Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1105612
13 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 17 APRIL 2019 CULTURE INSTITUTE of Tourism Studies students, who are currently following a Higher Nation- al Diploma have created an Easter-themed chocolate sculpture, incorporated to their creativity and innovation development. The students were asked to create an artistic sculpture made of pure chocolate, and since it is Easter time, the sculptures where adapted around an egg. The students' different styles, creativity, and techniques are shown through- out the design of the sculptures created. 16 students created an individual sculpture each, under the supervision of ITS lectur- er, Andrew Farrugia. All of the designs are sculpted by hand and made out of pure choco- late. Each sculpture took around 10 hours of workmanship to create. These chocolate centre pieces are currently displayed at the ITS' campus in Ħal Luqa. Easter- themed chocolate sculptures by ITS students BASED in Parma, a group of experts at Antica Gelateria del Corso are constantly search- ing for new products. Striv- ing for excellence over the years, the close collaboration between confectionery arti- sans and marketing specialists constitutes the key to this top brand's success first in Italy, and subsequently in other countries including Malta. One of the experts spear- heading Antica Gelateria's search for excellence in the ice-cream sector is Alfonso Poldi Allay Patarino, dean of the company's academy. He has been invited to Malta by Nectar Ltd, importers of An- tica Gelateria's range of ice cream products, to deliver a day-long fine ice cream sa- vouring and presentation ses- sion for hotelliers, restaura- teurs and bar tenders. "Did you know that a combi- nation of a very welcoming at- mosphere in an outlet, a nicely organised ice cream of qual- ity display, sales persons with a professional attitude is what en- tices customers to go for an ice cream, and this is irrispective of whether one is on the beach in summer or in a mountain resort in winter?" explained master gelatiere Alfonso. He is very passionate about ice cream as Antica Gela- teria combines yesterday's master craftmanship with today's innovations, knowl- edge and techniques. "Sell- ing our products may seem mechanical but, in reality, it's not. Apart from the superior quality and richness in taste of these products, the pres- entation of the different ice creams – whether it is at an outlet, or in a cup or plate to be enjoyed at table in a res- taurant or at home - has to have immediate eye appeal." During the savouring ses- sion Alfonso emphasised on the importance of this aspect. He presented participants with various types of ice- creams while explaining cer- tain practical rules and pearls of expertise on their prepa- ration in cones, cups, glasses and plates to create their own ice cream menu using their flair so that they respond in style to customers' tastes. "Antica Gelateria del Corso interprets the best tradition of Italian ice cream by combining experience and innovation in a unique and refined style. Using simple, easy-to-make deco- rations, participants learned how they can present at their customers' table refined and exclusive ice cream desserts to remember," said Nectar's chief commercial officer, Car- los Abela. "The Academy of Ice Cream of Antica Gelateria was established in 1999 as a real university of professionals for professionals. Today, Mal- tese hoteliers, restaurateurs and bartenders have benefited from the Academy's expertise and experience as delivered by master gelatiere Alfonso Poldi Allay Patarino. He explained how to create a vast array of mouthwatering recipes while matching innovation with some fantastic ice cream crea- tions." Antica Gelateria del Corso's range of ice creams is import- ed and distributed by Nectar Ltd, based in Ta' Qali. The company has over 27 years of experience in importing and distributing food products, confectionary items, delica- tessen, snacks and beverages to supermarkets, catering es- tablishments and confection- ery shops in Malta and Gozo. More information can be ob- tained by contacting Nectar Ltd on tel: 2014 0000 or email: sales@nectar.com.mt An enticing display of ice creams by Antica Gelateria del Corso Italian master gelatiere reveals latest ice-cream trends Antica Gelateria's master gelatiere Alfonso Poldi Allay Patarino