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 

It smells like BBQ...

With the heat of the peak season, outdoor venues flourish on the island, opening their doors to visitors in search of a great summery vibe and a pleasant evening breeze. Le Méridien in Balluta Bay presents the re-opening of an inspiring fashionable outlet worth experiencing this summer: La Bajja Restaurant.

La Bajja outdoor restaurant, on the rooftops of Le Méridien St Julians Hotel & Spa, unveils a different perspective on the Mediterranean Sea. Indeed, this inspiring summer venue offers an unexpected viewpoint on pretty Balluta Bay and its surroundings. Perched on the 12^th floor of the hotel, you will enjoy fantastic views and a welcomed refreshing summer breeze whilst indulging in Le Méridien creative cuisine.

La Bajja opens to food-enthusiastic visitors for a summer dining experience on the grill two evenings per week starting on July, 2nd. Fish lovers are in for a mid-week treat with Pesci ai Ferri every Wednesday evening at €28 per person. On Friday, Le Méridien reinvents our summer classic with a traditional barbecue at €26.50 per person.

Let yourself be enchanted by this unusual venue, up and away from our usual wining and dining whereabouts.

Visit lemeridienmalta.com/labajja or call 2311 0000 to book your dining experience.

SUI GENERIS EXHIBITION

Naomi Gatt and Claudia Muscat have combined their artistic talents to present a colourful and varied array of exhibits under the common title SUI GENERIS.  This unique painters’ exhibition is being hosted at Le Méridien St Julians Hotel & Spa in Balluta Bay. Indeed, the hotel has consistently established itself as a mecca for Maltese and foreign artists alike over the past 7 years.

Naomi Gatt is a graphic designer and owns a first degree in Communication and Psychology. The mastering of these two essential elements of human interactions enables her to express her inner feelings in poignant and surprisingly accurate female facial expressions.  She has playful traits which bring out unexpected renderings in her depiction of common objects.  Naomi has dabbled with various topics and different media, however what lures her most is the capturing of faces.  The viewer is transported to the soul of the painting through the eyes of these inspiring portraits. It is a very powerful way for Naomi Gatt to bring her deepest emotions to the forefront of her exhibits. She chooses simple, nearly depurated images and transforms them into intense art depictions.

by Naomi Gatt. All rights reserved.

LE MERIDIEN WEDDING SHOWCASE

Are you ready to start organizing your dream wedding? So is Le Méridien St Julians

Hotel & Spa. The contemporary 5 star hotel is opening its doors for its yearly display of prestigious wedding services. Visit Le Méridien in Balluta Bay on Saturday 25^th of January from 4pm till 10pm or on Sunday 26^th from 11am till 7pm and get the right inspiration for your special day.

Year after year, Le Méridien St Julians Hotel & Spa builds on its professional reputation as a wedding venue and catering provider, with successful yet very unique wedding celebrations. To strengthen its dynamic perspective and give a real feel of its venues, the hotel is indeed organizing its 4^th consecutive wedding showcase. The showcase will include stands from reputed companies: Jigami hairdressers, Wedding Bells, Floral Art, Boo & Co, John’s Garage, Bow & Ribbon, 202 Jewellery, Tunin Entertainment, AV Warehouse, Cefai Formal Wear, Mark Cilia Photography, PartyGoods, Love is… and House of Beauty.

“We are delighted by the enthusiastic response of our wedding partners”, explains Elyse Borg, Events Manager at Le Méridien. “Our showcase has become a key event in terms of wedding organization and our team is committed to make this year’s edition another successful one. It is the perfect opportunity for future brides and grooms to taste the creative recipes of our kitchen brigade and to get a feel of our venues with breath-taking wedding set-ups.”

Together with their partner 202 Jewellery, the hotel is also extending an exclusive wedding promotion: all the couples who book their wedding celebrations with Le Méridien during the Wedding Showcase will be rewarded with up to €500 towards the jewellery of their choice*! Le Méridien Wedding Showcase: because passion is in the details that really matter.

*conditions apply: contact events.malta@lemeridien.com for additional information

www.lemeridienmalta.com/wedding_brochure

www.facebook.com/maltaweddings

events.malta@lemeridien.com

T - 2311 0000