Marina Fabic

The Villa Kitchen, a charming café set in the elegant 18th-century gardens of Villa Bologna, Lija, will be introducing cooking classes inspired by Marina Fabic’s extensive travels and Faye Mallia’s interest in culture and food. Marina specialises in the art of blending flavours to create interesting and colourful recipes that will release the inner chef in you.

Faye enjoys a good meal and provides the organisation for the classes in addition to some culinary knowledge too. She is Maltese and has a few local secret specialties to share. Faye is fond of travelling and has created a niche for photography travel and cooking holidays.

“Like many great ideas, it started over a good lunch,” Marina says. “Friends have been asking me to share my recipes and skills, so I figured if they wanted to learn more, others would too.”

Marina was born in Sweden, where she lived during her childhood years. She later moved to London, the UK, to pursue her career. It was here that she garnered experience as a chef at Wild Peacock Fine Food & Events. She travelled around the Middle East and other parts of the world exploring exotic cuisines and techniques.

Cooking sessions start with a walk through the lush vegetable gardens, where participants pick fresh produce to be used in the recipes for the menu

Marina focuses as much on the presentation as on the ingredients, tools and technique. “I like to share flavours and principles of cooking,” she says. “I approach cooking not only with taste in mind, but also with presentation, colour, texture and quality of ingredients that are both organic and sustainable.”

Villa Bologna is a haven for Marina, who is passionate about food and natural produce. The Mediterranean garden is abundant with citrus fruit and a wide array of vegetables which are grown without the use of fertilisers and pesticides.

Cinnamon rolls. Right: All dishes are prepared using natural ingredients.

Faye Mallia

The cooking sessions start with a walk through the lush vegetable gardens, where participants will pick fresh produce to be used in the recipes for the menu. Each class provides distinctly different dishes which are easy to prepare, natural and delicious. Participants will learn how to prepare various cuisines, ranging from Moroccan traditional delicacies to Swedish comfort food.

“These classes are really ideal for small groups who want time to talk, share a meal and learn something new. It’s a nice change of pace from going to a restaurant or entertaining at home, because we take care of all the cleaning up,” Faye says.

At the end of each class, participants sit down together to enjoy lunch, to further experience the flavours and discuss the dishes. Possibly, the biggest challenge will be to invite family and friends to savour the meal and deliver their verdict!

Classes will be held on Mondays starting on April 4, between 9.30am and 12.30pm. For more information send an e-mail to info@creativeholidaysmalta.com or call on 9924 2992.