STAY AT THE GRAND HOTEL EXCELSIOR

Friday, June 24, 2011

Malta Weddings - Your Big Day turned Grand!

Bring us your vision and let us show you its realisation. From intimate to extravagant, traditional to unexpected, Malta’s finest, Grand Hotel Excelsior, is at your service and dedicated to creating an unforgettable wedding that is uniquely yours.

The five star luxury hotel located in Floriana, immediately next to Valletta’s historic 16th century city walls, commands Malta’s prime waterfront location and boasts six larger venues for you to choose from, each complemented by idyllic sea and Harbour views. There is something to suit everyone - from the opulent Grand Ballroom for a really lavish wedding reception of over 800 people to a choice of delightful outdoor areas. Ensuring your peace of mind, a backup venue, in case of unfavourable weather, is always booked should you opt for an outdoor event. A handful of smaller spaces are also available. Grand Hotel Excelsior’s boutique beach is for the exclusive use of guests during the day, however is available for private hire in the evenings; it is ideal for a cocktail reception, romantic dinner for a select few – a truly unique way to propose – or even for the increasingly popular after-party, should anyone be considering post-wedding fun and games. The Registrar has approved the Grand Hotel Excelsior as a venue for the celebration of Civil marriages. Every couple receives a personal welcome and friendly, professional service. The hotel’s dedicated team of wedding planners will arrange an initial meeting to establish precisely what the bride and groom want, after which, the entire event is tailored exclusively to order.

The award winning kitchen brigade has put together delectable, innovative menus for you to choose from, however, are always happy to make up a menu to suit your specific tastes, whether a sit down meal for 20 guests or a stand up reception for 800. After all, for most couples, this tends to be the most awaited day of your life and we want to ensure it is as perfect as it could be.

The talented team at Le Grand Spa will be happy to suggest bespoke treatments to help you de-stress before and after the big day. Treat yourself to some well deserved relaxation time. Our highly trained therapists present a holistic approach and the most attentive, personal service that you so much deserve. A hair dresser is also at hand to add to your comfort. Le Grand Spa is a haven of tranquility surrounding the personalised programmes dedicated to your wellness, relaxation and beauty.

If you’re planning your wedding in Malta, there’s no better place to be on the 24th July than at the Excelsior’s Weddings Open Day. Visit us any time between 10.00 and 22.00hrs to experience our venues and food first hand. Our weddings planner, Neal, together with his colleagues, will be more than happy to show you around the hotel, discuss your requirements and assist with developing your ideas, turning your dreams into reality.

Luxury weddings at The Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta set a new standard for once-in-a-lifetime occasions. First-class service and attention to detail guarantee a cherished special day that exceeds all expectations. Relax and leave everything in our hands – we will make all the arrangements from start to finish for a perfect, effortless wedding in Malta. Contact Neal and his team on 00356 21 250 520 or weddings@excelsior.com.mt. They cannot wait to create the perfect wedding - just for you!

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Global Taste in a Grand Setting


Welcome to the newly launched Tiki Bar & Restaurant. Further to the success of the Excelsior's Tiki Grill launched last summer, this outlet has had a lot of work done to it over the winter months. The bar area has been extended and more seating has been added, allowing more patrons to experience this stunning venue, right by the water's edge.

Alongside and beyond our large outdoor pool you can find the Tiki Bar & Restaurant. This casual Mediterranean Diner is on the very edge of the shore, giving it truly unsurpassable views of the Harbour and Manoel Island. We are pleased to offer a wide variety of dishes for you to enjoy overlooking the beautiful Marsamxett Harbour. So sit back, relax and enjoy our hospitality.

The menu has also been revamped, and will include a selection of pasta dishes, salads, snacks and grills. The theme of the venue reflects a Tiki ambiance, making this a truly unique venue on this side of the Island.

Contact the Food and Beverage Team on 21 250 520 or food.beverage@excelsior.com.mt for more information. Bookings are recommended.

Opening Hours: June till September from 11.00hrs till 23.00hrs 7 days a week (weather permitting)

&

Grand Hotel Excelsior Weddings Open Day


If you’re planning Your Malta Wedding, there’s no better place to be on the 24th July than at the Excelsior’s Weddings Open Day. Visit us any time between 10.00 and 22.00hrs to experience our venues and food first hand. Our weddings planner, Neal, together with his colleagues, will be more than happy to show you around the hotel, discuss your requirements and assist with developing your ideas, turning your dreams into reality.

For more information kindly contact us on weddings@excelsior.com.mt.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

MALTA EVENTS IN JUNE, JULY & AUGUST


So much is happening in Malta in the coming months with events featuring different types of music attracting all generations. (Click on an Event to find out more).

MTV Malta Music Week - 24 till 30 June 2011, Venue: Various Locations around Malta
Mnarja - 29 June 2011, Venue: Rabat
Isle of MTV - 30 June 2011, Venue: The Granaries, Floriana
Malta Arts Festival - 1 till 23 July 2011, Venue: Valletta & Floriana
Marsovin Summer Wine Festival - 8 till 10 July 2011, Venue: Hastings Gardens, Valletta
Joseph Calleja Live in Concert - 9 July 2011, Venue: The Granaries, Floriana
The Malta Jazz Festival - 14 till 16 July 2011, Venue: Ta' Liesse, Valletta
The Farsons Great Beer Festival - 22 till 31 July 2011, Venue: Ta' Qali
Carlos Santana in Malta - 24 July 2011, Venue: The Granaries, Floriana
Zucchero Live in Concert - 30 July, Venue: MFCC, Ta Qali
Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady - Santa Maria Feast: 15th August 2011, Venue: Around Malta & Gozo

For Best Rates during your Malta Holidays click on the below.



Should you wish to experience any of the events taking place in Malta we can also organise your transfer to and from your preferred venue with our exclusive chauffeur driven service. For more information about Malta Events, Things to do in Malta during your holiday or to book your Transfers kindly contact Our Concierge on: concierge@excelsior.com.mt.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Dining in Malta - From India with Love


VALLETTA, MALTA, June 2011 - He is called Michael Paul Zachariah, but everybody simply calls him Michael… Chef Michael.

He is Indian and hails from Kerala, one of India’s prime tourist attractions, in the south. Originally from Bombay, Michael has worked in different kitchens not only in India but also around Europe, cooking uniquely Indian food.

For the past 14 years he has been working in Malta, more recently having become the resident Indian chef at the Grand Hotel Excelsior in Floriana.

We meet on the day when he is preparing a buffet laden with typical Indian fare and he spares some time out of the kitchen to share his experience. Chef Michael smiles warmly but discreetly – his quiet attitude is typical of his people.

“I have been working in kitchens since I was 19 years old. After school I got my diploma and since then have worked in a variety of cities and countries.”

His experience is vast and ranges from that acquired by working in a Taj Mahal restaurant to what he learnt from a Copper Chimney restaurant where he was head chef.

He has worked in the UK, Norway and Dubai and has been at the Excelsior since its opening. The hotel, which offers six types of cuisine on its menu lists, has thought well to provide Indian cuisine as a speciality.

A question arises spontaneously – how Indian is his Indian cooking when he has to adapt it to a European-Maltese palate?

“My executive chef Roger Friggieri and I work at creating a variety of dishes – 23 to 29 main courses and starter dishes, and around 42 different salads…. We incorporate typical and original Indian ingredients in our cooking – we also make our own Indian spices.”

Michael uses an original Tandoor oven in which he bakes his own specially prepared bread.

Actually, he bakes several different kinds, including the very tasty Naan bread, “which is a firm favourite”.

Two of the main course dishes are as hot and spicy as we make them in India. The rest ranges from mild to medium hotness in flavour, because not everybody can handle the very piquant dishes, he explains.

“Then again, I am very often surprised when some of our Maltese patrons specifically request food with extra hot sauces – so hot not even I can handle them!”

When guests who have never experienced Indian food turn up for the special buffet dinners, Michael takes time out of the kitchen to explain about the dishes, preparing them for the kind of food they will be presented with.

“In Indian cooking we use many spices that are not only included for the particular taste, colour and fragrance they produce, but also for their beneficial health qualities. For instance, turmeric is good for removing bacteria from food. It is also very good for the skin.

“Cardamon is helpful with breathing problems and heartburn. Then again, chilli is not good for everyone, and people with heartburn or acid problems should watch out.”

Some of the more popular dishes are typical Indian staples – chicken tikka masala is a case in point and those unfamiliar with Indian food should try out this first as a safe bet.

Both chicken and lamb are most popular meats in Indian cooking. Then there are fish curries, pickles, poppadoms and soups.

There are, however, other more particular dishes, such as the Kashmiri Chicken Tikka, Pancer Makhani made with cottage cheese, Chicken Chettinad, a special dish from the south of India, and Samiya Upma.

“Most British Indians who visit our restaurant say our Indian food is better than what they find back in the UK. This is such a compliment for me. I have had guests who have said my food is even better than what they ate in India – and that is a very special compliment indeed.”

Michael creates many of the dishes himself and likes to turn the menu around from week to week. He feels that the most important aspect is that guests can experience his kitchen staff preparing food in live cooking sessions – most frying is done in front of an audience – even samosas.

But what about this Indian chef predilection for Maltese food? Michael smiles and openly admits, “I have tried Maltese rabbit and I like it a lot – it is absolutely delicious and succulent. I have also sampled traditional timpana, which I enjoyed. But I have a weakness for cheesecakes…

After having cooked for so many people all day long, sometimes cheesecakes are my favourite dinner-time solution…

Should you wish to experience such mouth watering cuisine at some of the top Malta Restaurants kindly contact the Food and Beverage Team at the Excelsior Hotel Malta on 00356 21 250 520 or on food.beverage@excelsior.com.mt.