Patrons recently raised nearly €3,000 in aid of Australian wildlife affected by the devastating fires earlier this year. This was achieved at an innovative foodie event that saw some of Malta’s top chefs cook together for the cause. Organised by WhatsCookingMalta.com, the multi-course dinner was held at the ultra-stylish Manouche in St Julian’s.

Guests had the choice of a fully-vegan or non-vegan menu, consisting of six courses with exquisite wine pairings. The menu featured mouth-watering dishes prepared by various cooks from a range of Malta’s most outstanding restaurants, including Michelin-Guide recommend Charles Pintonioand Rafel Sammut of Briju. Jonathan Brincat from the Michelin-starred Noni created a mouth-watering selection of canapés.

Dishes included agnolotti filled with a liquid pecorino, chicken and rosemary jus, slow-cooked beef sirloin, and pan seared king oyster mushroom scallops.

“I am really satisfied with the turnout at the dinner, which saw the nice sum of €2,950 raised,” says What’s Cooking Malta founder Elsa Messi. “This will now go towards the Wildlife Victoria charity, which helps and protects Australian wildlife, and provides the local community with a Wildlife Emergency Response service. “I’m grateful to all those who attended, including leading local press, who were joined by members of the public who chose to support this wonderful cause.”

Beyond the excellent fare on the menu, guests were wowed by the magic of internationally-renowned Maltese magician and illusionist Brian Rolè.

Sponsors for the lavish event included Marsovin and Charles Grech, MB Imports, Brass & Knuckle, Adam’s Fish Shop, ECB for the crockery, and many others covering the vegetables and various ingredients. PR company WriteMeAnything sponsored the PR and VIP guest list, while BLOOM was on board with branding and artwork creation, and eCabs ensured all of the guests got home safely.