A TOUCH OF NATURE

Le Méridien St Julians Hotel & Spa presents digital artist John Hicks with the exhibition A Touch of Nature on display from the 8th of August and throughout the month, in the reception area of the hotel in Balluta Bay.

Artist John Hicks was born in 1986 in Leicestershire, England. As a young digital creator, he received his B.A. from De Montfort University in his hometown and attended the Post-Graduate program in painting at the Newtown College in Wales, before settling down in Malta in 2012.
In college, Hicks produced tonal drawings, acrylics, oils, alcohol markers and sculptures of still life in clay, bolster and wood. He also experimented with character portraits and busts. A great portion of his time was already dedicated to product design.

Days to Come, by John Hicks

DESTINATION INSPIRED ECLAIRS

On National Chocolate Éclair Day (June 22), Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts launched its first-ever global éclair program in partnership with award-winning Pastry Chef Johnny Iuzzini. As part of the brand’s new culinary initiative, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts worldwide invite guests to indulge in a variety of modern twists on the chic Parisian treat, including both classic flavours as well as unique creations inspired by the destination. As part of the programme, Le Méridien St Julians Hotel & Spa offers modern takes on three signature éclair recipes – coffee, chocolate and vanilla – as well as locally inspired flavours.

To commemorate the launch of Le Méridien éclairs, Le Méridien hotels globally are hosting on-property events, programs and special offerings highlighting the delectable French treat, from do-it-yourself (DIY) tutorials with on-property Pastry Chefs to regular éclair hours for guests to sample seasonal creations. 
 

THE LIVING WORLD EXHIBITION

Le MERIDIEN in Malta encourages creativity, promotes the arts and unlocks your destination with an inspiring perspective.

The 5 star hotel, as a creative hub that highlights arts and culture on the island, presents The Living World painting exhibition by Chloe Waterfield. This grasping display of art will be on show at the hotel throughout July.

BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL

Born in England and raised in Malta, Chloe Waterfield belongs to this upcoming generation of artists who have roots everywhere. Ever since she began experimenting with art, she has sought her inspiration from all corners of the globe. To her, nature is limitless and without borders. This powerful message expresses itself in her art. Chloe has been determined to succeed from a very young age. She took charge of her career in a committed fashion by hosting a series of exhibitions and readings called The Contemporaries. She actively participated in collective exhibitions including the Dolmen Arts Expression in 2011.

With her first solo exhibition The Art Instinct in 2013, Chloe Waterfield's style finally came to the fore. Her works can be described as semi-abstract pieces inspired by Paleolithic art. But not only.They are also colourful celebrations of the world's endangered species inspired by Franz Marc.This solo exhibition was a launching pad for her international career which has since seen her works exhibited in the Traces of Life juried show in the US.

Chloe takes her inspiration from artists who have, in their work, made nature more dynamic, including Van Gogh, Franz Marc, Salvador Dali and Georgia O'Keeffe. Her strongest influence, however, comes from the painted caves of Europe. The very beginning of art history, after all. 

INSPIRING INNOVATION

Now her career is about to take its next flight with another solo exhibition at Le Méridien St Julians Hotel & Spa. An appealing display targeting the creative hotel guests and visitors of Le Méridien, which she hopes “will have a David Attenborough’s effect on people. I want to show them the beauty and the diversity of nature, to make them appreciate it before it's too late.”

This upcoming exhibition focuses on several of Chloe's signature styles: semi-abstract and vivid Paleolithic-inspired paintings depicting some of the most fascinating species. As an innovative venture for this artist, the exhibition will also include a new series of works: Endangered Peoples focusing on the world's most endangered tribes, unveiling their identity through varied techniques. This is a must-seen for all art enthusiasts in search of new inspiring perspectives.

The Living World exhibition, curated by Joe D. Hamilton, will be on display until the 31^st of July at Le Méridien St Julians Hotel & Spa.

Cooking with Reuben

Reuben Grixti, Executive Head Chef at Le MERIDIEN St Julians Hotel & Spa presents:

PACCHERI PANCETTA PASTA

An amazingly tasty pasta dish!

INGREDIENTS

500g paccheri pasta
100g pancetta
40g sundried tomatoes
30g onions
12 ml extra virgin olive oil
50ml white wine
80ml chicken stock
60ml fresh cream
30g fresh spinach





METHOD

Chop the pancetta, the onions and the sundried tomatoes. Heat some extra virgin olive oil in a pan. Add the diced pancetta and the chopped onions. Sauté over a medium heat until the onions are a nice light golden brown. Add the wine and bring to a boil. Continue to boil until your preparation is reduced by half. Add the chicken stock and the chopped sundried tomatoes. Simmer gently for a few minutes. Reserve and keep warm. Cook the pasta in a pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until Al Dente. This ideal cooking point is soft but holds shape, and is starchy enough for your sauce to stick on to perfection. Drain well and transfer the cooked paccheri into the sauce. Add the fresh cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Plate, garnish with fresh spinach tossed in extra virgin olive oil and serve immediately.

Tell us what you think about this recipe and/or if you find ways to personalize it!
Taste this dish at KuDeTa Lounge & Bar, level 3 of the hotel, throughout summer.
www.kudeta-restaurant.com