WATCH: This Iconic Maltese Café Serves Gozitan Food And Healthy Dishes For A Marriage Made In Heaven
When the first Jubilee Café initially opened its doors in Victoria, Gozo, little did anyone imagine that – 25 years later – it would have become an icon on the Maltese Islands’ foodie circuit.
We Maltese (and Gozitans!) love us our food, especially when it involves century-old recipes that have been handed down from generation to generation.
There’s something so comforting about genuine food. And Café Jubilee is all about genuine food, because when Gozitan brothers Alex, Anthony and Mario first dreamed up the concept, this was the one underlying theme – honest, Gozitan food.
It was all about giving Malta something different than the popular dishes available at the time.
Today there are three Café Jubilee outlets – in Gzira, Valletta and Gozo’s Victoria – all sporting that signature look, with the quirky mismatched frames and the bric-a-brac that give the Café such a unique vibe.
It is a vibe that we all love and for a certain generation, Café Jubilee has come to mean ‘home’. So strong is the brand that even the younger ones know the name.
We recently dropped by to film a documentary about the history of the place, and the verdict is out. Not only has Café Jubilee stood the test of time, but it has also adapted its menu to contemporary trends without losing out on the yummy traditional recipes that none of us can bear to give up.
We get it – much as we love traditional Maltese and Gozitan cuisine, we would much rather not overdo it. Try getting your game on after a nice helping of Lampuka Pie. Yeah, I don’t think so. And this is why we were so curious to see how Café Jubilee is faring in a world where, let’s face it, we are way more health-conscious than our nanniet were.
Enter a new, updated Café Jubilee menu for 21 st-century living and, let us tell you, some of the descriptions on this baby will have any self-respecting millennial drooling at the mouth. I mean, Scandinavian grilled salmon with roasted beet and apple wedges? Citrus and star aniseed infused duck with orange and roasted almonds? Pear and gorgonzola salad; beef, celery and Grana and even a range of health-conscious smoothies… all the contemporary dishes we love are definitely there.
One of the things we love best about this menu is just how friendly it is towards people with special dietary requirements. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, pescatarian – with so much awareness about what we eat, the lovely people at Café Jubilee have made sure that the menu is tailored to make everyone happy, no matter what the special requirement!
And although this eaterie is renowned for its traditional local fayre, we do confess to having a very soft spot for the Travel the World section. A good helping of Vietnamese Soup or North African Lamb Tagine never hurt anyone, right?
Ok, but where are the Gozitan favourites we seriously can’t live without? – I hear you ask. Chill, fam. They’re still there, waiting for your cheat day to roll up. Nanna’s Ravioli, Kusksu, Fenek Imtektek and pies galore…
So yes, you can still have your traditional Jubilee special AND eat it, so to speak – win win situation. And, because no Café Jubilee experience is complete without a good coffee, these now also come with a wide range of choice of milk. There’s lactose-free, soya, almond, skimmed… and full fat for those of you who, like us, like to keep some tradition in their lives.
On to more good news. With Christmas around the corner, sister Jubilee Foods is going at full steam ahead with its eagerly-awaited portfolio of seasonal goodies. This Christmas, the range of unique products includes alcoholic conserves that will make someone very happy to find in their stocking. And, if that someone is you yourself, we’re not here to judge.
There’s flavours like Apple Cinnamon and Bourbon, Orange and Gin, Drunken Fig and more – and they are all made from locally-sourced fruit, for that extra flavour. The chutneys are perfect for serving with cheeses at dinner parties and will give you insta-divine hosting skills. Who’s saying no to Prickly Pear and Chilli Chutney, or Double Apple and Pomegranate?
You get the yummy picture – whether you’re after a handmade gift that offers a gourmet experience for a loved one, or a corporate hamper to favourite clients, Jubilee Foods have got you covered. Give them a budget and some preferences, and they will concoct a unique gift that can’t fail to impress.
And, to end in style, don’t forget that you can actually enjoy the entire Café Jubilee experience from home, while vegging out in front of your favourite show. Just call them directly on 21337141 or place your order through www.timetoeat.com for deliveries and take-outs.
Because nothing spells 21st century living more than a gourmet experience delivered right to your living room.