Eighteen accomplished women were invited by Her Excellency the Ambassador of France to Malta, Agnès von der Mühll, to her residence in Zebbug. Let me say a few words about our hostess. Her Excellency was awarded two distinctions so far: Chevalier de l'ordre national du mérite and Chevalier de la Légion d''honneur. She studied Law at the Sorbonne, holds a postgraduate degree in International and European Law and graduated from Sciences Po Paris. Before being appointed ambassador to Malta she served in many important posts in France. She also served abroad, first in Vienna as third secretary at the Permanent Representation of France at the OSCE (1995-1999), then later at the French Embassy in Washington DC as deputy press counsellor from 2003 to 2007 before being assigned to Berlin as the Embassy spokesperson and director of the Press and Communication office where she served until 2010. And so it goes on, a variety of work until she was appointed to Malta.
H.E and MB, Ira Losco and Alison Bezzina
Her cheerful, warm and friendly disposition set the mood for this special luncheon; the clinking of champagne glasses filled with Barons de Rothschild, courtesy of Charles Grech, added to the conviviality of this year's Her Story luncheon. The salon had several showcases with beautiful pieces of jewellery, courtesy of Diamonds International.
The Lord above helped by providing a beautiful March day, with no wind or showers.
A long table, beautifully napped in pristine white, was laid outside in full view of the garden, with its orange grove and a swimming pool beyond, all so familiar to me. Over several years I have attended a variety of events but especially when Noelle and Daniel Rondeau were residents starting in 2008. A novelist and man of letters, Daniel wrote Malta Hanina which was translated into English and which is delightful to read. In 2019 he was elected to Seat 9 of the Académie Française. What an honour.
H.E and MB, Ira Losco and Alison Bezzina
Martina Zammit and Dr Tanya Melillo
Fiona Galea Debono and Nicky Paris
I am proud to say that through him I was awarded Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres by the French President of the time. I gave my medal an airing for this special luncheon.
It was delicious as we have come to expect from the Xara Collection who sponsored it. And what did we eat? My favourite the Jerusalem Artichoke Risotto. Delicate and tasty. Main dish was Cured Pan Brown Meagre with trimmings. I especially enjoyed the thyme infused butter emulsion that went with it. I almost crept into the kitchen to ask the chef for a couple of recipes but knew he wouldn't be there but back at the Xara in Mdina. Dessert? You didn't for one moment suspect it was cream caramel, banana split or vanilla ice cream, I hope. The Xara Collection kitchen brigade would not dream of it. They created a Raspberry & Chocolate Mousse, Dried Meringue, Poppy Seeds and Coconut Cake. A delectable concoction. Too generous but every mouthful to be savoured. Imagine, the portion was so big that even I could not finish it. I told myself you will not be eating something like this again, for a long time as desserts are forbidden. Doctor's orders. So I indulged, until next year, if I am still alive. Wine too of course but memory fails me. I have no idea what it was.
Pierre Bigot, the only male guest and “the ladies who lunch sometimes”
I suppose you want to know who was there. Well, here they are in no particular order.
Martina Zammit (Gadgets V-Squared); Sarah Woods (Founder for Social Hub enterprise - for women);Rachel Cachia (Gadgets V-Squared); Ira Losco (Singer/Composer); Fiona Galea Debono (Writer, Times of Malta); Veronica Grech Sant (Sales, Times of Malta); Dr Tanya Melillo (Head of ICU); Gertrude Abela (Breast Cancer survivor, Europa Donna); Dr Stephanie Fabri, (Economist, Professor University of Malta; writer, celebrating Maltese women); Marie Benoît (editor of magazines and supplements since 1994; now retired but still writes for The Malta Independent);Andrea Frendo (GeneraL Manager at ICAN Malta and one of the sponsors);Nicky Paris, (Director The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux); Pat Vella (Founder at Shetakesoff);Alison Bezzina (Commissioner for Animal Welfare); Lisa Ribic (Diamonds International, one of the sponsors); Nadine Camilleri Cassano (Dar tal Povidenza); Catherine Calleja (Chartered insurer; Executive Director and Company Director of Atlas Insurance).
Put on your pearls and bring on the treats. We should have more sponsored lunches. I thoroughly approve of them. The company is invariably good. Thank you very much Your Excellency. A most enjoyable event thanks to you and the sponsors too.
PHOTOS: Mitchell Camilleri