Life for Joe Saliba out of the political arena is probably as different as Beaujolais is from Budweiser. As he approaches me I look into the eyes of a man who seems calm, serene, and enjoying his life without the hint of any politically induced stress.
His hair is combed back with the minimum of fuss just enough to give him a well-groomed look, and the white trousers and chequered blue shirt seem to have been custom-made for Don Berto’s terrace overlooking the breathtaking Vittoriosa marina. Tonight, he is looking like an Italian yachtsman who has just anchored his yacht and sauntered over for a wining and dining experience at Don Berto.
At 8 p.m. the place is in full swing. Everybody – including myself – has chosen to sit on the lovely terrace (don’t even try taking a chance of going without booking!), which is truly remarkable. It is situated on the edge of historic and trendy Vittoriosa marina, combining the deliciously weathered Maltese stone with a trendy décor that has an instant eye- grabbing appeal. They even have lampshades that help give the illusion of a cosy open-air living room. If they would just consider adding some stylish candles the lighting would be better.
I’m not too keen about the inner area. I think the lighting is too hard and the whole space a little too sterile.
As we are being waited upon by a young girl with demure good looks, I ask Mr Saliba how he feels now that he is out of it all. He tells me that he has now more time for his wife Natalie, whom he fondly speaks of, and his two daughters – Andromeda and Vanessa. I can understand that being the general-secretary of the Nationalist Party for 10 years must have sucked out quite some time from them. At least, his political journey has been highly successful and rewarding. The man has a super sharp mind that can easily create the most ingenious plot lines. He is further blessed with the ability to make finely cadenced dialogue, offside humour and sharp observations.
We spend some time talking, and I can’t resist peeking down through the balustrades to observe the little soap opera taking place below. A young lady with gorgeous hair and a cleavage to match, is seriously flirting with an Italian gentleman, when only half an hour earlier she was engaged in the same flirting game with his friend. She is as loud as an episode of Eastenders, and her Italian is heavily accented.
I shift my attention back to the small and modest wine list which has a small selection of wines, but interesting. Their food menu offers a wider selection. Though the platters are slightly boring, the other offerings are by far more interesting. You can find pizza, pasta, fish, beef, chicken, salads, and risottos which actually raise thrills to your taste buds. I also like the fact that the food menu actually helps you out with choosing the right wine for your dish, which is rather thoughtful of them. Of course, I break the rules and order a Wild Card chardonnay – Peter Lehmann from south Australia… just because I like the name. It’s a wild card after all!
Mr Saliba decides for a seafood risotto with king prawns, calamari, mussels and clams cooked in a rich sauce, which is served with crisp seaweed. I’m more of a bore, and settle for a pasta dish called Caramelle. On second thoughts it sounds like an interesting pick: caramelle stuffed with Parma ham, tossed in garlic, sundried tomatoes, pine nuts and Parmesan shavings.
“What is the most valuable thing life has taught you,” I ask my guest, taking a sneak peek at the Eastenders episode downstairs. The soap is at its best!
“That you always keep learning something in life. You never know enough,” he tells me wisely. Despite the fact that he has held high flying positions, is now a consultant for various companies in strategic planning, and has successfully graduated in philosophy he keeps a very low profile and is incredibly humble. A myth about today’s celebrity circus is that “celebrities” enjoy being drooled over, and photographed, for newspapers or magazines…
“And something that politics has thought you?” I quiz back, savouring the Wild Card chardonnay for the first time. It’s above average in taste, but rather particular.
He smiles, his face exploding into an intricate web of character lines. “Don’t ever expect a thank you!” he replies.
“Are you more comfortable to be associated with politics or something else?”
“To be honest, I would not like to be associated with anything,” he responds calmly.
Our conversation takes several twists and turns, and I learn that he loves poetry, is an avid reader and a very prolific writer. He has published a book, and I tell him that he should publish more literature eventually. His creative side is springing back to action now that he has more time on his hands.
The food is nowhere to be seen yet, and I comment that it is taking a while. Mr Saliba tells me that it’s all about communication and that since we are enjoying the evening anyway, that is a secondary thing. Maybe he is right. Looking at things from different angles is very healthy. However, I’m drop-dead hungry!
Finally, our pretty waitress and a young man bring over the food. Well, it looks like the long wait has been worth the while. Mr Saliba’s risotto is so tempting that I am struggling with my manners because I am dying to taste it. I choose to hold back and suffer in silence. My caramelle are equally exquisite. Yes, yes, thumbs up!
I announce I have a fun question. Who would he employ as his PA dressed in a red cat-suit : Marlene Mizzi or Marlene Pullicino. And why? There is another explosion of character lines and his eyes slit in amusement. “Marlene Mizzi. She has the brains!”
“If I say purple… what comes to mind?” I have a preconceived idea of what he could answer but he surprises me and simply says: “Good Friday! And the song Purple Rain…”
I would have thought he’d say the mix of blue and red!
He surprises me further. When dinner is over he tells me that he will visit the bathroom before me! Oh no! It’s like my heart has been ripped in two.
“How was it?” I ask anxiously, but he leaves me guessing and says I should be the one to check it out. So I go at once.
On the way I run into a good friend of mine who is having a boring evening, it seems, with some Austrian acquaintances who have lumped themselves on him for a four-day holiday. They are not so interested in small talk, so I find my way to see what the bathrooms offer as fast as my legs could carry me.
It’s actually not bad. Nothing to lose sleep over, but it is well sized, and decorated in the most OK manner possible.
One doesn’t have to believe in Greek gods to know that the mind of a man tells you something about him. What I have absorbed today from Mr Saliba is a wealth of information about life, success, and more. I’m wondering though: What is the most memorable moment in his life? “Life gave me more than I deserve,” he tells me thoughtfully, and mentions two private moments which are both sad and happy. However, he then tells me that “playing a small part in Malta’s entry into the European Union” is definitely another moment that tops his list.
The bill amounts to €42.70, and that includes a Limoncello and an Averna. For Mr Saliba it’s time to go back to his wife. For me, time to fetch the pillow!
RATING: 1 - 7
Wine - ****
Ambience - ******
Food - ******
Service - ****