as I recall. This meant no Sunday morning lie-in, you had to up at sparrow’s fart to drive all the way up to Marfa, to get in the queue, in order to ensure you

actually got on the ferry. Then the same was due in reverse, when you wanted to return. Miss the boat and you had to stay the night.

A word about the ferryboat itself; the Jylland was a ropey old tub that had been acquired second, third or fourth hand, after spending years plying the waters around sundry Scandinavian ports. Cars were obliged to board it through a door in its side. I used to be in awe of the skill of the ferry employees whose job it was to squeeze in as many vehicles as possible without causing major shunts or losing a few overboard. As I recall facilities on board were basic, a far cry from the comparatively modern vessels that criss-cross the Gozo channel these days.

You disembarked in Mġarr onto a pretty basic quay next to quite a large car park and bus terminus. The next stop, assuming you and your car had made it across in one piece, had to be ItTokk in Victoria for coffee and pastizzi.

This was something of a ritual I was to discover and, I have to say, the cheesecakes sold from one particular bar were tremendous.

The drive up to Victoria from the ferry was pretty similar to what it is now. Oh sure there wasn’t the building develop-

ment we endure today, but many old landmarks survive, at least the ones that haven’t been dropped to accommodate new showrooms or blocks of flats.

In those far off days I used to love just strolling around the villages like Nadur or Xagћra or San Lawrenz. You would see far more women wearing the traditional gћonella or faldetta as they scurried to and from church. Most of the men from Gozitan villages either worked in agriculture or fishing. They often wore wide brimmed straw hats, square necked flannel shirts and baggy trousers that ended just below the knee.

Sandals were an optional extra.

Many of my Malta-based friends used to make for the beach resorts like Xlendi or Marsalforn, but not before ordering lunch in one of the not so plentiful restaurants back in those days. I can remember being taken to a small dark bar in the back streets of Marsalforn, to be ushered into the tiny kitchen at the rear to select what the lady in charge would cook me for my lunch. When I see the plethora of eating places that abound on Gozo today, I think back to those far off days when you could count the number of Gozitan restaurants and cafes on one hand, and still have fingers left over.

In fact one of the most striking metamorphoses that planet Gћawdex has undertaken is in the realm of tourism. Back in the 1970s you rarely saw any European tourists on the island, tourism just hadn’t arrived. Fast forward 40 years and you can hardly move for Euro visitors. But, I have to say that Gozo does seem to attract a very nice type of holiday-maker; people who appreciate the aesthetics of both the people and the place. Way, way back in the early 1970s I can remember a good friend – who later made quite a splash in the movie world – negotiating a price with a wizened old Gozitan lady to take a photo of her and her donkey cart progressing down Xagћra hill. She asked some exorbitant price, he offered much less. For the record: the old lady won.

Not that long ago most people in Gozo neither locked their front doors or indeed removed the key or muftiћ from the lock. I well remember seeing whole streets of houses with the keys in their locks, wonderful. Today I see this less and less; progress or what?

So yes Gozo has changed; some might even say she has progressed. I can see and – in part – agree with this view, but way back then or bang up to date Gozo will never lose its charm for me. Viva Gћawdex!

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This People reacted with surprise, outrage and even amusement as new signs appeared in their village, until they saw where they were leading.

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oel Formosa, the insightful mayor of San Lawrenz, explained that he was concerned about using the D word in the village’s drive to make every one aware that it is actively dementia friendly. But, at the end of the day, dementia is dementia, whatever you call it. And its effects are devastating.

Noel Formosa However, the initial reaction that everyone would think the villagers were ‘mġienen’ or that the value of their property would plummet, while possibly understandable at first, actually proved too hasty.

Now the elderly residents, in Dar San Lawrenz or their own homes, and their families have the assurance their fellow inhabitants are making every effort to understand any difficulties and particular needs they may have.

The idea of a dementia-friendly community was the brainchild Justyne Caruana, then Parliamentary Secretary for the Right of Persons with Disability and Active Ageing. Now the Minister for Gozo, she continues to support everything the town is doing to ensure the community realises what such a project means and how they can help.

Formosa explained how, as a small community with a diverse population and variety of civic activities, San Lawrenz is ideally suitable to be the first location putting the policy into practice. He was pleased with the attendance for the initial meeting, to introduce the idea and is delighted with the growth of support ever since.

Those with sufferers in their family have been helped by having an exchange of clear information about the condition, which can manifest itself in so many different ways.

And although it is progressive and incur-

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village cares

keeping in touch with relatives and taking a little the time to empathise and relate to them she finds it easy to help whenever necessary.

At every stage of this project Formosa has sought the advice of medical experts and professional carers about how to explain what dementia is and how it affects suffers and those they live and interact with, to what being a dementia-friendly town means and how they can all help. Experts come as speakers and to advise on everything from signposts to communicating with someone who may be lost and confused. And they suggest many practical ways someone can provide practical help and some respite to those who look able they now have access to the many ways it can be managed and the support that is needed.

Those with no experience of the illness, who perhaps thought there was little or nothing they could do are grateful for a way to show support and neighbourly kindness. And such is the atmosphere within the civic centre and all over the village, you just know what a happy sense of purpose this gives everyone.

From the football and band clubs to shops, bars and restaurants representatives volunteer help and turn up at regular meetings to make sure life in a dementia-friendly village is always, well, just a way of life.

The local primary school is also enthusiastically involved and it is a delight to know that many of its young students are bound to carry on the consideration for others that they began with this initiative.

Josephine runs the familyowned Central Store, which bears one of the stickers identifying it as a welcome place for all shoppers. She explained the many ways she is now able to help customers who may have forgotten what they came in for, or wander out without paying.

By choosing her words carefully,

after a dementia patient 24/7.

He plans to stay up to date with all medical research and new treatments, plus developments in the welfare department, for sufferers. As he points out, and as the first, locality in Europe, possibly even in the world, to officially declare its commitment to being the best place someone with dementia could live in, San Lawrenz is sending a message to others. What it has created, they would like others to follow and Noel Formosa and his council would be happy to share their experiences so far.

He is justifiably proud of being the mayor of a town that has taken what is probably not the most glamorous responsibility to its heart with such selfless deter-

mination to make it work. He says he would be proud for this part of his job to be remembered above any.

It is no exaggeration to say that, although it is early days yet, San Lawrenz is making a real difference with its new role in society. The Maltese islands have an aging population. Figures show cases of dementia are on the rise worldwide. By taking whatever action we can now we could be helping someone close to us, or even ourselves. No one knows where the disease might strike and everyone would like the reassurance that, if the worst were to happen, they could live in an environment that supported and cared enough for them to feel secure and at home.

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These inspirational mosaics represent the 20 mysteries of the Rosary. They were designed and made by Centro Aletti of Rome, under the supervision of Father Marco Rupnick, whose work is seen worldwide, including Lourdes and the Vatican

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Guiding SPIRITUAL reflection

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ucked into the tranquil valley, between Għarb and Għasri, stands the unique basilica of Ta’ Pinu. It is both a ‘local church’ for the people from around the island and a very special place of pilgrimage for travellers from around the world.

The importance of Ta’ Pinu as a church for contemplation and worship, rather than just a worldrenowned site to be ticked off on a tour, is being made even more clear by a project to enhance the environs of the church both aesthetically and spiritually.

The recent addition of a series of mosaics has transformed the entire parvis into what it should always represent – and that is not simply a church square. Based on traditions from the first millennium, it is a

The glorious mosaics now standing in the parvis of Ta’ Pinu really do enhance both its powerful beauty and simple spirituality.

sacred place of assembly for people to gather between the outside world in which they live, and the Church and communion with Christ.

These inspirational mosaics represent the 20 mysteries of the Rosary. They were designed and made by Centro Aletti of Rome, under the supervision of Father Marco Rupnick, whose work is seen worldwide, including Lourdes and the Vatican. But there are no signatures on these images because they are made by a group of dedicated religious artisans whose only aim is to create simple, narrative images, inspired by ancient murals and icons, that tell a story just as was done even centuries before Christ.

Their colours are both rich and vibrant and pale and soothing. Every single piece that makes up each wall is a natural stone; no tints or pigments were used. The gold leaf that adds such striking highlights, is kept in

place using an intricate and very skilled method of covering it with glass heated to precisely the correct temperature to seal and cover it so it cannot be damaged by the elements.

They are as beautiful and simple an expression of the Christian faith as possible, so all who see them can focus clearly on the message they illustrate. And there can be no doubt how well they have transformed what was once a dusty open car park, obstructing worshipers and distracting them during prayer and even services.

Fr Gerard Buhagiar, rector of Ta’ Pinu, sees it as an oasis of peace and a natural shrine and says his work is still the same as it would be in a small parish but on a larger scale. And he is noticing more pilgrims from Poland and Slovania joining those from Italy, Germany, Ireland and other Englishspeaking countries. He is proud, in a very good way, of the spiritual and practical plans for Ta’ Pinu’s to provide suitable facilities for these visitors, in keeping with its sanctity.

A simple retreat house and a biblical garden on Għammar Hill is envisaged. There are even plans to replace the acacia trees, which can make life uncomfortable for people with hay fever, and plant trees and shrubs that are mentioned in the bible.

Fr Buhagiar is also happy that Ta’ Pinu is now never really closed. If there are no services and the doors are locked, the parvis with its mosaics will provide a place of calm reflection and contemplation, whether it is under stars and moonlight or while dawn breaks over the hill.

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My Gozo

So many people fall in love with this charming island. We asked coach, writer and artist Geraldine Ann Ford what Gozo means to her.

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found out about Gozo in 2002. I had been living in the Canary Islands for 22 months and wanted to move to another island. Also, I was tired of having to speak Spanish most of the time. My friend suggested Malta and before long I moved there and found a beautiful apartment in Mellieћa. I had some of the best views on the island of Mellieћa Bay, the Maltese Channel and Gozo.

My landlord told me about Poetry on Gozo, so I phoned to say I would love to join the poets. I booked a guest house so I could stay have a look round this tiny island. The first people I met were Rob and Philomena Ricard in Philomena’s shop, which was in St George’s Square in those days. They made me feel so welcome and Rob was thrilled when I said I wanted to join Poetry on Gozo, or POG as we affectionately called it. Kate and Charles Nelson were also two of the first poets I met and they made me feel at home straightaway.

I lived in Mellieћa for 15 months, and in this time, I visited Gozo a few times. I could feel the energy of the island pulling me and my relationship with Gozo began. After moving to there, in 2003, I met many musicians, artists, writers, poets and people interested in the arts and spiritual subjects.

I left the island in December 2007 and went back to the UK for eight years.

However, Gozo was always in my heart and I returned on New Year’s Eve, 2015. It felt as if I had never been

away. Unfortunately, I had a near fatal heart attack last year, but you don’t get rid of me that easily; I have too much to do. I don’t think I’ve ever been bored in my life as there are so many things I’ve done and still want to do. However, I’ve had to take some things off my bucket list – the cardiac doctors won’t let me jump off a cliff in tandem with a hunky instructor, or fly in a hot air balloon.

Living on Gozo gives me the inspiration I need for my work. I wrote When the Spirit Moves You (available on Amazon) on ‘La Gomera’, a Canary Island. Writing a new book, which will be a follow up, has not happened yet, because I’ve been focussing on my artwork and clients.

I draw and paint Mandalas and design greeting cards and sell my cards with the proceeds going to the Critical Cardiac Unit, Gozo General Hospital. The cardiac team were marvellous when I was a patient there for 11 days and I want to give something back.

Metaphysics and the Law of Attraction has always been my favourite subject; it’s a

branch of philosophy that deals with being, knowing, identity, time, and space. I have helped many people over the years, especially when they are lost and don’t know which way to turn.

You cannot teach metaphysics as it needs to be experienced, but after an initial consultation/counselling session I give my clients tools to help them move forward in life. It is extremely fulfilling to be able to guide people and to see the look on their faces when they realise they have all the answers within; they just need a little nudge.

Some of my clients find themselves through art and writing. With meditations and certain exercises, I can bring out their hidden talents and work on the areas in their life where they need help. I love working this way as you cannot separate creativity and spirituality. Art, and especially writing, can be cathartic and Gozo is such a beautiful setting.

Working from home is something I enjoy and everyone who comes into my apartment feels peace and calm. I have fabulous

Living on Gozo gives me the inspiration I need for my work. I wrote When the Spirit Moves You (available on Amazon) on ‘La Gomera’, a Canary Island. Writing a new book, which will be a follow up, has not happened yet, because I’ve been focussing on my artwork and clients.

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sea views and it’s good when others can enjoy it too; especially if they have come from a city in Europe. Gozo has the energy they need and for most people it’s love at first sight.

Gozitans seem to accept others’ beliefs.

Well, certainly my Gozitan friends do, and there are places like Lotus Tal-Qalb; a lovely centre where people can go for therapies, treatments, yoga, dancing and more.

Having wonderful friends here, Gozitan, Maltese, British and other Europeans,

means they all bring something different to the island and to my life. Gozo is a feast for those interested in the arts and it amuses me when I hear some people on Malta referring to it as a ‘quiet island’. I once heard it called the island that never sleeps and it’s so true. The classical music scene is thriving and Gozo has two opera houses, putting on world class performances and there are many concerts to choose from. Live music is in abundance, in bars and restaurants. And I enjoy the acoustic nights at Xagћra Lodge. I belong to Crews and Cruise which means I can

mix with boating people and sometimes get a ride on one of their boats, plus we have some great social gatherings. There is so much do but I don’t have enough space to mention it all.

Most locals and foreigners know how lucky they are to live on such a beautiful and tranquil island. However, I don’t like the word luck. I believe life is what you make it. Now and again someone in the UK will comment on how lucky I am living on Gozo. But everyone has choices, though some have more than others. We are all personally responsible for the lives

we lead, mistakes and all! I might be called crazy, but I have a zest for life and many have said I am an inspiration to them, especially post heart attack.

I have seen a few changes on the Maltese islands since 2002. The new ferry and bus terminus were a welcome addition. I also noticed much more planting has been done and the roundabouts and grass verges look exceptional. There has been much more building which is a shame, but this happens all over. And, of course, more and more people are discovering Gozo. I would like to believe that the island’s charms and wonderful energy will always exist. The tunnel they want to build will be an asset for commuters. Personally, I think it will change Gozo, but I don’t have to commute daily to and from Malta. I am a guest living on this beautiful island and I don’t make it a habit to moan.

Gozo’s charm, energy and the laidback way of life is unique; there are many crystals found on the island and this is significant. There is a much friendlier atmosphere here than a lot of other places.

The crystal waters around the island are stunning and Marsalforn and Ħondoq are two of my favourite places to swim. It is certainly the ‘island of culture’ and this is a big draw for me in the work that I do. I have cut down since my heart attack, but students and clients, who visit from Malta and Europe have plenty to see and do.

Editor’s note: On July 27, Geraldine had three heart stents successfully fitted, so she has sent this message: I can do what I want now as it’s like having a new heart. So I’m going to make enquiries about abseiling. I have never done it before, but I am adventurous, and I want to raise some more money for the Critical Cardiac Unit, Gozo Hospital.

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AN ARTIST’S EYE

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Will Thompson, right

English artist and filmmaker Will Thompson, explains how Gozo has given him a fresh view of things.

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y name is Will, I'm 25 and I work from my studio in South London. Being dyslexic I always struggled academically throughout my education. The difficulty I faced growing up pushed me towards expressing myself through painting and creating artwork.

I would use word processing programs on my early Macintosh to create imagery and art pieces, whereas my peers would use the programs for their conventional intended use, which was to write essays.

This need to express myself through imagery has never faded and when I travel to new places, that enthusiasm to recreate what I see comes racing out. This is what happened when I first visited Malta and took the short ferry ride over to Gozo.

I was instantly attracted by the rugged landscapes, beautiful buildings, rich culture and beautiful coastline

and I felt the need to capture what I saw and create artwork. Having seen that most places sell traditional watercolour scenes I wanted to try something different and decided to put a modern twist on the vintage travel posters of the 1930s and 40s. I always liked their clean lines and stylised look and thought they would be perfect for the scenes of Malta and Gozo that I had photographed.

Growing up by the coast in Cornwall, South England, I’ve always been drawn to the sea and will forever hold a keen interest and bond with it when being creative. I have designed many posters of this area also. The waters around Malta and Gozo are so beautiful and unique with their intense colours. When I first saw the Blue Lagoon I knew I had to create some artwork that would try to do it justice.

Now, with family living and working in Gozo I have explored most of the island and it continues to inspire me. It's also a great place for me to disconnect from the stress of city life and find new creative ideas. The pace of life is very relaxed and Gozitans are very friendly, so it always feels like a weight lifts from my shoulders when I step off the ferry.

To see more of Will’s artwork log onto www.willthompson.co

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Feasting in Gozo Summer’s village festas and especially Santa Maria later this month, are well known for both their important religious processions and services and foodie celebrations.

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azy lunchtimes and the cooler evenings are enhanced by special weekend and holiday meals, either made at home or eaten out. Booking into a favourite place to eat, and in Gozo that can be anywhere from a bar to five-star restaurant, already knowing full well you are in for a treat is easily done. Discovering somewhere new is also a delight and there are more than enough opportunities for that too.

Gozo is blessed with a sizeable proportion of farm land and, more importantly, it is still farmed by people dedicated to a life that is, truth be told, a vocation. However satisfying it is to plant and harvest crops which feed and sustain fellow countrymen and women, or are exported far afield, farmers are subject to the laws of nature to a scary extent and we owe them plenty.

So, where do we find the fruits of the island? In markets and village shops much of the salad, vegetables and fruit on sale is from no further than a few kilometres away and even fewer days old. Fish from the seas around the island, cheeses, honey, wine and fenkata plus local and traditional dishes are so easily available.

And such a lot of eating places proudly cook and serve

wonderful, honest versions of healthy, flavourful Mediterranean menus.

There is never a better time to savour some of the slow-food options around. Anticipate the flavours and textures and the feel-good aspect of eating fine food and boosting your health. Away breaks and holidays are meant to do us good. Eating well will never be easier than when giving in to the temptations of at least three good meals a day, especially when you could even return home slimmer and fitter, and with delectable memories.

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Life on Gozo as a Frank Salt Real Estate letting consultant

Katya Gineve Scicluna

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have witnessed a huge boom in the rental industry in Gozo. When I initially started with Frank Salt Real Estate, I never imagined my tiny island could cater for such huge demand.

Today, I can proudly say that Gozo is a truly distinct destination, and often a second home to people from all over the world. The market is very fast paced and staying ahead requires access to a wide range of properties which can be rented out on demand - sometimes in less than an hour! There are a number of residential properties on Gozo from houses, to apartments and farmhouses that are only used occasionally, sometimes only once or twice a year. If these properties are listed with us, we ensure that we advertise them correctly, both online and in press, find suitable tenants and manage the process efficiently from start to finish.

Understandably owners can feel that having to deal with rentals is a daunting experience, especially if something goes wrong. You can be reassured that Frank Salt Real Estate letting agents are trained to assist in every possible way and can ensure that a handsome rental income comes your way. We are there to assist owners on how to rent out a property at the right price, and help find the ideal home for prospective tenants. We strive to establish good and lasting relationships and we have built up a reputation as Gozo’s leading real estate agent.

If you’re considering purchasing a residential property on Gozo as a buy-to-let, you need to act fast. Stamp duties have been reduced from five to two per cent provided the promise of sale agreement has been registered by the Inland Revenue Department by the end of 2017. For more information on how to register your property with us for rental, or to purchase a property, please contact our Gozo office on +356 2210 2000.

Katya Gineve Scicluna is a Letting Consultant at Frank Salt Real Estate Gozo branch. www.franksalt.com.mt

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The Aurora

The HILLS are alive.... with the notes of opera

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ast year, the Aurora theatre celebrated its 40th anniversary. This year it is marking 40 years of opera on the Gozo. Years which have seen this very popular, form of musical entertainment grow from modest, amateur performances for a local audience into sophisticated, full-scale performances, given by artists of the highest calibre. And do not think for one moment that there is anything easy about producing and staging a production on so grand a scale.

Matthew Sultana, secretary of the Leone Philarmonic Society shared some of what a cast and crew can face, from the first rehearsal call till before the final curtain, for a production being performed each October.

In July the local singers, most of whom will be members of the chorus, begin their rehearsals; and that includes classes warm-ups, movement and acting skills.

The principals, well-known and much admired singers from opera companies abroad, are usually heavily in demand.

But since they already know their roles, and have probably been singing them for several years, they need only arrive about 10 days before the opening night, in time to absorb their stage moves and the whereabouts of quick-change and make-up areas back stage, during technical and dress rehearsals.

Technically, the most amazing sets are built and painted on stage. Lighting is often supplemented by hired equipment

The cast in a production of La Traviata to add extra effects. There are all the props, set fittings, and make-up, which often has to depict anything but ordinary-looking characters, to be found.

And, of course, the wonderful costumes; several hundred pieces needing the utmost care and attention, are hired from abroad for such rich and glamorous productions.

This is all extremely tight and we can only imagine the drama of a leading soprano falling ill and having to be replaced, less than a week before a performance – with no understudies standing by. Then there was the occasion when the theatre’s air-conditioning system mutinied, just before a performance.

For various reasons the only answer was to pass a giant pipe over the roof and through the window of a dressing room,

Photo: Sean Sultana housing practically the entire costume department. But, it was all right on the night and everyone stayed cool, in all senses of the word.

For 2017, opera fans are in for a special treat. The Aurora is doing something it has not done since the 1977, when Flavia Tabilic began a long and affectionate link with the theatre as Madame Butterfly.

Her daughter has continued the connection. And Matthew is keen to point out how often foreign singers, musical and artistic directors and choreographers, allow local artists and technicians to shadow them and share all their skills and tricks of the trade. This generosity has a huge effect, on the morale of whole companies and has forged lasting friendships.

Thousands of euro go into staging these operas. Audiences have matured and

know what to expect. They have travelled to, or watched live links, from great opera houses in Europe and beyond. At the Aurora there is a determination that local fans, and those who arrange holiday visits or special tours to coincide with an opera, should have only the best.

So, the productions chosen to mark this special anniversary are Cavallieri Rusticana and I Pagliacci two complimentary plots in true opera tradition being performed at the Aurora for the first time.

We should all be proud and thankful that Gozo, an island half the size of many towns in other countries, is able to stage such shows and that so many good people are prepared to muster their resources to give their all to keep this enthusiasm alive for the next 40 years, at least.

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TWO SUPER SUMMER SNACKS

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BROOKIES RESTAURANT & MUSIC CAFÉ LOUNGE Housed in a extensively renovated, 300-year-old farm house, adjoining a number of natural caves, Brookies décor is an attraction In itself particularly the circular wine cellar displaying over 170 wines.

After taking in the surroundings, we recommend sinking your teeth into one of the many house speciality’s and enjoy the freshness and how they present and serve the food for clients. Don’t forget or leave Brookies without trying the house dessert specials specially the chocolate fondant . There is the Music lounge upstairs for private functions like Bachelors, Hen’s party’s Afternoon tea and even small weddings and enjoy one of the best views of the Cittadella. In 2016 Brookies Awards Quality Assured Restaurant and won as well Best in class Award from Malta and Gozo and at the end of 2016

our chef won the Gozo young tourism worker of the year. In 2017 Brookies won for the second time in a row The Best in Class Award.

IL-KANTRA RESTAURANT

Mġarr ix-Xini, nestling on part of the Ta’ Ċenc territory.

Recently discovered by Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt who used part of the Ta’ Ċenċ terrain for their movie By the Sea location, and the Kantra Lido as their hideout.

While enjoying a breath-taking view of the Maltese Islands for lunch or dinner, il-Kantra Restaurant offers a variety of Sicilian as well as local cuisine, rich with fresh fish and tender meat specialties

Open from Wed – Mon 6.30 -10.30pm Sunday lunch 12-2.30pm Address 1/2 Wied Sara Victoria Gozo 99552473/77074215/21550924

Anchovy Stuffed Egg INGREDIENTS: • • • • • •

4 medium size eggs, hard-boiled and peeled 5 anchovies, drained and finely chopped 50g Ħanini Original Spreadable Cheese 25g Mayor Garlic Sauce Fresh parsley, finely chopped Salt and Pepper

METHOD Halve the eggs lengthwise; remove the yolks and place in a bowl with the anchovies. Mash the yolks and the anchovies with a fork.

When well blended, add the Ħanini Original Spreadable Cheese, Mayor Garlic Sauce and parsley. Season to taste.

Fill the egg whites evenly with the yolk mixture and chill for a couple of hours in the fridge. To serve, garnish with some chopped parsley and serve at room temperature.

For perfect hardboiled eggs, switch off the heat when the water reaches boiling point, let the eggs stand for 15 mins. Drain the eggs and fill the pot with cold water. Set aside until the eggs are cold.

Known for hundreds of years as ‘il-Kantra’, because of its savage beauty and its clear, limpid waters, it is located in the rocky fjord inlet of

ICE CREAM ANYONE?

Bruschetta INGREDIENTS • • • • •

8 Maltese bread slices, toasted 150g Three Hills Kunserva, or Il-Ħelwa, for spreading 135g Stukku Basil, for spreading 250g tub Ħanini Irkotta Salt & Pepper

METHOD Toast the bread. Spread with a layer of Three Hills Kunserva, or IlĦelwa, and another layer of Stukku Basil. Top with lightly mashed Ħanini Irkotta.

Season to taste and serve.

Ice cream makes everything better – be there stressful days, or ordinary days that just need a boost. Waitrose will make your better days, the best days.

Many will also agree that dessert is the most wonderful part of a meal, and of all desserts, ice cream is a prime contender for the best dessert. We would like to give you three reasons for this.

First, you will find it difficult to meet anyone, from any part of the world, who does not think that ice cream is one of the best desserts. Most will argue that ice cream not only tastes delicious and can soothe those steaming hot days, but the experience of eating ice cream brings back happy, childhood memories.

Second, we have yet to come across a dessert which can rival the creamy smoothness, or the delicious feeling of this soft, cold dessert as it slips down the throat. One will be hard pressed to find any other food that feels as good and clean in your mouth or of any food that comes in so many mouth-watering flavours.

Third, while it might not yet be a complete meal

on its own, it can be served after almost every meal, for almost everyone likes ice cream. Whether you’re hosting important guests, or are just entertaining family and friends, ice cream is the perfect after-meal treat.

Waitrose makes sure the experience of enjoying ice cream is memorable.

Starting with the selection of milk cream from dairy farmers, with an established track record of quality and animal welfare, and finishing with a wide variety of traditional and exotic flavours, no detail is overlooked. To your guests, family or friends you may propose the Waitrose mainstay Madagascan Vanilla ice-cream, flavoured using the world’s best vanilla pods from Madagascar, or the exotic Malaysian Coconut and Lime, or the exciting Salted Vanilla and Passion Fruit Sorbet. What’s certain is, whichever flavour you’d like to propose, your best choice will always be Waitrose.

Waitrose is exclusively available at Arkadia Foodstore in Portomaso & Gozo and FoodExpress at Axis-Paceville & Swatar

20

AUGUST 2017

GOZO’S SIMPLE CHARMS

No matter how many days you spend peering around in alleyways, exploring the countryside, strolling through the villages or cruising the coastline, Gozo will always give you a different point of view.

Whatever time of day, night or year there is somewhere you will find intriguing, magical and amazing, whatever you are looking for.

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