Shopping, Cooking, Drinks Prepare for the Festive Season in Cyprus

19 SUNDAY MAIL • December 7, 2014 It’sChristmas Shopping, cooking, drinks prepare for the festive season in Cyprus

Velvet suit from a selection at Paul Smith London

Velvet or denim, check or a roll-neck? It’s not just the girls who dress up, Karen Dacre has the ultimate festive season dress code for the boys this festive season

Patent sneakers Party politics from Lanvin Va-va-velvet? base of every alternative par- slacks (blue or black only). style motivation, you’re not tive season, though - where Andrew Davis, fashion direc- ty ensemble around. Avoid if What the boys say: “Wear- alone. While some gents are appropriate - you can afford to tor, Wonderland magazine Is a black-tie dress code a you’re on the curvy side, and ing jeans to an offi ce party is more than happy to embrace be a little more playful. The oc- prerequisite for a black suit stick to neutral shades. completely acceptable,acceptable, you novelty nonsense,nonsens there are casional fl ash of a festive sock Bow-tie or no tie? or a chance to get more crea- What the boys say: “A polo- just need ttoo make sure thosethose for whomwh even the or neck-tie in a bold shade of tive? While for the most dap- neck is an incredibly versatile you get it right.ght. OptOpt fforor subtlestsubtlest FFair Isle motif forest green or redcurrant is While a carefully chosen per gents a brushed velvet and practical item of cloth- a darker denim,enim, either iiss a step ttoo far. fi ne, but anything more than tie is essential for dapper two-piece is a posh party ing: as elegant worn with a black or indigo.igo. SlimSlim or WhatWhat theth boys say: that (I’m talking woodland gents attending weddings fail-safe there are those for suit during the day (I would skinny fi ts look great ShortShort of throwing on creatures, snowfl akes, Christ- (or court) the neck-tie has whom such a tactile number always add a pocket square) worn with a neatneat pairpair ofof a nylon jumperju which mas trees and Santas) should no place at the Christmas is a little too camp. For these as it is with a tux - if you shoes and a smarsmartt blblazer.azer. lookslooks as thoughth Noddy be left to the kids. And Noddy party. But what to wear in- wallfl owers, a Prince of Wales want a slightly easier option Roll up the bottoms to HolderHolder hash vomited Holder.” stead? Do you try your hand check is a wonderful alterna- than the classic dress shirt keep it cool, butbut re-re- all overov it, there’s Teo van den Broeke, senior at the kooky geek chic thing tive. Team with a crisp shirt and bowtie (much easier to member to wewearar onlyonly so festive style editor, Esquire maga- (see Tinie Tempah) and don and some seriously shiny dance in)! It’s also another a good pairr ofof youyou can be. The zine a velveteen bow-tie or open dancing shoes. easy option for a more casual socks too.” keyke to dressing your top button and allow What the boys say: “For me drinks party. Styled with an Kieron Watts,s, wellw as a man Canvas or leather? the smart cut of your dinner a velvet tux jacket paired elegant blazer (cord or even stylist at is to pay atten- jacket to ensure your festive with a patent lace-up shoe velvet) and jeans it still feels ASOS tionti to the de- With trainers now considered ensemble meets with smart screams Russian oligarch like you’ve made a special ef- tailsta – from the formal attire, wearing a shiny casual criteria? attending a charity ball. I’m fort.” Novelty or noo polishedpo moth- pair of Stan Smiths to your What the boys say: “Person- not sure the look is for me, Dan May, style director, way? er of pearl but- offi ce shindig is more than ac- ally, I think the whole bow- maybe once I’ve passed my MRPORTER.COM tonsto on your ceptable behaviour. But are tie thing, unless the invite 40th I’d consider it though. Do you feeleel hopsackho blazer gym shoes really a good idea demands it, is a bit three Never say never.” Cocktails and denim? like a plonkerker to the perfectly for those looking to score big years ago. I’d just go neck- Henry Holland, designer, in a pompomom rolledro edge of with their boss this festive wear freestyle or wear a polo- House of Holland A smartly selected power jean sweater andnd youryo silk pock- season? There is, after all, no neck. In other evening news: is the casual chaps Christmas a right noncence eett square. The substitute for the perfect pair I’m a major fan of the tux- Who’s for polo? dress-up item of choice but in reindeerdeer sasamem applies of patent Oxfords. edo trouser, especially when would you dare to wear to a antlers, orr is dduringur the fes- What the boys say: “In case you ditch the formal blazer The roll-neck is the new white swanky soirée? Opting for the promisese of you end up doing the walk of element and wear with the collar. Just ask every mens- dark denim will immediately novelty dressingessing Men’s shame out of Janet from HR’s aforementioned polo-neck wear editor around. Aching- smarten your look while a what gets youou outout checkerboard house you should wear a and a fabulous coat.” ly cool worn layered over a jeans shape with a tailored fi t of bed in Decem-ecem- sweater from good shoe to the offi ce party. Simon Chilvers, men’s style sharply cut suit, Steve Jobs’ will also help matters. Equal- ber? Whateveratever Chinti and At least your feet will be in a director at MATCHESFASH- sweater of choice forms the ly casual alternatives include your silly seasoneason Parker good place even if you’re not” ION.COM 20 It’sChristmas December 7, 2014 • SUNDAY MAIL

John pouring World’s first ‘healthy’ chocolate chocolate in Platres Bespoke products are made locally by a chocolatier and an essential oil expert

By Bejay Browne prevent all sorts of serious own fi rstrst healthy chocolate. illnesses and conditions and “Aroundund 80% ooff thethe healthyhealthy I have been working on mak- ingredients,ients, such as antioxi- A RENOWNED chocolatier ing healthy chocolate for a dants, are usuusu-- and food scientist living number of years to prevent ally lostst when in Platres has teamed up disease. However, people producingcing with an essential oil expert should go see their doctor chocolatelate andand to create bespoke ‘healthy fi rst and take any medical you’re left chocolate’. treatment which they are with some-ome- John Adams claims that recommended by the doc- thing whichwhich the ‘healthy chocolate’ he tor. This chocolate is not a just tastesstes and partner Susan Worwood, replacement for that.” good. a clinical aromatherapist He added that the prod- “The and president elect of the ucts should always be taken universitysity made Cyprus herbal society, have as part of a healthy and bal- chocolatelate whichwhich created is a world fi rst, anced diet. only lostost 20% ofof successful in preventing Adams said his are not goodnessess but it the onslaught of a number wild claims but are based on wasn’t enjoy-enjoy- of diseases including early years of recognised inter- able too eateat as it stage Alzheimer’s, type two national research of the was soo bitter,”bitter,” diabetes and stomach ulcers. Chocolate Science Institute Adamss said.said. Adams, who has a wealth (CSI), which he founded The cchoco-hoco- FFlavalava chocchoc-- of experience as a chocola- in 1992. He is currently the late scientistientist saidsaid oolatelate hhasas numer- tier and a food scientist, is body’s research director he realisedlised many CypriotCypriot oousus benebenefifi ttss iinclud-nclud- at the forefront of the move and tutor and is passionate womenn wouldwould drivedrive toto thethe iingng helphelpinging ttoo keep skskinin towards creating healthy about promoting the con- mountainsti to t buy b royal ljll jelly, soft,ft maintaining i t i i a hhealthy lth chocolate. He said this ter- nection between chocolate as they are convinced it is an heart and keeping memory minology refers to a product and health. aphrodisiac and has benefi - and concentration in tip top which tastes delicious and Adams has lived on the cial properties. “I suggested condition as it helps delay has a benefi cial effect on the island for 22 years and is that they add it to neutralise age related problems. one person and not a clinical ideas on to bigger companies body and mind as it contains married to a Cypriot. He said the acidity.” It is produced using single trial and further research is who have the resources to more antioxidants and es- he fell in love with the coun- It worked, and around two origin cacao beans from needed. do this.” sential amino acids than any tryside and the way people years ago, Adams said the South America, which are As a result of the success of “We have also helped a man fruit or vegetable. live in Platres, and although CSI was given a product harvested and stored under the Flava chocolate, the CSI with stomach ulcers. He However, he stressed that he often travels abroad to license to produce the fi rst carefully controlled hygienic started to develop another took the chocolates as a test the creations should be used numerous conferences, he healthy chocolate in the conditions and then proc- chocolate that tasted of and said it alleviated pain in a preventative manner loves his village and Cypriot world - Flava chocolate - essed in a unique and gentle the mountains to improve and eventually stopped the and said they are not cura- life. which is now sold exclusively way. “Our cacao beans are memory. “We made one ulcers,” Adams added. tive. After being involved with at his Platres shop. Flava natural – not chemically which contains sage essen- Adams said there are “The chocolates we are thehe University of California chocolate is enhanced withw treated as many other types tial oil, pine nuts and Royal plans to expand the range coming up with inn LA, whwhich Adams said was Cyprus RoyalRoyal Jelly.Jelly. of cacao beans are for more jelly; this can help to prevent of healthy chocolates, which cancan helphelp toto aapproachedpproached by MARS ttoo “Th“Thisis healthyhealthy chocolatechocola is a commercial brands of choco- Alzheimer’s in the early use only natural ingredients ccomeome up wwithith a benebenefifi ccialial prevenpreventativetative as opposedopp late,” Adams said. stages.” to include aid for numerous ppillill contcontainingaining all the toto a cure andand isis useduse as Speaking for the success Adams said American other ailments. healhealthythy ooff iingredientsngredients thethe coatingcoating ofof all theth of the chocolate, he men- research is still running tri- In the meantime, Adams ooff chchocolate,ocolate, he cre-cre- new healthy chocolateschoco tions a female customer als on the benefi ts of sage said his chocolates may look ateateded hhisis SueSuS e andand I are nnowo with type 2 diabetes. “She essential oil on early onset like many other chocolates, creacreating,”tii wanted to stabilise insulin Alzheimer’s. but the ingredients and their AdAdamsa levels in her body. She tried “We work closely with benefi t make them special. sasaid.i our tailor made chocolate for essential oils; we haven’t “We don’t want to replace HHe three months and her insulin run fi eld trials as it would medicine but we can tailor ssaid production stabilised,” he take several years and cost make chocolates to aid many thtthe added. He admits this is just thousands. But we sell the ills”. m AK ar n We promise a perfect shell every time!

French delicacies taste of Christmas FRENCH macaron bou- Macarons are ideal for tique mAKaron is now open. business and holiday gifts chocolate, fruits etc), apple mAKaron is a small, family and can decorate any event’s pies, salty & sweet muffi ns, owned business dedicated dessert table. mAKaron fea- doukisssa. to creating authentic macar- tures classic, signature and And in only over the Christ- ons with innovative fl avours seasonal macaron fl avours. mas period are Christmas This Christmas Eve impress Santa with some and colour combinations. The standard menu con- cake, kourambiedes, mpouk- The macarons are made sists of macarons, butter ies and melomakarona. scrumptious delights… and let your heart be light in small batches daily, us- biscuits, brownies, cupcakes ing the fi nest ingredients, to and marzipan. Sweets made mAKaron ensure exceptional quality, to order include: profi ter- 12 Boumboulinas street, Ni- 12B Mpoumpoulinas Str., Nicosia, Tel.: 99773456 consistency and freshness. oles, birthday cakes, pavlova, cosia. Monday to Saturday Like us on Facebook Those at the new shop are mousse brownies, American 10am – 7.30pm. For more passionate about their mac- cookies, American (baked) information Tel: 99 773456 https://www.facebook.com/mAKaron.cyprus arons and promise a perfect cheesecake, caramel pud- or visit www.facebook.com/ shell every time. ding, toffee/banoffee, tarts ( mAKaron.cyprus 21

SUNDAY MAIL • December 7, 2014 For snacks with h a great taste For over 40 years Snack has been producing a range of cold meats and deli items

without losing any of their lami 100g, ham 150g, pari- wonderful taste! zaki 300g, smoked salami Currently Snack, wanting 300g and hot dog sausages to support Cypriot house- 300g. In this way, families holds through the difﬁ cult can enjoy their favorite ﬂ a- economic conditions, are vours with 50 per cent more offer customers 50 per cent product for the same price. free in selected packages, The offer begun in June such as turkey 100g, dry sa- 2014 and is still running.

INCE 1976 Snack large number of different sausages and meat kinds, such as the tradi- products have en- tional Cyprus products Sriched the tasty lountza, hiromeri, Cyprus choices for families with sausages, products for quality savoury tempta- sandwiches such as ham, tions. Snack meat prod- turkey fi llet, bacon, mor- ucts are famous for their tadella and various other delicious taste, but also specialised products such for the high standards of as Italian coppa, black for- quality and hygiene. At all est, pastrami, honey ham production stages, from and many others. the selection of the purest In recent years, the ingredients, processing, company has invested packing to delivery, inter- in machines of the latest national certifi ed quality technology to meet its con- management systems (ISO tinuously increasing needs 9001) and hygiene and se- in production, but also to secure a higher level of quality in its products. Fur- thermore, the daily con- Currently trol of the manufactured products by the Quality Control Department and Snack, wanting the continuous training of staff, guarantee that only to support the the best products end up on your plates! Cypriot households In 2010, Snackfood made a signifi cant step in upgrad- through the difficult ing its premises with the construction of a new building on Pangratiou street in economic conditions, the Strovolos industrial area. The new, modern offer their customers building is built with high standards of functionality, 50% free product in safety and hygiene. In 2011, following the ten- selected packages dencies of contemporary diet that suggests reducing daily salt intake by adults, many Snack meat products had their salt content re- curity of food (HACCP) are duced by 10 per cent. This implemented. became possible with the The primary aim of Snack new pioneering technology meat products was and re- Fresher Under Pressure, mains the satisfaction of all that allows Snack products the different needs of their to retain their freshness customers. Thus, the for a longer period of time, list of products includes a 22 It’s Christmas December 7, 2014 • SUNDAY MAIL 23 SUNDAY MAIL • December 7, 2014 It’sChristmas 24 It’sChristmas December 7, 2014 • SUNDAY MAIL Gifts with a difference If you want your gift to stand out this year Scents of a splendid Christmas ALEXIA EVRIPIDOU has some ideas CAPTURE the evocative little surprises from scent of Christmas with Molton Brown. Segway Tour Molton Brown, Lon- See old Nicosia like you’ve never don’s fragrance experts. Festive Baubles seen it before Whether you are looking These dainty glowing Price: €44 for a two-hour tour to create an indulgent baubles housing Molton From: Nicosia Segway Tours, 77A ambience throughout the Brown’s signature body Aischylou Street, Nicosia Tel: 22 home or surprise with a washes will transform 763736 decadent festive bath- yyour Christmas tree or room gift, be instantly bathroom. With eight Lap Racing Simulator transported with Molton bestselling scents, these Treat your adrenalin junkie Brown’s Christmas lim- are the perfect treat to to 4, 10 or 60 minutes of pulse ited edition collections. hide inside their stock- pumping fun on the LAP Racing ings for Christmas morn- Simulator Frankincense & Allspice Collection surrounds your ing. Price: €4, €8 and €48 respectively Festive Home Collection home with heady, Eastern From: Pop Up Shop at 21a Invite the spicy warmth aromas. This mesmerising Stocking Fillers Collection Makarios Avenue, Nicosia. Tel: of the festive season into bouquet features notes This selection of 12 be- 70003883 your home with this classic of sensuous oudh accord, stselling body washes will combination of frankin- sweetly-spiced cinnamon add a rainbow of vibrant The Half Pint cense, allspice and cedar- leaf oil and 24-carat gold colour on Christmas morn- When a whole pint of beer is a little wood. This collectioncolle is the fl akes. ing, leleaving them exotically too much perfect fi nish- frfragrancedagra for months Price: €14 ing ttouch to Magical Stocking aheahead. From: The The Smiley Shop, 24B Pi- a hhouse all Fillers raeus Street, Strovolos. Tel: 70001626 ddressed up Hanging tempt- Winter Wash Gift fofor Christ- ingly from the Set Yearly Magazine Subscription mamas. mantelpiece or Spoil the man in A gift that keeps giving and giv- nestled carefully at yyour life with this trio ing; Buysubscriptions.com offers OuOudh Ac- the end of the bed, oof invigorating body an array of magazines to suit corcord & Gold festive stockings aree wwashes. Perfect for everyone’s tastes. FesFestive Home the quintessential hhome, at the gym or Price: For food lovers BBC Good ColCollection Christmas morningg oon holiday, these are Food costs €57.12, or Top Gear ThThe precious treat. Enchant yourr ddistinctively mascu- for €84.81. Including postage and OuOudh Ac- family this Christ- liline scents for winter packaging for the year. corcord & Gold mas with magical wwake-up showers. From: Make your order via the website or Tel: (0044)1795 412 891

Hand Crochet Animals By Anne-Claire Petit, the range NOW AVAILABLE is made predominantly with organic cotton. These beauti- fully crafted pets are for life, not just for Christmas! Price: from €32 to €530 From: The Cross, Yiannou Kra- Gift catalogue nidioti 10A, Nicosia. Tel: 22 7610055 Everyday is a Holiday Calendar 365 days packed with national and international theme days, most of Christmas 2014 which exist! By designer Ioanna Philippou. Price: €20 From: Lemonaki Bookshop, Stasikratous 1A, Nicosia. Tel: 22 664656

Handmade Jewellery Holders Hand twisted into gnarly trees, these unique gift ideas are perfect for hanging your jewellery on. Price: from €10 for the smaller trees to €30 for the largest From: Riverside Studio, 22 Ektoras Street, Nicosia

Artisan chocolate Nothing quite says Christmas likee chocolate over indulgence. Especiallycially a bespoke gift box of hand selecteded Labooko organic, explode in yourr mouth ﬂ avours Price: gift boxes from €32.50 From: Organic Fusion, 10B Vasilis-s- sis Freiderikis Street, Nicosia. Tel:l: 22 376090

Cheese, Wine and Jams Wash down the Christmas meal with ﬁ ne wine and specialist cheeses. Wrapped and packed in lovely wooden boxes Price: Starting at €20 From: Bavarian Delicatessen, Tagma-a- tarchou Pouliou 16, Nicosia. Tel: 22 773139

Personalised towel wear Limassol: Ayiou Athanasiou 49, Linopetra, 25736220, Snuggle up in your very own 100% cotton dressing gown and towels, personalised with your name or a Nicosia: 37 Kennedy Ave., 22442235 message. Comes in a range of col- ours and sizes Price: Starting from €13.50 www.LaMaisonDuVin.com.cy From: Clover Dale Collection, 7 Hal- kanoros Street, Dali. Tel: 22 531100 25 SUNDAY MAIL • December 7, 2014 It’sChristmas

3. 7. Ten for ¤10 4. Ιf you are time and cash poor, get all your gifts in the same place. ELENI ANTONIOU fi nds gifts for all at the mall

1. Banana Case Even spoke beads 2. Protect your banana while and reﬂ ectors 2. on the go Price: €9.95 Price: €5.95 From: Deben- From: Debenhams hams

2. Paperblanks mini diary 7. Snap macro lens Acid-free paper and 100% A keyring doubling as a cool recycled binder boards lens for your phone. Just Price: €8.98 snap it on and go retro 10. From: Public Price: €9.95 From: Debenhams 3. Candle glass Slightly larger in size, this 8. Hot chocolate drinking spoon 1. candle can double as a deco- Heat your milk and then rative glass vase dunk. Possibly the most 8. Price: €7.95 perfect gift ever 5. 6. From: Debenhams Price: €2.95 From: Debenhams 4. African-inspired tea tin By Coffee Cantata where 9. Sunglasses case you can also ﬁ nd delicious Keep them protected for- handmade chocolate to go ever and of course in great with style Price: €7.97 Price: €8.95 9. From: Coffee Cantata From: Debenhams

5. Roller coaster straws 10. Bookmark There are 17 pieces in this Made by children in box. Use them wisely. Kenya supported by Price: €9.95 the Sophia Foundation, From: Debenhams you can feel good about purchasing this 6.Customise your ride Price: €3 This super kit contains From: Sophia Foundation everything you need to add stall quick style to your bike.

NICOSIA: Ledras 193 www.facebook.com/CarpisaCyprusrpisaCyprus LIMASSOL: Anexartisias 50A LARNACA: Ermou 35 TEL: 70007190 26 It’sChristmas December 7, 2014 • SUNDAY MAIL Stunning desserts f you don’t want Christmas pud there are plenty of alternatives that will impress and can even be Imade in advance so you can relax Chocolate Toffee Parfait Serves 8, freezable

100g roasted hazelnuts, coarsely chopped 200ml condensed milk 500ml dairy cream 150g plain chocolate, melted 100g fudge, ﬁ nely chopped 150ml caramel sauce Ready-made chocolate sauce, warmed, to serve

Sprinkle the base of a 900g loaf tin lined with clingfi lm with 25g of the hazelnuts. Pour the condensed milk and cream into a bowl and whisk until soft peaks form. Spoon half the mix into another bowl. Stir the melted chocolate through one and fold the remaining hazelnuts and fudge through the other. Enjoy this Christmas Pour half the hazelnut and fudge mix into the base of the loaf tin and top with half the chocolate mix. Cover with the caramel sauce and repeat the lay- on the sea at the ers. Put in the freezer to set overnight. To serve, remove from the freezer and invert on to a serving plate. Driz- zle with the chocolate sauce and serve Limassol Marina in slices. LIMASSOL Marina is the latest waterfront develop- ment creating waves in the Eastern Mediterranean. A Meringue Roulade with Fig and milestone project for Cyprus, and the fi rst superyacht Pistachio Filling marina on the island, it has established itself as one of Serves 8-10 the most attractive and unique projects across Europe. It has already welcomed 81.8m and 97.2m megayachts 4 egg whites and sales of its exclusive residences have surpassed €155 180g caster sugar million, with 75 per cent of apartments and 25 per cent of 1½ tbsp cornfl our villas now sold. 1tsp white wine vinegar Combining its luxury residential and diverse com- 60g pistachios, fi nely chopped mercial offering with 650 berths, for yachts up to 110m, 5tbsp icing sugar Limassol Marina has now added a touch of festive fl a- 150g fresh fi gs, sliced into thin wedges vour to its concept of living, yachting, dining and shop- 3tbsp port ping on the sea. Zest and juice ½ orange Limassol Marina’s Square, the dining and shopping es- 150g fi g jam tablishments, the spa and fi tness facilities and Cultural 300ml dairy cream Centre are playing host to a number of entertainment 3tbsp brandy choices from Christmas carols, saxophone perform- ers, brass quartets and live bands, to Russian theatre, Heat the oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. concerts, New York style brunches, themed dinners and Whisk the egg whites in a mixing bowl glamorous evening parties. It is quite literally the fi rst with an electric mixer until they form Christmas on the sea with direct access to a covered stiff peaks. While whisking, gradually long side to the other. Scatter over A small handful of pistachios, fi nely parking facility for 750 cars, making every visitor’s expe- add the sugar, 1tbsp at a time, until the remaining pistachios, chill and eat chopped rience as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible. thick and glossy. Sift over the cornfl our, within 2 days. A small handful of nougat pieces, In support of Funraising Charity Foundation, the calen- add the vinegar and 20g of the pista- You can substitute with forest ber- cubed dar of events for the festive season at Limassol Marina chios, and fold in with a metal spoon ries or other fruit/jam can be seen at www.limassolmarina.com/christmas- until evenly combined. Spoon into a Gently melt the butter, add the onthesea or www.facebook.com/LimassolMarina. 20x30cm Swiss roll tin lined with bak- crushed digestives and mix well. Press ing paper, level the surface and bake Nougat Cheesecake into the base of a 20cm round, non- for 15 minutes, until puffed up and set. Serves 12-15 stick loose bottom cake tin and chill to Cool in the tin for 15 minutes, then fi rm up. turn out on to a clean sheet of baking 100g unsalted butter Put the gelatine into cold water to sof- paper dusted with 2tbsp of the sifted 225g digestive biscuits, crushed ten, then dissolve it in 50ml water over icing sugar. 4 gelatine leaves a very gentle heat. Set aside to cool. In Meanwhile, in a small pan, heat the 1kg mascarpone a bowl, beat the mascarpone, cream Rings ‘n Dreams Co fi g slices with the port, orange zest and 400g full-fat cream cheese cheese and icing sugar until smooth. juice for 2 minutes, then stir through 150g icing sugar, sifted Stir through the gelatine mixture, nuts the jam and 30g of the pistachios. Peel 125g mixed toasted nuts, chopped and nougat pieces until just combined. off the old baking paper and spread (fl aked almonds, pistachios etc.) Spoon half the mixture into the tin and “It’s all about rings n dreams!” the roulade with the jam mixture. 75g nougat pieces, fi nely chopped spread to create a smooth top. Repeat Whisk the cream, brandy and re- 1tsp vanilla extract with the remaining mixture and chill to maining icing sugar to soft peaks and To decorate set for 4 hours or overnight. spread over the jam. Holding the bak- A hard almond brittle, broken into To serve, decorate with shards of the Jewellery Gifts Events ing paper, roll up the roulade from one shards brittle, pistachios and nougat pieces. Celebrate with a panoramic city view 220119542 SPEND the most special Christmas A festive Christmas Lunch with fl a- Eve and New Year’ Eve at the Marco vours from around the world will be Polo Restaurant with the most stun- offered on Christmas Day and New ning view in town. Year’s Day for €32 per person, children [email protected] (aged 2-12) €16. At Christmas, Santa On Wednesday December 24 and De- Claus will hand out little surprises to facebook.com/ringsndreamscofa cember 31 enjoy: all children. Festive Gala dinner from 8.30pm For those attending Christmas or Spend an unforgettable Christmas New Year’s Eve galas you can combine Eve and New Year’s Eve at Marco Polo this with a stay at the Holiday Inn for KyreniasK 143, Shop C, where elite international chefs will cre- €61 per night for a double room includ- ate an excellent festive Gala Menu of- ing breakfast, all taxes and VAT. 2113 Platy-Nicosia,CY fering a culinary tour of fl avours that If you are celebrating at home, Holi- combines originality with high quality. day Inn can also help out by providing At the same time enjoy a sumptuous a roast turkey roast (about 5kg) with festive live music programme. stuffi ng and traditional garnish for €85 All for €32 per person including a or Karamelomeno Ham with apple or glass of Champagne. Children (aged pineapple sauce for €28. For reservations Tel: 22712712 2-12) €19.50 27 SUNDAY MAIL • December 7, 2014 It’sChristmas

Baileys Chocolat Luxe will seduce chocolate lovers BAILEYS Chocolat Luxe, a seduc- tive dining experience launched by Diageo, promises to enchant lovers of chocolate and more. The new Baileys Chocolat Luxe is made with authentic Belgian chocolate. It is the result of an elaborate investigation lasting three years, which included testing 200 different chocolate varieties and 800 different recipes to reach the appropriate combination. The creator of Baileys Chocolat Luxe, leading scientist Anthony Wilson - whose father Steve Wilson True expression of Cyprus almost 40 years ago was one of the creators of Baileys Original Cream - FIKARDOS Winery is one of the fi rst pri- eties, believing that Maratheftiko, Xinisteri through travels across three conti- vately owned wineries in Cyprus. It was es- and any other Cypriot variety are Cyprus’ nents realised that the combination tablished by Theodoros Fikardos in 1990 and true signature. of chocolate with alcohol would give today its wines are considered among the fi n- The winery’s vineyards in Pano Arodes and an amazing result. est on the island. The love, passion and skill Choulou village were established with the Anthony Wilson said Baileys at Fikardos Winery are the key factors of the predominant aim to cultivate Cypriot varie- Chocolat Luxe is the fi rst time au- high quality wines produced. ties Ganoudi, Maratheftiko and Xinisteri. thentic Belgian chocolate has been The winery works in close cooperation with mixed with alcohol, creating the new vine growers and always aims to select the Fikardos Winery unique fl avour. best grapes for vinifi cation. Besides working PO Box 62200, 8061 Pafos, Cyprus, Tel: 26 with international varieties, the winery gives 949814, 26 937439, Fax: 26 938517, fi kardos@ strong emphasis to Cyprus indigenous vari- logos.cy.net - www.fi kardoswines.com.cy 28 It’sChristmas December 7, 2014 • SUNDAY MAIL Reds for your Christmas table George Kassianos recommends wines to suit most palates this festive season

2009 Châteauneauf-du-Pape, E.Guigal, 2009 Amarone, Giuseppe Campagnola, ture make up a wwineine of distinction Châteauneauf-du-Pape AOC, Abv D.O.C.G., Veneto Veneto, Abv 15% with a strong aftaftertaste.ertaste. €21.50, 14.5% The bouquet is intense, with deli- Cava Dionysion A beauty, with lush, velvety cately spiced sandalwood laced structure wonderfully embedded red berry fruit supported by in- 2011 Naoussa in the dense, fl eshy core of warm cense and sweet fl oral accents that Boutari, Protected plum, fi g compote, hoi sin sauce bring a Moscato to mind. On the Designation of and melted liquorice snap notes. palate it’s ample and fairly sweet, The fi nish is inlaid with spice and with cherry and forest berry fruit Origin Naoussa, Lapsang souchong tea notes, supported by moderate acidity Greece, Abv 13% with a fl icker of anise as well. Not and by tannins that have a warm Ruby red colour,r, a deldelightfulightful aro- shy about its toast, but wonder- sandalwood burr, and fl ow into a ma of ripe blackberry,ckberry,kb cinnamon,i fully integrated from start to fi n- fairly bright peppery fi nish. €45, La vanilla and spice.e. JustJust a wonderfulwonderful ish. The vanilla oak is prominent Vinotheque bouquet. The wiwinene ttastesastes smoosmoothth minerals, punchy bright fruit and and succulent withwith resin on the nose. Lingering fi n- 2012 Montes Reserva Merlot, D.O. mild but fi rmm ish promises long-term interest. Valle de Colchagua, Chile, Abv 14% tannins and hasas €38, La Maison du Vin great balancee The colour is dark intense red, the between fruitit 2010 Villa Antinori, Toscana I.G.T. Italy, nose packed with rich dark cherry and oak. It getss Abv 13.5% aromas, typical of Chilean Merlot. even better as it On the palate full and fl avour- has time to breathe.athe. ThisThis isis an ex- 20102010 This is one of my favourites. Anti- some, with ripe fruit fl avours and tremely drinkableble wwineine wwithith ggreatreat Masi CCostaseraostasera nori Villa Toscana IGT is intense well integrated oak spices. This intensity of fl avour - really deli- Amarone Classico, ruby red in colour. The aromas is rich and glossy with fl avours cious stuff. €9, Photiades Distribu- Amarone della Valpolicella, Veneto, 2009 Château Martinet Saint Emilion are also intense and complex with of dark cherry and a full body. €9, tors Italy Grand Cru, France, Abv 13.5% notes of spices, mint and choco- Oenoforos late, which are particularly felt 2013 B&G Merlot Réserve, Pays D’ Oc A richly layered Amarone that A rich, opulent blend of Cabernet along with light aromas of ripe, 2010 Kir Yianni, Dyo Elies, Vin de Pays France, Abv 13.5% shows youthful energy and bud- Franc and Merlot with a ruby red saturated cherries, raspberries d’Imathias, Greece, Abv 14.5 ding complexity despite the fact it colour, classic Bordeaux aromas and plum accented with mineral The colour is bright deep purple. is only at the beginning of its evo- and fl avours of cassis, black choc- and spice notes. A blend of San- The fully ripe 2010 vintage shows On the nose it offers aromas of ripe lutionary course. Immediate layers olate and cigar box that create a giovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, in the deep purple colour of Dyo blackcurrant jam, raspberry, spic- of dried fruit and pressed black- very elegant and complex wine. Merlot and Syrah. €22.50, Othon Elies and its round mouthful. This es and cherry aromas, toasted and berry peel back to reveal etched It has a nice toast oak, coffee and Ghalanos is a blend of Syrah, Merlot and Xi- oaky notes accentuated by choco- mineral tones, loads of tobacco, fresh earth notes to the dark cur- nomavro with aromas being subtle late overtones. The palate is round exotic spice and even a hint of bit- rant berry fruit. €36, French De- 2012 Marques Casa Concha, under its moderate acidity. Spice with fi ne but present tannins, rich ter chocolate. Softness, thickness, pot Carménère, D.O. Peumo, Chile, Abv dominates in the bouquet with and supple. Good structure, re- sweetness and dark concentra- 14% hints of black olive, dark chocolate markable length and smooth fi n- tion are among its best assets. €43, 2011 Domaine de la Mordorée, Lirac, and coffee. €17.90, Cava Dionysion ish. €7.50, Photos Photiades Dis- Spectus Côte du Rhône, Abv 14% Carménère is a grape originally tributors from France, but today is planted 2010 Kir Yianni, Yiannakohori, 2009 Marqués de Cáceres Reserva, Domaine de la Mordorée remains almost exclusively in Chile. This is Protected Geographical Indication 2010 Cono Sur 20 Barrels Merlot, Rioja, Spain Abv 13.5% the reference point for how good fairly classic Chilean Carménère, Abv 14% Colchagua Valley, Chile, Abv 14% Lirac can be, a sensational south- showing very good varietal char- Bright, vivid dark ruby colour. In- ern Rhone red. A blend of equal acteristics as well as nicely bal- A blend of Xinomavro and Merlot, Brilliant ruby-red in colour, Cono tense bouquet that brings to mind part Grenache and Syrah boasts anced fruit. Subtle green pep- the Xinomavro variety lends this Sur 20 Barrels Merlot is charac- jelly made from fruits of the forest a bright purple colour along with per aromas combine with black wine its fi rm, opulent body and terised by a very fi ne, distinctive (bilberries) and sweet spice. Good seductively perfumed aromas of cherry on the nose, which lead to the ability to age well, while the varietal aroma of blueberries, liq- concentration in the mouth with sweet perfume of cassis, liquorice, a palate of blackberry fruits with Merlot gives it the deep red colour uorice, cassis, spicy leather, soft delicious tannins that highlight the cherry-cola, incense spring fl owers just enough of an herbaceous/sa- and velvety taste. Clear ruby with toast and caramel. On the palate wine’s rich fruit that has become and roast herbs. Lush and creamy voury streak to let you know what garnet edges. In keeping with the it is smooth and well-balanced, more complex following aging in it is a spicy, ripe, full-bodied red. you are drinking. €18, Othon Gha- visual, many of the aromatic notes with the herbal notes typical of the barrel. On the whole, an unctuous €19.50, French Depot lanos are also red: red liquorice, cherry grape married to delicious, plump wine with a pleasant fullness that and red plum, with a spicy, earthy fruit richness, elegant and concen- lingers on the palate with a depth 2012 La Petite Robe Rouge, Côte du 2013 Bardolino Classico Rococo Del minerality, mushroom, and musky trated with fi rm tannin. €25, Pho- of refi ned toasted notes. €23, Spec- Rhône, France Abv 13.5% Lago, D.O.C. Veneto, Abv 13% smoke, with sweet fl oral swirls just tos Photiades Distributors tus to keep it interesting. €10.75, Cava A blend of Grenache and Syrah A Veronese classic, this bright ruby Dionysion 2012 Chapoutier, Domaine de Bila Bouchard Ainé &t Fils Pinot Noir, Vins with a deep ruby/purple colour, red wine, fruity and fragrant, has Haut Occultum Lapidem, Côtes Du de France Heritage du Conseiller it has a dark, plum-like hue. The hints of black cherry on the nose Kir Yianni Diaporos, Xinomavro Syrah, Roussillon Villages Latour de France nose is classical Grenache, with with red berries and spice. Dry, This is a wine characterised by its berry fruit, cassis, kirsch and pep- Protected Geographical Indication AOC, France round and fresh with good acidity Imathias, Greece, Abv 14.5% aromatic complexity and mild tan- per, violet, liquorice and spices. on the palate. It is soft and fruit- Dark red colour, this is a muscu- nins. There is brilliant red cherry It has a full, rounded palate, me- forward, with black-fruit fl avours Probably one of the best Greek lar red of Grenache, Carignan and with more red fruit aromas of cher- dium to full body, with delicate followed by a bright and fresh fi n- wines, a dry red wine of a bright Syrah, rich and a little rustic, with ry and kirsch as well as with notes tannins, silky and smooth and a ish. Serve it as the Italians do – ruby colour with tints of purple black cherry, raspberry tart, grilled of lime and mint. This is a plump truly delicious, hedonistic and in- young and lightly chilled. €12, La aromas of red fruits and spices fi g and dark plum, mocha and liq- wine with a lot of fruit and a deli- tellectually satisfying wine that is Vinotheque with notes of violet and liquorice uorice notes. The dense fi nish of cate note of wood. €8.20, Vassos a remarkable bargain. €13, French detectable on the nose. Its tannins, dark chocolate is fi rm and focused, Eliades Depot its acidity and its complexex struc-struc- with smokysmoky notes.n €18.50, Spectus