What to do in Malta - Malta at Christmas

Christmas is a very important day for the people of Malta and its sister Island of Gozo. In Maltese Happy/Merry Christmas is ‘Il-Milied it-Tajjeb’.

Christmas in Malta

For a very special, spiritual evening, one should join the congregation at St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta for candlelit carol singing. Other Baroque parish churches across the Maltese Islands are just as awe-inspiring during Advent. Their interiors are decked out in papal crimson and altars are adorned with flowers. All churches have a calendar of events, ranging from the procession of Mary and Joseph, to streets with groups of children carol singing. The Churches are decorated with lights and nativity cribs known as ‘Presepju’, built by the church goers. Christmas Eve’s midnight mass is the most significant holiday tradition in Malta as the country is widely Catholic, thus churches are heavily populated during this ceremony. During midnight mass, a boy or a girl, normally aged 7 to 10 years old, delivers a homily instead of the priest. This is called ‘Priedka tat-Tifel’ which means the preaching of the child.

Qaghaq tal-Ghasel

Imbuljuta tal-Qastan

Maltese traditions

Maltese people enjoy a wide range of food at Christmas. Traditionally, the Maltese house-wife kept the fattest rooster, ‘hasi’, especially for Christmas Lunch, which was roasted at the local bakery in a casserole dish full of potatoes and vegetables. The customary dessert served at Christmas was the Treacle Ring, ‘Qaghaq tal-Ghasel’. To finish it off, a hot Chestnut and Cocoa Soup, ‘Imbuljuta tal-Qastan’, which was served as a cosy night cap during the cold December days. Today the traditional Maltese menu has made way for Christmas Turkey, Christmas Cakes, Christmas Puddings and Mince Pies, all inherited during 164 years of British rule (1800 - 1964) in Malta. The Italian Panettone has also become a Christmas favourite amongst Maltese residents. Some of the Maltese are nowadays enjoying their traditional Christmas Lunch together with their families in superior Malta Restaurants.

If you would like to experience memorable Malta Holidays, then contact the team of this leading Malta Hotel.

10 Things to Taste during your Malta holidays

Kinnie

Best described as one of Malta’s most distinct soft drinks, Kinnie is formed from an aromatic blend of bitter oranges, sweet spices and pungent herbs. While sounding like something a child might cook-up in their mother’s kitchen, Kinnie’s curious composites mysteriously align to form a devilishly tasty dark-amber nectar.

 

Twistees

Famously found in lunch-boxes around the island (adults included!), this popular snack helps to keep the wolves at bay between meals. Found in cheesy, chicken and bacon flavours, Twistees are the local version of naughty-but-nice nibbles.

 

Mqaret

Sweet and tasty, these deep-fried pastries are truly divine (so long as you don’t count all their calories!). Stuffed with dates and served as a warm dessert, often accompanied with ice cream, these fragrant and softly spiced treats are worth ditching the diet for.

Hobz biz-Zejt

The literal translation, being bread with oil, just doesn’t do this dish justice. A better description would be ‘ a rustic Mediterranean loaf ’. For this specialty, fresh crusty bread is fervently lavished with olive oil and stuffed with a combination of ingredients that include capers, olives, garlic, tuna, anchovies and sweet tomato paste. However, Gbejna – peppery cubes of succulent goat’s cheese, in my opinion, really takes the Hobz-Biz biscuit as the best addition to this delicious bread!

 

Gbejniet

Traditionally made from goats cheese you can find them pickled and plain or pickled and coated in black pepper. For a milder taste try them fresh. Enjoy them with Malta’s popular crackers known as Galletti. Nowadays these are available seasoned with sea salt and black pepper, herbs and even sun dried tomatoes in ready prepared packets.

 

Fenek

Often typified as the national dish, stewed rabbit has become synonymous with Malta’s cultural identity. Almost as important as the soft and succulent meat, however, is the act of going for the meal itself. Known traditionally as a ‘fenkata’, this festive feast is not only an excuse to gather all the friends and family but has become a seasonal occasion for most Maltese.

Timpana

Amalgamating two beloved dishes, Timpana gives you the ultimate pasta-pie. Made from macaroni pasta and bolognese meat, this traditional platter is baked in a puff pastry layer until lightly golden brown. A word of warning, however, this dish is best served with a subsequent nap.

Cisk

A premium lager, Cisk is one of Malta’s most significant exports. Locally brewed with a light and refreshing taste, Cisk can be enjoyed without fear of any beer-belly retribution. Unless, that is, you decide to down ten in row; then are making no such promise!

Bajtra Liquer

Formed from the flesh of the local prickly pear fruit (Bajtra), and shimmering in a translucent red, this luminous liqueur looks deceptively close to a cough mixture medicine. However, far from a revolting remedy, this sweetened solution slips down very easily as an after dinner treat. Some might even call it salubrious for the soul, (I said might…)

Pastizzi

With its very own Facebook page (complete with over 36,000 likes) Pastizzi can be easily deemed the nation’s favourite. Cut into diamond shaped pastries, these local delicacies are lovingly oven baked with a warm ricotta or a spicy pea filling. Transforming into an indulgent treat or tasty snack, Pastizzi perfectly epitomizes the sumptuous Maltese palette.

If you would like to taste some mouthwatering dishes visit one of the top Malta Restaurants at the Grand Hotel Excelsior!

Recipe of the Month - Prinjolata

A traditional Maltese Dessert prepared especially for Carnival. The name Prinjolata comes from the word ‘Prinjol’ which means Pine Nuts in Maltese.

The prinjolata is a delicious carnival cake that is instantly recognizable from it’s unusual shape. When ready, the prinjolata resembles a snow capped mountain.

If you would like to try some mouthwatering dishes enjoy a delicious dinner at one of our top Malta Restaurants. Call us on 21250520 or email food.beverage@excelsior.com.mt to place your booking.

 

Chef's Recipe of the Month - October 2011

White Chocolate & Berry Mousse

Should you wish to taste our delicious recipes at one of our top Malta Restaurants contact our Food & Beverage Team on food.beverage@excelsior.com.mt or on 00356 21250520.

Halloween Dinner Party at the Grand Hotel Excelsior - Saturday 29th October

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A Welcome Wicked Witch Punch will be served from 7.00 to 8.00pm in the Hotel's haunted Lobby while the eerily delicious dinner will take place at the Admiral's Landing from 8.00pm onwards.

Prizes given for best costumes. Guest zombies will be entertaining the gremlins whilst DJ Krueger will take care of the rest.

Price: at 35 Euro per person.

Gremlins between 6 to 11 years old at 15 Euro each.
Gremlins aged under 6 are free when accompanied by two scary adults.

If you wish to place a booking for Halloween at one of our superior Malta Restaurants call 21250520 or email events@excelsior.com.mt.

Chef Challenge on Cibus Magazine

This month Cibus challenged the Hotel Excelsior's Executive Chef Roger Friggieri to create an original dish utilising Fresh Lampuki, Figs, Capers and Peppers. 

If you would like to try out some of our mouthwatering dishes visit one of our renowned Malta Restaurants.

Sunday's Symphony - Excelsior Sunday Lunch

Our Popular Sunday Lunch will be back starting 2nd October 2011

With 6 life cooking stations to tempt you, and 20 different desert dishes to choose from, the Sunday Lunch Buffet becomes a never-ending exploration of the world’s finest cuisines.

Each station offers authentic, ethnic dishes to taste and explore - from Asian, Indian and Turkish to French, Lebanese and Spanish.

Excelsior’s team of chefs uses only the freshest ingredients guaranteeing the finest in 5-star cuisine.

There’s live entertainment for the grown-ups, a menu for the children and animation to keep the young ones occupied while you relax.

And those wonderful Harbour views from the Spice Island Restaurant windows complete the picture.

Call the Grand Hotel Excelsior on 2125 0520 to make your booking for Sunday Lunch or email food.beverage@excelsior.com.mt.

Tiki Bar and Restaurant Malta

Tiki... the place to be this Summer...

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Chef's Recipe of the Month - August 2011

Succulent peaches, nectarines and apricots.

From jam to ice-cream life is certainly looking peachy.

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Experience our renowned and delicious food at one of the top Malta Restaurants. Should you wish to reserve a table at one of our restaurants contact our Food & Beverage Team on food.beverage@excelsior.com.mt or on 00356 21250520.

Ġbejna - A Traditional Maltese Cheese

And if you enjoyed reading and trying out Our Head Chef's Recipe of the Month 'Fried Goat's Cheese with Gastic Tomato' below is a brief information and the making of the traditional cheeselet.

Ġbejna is a round cheeselet made in the Maltese Islands from goat’s or sheep milk, salt and rennet. Virtually all sheep milk and most goat milk produced in Malta is used for the production of these cheeselets, much of it through family-owned cottage industries.

Ġbejna is shaped in a cheese hurdle made of indigenous dried reeds, although now even plastic ones are used. They are traditionally dried in small ventilated rooms, with windows protected by a special mesh mosquito net. It is said that in the past, sea water, rather than rennet, was used as a curdling agent.

It is prepared and served in a variety of forms: fresh, sundried salt cured or peppered. The fresh ‘gbejniet’ have a smooth texture and a milky flavour and are kept in their own way in a similar manner to fresh Mozzarella. The sundried variety have a more definite, nutty almost musky, taste, and are fairly hard. The peppered ones are covered in crushed black pepper and cured, after which they may be stored in oil or pickled in vinegar. Their sharp taste becomes more piquant the more they age and they also develop a crumbly texture.

Try out our mouthwatering dishes at one of our top Malta Restaurants. For more information kindly contact our Food and Beverage Department on food.beverage@excelsior.com.mt

Chef's Recipe of the Month - July 2011

Fried Goat's Cheese with Gastic Tomato

A good starter or a part of a vegetarian meal.

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Should you wish to try out some of the mouthwatering dishes by Our Award Winning Chefs kindly check out the Malta Restaurants Page on our website.

Unique & Exotic - The Global Tastes Every Wednesday

Unique and exotic the Tiki Bar & Restaurant is truly a place for every spirit. We invite you to join us every Wednesday evening for The Global Tastes event, a true feast for the senses. A grand buffet inspired by different cuisines from around the world fun, exotic cocktails and live entertainment all evening.

Price is 28 Euro per person (food only). Live Music all evening.

For more information contact our Food & beverage Team on food.beverage@excelsior.com.mt or visit our website at http://www.excelsior.com.mt/.

Recognition is the greatest motivator

Always treat your employees exactly as you want them to treat your best customers. Start the Summer Season in a Grand Way. Show your employees how much you appreciate their hard work throughout the year with a sumptuous BBQ at one of the hotel’s outdoor venues, enjoying stunning Sea and Harbour views.

A variety of menus have been prepared by the award winning team of chefs. The talented Events team will leave no stone unturned to ensure a fl awless and memorable event.

Call 2319 2110 or email events@excelsior.com.mt for more information and bookings.

We look forward to hosting you!

Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta Chefs make their mark in Scotland

VALLETTA, MALTA, March 2011 - ScotHot, established in 1974, is Scotland's premier event for the foodservice and hospitality industry. The event attracts around 300 exhibiting companies, almost 8000 visitors and is unrivalled in delivering a quality audience. Featuring the latest developments and innovative products in food, drink, interiors, tableware, catering equipment and technology for hospitality, ScotHot is a melting pot of inspirational ideas. ScotHot plays host to an ever popular range of competitions that give chefs the opportunity to present their skills to their peers.

The participating members of Excelsior Hotel Malta’s talented kitchen brigade made the hotel proud with the number of awards they brought home with them. The categories the team competed in and excelled at include shellfish and pasta live cooking and static, restaurant main dish, dessert and a chocolate centerpiece. These awards, 8 bronze of which 3 best in class and 3 silver of which 2 best in class to be precise, are testimony to the fact that the cuisine at this luxury hotel is of superior quality on the Maltese Islands and continues to gain recognition overseas.

Caption to photo: The winning team - Roger Friggieri, David Pulis, Roderick Vella, Noel Azzopardi, Andre Grima, David Tanti, and Carlos Buttigieg

Should you wish to experience such mouthwatering cuisine at some of the top Malta Restaurants kindly contact the Food and Beverage Team at the Excelsior Hotel Malta on +356 21 250 520 or on food.beverage@excelsior.com.mt.

Celebrate St Patrick's Day at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta

May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow, and may trouble avoid you wherever you go.

- Irish Blessing

St Patrick's Day is Ireland's national holiday and is celebrates worldwide. Join us in the merriment with 50% off Guiness and Irish Whiskies on Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th March at the Harbour View Lounge, open 24 hours a day. Sample traditional Irish food in Admiral's Landing on Thursday 17th March.

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

Happy St Patrick's Day! Luck of the Irish to You!

Excelsior Valentine’s Day Passion Cocktail

The Romance of Valentine's Day deserves a Romantic Cocktail to complement it. For St Valentine’s Day the Grand Hotel Excelsior has prepared a Special Drink for Your Romantic Evening.

This Cocktail is made up of Chardonnay Wine mixed with exotic fruits and can be served either warm or chilled. Try it out at one of our Restaurants and Bars at the Grand Hotel Excelsior before proceeding to our Valentine’s Day Dinner - http://bit.ly/gy1JHn.

To book your table for Valentine’s Day kindly call tghe Hotel on 00356 21250520 or visit our Website at: http://www.excelsior.com.mt/. Feel free to also check out Our Valentine Romantic Special Package.

Dining Out on Friday: It’s a Grand way to dine

Sunday Buffet Lunch the Grand Way!
The Grand Hotel Excelsior is now in its third year of operation and from the first few months of opening, it was very clear that the culinary offerings were to set a new standard on the Maltese Islands. The ever so popular Sunday Buffet Lunch takes patrons on a culinary journey that is second to none. The lavish spread of food includes a never ending array of antipasti, 88 to be precise, seven live cooking stations to include Sushi, Pasta, Indian, Turkish, Carvery, Berkel and the dessert station. Last but definitely not least, a spectacular spread of 28 different desserts, featuring the all time favourite chocolate fountain with fruits, marshmallows and doughnuts for dipping. The award winning kitchen brigade is exceptionally passionate about the food created and makes a supreme effort to offer unparalleled cuisine using a harmonious collection of fresh, wholesome ingredients to nourish the senses.

Headed by Executive Head Chef Roger Friggieri, the team craves innovation and individuality and has taken this year’s Sunday buffet lunch one step further by creating an additional specialty corner for savoury and sweet items where a different theme will feature each week.

Seeing as Sunday is a family day out, the team has also set up a children’s corner to feature pasta, chicken nuggets, sausages and potato smileys.

This Grand Experience comes at the small price of €33 per adult, half price for children between the ages of six and 11 and free for the under fives.

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Harbour View – 24 Hour Bar

The Grand Hotel Excelsior’s Harbour View Lounge is the only one on this side of the island to offer 24 hour service. Light snacks and beverages can be consumed in the relaxing and warm ambiance while soaking up stunning harbour and sea views.

Chartroom Lounge – Afternoon Tea

In the tradition of true hospitality, the Grand Hotel Excelsior serves Afternoon Tea in the cosy atmosphere of the Chartroom Lounge Bar every day between 3 and 5pm. English scones, freshlybaked cakes and pastries and a special ‘Chocolate Delicacy’ are just some of the delights to discover for the price of €28 to share.

View Link on the Malta Independent Newspaper.

For more information kindly visit the Excelsior Hotel Malta Website.

Grand Hotel Excelsior November Poll 2

POLL 2: How many types of Sushi do we offer during Friday’s Asian Theme Night?

Vote & Get a Chance in Winning an Asian Themed Buffet for 2 persons including 1 Bottle of Wine and 1 Bottle of Water! Winner will be announced on Monday 15th November 2010. Please don't forget to advise us what score you gave in the comments section of the poll.

CLICK HERE: http://poll.fm/f/2ez1i

(Please select your preference by ticking the most appropriate button and then indicate your chosen preference in the comments section).

We look forward to receiving more and more answers. LET'S GET A WINNER!!! Winner will be announced on Monday 15th November 2010.

Grand Hotel Excelsior November Poll 1

POLL 1:
How Many Live Cooking Stations do we have in our Sunday Buffet Lunch?

Leave Your Vote in order to Get a Chance in Winning a Sunday Lunch for two at the Grand Hotel Excelsior including 1 Bottle of Wine & 1 Bottle of Water!

CLICK HERE: http://apps.facebook.com/polldaddy-polls/?view=poll&id=4017911&ref=mf

(Please select your preference by ticking the most appropriate button and then indicate your chosen preference in the comments section).

We look forward to receiving more and more answers. LET'S GET A WINNER!!! Winner will be announced on Monday 8th November 2010.

Yammie Chocolate at the Grand Hotel Excelsior

Finest Belgian chocolate and Our Pastry Chefs' experience will result in one of the best cakes ‘Excelsior Style’!

If you are in the mood for a Chocolate Cake Celebration, are in love with Chocolate or would like to fall in love with Chocolate, order your

CHOCOLATE DELICACY CAKE

from the Grand Hotel Excelsior.

Our Pastry Chefs will use the finest Belgian chocolate and their experience to prepare one of the best cakes ‘Excelsior Style’, which I am sure you and your guests will enjoy.

Click Here for More Information.

*The Chocolate Delicacy Cake can be ordered from any food & beverage outlet at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta.

For more information kindly contact us on: 21250520 or send us an email on: info@excelsior.com.mt.