Ambrosia ... chic dining in Valletta

If you are fed up with trendy designer restaurants; it is highly possible that you would enjoy 'Ambrosia'. This is the place where you can enjoy a meal and feel at home. Why is that, you might wonder?

Well because eating at Ambrosia feels like being invited to dinner by a friendly family. This place is quaint!

Old mirrors hang from the ceiling with little lights strung around them. The warm coloured walls and the french chairs make this place look unique. . It is small and intimate; and the friendly chef usually comes out to see that everything is just right!....

This is a bistro-style restaurant with a slow food approach. It serves fine Maltese, Italian and Spanish food and doubles up as a wine bar at weekends.

Ambrosia Restaurant - 137, Archbishop Street, Valletta, MALTA.
Tel: (+356) 2122 5923; Mob: (+356) 9980 1348; E-mail: ambrosia@onvol.net

Valletta's yearly cultural event

An all night fusion of arts and culture will be celebrated in Malta's capital city Valletta on the night of October 3rd - 4th. This event draws thousands of people from all over the island and also tourist who come specially to join in the nocturnal events which include visual installations, free entrance to some of the museums, churches, theatre, exhibitions, and much more.

Pictures capture some of the atmosphere of the activities in the streets of Valletta.

www.visitmalta.com
www.nottebiancamalta.com

Cafe Cordina vs Cafe Premier - the battle of the coffee shops

It seems that there are never enough cappuccinos and chilled confectionaries to go around and the supply of shops catering for this demand is expanding even faster. However there is one particular place in the heart of the city - Cafe Cordina which has kept its high standard and has offered tea, coffee and cakes in one of the most splendid squares in Valletta - Piazza Regina. This tea room has become an institution in itself, even more so after Cafe Priemier closed its doors a few months ago. It did not do so because it lost the war of the coffee shops, but to put it quite bluntly there is the ring of the ancient rivalry, much the same as that between Quadri's and Florian's in Venice's Piazza San Marco. The idea of an old established coffee shop conjures up images of the 17th and 18th century gentleman sitting in the shade and reading their newspaper, concluding deals for their imports and exports, just a few meters away from their shops in Merchant street. The modern coffee shop, however is less of a place for creative expression and more of a place where to sit for a quick break; none the less both Cafe Cordina and Cafe Premier must be on your visiting list.

We will be updating you with more information and pictures on the war of the coffee shops.

http://www.caffecordina.com/

Valletta City of the Knights

Of the thousands of tourists who annually make their way from London, Paris, Rome, and other European cities, for their holidays, only a small portion venture to stop at the small island in the middle of the mediterranean and stray away off the beaten track to where Lord Byron found love in the arms of Mrs Spencer Smith, and Turner painted the Grand Harbour with his romantic colours.

Yet there is no other capital in Europe where the traveler's expectation of novelty is more than ever fulfilled with the charm and character of a Princely city. Valletta City of the Knights of Malta will surely cast a spell upon you from the moment you step inside its walled confines. While other European cities are becoming more similar as they grow larger, the tourist may at least rest assured that there still remains a place within a short distance where over-civilization has not yet quite ruined the ideals for the poet and the painter. There is no need to be advised that here is novelty at last, as you enter the city gate during the summer months.

The festive character of Valletta will surely capture your imagination and take you back to a grand entrance fit for a prince or head of a state. Rest assured that during the summer months one of the 25 churches in Valletta will be celebrating its feast, and there is no better place to capture the baroque spirit of this unique city than to walk through the colourful decorated streets, lined with statues of angels and saints all looking down on you from the high pedestals which line the streets. Enter the dimly lit churches and be amazed with the colour of the damask which hang on the walls; the huge chandeliers which are lit for the occasion and the statue of the patron saint which is taken out of its niche to be enjoyed in all its splendor.

No photographs can give you the same experience which you get when walking through these streets, and the truth is that these celebrations are not staged for tourist, but are real cultural traditions which are still alive today.

Valletta Suites - City Life: Feast Celebrations in Valletta

Watch on youtube - http://www.youtube.com/vallettasuites

Cafe Palazz - Tea room and home-made pastries

Cafe Palazz is a historic heritage at the heart of Valletta that will feel very familiar...

Housed just underneath the National Library, corner from Piazza Regina, one of the most splendid squares in Valletta, Cafe Palazz has been redesigned to evoke a sophisticated cafe. It is open from early morning until late evening, seven days a week. You will be amazed that this intimate place will cater to all appetites serving hot snacks, home-made almond pastries and a selection of teas from Firenze. This place really deserves praise both for its decor and for the quality of food and cakes. It will surely rival the established eateries as the new spot, and is bound to become the social arena in a short time. As things happen, it is becoming more fashionable to open a new shop away from Republic Street, which is the main street in Valletta and is now feeling the pressure to meet the tourist's demands. Here you will get the exquisite taste and impeccable standards reminiscent of the old guard establishments, such as Caffe Cordina.

Discover for yourself this amazing place - meet Maria the brains behind this new cafe and you will find out why we are making such a fuss about it. Maria is not new to the catering arena. Cafe Palazz is the new addition to Trattoria Palazz right next door.

Malta Harbour Cruises

If you are planning your holiday in Malta and want to see as much as you can, what better way to see the Maltese Islands than to go in style on a cruise boat?

Join one of the Harbour cruises which will take you to some of the most beautiful and fascinating spots around the coast from the Grand Harbour to Comino and around Gozo. Some cruises will make a stop at the Blue Lagoon in Comino where you will be able to get a dip in the crystal clear blue sea. If you are interested in history you can select a cruise which goes around the two natural harbours on either of Valletta - Marsamxett Harbour and the Grand Harbour. Some cruises offer a detailed commentary which will make the bastions, forts and creeks around the harbour and the Three Cities come alive.

Most cruise boats leave from what is known as the 'ferry' in Sliema. Each company has a small kiosk with information of the different cruise trips that they offer. If you are staying in Valletta catch a ferry from Marsamxett which crosses over to Sliema from where the cruise boats operate.

There is no better way to visit the incredible Maltese archipelago than from the deck a sailing boat; so make your homework before deciding which cruise to take....

http://www.captainmorgan.com.mt/

http://www.alliancecruises.com/

http://www.officialluzzucruises.com/

New Seafront Hangout near Valletta - La Vecchia Dogana

The general rule used to be: the better the view, the worse the food.

And we can only appreciate the irony of that now as tasty spots like the Valletta Waterfront are starting to populate our long-ignored waterfront.

Here to help the cause: La Vecchia Dogana, your new harbour-side fish restaurant formerly the old customs house dates back to the 15th century. The sleek interior design contrasts the newly restored building which retains all of its charm and
excellent location.

While you might have already gotten your early morning snack, you'll want to remember the restaurant when you're looking for a place to lunch.

When the sun goes down, is when things start to get interesting. Take advantage of the open terrace at the water's edge and enjoy the days catch of fish which is presented to you before it is cooked.

La Vecchia Dogana is located below Valletta bastions on Marsamxett side.

Caffe Luna - Malta's Stylish Restaurant

Nothing compares to the experience that you get when visiting Palazzo Parisio. The newly restored Palazzo with its gardens, fountains and terraces and of course Caffe Luna, which is undoubtedly the most stylish restaurant and tea room on the island. It is no wonder that Ophra Winfrey chose this venue for her sojourn on the island. Peaceful and yet with an air of grandeur which reflect times gone by. It offers a tranquil space and a peep through a bit of Maltese history. This magnificent Palace in the centre of Naxxar is still the home of the Marquis Scicluna family.

Caffe Luna is chic in every sense... a table outside offers the pleasant atmosphere of a Maltese traditional garden with crisp white canopies, and charming waiters serving food on fine china. The menus are predominantly Italian with Maltese specialities adding a local flavour. All is fresh and ... so try one of its best dishes .... Carpaccio di Pesce Spada, Filetto di Manzo al Pepe Rosa or a simple but tasty sandwich.

If you fancy an afternoon traditional English tea... this is the place where you can have a real feast - homemade cakes, scones with strawberry jam and fresh cream not to mention the fine selection of China and India teas.

Palazzo Parisio is a place where dreams are made, sit back and relax. Even if it is for just a short time you feel that for a moment you have been treated like royalty.

Bus number 54 will take you directly from Valletta to Naxxar in less than 30 minutes.


www.palazzoparisio.com

Architect Renzo Piano unveils plans for Valletta

View our exclusive clip showing Renzo Piano's models and plans for Valletta's City Gate, House of Parliament and Opera House. The exhibition is at the Museum of Archeology in Valletta - open till end of July 2009, entrance free.

View on YouTube in HD here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGzTSKz_flo

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