21 minute read

Islander Life

from The Islander Magazine - December 2022

by Jens Oomes

from The Islander Magazine - December 2022, page 15

Article from: The Islander Magazine - December 2022

Industry Insider

Coffees, Cakes, Chocolate and Cava

Dock Maarten

Antigua Charter Yacht Meeting

Out and About in Mallorca

The Book Corner

Coffees, Cakes, Chocolate and Cava

By Mia Naprta

Cachao – Chocolate that is good for you

Ihave been known amongst my friends as someone who once ate over three kilos of assorted chocolates within about a week and got quite sick after that. This was a gift from a friend from Germany, while I lived in England, and when it comes to commercial chocolate we all know which country wins!

Ever since that little binge, I have been looking into “healthier”, “better for us” chocolate that still tastes as good as the “regular” bars. I even wrote a paper on that at my last job in the UK, so I do consider myself as a bit of an expert.

Sadly, there is not that much choice when it comes to high quality, bean-to-bar chocolate here on the island. Even less - if one is looking for the raw stuff. That is why I decided to talk to Tino Wolter, a master chocolatier who has been making some pretty amazing chocolate in Santa Catalina in Palma for the past eight years.

Tino Wolter is a professional chef and pastry chef. His goal was to be a pastry chef in a Michelin star restaurant and he achieved this early on in his career. He then worked in a confectionery shop, making wedding cakes and pralines, and afterwards again as a pastry chef in a restaurant. All this was in Berlin. From there, Tino was invited to Mallorca to develop a project with Christine Leja of BConnected, a well-known name in the world of architecture, design and real estate on the island. Christine financed the Cachao project, while Tino brought years of experience and the idea of making the first bean-tobar, raw, organic, vegan chocolate on the island.

When we met, Tino recounted many months of experimenting, of trials and errors while making chocolate without any stabilisers, without any refined sugar, all the while trying to achieve a familiar taste and the texture.

I asked Tino how his chocolate is different from any other chocolate around, what makes it unique. He told me that the starting point of difference were the beans - sourced from specific organic, fair trade plantations in Peru and Ecuador. The second point was using raw cocoa, full of iron, magnesium etc. He drew a comparison with raw vs. cooked vegetables, and we all know what is better for us there. Another interesting fact he told me was that raw cocoa butter was like cold pressed extra virgin olive oil, or avocado, or omega oil from fish. Never thought of it that way, but it totally makes sense. Furthermore, Tino does not add any sugar, but uses coconut nectar instead, meaning that his chocolate is suitable for diabetics and has low GI. We got into all the technical talk about conching, tempering etc., but I will not bore you with all that, except to say that it takes Tino four days to get from the bean to the chocolate (more to add flavours).

This concept might sound “too good” to be appealing to an everyday consumer. Raw chocolate might take some getting used to for someone who has only ever eaten commercial stuff. However, I assure you that once you do try it, and once you start appreciating all the work that went into it – from the fact that each bar and each square is completely hand-made and all the ingredients aside from the cocoa are locally sourced – you will not want to go back to your usual favourites ever again.

I have a friend who is a fan of 100% cocoa bars, or anything as close to that as he can find. I am not quite there yet, but I do increasingly appreciate a high cocoa content, with as few ingre-

dients as possible. At the same time, I am all about the flavour, and there are some very interesting flavours at Cachao, such as rosemary and nuts, apricots from Porreres and lavender (my current favourite!) or orange peel from Soller oranges. Their latest is raspberry and I like that very much too!

Cachao store has recently been refurbished, and (in the coolest possible way!) it now looks more like a very stylish lab than a sweets shop. All their chocolates have been rebranded with creative help from Patrick from We are Yellow and I absolutely love the new packaging. From the smallest 30g bar to the signature box, these are high end treats that catch the eye as well as the palate.

This year, just like the last few years, Tino will be making his Christmas trees, consisting of discs of raw dark chocolate, generously sprinkled with dry fruit and nuts. These little delights make a perfect gift for any seasonal party and a healthier alternative to tonnes of chocolate consumed at home in December and all the way till Three Kings.

Have a happy, healthy and sweet 2023!

Till next month…

Yours sweetly, Mia

Text: Mia Naprta E-mail: mia.naprta@gmail.com Instagram: @mianaprta

Photos: Santiago Gallardo Mobile: +34 722 25 51 19 Instagram: @santiagogallardooficial

Cachao – Authentic Chocolate Plaça de la Navegació 14ª, Santa Catalina, Palma WhatsApp: +34 673 45 82 16 Web: https://es.cachao.eu Instagram: @cachao_chocolate

Opening hours Mon-Fri: 10am - 5pm Sat: 10am - 2pm Mia Naprta

New Marina in Philipsburg St Maarten

Dock Maarten, the newest marina on the Dutch side of St.Maarten-St.Martin is already proving to become a success as reservations are rolling in!

The last pre-season preparations are underway. Dredging down to 4 - 5 meter depths allows access to the larger superyachts. The marina already became a preferred spot for many yachts last season seeking to avoid the Simpson Bay Bridge transit and associated fees to enter the lagoon and other marinas. Dock Maarten is situated close to the cruise ship pier and accessible straight from the sea while protected from the waves and swells by its break wall.

Frontstreet with all the tax-free shops, the Chesterfield restaurant and a nice beach bar on the premises all make the marina even more attractive. Our favourite part is the vicinity to the Boardwalk Gelateria Milano shop owned by Tim. They offer a direct order and delivery service to the chefs (and sweet toothed crews) on the yachts.

The friendly and diligent Dock Maarten management and staff are looking forward to welcoming you!

Dock Maarten ©Jean Jarreau

What to know about anchoring in the Lagoon in SXM St Maarten:

• Our contacts tell us that at last pretty much all wrecks from Hurricane Irma (Sept 2017) have been cleared which makes navigation and anchoring the Lagoon much safer! • Obviously anchoring in the channels or in front of the marinas is forbidden. • When anchoring on the Dutch Side, a fee will be charged. • Smaller yachts can enter through the

French bridge (width bridge = 10m) and anchoring is free in the French part of The

Lagoon • Marigot Marina Fort Louis’s website offers clear info on all bridges (including Causeway Bridge). https://www.marinafortlouis. com/bridge-opening-times.html

Lagoon SXM

Antigua Charter Yacht Meeting

December marks the start of the Caribbean season! The annual Antigua Charter Yacht Meeting is the deadline for many yachts to make it across the pond from either Europe or the US.

Over 30 yachts will fill up Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua Yacht Club and Falmouth Harbour and registrations are still being processed. The attending motor and sail yachts range in size from 15m to 85m creating a wonderfully complete representation of our industry and community. There is no doubt that it will be a great edition of a show that has been going for no less than 61 years! The show gives the opportunity for yacht crew to meet with brokers, marine vendors as well as the press. Chefs and Steward(ess) / Cooks will be able to enhance their reputation by competing in the Chef’s Competition. They will be judged by Canadian Chef Elizabeth Lee who graduated with honours in culinary arts before embarking on an impressive career as a yacht chef. With social events taking place every night of the show, this will be an event where many new yachting relations will be forged and old ones rekindled!

Falmouth harbour from Shirley Heights Antigua

Antigua Show

Out and About in Mallorca

By Mia Naprta

A Seasonal Indoors Market by UCO Bakery

If you have ever bought bread from UCO Bakery, you know that they are much more than just a bakery making sourdough and mixing it with interesting and innovative ingredients, such as figs, carob and a lot more. In their own words, “UCO emerged as an opportunity to bring together the essential things in life (food, art, music and people...) and above all as an opportunity to tell stories and promote health, awareness and sustainability in a warm, welcoming and safe environment”. Cate and Gus, the couple behind the brand, “want to generate a feeling of union and community... of a family that shares similar values and is enriched by the connections and synergies that are created as a result of something as simple as going to buy bread”.

This past October they brought together the owners of several small businesses on the island so that they can share with the people of Palma their history and their products. They created a market day where these businesses had an opportunity to sell anything from permaculture fruits and vegetables, to fresh flowers, organic preserves, artisanal ice cream, natural and biodynamic wines and many other special and interesting products that are not found in markets around Palma or Mallorca.

As I went in, I was greeted by the guys from Cabraboc, offering local gin and spirits. I tried their fruity “orange spirit” produced with 100% oranges from the valley of Sóller. It warmed up my insides and put me in the good mood to explore the rest of the market. I stopped by Mica Joyeria, and was mesmerised by a demonstration of jewellery being made right in front of us, using what appeared to be traditional tools. Mica´s rings, bracelets and necklaces would make some pretty cool Christmas gifts.

I also spoke to the guys from Bar La Sang / Lundgren Wines and they told me about an imminent opening of their new premises, where they would be offering wine tasting workshops. Follow them on social media for their next event. Bright coloured pop art by Belen Paz adorned the white walls at the back. Depicting moments from life on Mallorca and other Balearic islands, it made a perfect backdrop for this eclectic market. Another spot that caught my attention was a large table full of permaculture vegetables. It surprised me to see that is was run by a very young man, Jacopo, who enthusiastically told me what he does and invited me to visit his place in person. Hi basil could be smelt throughout the whole place.

I had an interesting conversation with a representative from Son Moragues about their organic oils and preserves and tried some almond snacks (coated in chilli, curry etc.) from Ametlla de Mallorca an I wowed to visit both these places at an earliest opportunity.

On the way out I bought a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers suitable for home drying from Aurora’s Floral Studio and a pot of incredibly creamy 70% chocolate ice cream by the new arrival to Santa Catalina named “Elaela fabrica de helados”.

The soundtrack to the day was provided by Le Kartoon playing some pretty great live music, followed by a cool DJ set by DJ Mauri.

Altogether, I think that this was one of the most fun days I have had on the island this year. At the same time it was a great example of collaboration rather than a competition within a community. There was so much positive energy, talks, exchanges of ideas…Now, I am really looking forward to UCO´s Winter Market Day at some point mid-December and I hope to see you all there!

Text: Mia Naprta E-mail: mia.naprta@gmail.com Instagram: @mianaprta

Photos: Alvar Paz Instagram: @alvarpazph

Further info on participants: Organisers: UCO Bakery, C/ Berenguer de San Juan, Live Music: Le Kartoon (www.lekartoon.com /@Lekartoon) DJ: Dj Mauri (@mauri_music_mixologist) Local drinks: Cabraboc (cabraboc.com / @cabraboc_gin) Natural Wines: Bar La Sang (@barlasang) Organic oils and preserves: Son Moragues (www.sonmoragues.com / @sonmoragues) Almonds and more: Ametlla de Mallorca (ametllademallorca.com / @ametllademallorca) Artesanal ice cream: Ela Ela @elaela.helados Vegtables “de permacultura”: Jacopo Puschiasis @jacopo.puschiasis Jewellery: Mica Joyeria de autor (www.micajoyas.com / @micajoyeriadeautor) Flowers: Aurora’s Floral Studio (www.aurorasfloralstudio.com / @aurorasfloralstudio)

The A column sponsored by Marina Alonso de Caso of La Salina Bookstore

Book Corner

For many of us early December is a time to relax and unwind at home, before getting out for various Christmas dinners and New Year Eve´s parties at the end of the month. This time Marina and I have selected five great reads – three for adults and two for children.

The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman

Richard Osman- an author, producer and television presenter – has made a name for himself with his previous two murder mystery novels, The Thursday Murder Club and The Man Who Died Twice. Both were multimillion-copy record-breaking bestsellers all over the world. In his third novel – The Bullet That Missed – a decade old case leads our characters to a local news legend and a murder with no body and no answers. Elizabeth´s mission is to kill – or to be killed. See how she gets on in this fantastically entertaining page turner of a book.

The Nordic Baker by Sofia Nordgren

From mystery murder to something very different and much more serene…baking! The Nordic Baker is described as a collection of “plant-based bakes and seasonal stories from a kitchen in the heart of Sweden. Sofia Nordgen “guides you through a year of baking” and “invites you to keep things simple, go back to basics and cook with nature in mind”.

The book is full of stunning photos on locations and general tips and tricks related to the Nordic way of life. Sofia´s Lingonberry roll cake reminded me of a similar roll my mother and grandmother used to make with plum jam – a real seasonal treat for the autumn. For Christmas, she shares her own take on hot chocolate for the kids and mulled win for the adults.

Stories of Trees, Woods and Forests by several authors

From mystery murder to something very different… Stories of trees, woods and forests is “an enchanting anthology of tales by a surprising mix of writers who have been inspired by trees”, edited by Fiona Stafford. It is a part of a beautiful hardback series by Everyman´s Pocket Classic that includes Stories of the Sea, Christmas Stories and a couple of dozen other collections. I particularly liked A Tale by Jane Austin, but also The Shade of Spring by D.H. Lawrence and Love by Yuri Olyesha, whose work I have not read till now. There are 29 stories in total and you could read one or two each evening during Advent, as an alternative to an Advent Calendar.

The Gruffalo and Friends Advent Calendar Book Collection by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

Talking about Advent Calendars, I think you will be hard pressed to find a better calendar for any kids in your life than The Gruffalo and Friends Advent Calendar Book Collection by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler!

First of all, this large book is visually stunning and I guarantee that it will put a smile on the face of any little recipient lucky enough to get children’s favourite monster this Christmas. Secondly, the calendar is made up of 24 mini books, one for each bedtime story during Advent, meaning that your little ones might start looking forward to their bedtime routine. There are even several new, never published books in this collection.

About Marina´s Book Club Marina also runs a couple of popular monthly book clubs in English and Spanish at La Salina. The English book club is usually set for the first Monday of the month and lasts for about 1.5-2h each time. You can check La Salina´s Instagram account for the currently read title and the date for December, get the book at La Salina and join the club by messaging Marina.

La Salina Bookstore C/ Bayarte 21 Palma Instagram: @lasalinapalma Web: www.lasalinapalma.com

Text: Mia Naprta E-mail: mia.naprta@gmail.com Instagram: @mianaprta Photos: Private archives Notes for the designer:

Kid Christmas of the Claus Brothers Toy Shop by David Litchfield

Last but not least, Marina and I would love to recommend another gorgeous looking Christmas themed children´s book. It is about a boy called Nicky Claus (clever character naming, don´t you think?) who is working with his three uncles at Claus Brothers Toy Shop. One of the uncles adds a special, magic sparkle to each toy, meaning that it will find a perfect child it is meant for. There is a little love story in there too, some sad social issues are discussed, but – as it should be at this time of the year – there is a happy end to it all!

Bandido 90 4,950,000 EUR VAT Not Paid Mallorca

Arrival Yachts S.L. T. +34 638 90 40 40 info@arrivalyachts.com www.arrivalyachts.com

C/ Benito J. Feijoo 2, local 8, 07181, Puerto Portals, Mallorca, Spain

Tri-deck design, fully stabilized, steel and aluminium construction and bulbous bow - the Bandido 90 is ideally suited to extended periods aboard and long-range cruising. Truly remarkable volume, garage for tender and toys and 4 crew. Accommodation for up to 9 guests in main deck master cabin and 3 cabins on the lower deck. Massive refit during 2018 - 20 including rebuild of engines and generators, new TRAC stabilizers, exterior repaint, interior transformation, electrics and Böning control system, CCTV, 2 x new gangways, new Williams 435 and more...Commercially registered and ready to charter if required. Viewing is highly recommended!

Princess 42 2006 269000 Euros VAT paid

Princess 42 Flybridge. Price reduced from 299.000. This well presented and maintained Princess 42 reflects the loving attention she is getting from her current and second owners from new. Extras include generator, reverse cycle airconditioning and full set of cockpit and flybridge cushions. She has seen only light use resulting in low engine hours on her twin Volvo TAMD - 480 HP diesel engines. Her spacious accommodation includes an owner´s cabin with a large island berth and a twin guest cabin, both with ensuite bathrooms. The spacious flybridge includes a comfortable entertaining area with ample seating around a table, double helm seat and separate sunbed aft.

Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54 2021 710,000 EUR Ex Tax

+34 971 67 63 92 mallorca@sunbirdyachts.eu www.sunbirdyachts.eu Puerto Portals, Local 10 - Mallorca

66 & 76

Beneteau Brokerage Specialists

Simon Crutchley: +34 656 949 244

Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54. An opportunity to get a 2021. 125 hours on Yanmar 110Hp. 7.5Kva Gene. Aircon throughout. Full electronics. 3 cabin 3 head version with skipper cabin fwd. 710.000 E ex tax.

Sanlorenzo SL78 2018 4,290,000 EUR VAT Paid Located in Mallorca

This unique, 'made-to-measure' example of the Sanlorenzo SL78 model was built for an experienced and discerning yacht owner. First delivered in the summer of 2018, she has had light private use since and has low engine hours as a result. This is a unique opportunity to purchase a bespoke, 'turn key', high specification, 4 cabin layout Sanlorenzo SL78 without the wait. Her twin MTU 1622 hp engines can achieve speeds up to 28 knots, while impressive range and low fuel consumption can be achieved at an economic cruising speed. Key features include her CMC electric fin stabilisation system, electric bow and stern thrusters, twin 26kW and 25kW generators, an innovative electric blade hard top roof system and a best in class aft garage capable of storing a Williams 395 tender. German flag with EU VAT Paid. Registered under 24m.

Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 2018 890.000 Euro (VAT not paid) Mallorca

This Owners Version not only offers superb comfort both inside and out, but also great performance thanks to her light but strong construction. Her main features are the wide hydraulic up/down platform to launch the dinghy, and her huge lounging areas. Very well equipped with: two 75 hp Volvo Penta diesel engines with low engine hours, generator, water maker, integrated solar panels, Garmin navigation incl radar, dinghy with outboard, life raft, underwater lighting, hydraulic gangway, air conditioning, heating, washing machine, dish washer, etc. You’ll be enchanted the moment you step on board. Go to www.whitesyachts.com for more info.

Van der Valk Beachclub 660 Flybridge 2019 2,795,000 VAT Paid

(+34) 971 402 911 palma@devalk.nl www.devalk.nl

De Valk Palma Port Cala Nova, Avda. Joan Miró, 327 07015 Palma de Mallorca

This Van der Valk Beach Club 660 Flybridge provides an unrivalled amount of exterior and interior space by locating the engine room in the same area as the swimming platform. The 20.50-metre Beach Club 660 Flybridge is the innovative range of motoryachts from the well known Van der Valk shipyard and will pioneer the incredible degree of spaciousness on offer. This Van der Valk Beach Club 660 Flybridge is from 2019 and in mint condition. She is lying in Denia Spain. Contact us for details or make an appointment for a personal viewing that will exceed all your expectations.

Fairline Squadron 65 2017 1,495,00 GBP Vat Paid Lying in Mallorca

Full Mediterranean Specification - One Owner from new. Hard Top, Seakeeper Gyro, Passarelle, Hydraulic Platform, Water Maker, Yacht Controller, Four Cabins plus Crew Cabin. With an increase in size comes an increase in the ability to really impress. Sumptuous furnishings and hand-worked cabinetry are hallmarks of the Squadron range. Nowhere is it more elegantly expressed than in the long, wide single-level interior - a testament to the 65’s ingenious flat floor design. Having such uncomplicated, single floor levels is normally reserved for much larger yachts, but our designers have achieved just that on this 65-footer. An elegant, beautifully proportioned Squadron awaits you.

Jonathan Syrett is a yachting and brokerage consultant who can accompany you on the ownership journey - and beyond. You can rely on his expertise, integrity and dedication to help you make the right decisions when buying, using and enjoying or selling a yacht. Please call, email or visit his website to find out how. T. (+34) 971 40 44 66 M. (+34) 609 43 33 33 yachting@hamilton-marine.com www.hamilton-marine.com