Having fun at Manoel Theatre coffee shop

The Courtyard Coffee Shop at the Manoel Theatre is again in operation, after a three-month shut down period. The new operators, Julian Sammut and Donald Caligari, are determined to give the National Theatre the quality of service and product it deserves.

While Mr Sammut, of Rubino fame, sees this as an opportunity to promote local produce and food culture, Mr Caligari is dead set on making sure that all patrons have a great time. Until recently Malta operations executive for international news agency Reuters, Mr Caligari, like Mr Sammut, has a passion for good food and people and followed his heart, hung up his jacket, threw out his tie and has thrown himself wholeheartedly into the operation.

Open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Saturday, interesting eats are offered for snacks and light lunches. Ranging from a ftira bil-laham fuq il-fwar (steamed beef) to a torta tar-rikotta and a thick fava-based minestra to a bulgar and vegetables salad, the food is Maltese and Mediterranean, both modern and traditional, making full use of fresh seasonal produce and will be changing frequently.

Sweets include a torta tat-tamal, pudina tal-hobz and of course Rubino's Cassata Siciliana. Other than the conventional espresso and fresh orange juice, one could opt for freshly brewed Kafè Malti and biskuttini tar-rahal.

On performance evenings apart from an efficient bar service - incidentally prices of drinks have been reduced - a restricted menu offering light meals ideal for late evening dining is available.

"Once we settle down then we'll be able to start having fun. I intend to bring the courtyard closer to the theatre with music, song and laughter. Wait for it," Mr Caligari said.