Your Gozo Guide - Issue 3

your

guide

Walking Through The North West

Easterin Gozo

What’s CookingGozo VisitorInformation

Property in Gozo

Issue 3 | 30 Mar ‘10

FRESHÊVALUEÊFROMÊOURÊFRESHÊCOUNTERS

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TermsÊ&ÊConditions

3ÊoffersÊforÊyouÊthisÊEasterOffersÊvalidÊÊfromÊMonday,Ê29thÊMarchÊtoÊSunday,Ê4thÊApril

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BottleÊof ÊWinewithÊaÊtotalÊpurchaseof ÊÛ70ÊorÊmore.Ê

ChooseÊfromaÊselectionÊof Ê2ÊdifferentÊimportedÊwines.

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Editorial

Easter is upon us. The week ahead will provide is with the quality time we all crave for. With a public holiday on Wednesday and Good Friday both in one week, who wouldn’t take the opportunity to go for a break?

Easter is beautiful time to visit Gozo. The weather can only get better. The valleys and meadows are bright green. And our parishes are in full swing to remember the Passion of Christ, as well as celebrating His rising.

Marion Zammit provides our readers with a country walk near the Ta’ Pinu Shrine and Ta’ Ghammar Hill. Claire Borg has prepared some new recipes using a basic shopping purchase from our foodstore.

This Easter our foodstore has prepared three interesting offers. Customers can get direct discounts when purchasing from our fresh counters. And depending

Welcome to Gozo

TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS

A quick note to visitors coming to Gozo by car. Part of the Mgarr Road to Victoria is temporarily closed due to maintenance. Therefore if you are going to the western part of the island, we recommend that you use the Qala Road.

Part of the road to Ta’ Pinu is also under construction. Therefore you will have to pass through the small village of Ghasri to get there instead of the commonly used Gharb-San Lawrenz road.

on your purchase you can get a FREE bottle of wine as well as a FREE box of chocolates.

Within our fashion department we have made some new additions to improve our selection for kids clothing. We have brought in two new brands – Tape À L’Oeil and Chicco. To get more gaga for kids, our home department has also introduced a dedicated baby department.

Please note that Arkadia Commercial Centre will not be open on Good Friday. But we will maintain our regular opening hours throughout the week, including Easter Sunday.

That’s it for now. We hope you have an enjoyable Easter in Gozo.

Prospera Pascha sit (Happy Easter in Latin)

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HAPPY EASTER

OPENING HOURSat Arkadia Commercial Centre

Fashion & Home Foodstore

MON 29 Mar 9AM-7PM 8AM-7PM

TUE 30 Mar 9AM-7PM 8AM-7PM

WED 31 Mar 9AM-7PM 8AM-7PM

THU 1 Apr 9AM-7PM 8AM-7PM

FRI 2 Apr CLOSED CLOSED

SAT 3 Apr 9AM-7PM 8AM-7PM

SUN 4 Apr 10AM-1PM 10AM-1PM

4PM-7PM ww

w.a

rkad

ia.c

om.m

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Advertising:Tel: 2210 3207 | Mob: 9942 1594E-mail: [email protected]

Produced by:Arkadia Marketing Ltd.Fortunato Mizzi Street, Victoria, GozoTel: 2210 3000 | Fax: 2155 8331E-mail: [email protected]: www.arkadia.com.mt

Feature: The Warmer Shades of the North West 8Article by Marion Zammit | Photos by George Saguna

What’s On 14Easter Activities | Cultural Events | Nightlife

What’s Cooking This Weekend 20Recipes and photos by Claire Borg

Gozo Visitor Information

Eating Out 26Gozo Mass Times 28Gozo Channel Timetable 29Useful Contact Numbers 29Pharmacy Open on Sunday 29

Property in Gozo 30

Table of Contents

your

guide

The warmer shades of the North West

Article by Marion Zammit

Photos by George SagunaGhasri Parish Church

At this time of the year, the rolling hills are still covered in a dense green, water still running in the valleys, the sky is all clear, and the blue sea cannot go a denser hue.

Valleys run all over the island, linking in a serpentine way, one hill to another. A walk on the western side of the island reveals a warmer tone to the tranquil countryside, unearthing interesting discoveries along the way.

Our walk in this issue will take us from Ghasri to Gharb, two quite close rural villages on the North Western tip of the island but with varied characteristics. The main square in Ghasri is an ideal spot to leave your car, starting off your paces along the main road that twists itself from the church to the more popular Ta’ Pinu Shrine.

The road offers quite a pleasant walk, with views of cultivated fields and the sea beyond that expose the charming rustic character of this lesser dense village in Gozo. Centuries-old farmhouses sit alongside newer versions built in recent years, many of which are now home to ex-pats who have chosen Gozo as their abode, away from their colder countries of origin.

After a number of turns along the semi-circular road, as it widens, an offshoot of it leads the way to Ta’ Gordan Lighthouse, the only extant lighthouse on the island built in 1851 to offer a guiding light to maritime traffic floating on the Sicilian channel. The view from up the steep hill is breathtaking and well worth the cardiac stress that is self-imposed to get there. If you’re lucky enough and the lighthouse attendant is there, a peek from the British-period building’s roof offers an even more perched overwhelming vista.

Back on the main road, the route continues towards the Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary, built between 1920 and 1931 alongside a chapel where young Karmni Grima is said to have been invoked by the Virgin Lady back in 1883. The church itself is unique in its architectural design, intricate lace-like stone sculptures and ex-voto collection. It was also the main site of prayer for Pope John Paul II during the only Pontificate visit to Gozo, in May 1990.

The road beyond the Sanctuary is currently closed off as it is being rebuilt. Beware of any heavy vehicles approaching the area, although Sundays and public

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Feature

holidays are relatively a full-day siesta for the construction industry.

Opposite the Sanctuary is Ta’ Ghammar hill, an incredibly steep and rough walk along the Via Crucis, especially popular on Good Friday morning for the devout, where the very young and the rustier joints battle it out to reach the very top.

Although the Sanctuary and the Ta’ Ghammar hill can be an attraction for the eye and soul, your legs might be wanting to explore more. The winding downhill lane you will come across before actually arriving at Ta’ Pinu, leads the way directly towards the heart of Gharb, another charming tiny village on this side of the island.

Traditional stone balconies adorning otherwise plane façades would have incredibly long tales to tell if only they could speak! As

soon as you weather the upper end of Ta’ Sdieri lane you will find yourself in one of the cozy but often still ‘squares’ of tranquil Gharb. A turn around to the right and you will find yourself walking down a less even surface to what is known as Wied il-Mielah.

The route down is not exactly the latest in road technology but at the very end, past kilometres of rubble walls and the occasional farmer tilling the rectangular tiered fields, is a relatively unknown natural wonder carved out of the hard rock. The Azure Window in Dwejra is probably one of the most photographed landmarks of the island, making the window in Wied il-Mielah seem like its less

10 - your Gozo guide

favoured cousin, but the feeling of exploring something so amazingly raw and real, yet so unknown, gives a particular thrill to walking down the uneven path.

Back up to the Gharb village core, the circular road connecting Ta’ Sdieri lane with the valley road down to Wied il-Mielah, leads –

turning either right or left (shorter route) – to the main square in Gharb. The baroque façade with its trompe d’oeil, the stone cross dominating the stillness, and the traditional British-era red telephone box will probably end in your memorised frames, if not of your pocket camera, in that of your third eye.

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If you’re not tired yet and feel like exploring some more, it would be best to take the narrow street on the left hand side of the church, if you’re facing it. Walk down and up a few hundred metres and then proceed through a narrow patch and beyond another row of houses. The buildings give way to more rubble walls, uneven paths and even more countryside. The winding lane eventually comes to an end, leading you onto the proportionately small parvis of one of the most distinct wayside chapels on the island – the chapel of St Dimitri, where legend has become interwoven with local faith.

If by now your spirits have anything but dampened and you feel like trying an adventurous route, the narrow lane leading from beneath the chapel, seemingly into the fields, will actually take you back to the heart of Gharb. If you however feel like taking a more familiar route, retracing your steps to your car or to Gharb square and hitching for a drive back, is probably a more comfortable option.

Ta’ Gordan Lighthouse

What’s On


Ghasri

EASTER EVENTS IN GOZOHOLY WEEK EXHIBITIONS

Exhibited between Sunday 28th March and Sunday 4th April Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 5.30pm - 8.00pm

Saturday, Sunday & Good Friday - 9.00am - noon, 5.30pm - 8.00pm

Last Supper Exhibition (Original Jewish Style) by Frank CassarBanca Giuratale, Independence Square, Victoria

Good Friday statuettes by Joe Cutajar Zahra & Last Supper ExhibitionLehen il-Belt Victoria, St. George’s Square, Victoria

Scene of Calvary Hill (Golgotha) including Good Friday statuettesAnnexe of St. Francis Church, St. Francis Square, Victoria

Good Friday statuettes by Alfred Camilleri Cauchi & Last Supper ExhibitionDon Bosco Oratory, St. Augustine Square, Victoria

Good Friday MemorabiliaSacristy Vaults, St. Mary’s Parish Church, Zebbug

Last Supper Exhibition with re-enactmentVocations Centre (behind Xaghra Parish Church)Thursday 1st April (8.00pm - 11.00pm)Friday 2nd April (9.00am - noon / 8.00 - 11.00pm)Saturday 3rd April (5.00pm - 8.00pm)Sunday 4th April (6.30pm - 8.00pm)

Last Supper ExhibitionBoys M.U.S.E.U.M., Dun Gorg Preca Street, Nadur

Last Supper ExhibitionSt. John the Baptist Parish Church, Xewkija Thursday 1st April and Friday 2nd April 2010


What’s On

Maundy Thursday, 1 April 2010

After liturgical functions, all churches in Gozo are open all evening for adoration of the Holy Sacrament. If you are planning to do the traditional visit of 7 churches, you can either do the following:

-By Walk: In Victoria you can find various churches and chapels throughout the city centre.

-By Car: This could be your opportunity to visit all of Gozo’s main parish churches in one night.

HOLY WEEK PROCESSIONS

Penitential Pilgrimage with the statue of Christ the RedeemerMain square and streets of San LawrenzWednesday 31st March - 7:30 onwards

Open Air “Way of the Cross” ProcessionMain streets of Xlendi BayFriday 2nd April 10:00am onwards

Good Friday Procession with statues, pageantry & bandTuesday 30th March - 7.00pm onwards:Qala

Wednesday 31st March - 7.00pm onwards:Munxar

Friday 2nd April - 5.30pm onwards:Victoria (St.George’s Basilica)Xaghra,Nadur,Zebbug

What’s On

kids fashion from newborn to 14

NEW

NEW

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Wine Tasting SessionCaravaggio Wines - Marsovin

Arkadia Foodstore, Victoria, GozoThursday, 1 April, 10am-2pm, 5pm-7pm

Saturday, 3 April, 10am-2pm

NIGHTLIFESaturday, 3rd April 2010Stereo Love, La Grotta, Xlendi

What’s OnEaster Sunday Processions with the statueof the Risen ChristSunday, 4th April

8.00am onwards:Victoria (Cathedral & St. George)XaghraNadurKercemXewkija

5.00pm onwards:QalaZebbug

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Concert: Sacred Music Concert by the Leone Band

Cathedral Church, Victoria Tuesday, 30th March - 8.00pm

Freedom Day CommemorationIndependence Square, VictoriaWednesday, 31st March - 11.00amCommemoration ceremony with the participation of the Malta Police Band


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Shopping List

Frozen Forest Fruits Pancakes Mascarpone Orange German Muesli Rye Bread Smoked Salmon Garlic Granules Ricotta Spring Onions

Mixed Salad Greens Tomatoes Bamboo skewers Chicken Breast Basmati Rice Asian Home Gourmet Indonesian Satay Marinade Green Beans Fresh Coriander (optional)

Ground Cinnamon (optional)

Other Staples

Cooking Oil Salt and Pepper Olive Oil Sugar Red Wine

What’s Cooking This WeekendBe it for dinner, lunch, or a late breakfast, here we prepare for

you some easy cooking suggestion while staying over in Gozo

Recipes & Photography by Claire Borg

All ingredients in this shopping list can be purchased from:

Dinner

Indonesian Chicken Skewerswith Steamed Basmati Rice and Green Beans

MethodCut the chicken breast into strips and thread onto the bamboo skewers. Marinade in the Satay sauce and 3 tbsp cooking oil. Cover and leave in fridge for at least an hour.

Put the rice and water in a pot and bring to the boil. Cover and simmer on a medium flame until all water evaporates. Switch off and leave covered until the skewers are being cooked.

Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a pan and cook the chicken, turning often, until done ( about 10 minutes ).

Meanwhile bring some salted water to the boil and cook the trimmed beans for 4 minutes so they remain crunchy. Drain when done.

Serve the chicken skewers together with the rice and beans and garnish with coriander leaves and finely chopped spring onions.

Ingredients (serves 2)1pkt Asian Home Gourmet Satay Marinade1 whole chicken breast (about 450grams)6 long bamboo skewerscooking oil250 grams basmati rice500 ml water200 grams fresh green beans1 spring onion and fresh coriander leaves to garnish

Lunch

Smoked Salmon with Garlic Scented Ricotta on German Muesli Bread

Ingredients (Serves 2)1 pkt German rye bread with muesli250 grams ricotta1 tsp garlic granules2 tbsp olive oilsea salt and black pepper250 grams smoked salmon1 spring onion and fresh parsley to garnishcherry tomatoes and mixed salad leaves

MethodMash the ricotta and beat with a fork until soft. Add the garlic, salt, pepper and olive oil and mix well until all well amalgamated.

Scoop spoonfuls of ricotta on muesli bread squares, topped with smoked salmon, spring onion and parsley and serve alongside a crunchy salad and cherry tomatoes drizzled with some good olive oil.

Breakfast

Pancakes with

Mascarpone andForest Fruit Compote

Ingredients (Serves 2)For the Compote500 grams frozen Mixed Berries150 grams sugar150 ml red wine1/2 tsp ground ginger1 tbsp finely grated orange zest

6 ready made PancakesMascarpone Cheese

MethodIn a large pot, place the berries, zest, ginger, wine and sugar. Over a low flame, heat and stir until sugar dissolves, then bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat, and leave to simmer for about 10 min or untilmixture thickens.

Leave to cool slightly, then spoon into the pancakes and serve with a dollop of mascarpone.

Accompany with a cup of strong black coffee and a glass of Champagne if you are up for a treat!

Gozo Distributor: Cosma and Simon Supplies Co. Ltd. Maison D’Amour, Dun Gorg Preca Street, Nadur NDR 1183, GozoTel: (+356) 2155 6055 | Fax: (+356) 2155 0005

PORTO VECCHIO RESTAURANTMartin Garces Street, Yacht Marina T: 2156 3317 | M: 9944 4999 E: [email protected] W: www.portovecchiorestaurant.com

Our restaurant specializes in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. One can admire the stunning views of the Mgarr Harbour and the Yacht Marina, whilst our chef and his team make sure that you enjoy their unique creations.

Open Daily for Lunch and Dinner. Closed on Wednesdays.

Eating OutMgarr The chefs treat our Mediterranean and

Gozitan cuisine with great care. Our menu offers a wide selection of antipasti, soups, pasta, meat dishes, fresh fish, also lobsters, oysters, cozze, and vongole fresh from our aquarium, all at reasonable price. Our extensive wine list includes Ta’ Mena Wines produced in Gozo using our grape varieties grown exclusively on the island. Il-Kartell is beautifully placed on the picturesque left corner of Marsalforn Bay on the water’s edge, with an indoor option making it an ideal winter retreat.

Open Daily for Lunch and Dinner.

MarsalfornIL-KARTELL RESTAURANTMarina Street, Marsalforn BayT: 2755 6918 | M: 7900 1965E: [email protected]: www.il-kartellrestaurant.com

Since 1973 Il-Kartell restaurant, locaed on the isle of Goz, has become the venue where friends meet to enjoy fine food and wine in an ambience of well being.

VictoriaMALDONADO BISTRO17 Mons Luigi Vella StreetT: 2701 9270 M: 9901 9270E: [email protected]

Our bistro is the sort of place only locals know about but with the food and ambiance to charm all. Our menu is a satisfying mix of the best local delicacies, pizza, pasta, and grills. Traditional ‘Fenkata’ and ‘Majjalata’ nights served on request. Our bistro is situated in the street which links you from Kercem up to Sabina Square which leads you to the centre of Victoria.

Open for Dinner from Tuesday to Sunday. Open for Lunch on Saturdays and Sunday.


XlendiCHURCHILL BAR, PIZZERIA & RESTAURANTTriq ix-XattT: 2155 6614 | M: 9944 1880E: [email protected]

Our establishment is conveniently situated at the water edge of Xlendi Bay. Situated on the left side of the bay, we serve a wide range of delicacies from traditional Maltese food, to pizza, to fresh fish. We specialise in serving traditional Maltese food such as rabbit and beef olives (bragjoli). We are reasonably priced as we cater for groups of friends and families. Enjoy Xlendi Bay while eating out at Churchill.

Open Daily for Lunch and Dinner.

Useful Telephone Numbers:Police: 2156 2040

Emergency Line: 112

Gozo General Hospital: 2156 1600

Tourist Office: 2155 0254

Gozo Channel Co. Ltd: 2210 9000

Pharmacies open this week:

Wednesday, 31st March

Palm Pharmacy Palm Street, Victoria

Tel: 2156 6170

Lauretana PharmacyTriq l-Imgarr, Ghajnsielem

Tel: 2156 3017

Good Friday:

Tac-Cawla PharmacyTriq l-Imgarr, Victoria

Tel: 2155 7819

Pisani PharmacyTriq Sannat, Sannat

Tel: 2156 4447

Sunday, 4th March

Abelas’ Health & Beauty CentreAgius De Soldanis Street, Victoria

Tel: 2155 6170

St. Joseph PharmacyPjazza San Guzepp, Qala

Tel: 2155 5348


Arkadia, GOZO | Naxxar Road, BIRKIRKARA

Your Gozo Guide - Issue 3

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