Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip hosted a party at Le Méridien Phoenicia on Thursday 24 November. Invitees were the President, the Prime Minister, Members of the Cabinet, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, captains of Industry and leaders of the major Associations as well as senior members of HMS Illustrious and prominent Maltese/British citizens.

Mr Jack Straw, the UK Secretary of State also attended.

Young Phoebe Sington presented a bouquet of flowers to her Majesty. All the beautiful flower arrangements were undertaken by Mrs Vivienne Bell who produced some beautiful displays of yellow roses, birds of Paradise, orange geberas, white lilies and exotic greenery. The Banqueting Operations Manager of Le Méridien Phoenicia is Philip Lanzon while Andy Gaskin is Executive Head Chef.

It was a reception for 400 people and Ben Sington, General Manager told First: “We created new canapés for the event.”

The Cold Canapés consisted of the following: Scottish Smoked Salmon with Baby Asparagus and Lime Crème Fraiche; Roast Duck Breast with Marmalade Glaze and Fresh Figs; Fresh Crab and Mango with Dill Mayonnaise; Red and Yellow Cherry Tomato and Mozzarella Tartlets; Marinated Lobster with Watermelon and Avocado.

There were hot canapés too, which were especially created for the occasion: individual bite size Lamb Wellington; Mediterranean Mini Pizza Primaver; King Prawn Saffron Tempura; Salmon, Spinach and Leek en Croûte and Feta, Tomato and Olive Samosas.

And also on the menu: Mini dark chocolate and white chocolate pistachio tartlets, Passion fruit meringues with chantilly cream and seasonal fresh fruit tartlets with berries.

For the management and staff of

Le Méridien Phoenicia and those who attended this was indeed an occasion to remember.