Marie Benoît answers the call of Aceline Productions who are this season producing two different programmes, Allegria and

Aroma Kitchen.

She spoke to the main protagonists Producer Steve Aquilina, Steff Cassar, Peter Dacoutros and Manuel Xuereb, the last two cuisined to the nth degree

What does it take to produce several programmes at the same time ?

Steve: A challenge but when you are surrounded with dedicated and loyal people, then I feel focused and my job becomes easier.

What is your motto at work?

Steve: A bit extreme perhaps: quality or nothing!

Why did you chose to produce two programmes of such different genre?

Steve: Manuel and Peter work mainly on Aroma Kitchen, I know nothing about catering – I simply enjoy eating after the programme. Entertainment is my forte and after producing the award-winning Showtime, I wanted to produce a toned down version of it with less complications.

Have you made any changes to Aroma Kitchen?

Steve: This year it will be slightly different. Manuel, Peter and Aaron will cook every other week and on the other days two professional chefs will be doing the cooking. As to Allegria, this will be an entertainment programme with games and quizzes, dancers and singers together with the Showtime band.

Which programme do you prefer producing?

Steve: Without any doubt, Allegria.

What about the presenters? Give me your views.

Steve: How can you describe Peter and Manuel? Peter kaxxa gen and Manuel iktar serju. As to Steff, well we go back a long way as she was an Aceline Dancer eight years ago, may I add, a great one too!

And now for a few questions to Steff

What is you involvement in the programme Allegria?

Steff: I am presenting it with Manuel, but I would like to get involved in the production side too in the near future.

What goes on during the programme?

Steff: Without any doubt, there’s great chemistry between me and Manuel.

Which is your favourite part of the programme?

Steff: The bits when we can’t stop laughing…but I enjoy the singing and dancing too.

And the atmosphere behind the scenes?

Steff: I don’t think I should go there because if you happened to be behind the scenes with us you would think that we have ‘lost it’! Well, we share great ideas but for some reason we always end up laughing at everything. That’s the fun of it all.

Describe Manuel Xuereb. . .

Steff: Without any doubt, he’s a perfectionist!

Manuel, with a new hairstyle is now on the scene

You must have a very busy schedule presenting two programmes, how do you cope?

Manuel: It’s not that easy but we are a team and that gives me an extra push. Everybody helps and does his fair share.

What do you prefer cooking or singing?

Manuel: I love Aroma Kitchen as I was the brains behind it… this year Showtime was shelved but I am really looking forward to working with Steff…

What is it like ?

Manuel: Comfortable – we really are on the same wavelength and there is great chemistry when on TV.

And with Peter ?

Manuel: Kaxxa genn but I would do it again and again and have Pete as my buddy on TV. Peter is extremely loyal and fun and goes out of his way for our programme. As I said earlier on, I am working with loyal and great people. I’m lucky.

Peter, all smiles, now appears

What is your involvement in Aroma Kitchen? Same as last season?

Peter: Well, firstly I must say that I’m very happy and honoured to be involved with Aceline and be part of the Trioteam of Aroma Kitchen. I must admit that Manuel and myself hardly give a chance to Steve to butt in edgeways with any suggestions or whatever as Manuel and myself just love the programme and we seem to be always bubbling with innovative ideas and enthusiasm. But I must say that Steve really works hard behind the scenes and is so very dedicated. As for my involvement, I go on cooking alongside Manuel, do some PR for the programme, select the music, help out during desperate moments and of course co-present the programme with Manuel, as you already know .

What, to you, does it mean to be on television ?

Peter: Being professional and responsible. TV is there to educate and entertain. Preparing, presenting… Believe me what comes before and after every programme is far from glitzy. It’s hard work, lots of brain storming, tension and dedication. But the thought of bringing a smile to even one viewer is of great satisfaction to us.

In short what, to you, is Aroma Kitchen?

Peter: A colourful menage of innovative recipes, quick, easy and problem-free cooking, good and healthy food, professional chefs, interesting guests, good humour and a few laughs thrown in for even more spice!

With so many cookery programmes spouting everywhere like mushrooms what is the future of Aroma Kitchen?

Peter: There are nine months ahead of us till June. At this stage we shall concentrate our energies on having another very popular and much loved programme. After that we shall see. I’m very sure that our ideas will remain well – ‘aromatic’!

It occurs to me that there’s another plus for TV programmes. They are blissfully free of mobile phones – on the set at least.