Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1507984
15 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 20 SEPTEMBER 2023 NEWS IN August 2023, the annual rate of inflation as measured by the HICP was 5.0 per cent, down from 5.6 per cent in July 2023. The highest annual inflation rates in August 2023 were re- corded in food and non-alco- holic beverages (10.7 per cent), and housing, water, electrici- ty, gas and other fuels (7.4 per cent). On the other hand, the lowest annual inflation rates were reg- istered in communication (-8.6 per cent) and transport (-0.1 per cent). The largest upward impact on annual inflation was registered in the food and non-alcoholic beverages Index (+1.79 per- centage points), largely due to higher prices of bakery prod- ucts. The second and third larg- est impacts were measured in the restaurants and hotels In- dex (+1.43 percentage points), and the housing, water, elec- tricity, gas and other fuels In- dex (+0.71 percentage points), mainly on account of higher prices of restaurant services and rents, respectively. Conversely, a downward im- pact on annual inflation was registered in the communica- tion index (-0.33 percentage points), mainly reflecting lower prices of mobile phone servic- es. Annual inflation rate down 0.6% in August Inflation rates SITUATED right on the Kalkara water- front, across the creek from Vittoriosa (Birgu), Marea, the Mediterrasian fusion restaurant, is under new management, af- ter its acquisition earlier this year by DCa- terers. Marea's commitment to excellence has earned them a spot on the Michelin recommended list for two consecutive years, 2022 and 2023. With 150 covers and capable of host- ing standing events, like weddings, civil ceremonies and corporate events with up to 600 guests, it is built around a vault hewn into the rock dating back hundreds of years used, notably, to store gold and other precious items during World War II. The Marea team is headed by restaurant manager Nicolai Cachia, who has spent his entire career in food and beverage, including a three-year stint in London. With him, leading the kitchen brigade is executive head chef Karl Scicluna, who was part of the team that opened Marea in 2021 and has stayed on since the DCa- terers acquisition. An ITS graduate, Karl previously was a head chef at a restaurant in Baħar iċ- Ċagħaq and spent two years backpacking in Australia, stopping off at places where he could improve his experience as a chef. Open for dinners from 7 p.m., Marea boasts an extensive menu offering the best of Mediterranean and Asian flavours – with an unexpected twist, guaranteeing a unique culinary experience. Among the signature dishes are fish tar- tare, Barbary duck breast and grilled oc- topus. All breads and pasta are prepared fresh from scratch – including the dough and the filling ¬– and there is a choice of Tambayan-sharing plates, Sushi (Sashimi and Nigiri), apart from a comprehensive range of starters, pasta, rice and mains. DCaterers acquires Marea restaurant in Kalkara