Rubino - Best rated restaurant in Valletta

Rubino is one of a kind. It is a small restaurant with just three rooms and four to five tables in each of these rooms. The staff are friendly and welcoming and the food excellent. The menu changes according to what is in season, however if you are visiting Malta for the first time this is the place to taste the National dish stewed rabbit. Rubino is easy to find and situated at no 53 Old Bakery street. It still has a nineteen thirties facade with the title 'confectionary' of its previous owner... so do not be mislead. It is best to make a reservation as it is a favorite place for the locals and can be difficult to find a table at times.
Dinner starts at 2000hrs.

Malta Island Guide

Must Do’s

• Stay in the historic capital Valletta, lots to see and do; magnificent views of the Grand Harbour from Upper Barrakka Gardens
• Explore the medieval city of Mdina - the silent city - have a rest at Fontanella located on the bastion walls, the best tea room with views.
• Stroll along the seafront from Sliema to St Julian’s
• Eat on the water’s edge in the traditional fishing village of Marsascala
• Visit Marsaxlokk - the picturesque fishing village.
• Take a boat to Birgu from Valletta Water front and explore the Three Cities
• Visit the Hypogeum in Tarxien - unique underground caverns.
• Spend a day on the quieter island of Gozo
• Visit Palazzo Parisio in Naxxar - if Oprah visited it ... so must you! Nice tearooms and gardens.
• Take a boat to the Blue Lagoon off the island of Comino to swim in the azure waters

Sandy Beaches

• Golden Sands, Ghajn Tuffieha, and Riviera are the islands top sandy beaches
• Paradise Bay in Cirkewwa, close to the ferry boat to Gozo
• Armier also in Cirkewwa (Forty minutes by bus from Valletta.)

St Julians Restaurants

• Dolcevita, St Julians, for fresh fish with views of the bay
• Terazza, Spinola Road, St Julians, for fresh fish on the bay
• Zest 12 St George's Road, Spinola Bay, for sushi where East meets West at Hotel Juliani
• Peppinos St George's Road, Spinola Bay, a little trattoria serving Mediterranean food

Valletta Restaurants

• Rubino, 58 Old Bakery Street Valletta.
• Fumia, Manuel Theatre Old Bakery Street Valletta.
• Two-twentytwo, Valletta http://www.two-twentytwo.com
• Valletta Waterfront, http://www.vallettawaterfront.com
• Da Pippo, 136 melita street Tel 21248029 for Mediterranean food in a local trattoria
• Cafe Cordina, best coffee house in Valletta http://www.caffecordina.com
• Sicilia Bar, for a simple lunch with stunning views on the bastions, down St Pauls street

Birgu Restaurants

• Two and a Half Lemon, Birgu Marina, http://www.twoandahalflemon.com
• Del Borgo Wine Bar, 36 St John Tower Str, serves local food platters and excellent wine http://www.delborgomalta.com

Rolex Middle Sea Race in Malta - October 2009

The Rolex Middle Sea Race is a highly rated offshore classic and is a "must do" race. With the spectacular Marsamxett Harbour as its backdrop this year's edition will start on the 17th October. The race is a true challenge to skippers and crews who have to be at their very best to cope with the often changeable and demanding conditions. Equally, the race is blessed with unsurpassed scenery with its course, taking competitors close to a number of islands, which form marks of the course. Ted Turner described the Middle Sea Race as "the most beautiful race course in the world."

It is always best to book your accommodation ahead of time. Valletta Suites offer superb self catering apartments which will make your stay unforgettable.

www.maisonlavallette.com

www.vallettanobile.com

www.rolexmiddlesearace.com

www.visitmalta.com

A Private view of Malta

A Private view of Malta will give you a glimpse into the life of historic places and villas, and allows you to discover some of the inaccessible treasures that are hidden behind closed doors. For the past centuries Maltese aristocratic families have preserved their residences, which have now become a true cultural heritage.

Exclusive pictures of the Grand Masters Palace in Attard. It is now the President's official residence.

Valletta Seaport - Malta's Natural Grand Harbour

A short cruise around the Grand Harbour will give you an insight into the history of Valletta and the Three Cities connected with the two great sieges of 1565 and 1942. The massive fortifications can best be admired from the sea - it is an unforgettable experience that should not be missed.

Malta's oldest fishing village

Marsaxlokk is the oldest fishing village in Malta. It just takes 35 minutes by bus to get from Valletta to Marsaxlokk. The 27 bus route to Marsaxlokk costs 50 cents of a euro and is well worth the trip. If you go on a Sunday there is an open air fish market and can even get a taste of the local catch from the small restaurants in the area.

Caravaggio A Great Master in Valletta

Despite his success in Naples, after only a few months in the city Caravaggio left for Malta, the headquarters of the Knights of Malta, presumably hoping that the patronage of Alof de Wignacourt, Grand Master of the Knights, could help him secure a pardon for Tomassoni's death. De Wignacourt proved so impressed at having the famous artist as official painter to the Order that he inducted him as a knight, and the early biographer Bellori records that the artist was well pleased with his success. Major works from his Malta period include a huge Beheading of Saint John the Baptist (the only painting to which he put his signature) and a Portrait of Alof de Wignacourt and his Page, as well as portraits of other leading knights.

Knights of Malta

Documentary about the Knights of St. John & The Crusades.

(part 1)

See all clips here.

Maltese Feasts and Celebrations in Valletta

There are some 60 events throughout the year; most of these take place during the summer months. The Maltese festa has a long established tradition and relate to religious celebrations.

Valletta with its 25 churches, which date back to the knights of Malta offers the best possible insight into the culture of these feasts in Malta. Some statues which are taken out on these special occasions, date back to the fifteenth century. Streets are decorated with brightly coloured banners and offer a festive and vibrant celebration. The grand finale of these festivities is the fireworks display which draws a huge crowd.

The pictures show the life size statue of St Rita being carried by a team of man. This is an exhausting exercise and is a tradition which dates back to centuries. Pictures were taken in Old Bakery street Valletta minutes away from Maison La Vallette.

Valletta Classic Car Race

It is always good to plan your holidays to coincide with a special event. If you are interested in classic cars May is the month to plan your holidays. Valletta Grand Prix and Classic Car event transforms the streets around Valletta Bastions into an exciting venue which will take you back in time with such classics as Alfa Romeo, Jaguars, MG's and many more. You will be able to meet up with the owners who are passionate about their prized possession. The classic car race is an exhilarating event in itself; with a timed race which takes place around Marsamxett harbour area with the magnificent bastions as the back drop.

http://www.classiccarsmalta.com/

http://www.visitmalta.com/events

Places to visit in Malta

Hastings Gardens is the best place to spend a lazy afternoon. This is a public garden in Valletta, Malta and is located on top of the bastions West side of the City Gate. The garden offer the best views of Floriana, Sliema and Manoel Island. Here you will also find the monument in honor of Francis, Marquis of Hastings who was governor of Malta under the British rule. Lord Hastings died in 1827 and is buried in the secluded garden. It is truly worth a visit and is just a few minutes walk from Maison La Vallette.

www.vallettanobile.com

Valletta - Water Front

When you go off the beaten tourist track you will come across a surrealist landscape which takes you by surprise. The still Mediterranean waters extend as far as the eye can see with sudden interruptions of a Dali landscape. All this is to be found just ten minutes walk below the bastions very close to Fort st. Elmo in Valletta. It is a place where you can fantasize about the Great Siege and the battles that took place on these very shores.

Marsaxlokk, Malta's Fishing Village

Marsaxlokk is the foremost fishing village and, perhaps, the most picturesque seaside locality in Malta. Fishing nets are often spread on the quay to dry in the sun and, quite often, sturdy fishermen can be seen mending these nets. These activities, together with the modest houses by the quayside, lend the place charm and serenity.
Most of Malta's fish supplies are caught by fishermen coming from this port. Swordfish, tuna, and the popular 'lampuki' are caught in abundance between spring and late autumn. On weekdays, the catch is taken to the fish-market in Valletta, but on Sundays fish is retailed by fishermen in the open on the quay.
Fish restaurants have opened to meet the ever-increasing demand. The tourist influx to Marsaxlokk has also attracted many hawkers and souvenir vendors.
The boats used by the fisherman are colourful and have the iconic 'evil' eye emblem on the sides to ward off bad spirits.
These pictures were taken on a spring day and show the catch of the day.

The Siege Bell Memorial in Valletta

The Siege Bell is situated near the Lower Barrakka Gardens, and is a Memorial to the people who died during World War II. Malta was severely bombed by the Axis powers during the war.

The bell is rung at noon daily.

http://www.heritagemalta.org/home.html

Valletta Marina

Marsamxett Harbour is on the northern side of the Valetta peninsula. This harbour is bounded by Gzira and Sliema and extens inland to Pieta and Msida. Here you will find one of the largest yacht marinas on the island and tourist cruise boats generally operate from this area. From Valletta there is a nice view of Manoel Island with its 18th Century Fort Manoel, now undergoing extensive restoration.

Boats at the marina on a spring day.

Valletta Street Celebrations

Street celebrations are held on the day of the Patrons feast. The statue of the Saint is paraded round the streest followed by band marches and fireworks. It is worth planning your visit to coincide with one of these festivities. The pictures were shot during the feast of St Winstin in Valletta just round the corner from Maison La Vallette.

http://www.visitmalta.com/events-calendar

http://www.aboutmalta.com/events/

http://www.whatson.com.mt/

Valletta Feasts and Church Celebrations

There are some twenty five churches in Valletta. During the patron's feast these churches are richly decorated with damask wall coverings and silver candelabras. On the feast days, streets are decorated with colourful statues of angels and saint, lights and decorated cloth banners. Band marches and outdoor concerts are held days before the procession. These festivities culminate in an extravagant display of fireworks that can generally be seen from miles away.

Carnival In Malta 2010

Carnival in Malta dates back to the 16th Century and has been celebrated in Malta since the arrival of the Knights of St. John in 1535. Some studies indicate an earlier date - 1470.

The main events takes place in Valletta and Floriana with grand defiles of floats in the streets. It is also a time were many people dress up in costumes and walk through the streets of Valletta. I would like to give you a glimpse of this year's (2009) carnival in Valletta. To experience the full joy of Carnival, I recommend you plan and book your accommodation ahead.

Next year, Carnival in Malta runs between the 12th and 16th of February 2010.

http://www.visitmalta.com/event-details?l=1&e=3178

Gozo Day Trip

Gozo is characterized by the absence of traffic, its fields and valleys and the little villages and hamlets. It is impossible not to be tempted to try and capture this idyllic setting on film. Gozo is there to be discovered. Photographer Brian Grech helps to give a hint of the immense beauty which this small island holds for you.

A bus from Valletta will take you about 40 minutes to get to Cirkewwa from where you can catch a ferry and cross over within less then 20 minutes.

Gozo is well worth the journey. A day spent on this small island will leave lasting impressions.
A special one day tour of Gozo can be arranged on request.

www.gozo.com

http://www.gozochannel.com

http://www.islandofgozo.org/

http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/981/

www.maisonlavallette.com

www.vallettanobile.com

Fornasetti at Maison La Vallette

Inspired by the image of an enigmatic beauty found in an old French magazine, Italian artist, Piero Fornasetti, reproduced her image in black and white into contemporary every day objects such as plates and trays. Over the years, Fronasetti's incorporated surrealistic themes with elegance and humor, which is the reason why his work has remained ever so popular. The Fornasetti production process continues to be characterized by traditional craftsmanship, as each piece is created by hand in the Milan-based atelier. This family -run design company is now lead by the artist's son, Barnaba Fornasetti who continues to create new designs in his father's eclectic style.
Maison La Vallette gives homage to this great artist who is still a source of inspiration to this day.

http://www.couturelab.com/editorial/story-mymilan_barnabafornasetti.html
www.lucianomarcato.com
www.cole-and-son.com
http://www.fornasetti.com/
http://www.fornasettidvd.com/collection/