Calentita food festival, international and plastic free

Last night's Calentita drew hundreds of people to Casemates and Market Place to taste an array of cuisines from around the globe, watch international chefs take to the 'kitchen' stage, while also reducing the use of plastic.

Both areas were a buzz with people all united in the one thing everyone loves regardless of age or nationality, good food.

International chefs Richard Mcllelan, Alan Warren Cefai and Nico Fitzgerald gave cooking demonstrations on the 'kitchen' stage. Also on that stage were local chefs Vicky Bishop, Claire Foster, Vijay Vatvani and the chef preparing the food for tonight's Dinner and Dialogue meal, Henrietta Inman.

Organisers calculated that its new no plastic policy resulted in over 75,000 less plastic items being used.

There was the usual long queue for the infamous Moroccan pinchitos, a high demand for BBQ food from a couple of stalls, a complete choice of cakes from Mrs Wheelmaker Bakes, a wide variety of Asian foods and of course the festival's namesake Calentita came from some of the more experienced stalls.

Some new food experiences at the festival came from stalls such as Jyske Bank and its Danish Hot Dog, The Muscle Bakery with a vast selection of donuts and the Kasbar with its vegan food. In addition to food, there was a new stall by Rock the Booth, where festival goers had their photograph taken as they dressed up in a selection of funny hats, glasses and other props.

There will be a full spread including photographs on Calentita 2018 later this week in the print and
e-edition

Pics by Johnny Bugeja