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How Malta got its first granita | by spunt.mt

How Malta got its first granita | by spunt.mt
Jun 1 2023 Share

Summer is round the corner, and nothing says “sajf” like a cup of cold tasty slush. And since ice cream vans are already playing the Maltese summer soundtrack, today we look back at Malta’s relationship with cold summer desserts.

It’s 3pm on a quiet August Saturday. The heat outside is unbearable, and you are comfortable indoors under the continuous whirling sound of your trusted fan. All of a sudden, you hear the sweet melody of the ice cream van round the corner. Nothing beats the speed at which we put on our flip-flops to rush out to meet our beloved granita. If this sounds very Maltese to you, that’s because it is.

Summers in Malta have always been tough. Back in the days of the Orderthe Maltese already had a tasty, icy dessert to beat the heat. Back then, sorbets were the craze all over the island. One problem though. Where did the ice come from?

The keen observer may have noticed that for all their grand buildings, majestic fortresses and fine art, the Knights did not have refrigerators. But they had very fast ships.

Enter the Tartana della Neve.

The Tartana della Neve is the modern-day equivalent of a speed boat. It was able to travel from Malta to Sicily in under 12 hours. The Maltese were so crazy about their sorbets, that they purchased their own caves on top of Mount Etna to harvest ice there.

The process is a showcase of production efficiency. A contractor oversaw the supply of ice all year round and paid a fine for every day he failed to deliver it. With ice, especially in summer, time is of the essence. On top of the Etna, it would be compressed, packed, loaded onto mules and boarded on the Tartana, which would lie in wait at port.

In 1770 the merchant in charge of this whole enterprise was Salvatore Vella. He had his ‘ice depot’ just where today we have Victoria Gate. From there, all the ice cream makers and confectioners of Valletta bough their ice. The ice would also be used to treat patients at the Knights’ Sacra Infermeria.

We even have evidence of the first documented gelateria – under the arches in Valletta, and the first sorbet recipe book – by Michele Mercieca, written in 1748. So, what would a sorbet have tasted like?

In 1746, Grand Master Pinto, while overlooking his fleet sailing out of the Grand Harbour, ordered a refreshing, bitter, bergamot orange sorbet. This sorbet was made from bergamot orange trees at Verdala, sugar imported from the Caribbean, cinnamon from the Pacific, Sicilian ice and of course, a touch of Maltese flair.

This article was brought to you by Malta Daily X spunt.mt

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Restoration Works on the paintings of the Interior Roof of Żurrieq Parish Church underway

Restoration Works on the paintings of the Interior Roof of Żurrieq Parish Church underway
Jun 1 2023 Share

The restoration work on the interior ceiling paintings of the Parish Church of Zurrieq has been started, through funding from Arts Council Malta.

This work was necessitated after that the paintings on the ceiling above the altar had crumbled almost completely, and the need was felt to have a direct intervention that would bring back to life the artistic beauty of this upper part of the ceiling.

The Minister for National Heritage, Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici said that, “Due to the damage that the paintings suffered over the years, it has now been decided that these paintings should be redone, and in a way that complements the artistic works that already exist in the Żurrieq Parish Church.”

He said that the Government is committed to continue investing in the religious patrimony of our country and claimed that this work joins a series of interventions that have taken place in various churches and chapels spread throughout Malta.

The architect in charge of the works, Daniel Darmanin, explained: “A temporary roof made of beams and wood has been built, to create access to the roof, while the space in the Church can continue to be used while it is being built the work. This temporary roof will give the opportunity for the existing damages to be studied closely and the necessary interventions will be screened before the painting can be done.”

These paintings will be painted by the Artist Manuel Farrugia.

Present for this news conference were also the Members of the Zurrieq Local Council and the Archpriest Daniel Cardona.

This project will be implemented with an investment of EUR 60,000, partially co-funded by Arts Council Malta.

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Airline to start weighing passengers before flying

Airline to start weighing passengers before flying
Jun 1 2023 Share

Air New Zealand has started weighing passengers before they board international flights to determine average passenger weight. 

Saying that knowing such information could improve fuel efficiency in the future, the weight will be anonymously recorded in a database but not made visible to airline staff or other passengers. 

Survey participation is voluntary, with the last time the airline doing so being in 2021. In a press statement, the airline said that now that international travel is back up and running, it is time for international flyers to weigh in. 

Spokesman Alastair James said that knowing the weight of everything that goes on its aircraft is a regulatory requirement. 

Passengers will be weighed at the gates of certain flights departing from Auckland International Airport between the 29th of May and 2nd July. 

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Step into a world of Oriental flavours with new Sliema hotspot TORA

Jun 1 2023 Share

TORA, the sensational new destination in Sliema, invites you to experience a tantalising blend of Oriental flavours and inventive cocktails. Nestled on the water’s edge, TORA offers not only an exquisite dining experience but also breathtaking views of Valletta that will leave you in awe.

Are you seeking the perfect spot for a romantic evening, a delightful family gathering, or an exciting night out with friends? Look no further than TORA, where the stage is set for unforgettable moments against the backdrop of Valletta’s picturesque charm. Indulge in the magic of this prime location and let TORA transport you to a realm of culinary delight.

TORA is not your average Oriental restaurant. It is a place where tradition meets innovation, resulting in a dining experience like no other. The restaurant’s skilled chefs have mastered the art of crafting dishes that pay homage to the rich tapestry of Oriental cuisine, while adding a contemporary flair that surprises and delights the palate.

Delve into a world of flavours with TORA delectable dim sum, a symphony of taste sensations wrapped in delicate parcels of culinary perfection. Or venture into a menu of flavourful stir-fries, where sizzling woks transform fresh ingredients into masterpieces of taste and texture. And don’t forget to sample our signature dish—the mouthwatering Peking Duck—a true centrepiece that will leave you craving for more.

But the magic of TORA doesn’t stop at the culinary wonders. Dedicated mixologists & masters of their craft blend Oriental inspiration with their own creative genius to craft an array of signature cocktails that will transport you to distant lands. Sip on an exotic creation that perfectly complements your meal and elevates your dining experience to new heights.

At TORA, they take pride in creating a dining experience that tantalises the senses and leaves a lasting impression. Immerse yourself in an ambiance of Oriental elegance, where the fusion of flavours, the artistry of presentation, and the impeccable service converge to create moments you’ll cherish forever.

So, whether you’re in search of an extraordinary date night, a memorable family celebration, or an evening of revelry with friends, TORA is the destination that will transport you to a world of Oriental culinary bliss. Experience the magic for yourself at TORA—where Oriental cuisine meets inventive cocktails, and where memories are made.

To top it all off, guests dining at TORA can enjoy 3 hours free parking, a valet service as well as a shuttle service. TORA is the latest addition to Lifestyle group, that operates restaurants like AKI, LOA, Amami, Blu Beach Club, Nine Lives and more.

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