An evening to melt the blues away

The Corinthia Summer Kitchen is a favourite of mine. I am basically a ‘winter’ person and prefer the cold to the heat of our summers, especially since our winter weather is generally mild and even sunny. However, one thing I do like about summer is the outdoor dining. Whether it is in a courtyard, a balcony or in a sumptuous garden possibly next to a pool, eating al fresco is truly representative of the Mediterranean way of life.

So, the launch of this year’s Summer Kitchen menu at the Corinthia Palace, is one event to which I look forward. I knew that executive chef Stefan Hogan and his team would have been perfecting something fresh and different months ahead.

The evening of the launch, some weeks ago, as we were greeted by our host, GM Adrian Attard, I really did feel as if I had entered into a different world. Now I know the Corinthia very well as I have been there numerous times over the years. But the poolside area, that evening, with Sicilian ceramics of oranges and lemons on each table and plants and trees surrounding the pool were so refreshing and a contrast to the aridness outside as summer begins to take its toll. There was indeed magic in the air. You couldn’t fault its glamour.

This year the Summer Kitchen menu seemed even more extensive than usual. It was more than a tasting menu. The Corinthia are always very

generous with their hospitality. I also find it reassuring to see some staff members who are familiar faces and one can almost say friends. They certainly know how to look after their guests. ***

If you are one of that growing breed – vegan, vegetarian or a gluten-free diner - fear not because there are items on the menu prepared just for you and they are delicious, too.

The Tofu Berger and Kale Salad; the Pumpkin & Seitan Ravioli, oven roasted peppers, almonds and herbs; the broad bean falafel paired with the Tahini wholemeal pitta; the Burrata with Panzanella Heritage Tomatoes – all these and more encourage healthy eating even if one isn’t on a special diet.

I loved the pulled pork empanada with rose harissa and crème fraiche and ate several of them, hoping the rest of the table, among them our attentive host Adrian Attard and two amusing DJ’s, would not notice. It is my fault if I don’t like rare meat as the charred beef tenderloin was pronounced especially delicious.

I loved the lamb pastillas served with quince jelly. Pastillas are related to Cornish pasties and pork pies, I suppose. But although not too keen on meat I do love lamb and these pastillas were very tasty.

Capocollo served with smoked peppers and almonds was enjoyable. I like any sort of salami and this smoked pork meat which is taken from the neck is not commonly found in supermarkets here.

An array of glasses of the colourful Knickerbocker Glory, which reminds me of Eton Mess, were temptingly displayed on one of the tables. I had eaten far too much already. One has to know when to stop. I looked away and pretended I had not seen them.

My stuffed marrows seemed very dull the following day, after such a feast. I planned to go on diet straight away but a visit to Portugal put a stop to that. W|tÜç

Jo Caruana, Tamara Webb and Sarah Micallef

Chef Stefan Hogan and Corinthia Palace general manager Adrian Attard.

Justine Trepa Torres and Sarah Woods