The eating place with stories to tell

Did you know that baguettes did not ori­ginate in France but in Austria? And that the croissant was first made in the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the late 17th century to mark the repulsion of a Turkish invasion?

Or that it was the Dutch who, in 1616, found a way to beat a restriction imposed by the Arabs to ban the export of fertile coffee beans?

Do you agree with King Edward VII of Great Britain, who once said: “One not only drinks wine. One smells it, observes it, tastes it, sips it and one talks about it”?

If you fancy a cigar after a good meal, have you ever thought how the name came about?

It is possible the Mayans came up with the name: their term for smoking, sikar, likely led to the Spanish cigarro, from which the cigar takes its name.

These stories, together with some amusing quotations and witty statements originating from Italy, can be read as one sits in the newly opened deli-café in the SkyParks Business Centre at the Malta International Airport.

Its owners, Alan Mercieca Bons and Amy Talbot – hence, Talbot & Bons, the venue’s name – insist the place is out to tell a story of its own and that every product has its story.

But, of course, Talbot & Bons goes beyond telling stories.

It offers healthy, home-style, wholesome cooking accompanied by drinks – such as their home-made fresh lemonade – wines or coffee. Faithful to the coffee culture, Talbot & Bons will be offering a different blend of coffee depending on the time of day.

Talbot & Bons takes its inspiration from the latest London and Milan trends, with venues being adaptable and an attraction – a destination in themselves.

“We believe this is an entirely new concept for Malta,” Mr Mercieca Bons said.

“We want to offer the best coffee locally and give our clientele a number of added reasons to return.”

All the food at Talbot & Bons is freshly prepared and made solely with natural ingredients, with no artificial colourings or additives.

The bakery range and pies are baked on site. Patrons can take their pick from the salumeria and order baguettes or sandwiches to their specifications. There is also a choice of specials, including Indian butter chicken.

When the sun sets, Talbot & Bons transforms itself into a stylish venue for an aperitivo and a wine and tapas bar.

Designed by Carlo Schembri, the 380-square–metre venue has two large tables for “communal” dining (they call them “flirting tables”) and intimate spaces for one-to-one meetings.

The delicatessen section includes the newly-launched Giraudi range of hand-made Italian chocolate and locally-made pro­ducts.

There is also a selection of wines on sale.

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