Restaurant Review: Masalas Indian Restaurant, Larnaca

The Cyprus Weekly: Restaurant Review by Niki Proctor

Hailing from Manchester I was spoiled for choice with a glut of Indian restaurants on my doorstep, so moving to Cyprus posed a very real quandary: Where would I get my regular curry fix? 

Every single person I asked swore by Masalas, many even adding that it was “even better than the UK.” In disbelief I headed down to see what the fuss was about with a fellow Manc and curry fiend, Amanda, in tow.

Occupying a site across from the sandy beaches on Dhekelia Road, Masalas has stood in the same spot serving Indian food for 19 years, with the same Head Chef for 15 of them. The menu doesn’t turn over any major surprises adhering to the usual blue-print of Indian restaurants, with a few notable exceptions: One being the slow-roasted lamb shank and another being a home-made curry invented by the owner himself. As it turns out, after a quick chat following our banquet, he’s invented most of the recipes with the help of an authentic Indian chef and they’re obviously a winning formula, having perfectly synergised the herbs and spices to create not only outstanding curries but special depths of flavour.

Home made chutneys and sauces

We kicked off with trusty poppadoms and home-made chutneys and sauces; the poppadoms snappy, non-greasy and warm. The mango chutney is in a league of its own with actual chunks of succulent mango enlaced in a delicious sweet sauce, the best I’ve ever tried; onions with fresh coriander; a hot red, red-hot sauce; and a mild herb creamy yoghurt sauce that didn’t spare on taste.

My companion loves a prawn dish and she insisted we plump for the King Prawns in Garlic Sauce on Poori Bread, whilst I opted for the Seekh Kebab laced with exotic spices. The prawn dish was demolished in seconds, with Amanda in raptures about the non-stingy “meaty”, “melt in the mouth” portion of prawns adorning the flatbread, whilst I savoured the punchy-spiced, orange-spiked lamb mince kebab that awakened the appetite for more highly spiced mains.

Straight into the curries we had greedily ordered four between us: Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb Bhuna, Beef Madras and a Chicken Passanda. We shared a Peshwari Naan (almond and raisin studded) and a fluffy, light pilao rice. I regretted sharing the Peshwari instantly. It was like being asked to share my Cadbury’s selection box at Christmas as a kid, I didn’t want to give any of it away and just one bite immediately assured me that this place operated in a different class to the rest.

You will instantly regret sharing this.

The Madras was a taste sensation – tongue fired from the chilli yet simultaneously soothed by notes of coconut and it was my absolute stand out dish of the night cradling beef so tender I could have sliced it with a feather. The Passanda is a new one on me and crafted from blended cashew nuts, ordered as a wildcard to see what it was all about. I’m glad we did as it revealed itself to be a taste-rich, creamy curry with a really distinctive flavour. Perfection. The Bhuna delivered succulent lamb that flaked at the prod of a fork, bathing in a rich sauce with a slight after-kick and the Tikka Masala (Amanda’s favourite) arrived in a thick, dreamy tomato based curry sauce, drenched in flavour and finished with a swirl of thick fresh cream. The best she’s ever had apparently and she doesn’t mince her words. When pushed for the secret the staff only revealed that the chicken marinade alone involves 15 individual spices. That’s before even touching a sauce. Impressive.

Delectable curries from Masalas Indian in Cyprus

The dessert trolley hovered but we were totally sated and unable to even look (ok, I admit I glanced and spotted Panna Cotta and a gooey Chocolate Fudge Cake) but coffees were swiftly brought “on the house”. We supped red wine in the form of Agios Onoufrious and had table water to defuse the occasional firey moments. Service and cleanliness are both immaculate and even mid-week you’ll find a delightfully buzzy atmosphere with plenty of diners to share the authentic space with.

As we left the owner told us about his special meal offer where you can order a chicken or prawn curry of your choice, pilau or plain rice, a garlic or plain naan and all the poppadoms and chutneys for just €14,50. Can this place get any better? I doubt it.

Why should I go?

To experience the ultimate taste-bud sensation that only the best curry can deliver.

Who will I meet?

Foodies, couples, large groups of friends, Peter Andre…he’s a big fan and never fails to visit when he’s in town.

What should I wear?

Smart-casual.

How much will I pay?

€14,50 special meal deal runs Sunday – Friday. 15% off ala carte menu every day. €2,95 pint of beer with the drinks menu recently having been reduced in price by 15% on all alcoholic drinks.

Extra info:

Masalas caters for parties, celebrations and feasts. Look out for their occasional live jazz nights which are proving popular.

This review appeared in The Cyprus Weekly national newspaper 2013.

Masalas Indian Restaurant, Dhekelia Road, Larnaca. Tel: 24644950

Facebook @masalasindianrestaurant

If you've been in hiding for the past 3 years you won't have heard of Napa Live. The festival on the lips of everyone in the know brought The Kooks, Example, The Charlatans, Bez (!), The Enemy, Chase and Status, to name but a few, and became the seminal beach music festival in Cyprus.

This year it's back...of a fashion. Working with Beach Cult, the same crew has secured more top artists to play right here on the beach, under the stars for Summer 2013. Here's what's to come. Get involved.

Example – Final summer date for 2013 – Tuesday 30^th July

The last 2 dates have been smash hits and we expect the same for Example’s final residency night of the summer in Cyprus on the beach at Makronissos Beach Club, Agia Napa.

“I can't wait to come back and play the beach in Agia Napa! So far the crowds have been amazing and venue is special. I’m looking  forward to coming back!”

Example, speaking about his residency so far

Tickets still available across the island and online priced at €50.

VIP roof terrace only available by calling Flash PR on 97734314

DJ FRESH – 1 night only in Cyprus – Tuesday 6^th August

Rolling into town with MC Messy in tow to play Makronissos Beach Club. Having collaborated with Rita Ora, DJ Fresh’s Drum n Bass/Dubstep sound rides high in the charts with appearances at all the top festivals this year.

€50

REDFOO from LMFAO – 1 night only in Cyprus – Tuesday 10^th August

Following on from the sellout gig in Nicosia last year, this world class US electro-pop act is back to Cyprus for one night only on Makronissos beach!

Bringing his full party rock crew once again expect a crazy show and all the hits from their electric live shows, including “I’m sexy and I know it” and “Party Rock Anthem”.

Number 1 hits in over 20 countries and with one of the most watched videos ever on You Tube! Don’t miss it!

€50.

All tickets available from http://beachcultevents.com/

All VIP available from Flash PR on 97734314

And of course, if you're a sponsor looking to get involved in next year's music festivals, act now to secure your brand in the spotlight.

See you down the front people!

Napa Live 2012 - The Kooks & Example in Cyprus

Cyprus’ destination music festival, Napa Live, is back with force for 2012 with 2 massive beach parties at Macronissos Beach club, Ayia Napa, and I'm proud to announce that once again Flash PR is managing the event's PR and media strategy. Flash PR has brought on board "TIME OUT" magazine as the main media sponsor and there's been a lot of action with drinks sponsors too - TBC at this stage.

Having outgrown all the island’s club venues, top internationally acclaimed acts will now rock upto 5,000 revellers under the stars, on the sea front, under the balmy, Cypriot sky - an unforgettable experience for acts and the crowd I'm sure.

UK indie rock sensations and quadruple-platinum selling artists “THE KOOKS” will headline on the 26th of June, followed by Brit-award nominee and international superstar “EXAMPLE & DJ WIRE” on the 17th of July. Example catapulted to fame when his No.1 dance anthem “Changed the way you kiss me” went platinum and, together with DJ Wire, they’re famed for their multi-genre, eclectic sets and incredible live shows.

For the very first time a limited number of discounted tickets are going to be be released and available to Cyprus residents only before summer tourist arrivals snap them up.

These strictly limited edition discounted tickets are on sale now until June 8th priced at only €30,00 per event. Following this strictly limited period, prices will rise to the usual €50,00. Tickets are available from Acapella Music stores island wide and London Clothing retail units or online at www.napalivefestival.com.

For more information on this summer’s events please visit www.napalivefestival.com or contact Flash PR for assistance. See you down at the waterfront!
………
Ayia Napa’s heart is beating to a different rhythm, combining some of the biggest live guitar bands with huge urban acts, featuring the hottest names around.
2012 promises to be even bigger with lots more surprises as Napa Live now attracts the world’s biggest stars to the island. Watch this space.

Press enquiries:
Niki Proctor – 977 34314 – niki@flash-pr.com
Festival: www.napalivefestival.com  Spiritual Home of Napa Live www.liveloungevenue.com

About Napa Live:

Having launched the festival in 2010 with a roster of exciting bands and acts such as Reverend Sound System and Kids in Glass Houses, for 2011 they came back with a dream line-up featuring some of the biggest names in the UK live music scene – The Charlatans, The Enemy, Twisted Wheel and The Twang to name a few.

The events to date showcased up and coming bands plus sell-out club nights, featuring world class acts such as Chase & Status (a sell out success), in addition to international sensations such as The Petebox (the world’s finest human beat-boxer).

With an exemplary record for having had absolutely no trouble at all in 2 years Napa Live is garnering a solid reputation with the residents of Ayia Napa, in addition to the fans, whilst helping to rebrand Ayia Napa in a positive light.

Napa Live is now firmly positioned as one of the premier destination music festivals in Europe.

The Petebox (World’s champion beat-boxer): “The Chase & Status Napa Live gig was, I think, the best show I ever did in terms of atmosphere, fun and having an overall amazing time.”

Tom, The Enemy: “Of the many amazing festivals and gigs we’ve played all over the world, NAPA LIVE is collectively the one we’re most looking forward to coming back to! NAPA LIVE is the dogs bollocks. If you don’t know…you should.”

Truly Scrumptious - Traditional English Tea Room in Oroklini

Tried & Tested: Truly Scrumptious, Oroklini

Cupcake heaven at Truly Scrumptious Tea Room, Oroklini

Nestled among the traditional 'kafeneia' (village coffee shops) dotted along the arterial, narrow street of the old village settlement of Oroklini, you can't fail to notice the beautifully restored, white-washed house with Greek island style blue adornment. It's the kind of house you dream about living in when you move to the Mediterranean region with an enclosed courtyard hidden away from the world. So, when it opened as a traditional English tea room this summer it gave everyone the perfect opportunity to live life right there, even if it was just for the duration of eating some cake.

For the summer months, 'Truly Scrumptious' has been the bolthole of choice when sweet teeth have demanded sugary treats: succulent banana bread with peanut butter frosting, damp and deliciously tangy lemon drizzle cake, farmhouse style fruit cakes, delicately spiced carrot cake with an orange scented frosting, classic Victoria sponge, scones with jam, cupcakes, and apple pie with fresh cream, all washed down with a frothy cappuccino dusted with chocolate and eaten al fresco in the tranquility of the picturesque, shaded courtyard. Perfect 'me time'.

Now the cooler days have arrived, the tea room has reinvented itself to be equally as inviting for winter and the festive season with it's snug fit tables laden with kitsch mis-matched china, roaring real log fire, the latest magazines to flick through and a wonderfully cosy atmosphere, not to mention a brand new, hot menu. 

Fashion designer turned cupcake baker, Emma Green, moved to Cyprus in the spring with the dream of setting up her own tea room in a traditional village setting. Offering teas, coffees, cloudy lemonade, and kid-friendly icecream milkshakes, her range of cakes and made-to-order celebration cupcakes have become a welcome addition to the picturesque premises - which also houses the popular arts and crafts workshop, Just So Crafty.

"For winter I've introduced home made, fresh soups, such as leek and potato, carrot and coriander, cream of broccoli and tomato and basil, with herbs grown in the garden," offers Emma, aptly dressed in a floral tea dress and pink pinny whilst scribbling down the day's specialties on the blackboard. "The frittata with spinach, feta and basil was really popular last week and now we're starting with hearty stews, traditional Lancashire hot-pot and quiche. The menu changes every day depending on the weather and what local produce is in season." 

The roaring fire and shabby chic decor make for a relaxing spot to enjoy the quaint village life

And for Christmas there's lots more on offer. "Festive treats, mulled wine and traditional mince pies, plus I'm taking lots of orders for Christmas cakes, puddings and cupcakes."

The Christmas cake is a hit - luxurious dried fruits seeped in brandy, marzipan and royal icing - and it's deliciously moist in stark contrast to the bland supermarket offerings. Cupcakes are available in a host of different, inventive designs and all seriously affordable and highly covetable - they make ideal gifts.

On the 10th and 17th of December there's a special event for children too. Christmas stories around the log fire, 11am-12.30pm, €5 per child including soft drink or milk and cookies and a surprise present on the day. I wonder if that includes 'big kids' too?

Truly Scrumptious Tea Room, Anerxartsias 5, Oroklini 7040, Larnaca.
Tel: 99775631  Email: trulyscrumptious@mail-me.com

Oroklini - the modern Cypriot village of choice

The mountain backdrop and blue skies of Oroklini, Larnaca

Set against a mountain backdrop yet only moments from the beach, Oroklini boasts stunning scenery, a traditional Cypriot village character yet easily accessible modern facilities.

Situated just 10 minutes drive from the historic city of Larnaca – famed for its palm tree lined promenade - the airport is only a 15 minute ride away, 40 minutes brings you to the capital Nicosia and just 25 minutes delivers you to the world-renown beaches and night life of Agia Napa and Protaras. Oroklini really is a superb base to explore the island at your leisure.

The village itself has expanded in recent years from the original old settlement which still resides at the foot of the beautiful mountain. Here you can lose yourself in the winding narrow streets, stone built traditional white washed houses, a multi-award winning ‘meze’ taverna and trees bearing pomegranates, lemons, prickly pears and the heady scent of jasmine. For those dreaming of the perfect picture book old world style village that hasn’t been ruined by mass modernisation - look no further.

Whilst you can enjoy the historic treasures in the village you can also be assured that all amenities you could ever require are right here on your doorstep. Oroklini is famed for its tavernas and has an excellent reputation throughout the island for serving great food at prices to suit all budgets. 24 hour kiosks, a modern supermarket and bakeries mean you are never caught short on essential supplies and delicious baked goods. Pirilos bakery serves fantastic ice-creams too. Both traditional and modern coffee shops and bars are dotted around the village serving a great selection of food and drink to suit all tastes, from Cypriot cuisine to more international flavours, and if you’re craving a slap up Sunday roast or a full English breakfast you’ll also be catered for readily.  George, the local chemist, has a wonderful reputation and his expertise spares trips to the official doctors on many occasions and there’s a selection of banks and ATM’s plus a well stocked DVD store.  A little random fact is that the take-out pizzeria is run by a New York trained pizza chef…as you can expect the pizzas speak for themselves, and the local kebab shop – St Elias – is on the speed dial of all locals famed for their wonderfully fresh ingredients and charcoal grilled meats.

Prophiti Elias (The Prophet Elias) church found perched near the edge of the mountain side is soaked in legend and the natural beauty of the mountain begs to be explored – especially in the spring months when the wild flowers are in bloom and the scenery bursts into vibrant colour around you. Walking trails and picnic areas encourage residents and visitors alike to enjoy the breathtaking views of the village, nearby flamingo lake and Larnaca bay stretched out beneath and those taken by the charms of flora and fauna will be in their element.

A spring morning near Prophiti Elias church, Oroklini

Venturing down to the Dhekelia Road and beach front area of Oroklini you’ll find the hub of the tourist area. Luxury hotels line the sandy Blue Flag beaches and a whole host of entertainment to suit all ages and tastes is on offer as you would expect from a popular Mediterranean beach location. The choice of restaurants is really second to none with Greek and Cypriot tavernas, Italian trattorias, Lebanese, Chinese and sea-front fresh fish restaurants and what we can all attest to be the best Indian restaurant we’ve ever eaten at – Masalas (incidentally Peter Andre’s favourite restaurant in his native Cyprus!). There’s KFC, Pizza Hut and your usual suspects for quick fixes on a budget and a huge selection of bars and pubs to quench your thirst, entertain you and dance the night away in.

If hitting the tourist area sounds like too much hard work be assured - simply sitting under the shade of the bougainvillea at sunset with a glass of wine in hand you’ll be content to stay until the crickets chorus in the evening and the stars appear in the clear night skies. Oroklini is a wonderful location whatever your heart desires.

Article by Niki Proctor, initially published by BuyCyprus.net

Oriental Cuisine - Taste From Asia, Ayia Napa

Tried & Tested: Oriental Cuisine – Taste From Asia

The name won't win any awards - but the food may

Ten years ago I packed up a bag and travelled to the Far East to explore and having worked our way through Malaysia and the islands of Thailand, my boyfriend contracted a deadly mosquito virus and lay hospitalised in Bangkok. The upside was that for a fortnight the hospital chefs served up the tastiest, freshest, authentic Thai curries that I’ve ever eaten.

That was until last month when I set foot into the brand new restaurant from the owner of Ayia Napa’s Japanese restaurants, Hokkaido and Sapporo, and the Italian, De Medici. Amongst my party of six were fervent Chinese food critics (including me – I usually loathe the GMS-loaded food and gloopy, heavy sauces) and a mixture of spice lovers and those who find Thai food too hot to handle. We were set to be a tough bunch to please.

Luckily the well edited menu offers a procession of dishes to suit all tastes and you can request dishes to be mild or hot depending on your taste buds. We plumped for the ‘Oriental Mixed Platter’ (€16,50) to share, meze style, and everything arrived fresh and hot and was eaten as the chefs intended.

Exquisite morsels of succulent, juicy prawn made into deluxe canapés, a to-die-for satay sauce served with a tasty chicken skewer – the crunchy yet smooth peanut loaded sauce made by the chefs (who, infact, make every single sauce and marinade fresh each day – they have come to Cyprus directly from the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Bangkok afterall, so their repertoire is 5-star all the way). Later there’s a palate cleansing salad with prawns and melon, squid, a gorgeous duck and pomelo salad with ho-sin sauce that vanishes in seconds, mussels in a clear, spicy broth, a light tempura vegetable medley and the most succulent, velvety jasmine tea smoked spare ribs – none of which go spare.

When it comes to main dishes outstanding food moments arrive one after the other. The table erupts with discussion over which dish is the best and after heated debate we are forced to settle on three. The lemon chicken (€9,50); the fresh taste and aroma of pure lemons but with a burst of sweetness which brings the dish expertly together, the sweet and sour pork with pomegranate (€10,50); we all agree on this being in a world class of its own and perfectly balanced and finally the duck thai curry (€11,50) with pineapple, grapes and cherry tomatoes. This dish is phenomenally good with every flavour pronounced yet singing pitch perfect together with the right kick of chilli to neither offend or under-deliver. Perfection in a bowl and not a hospital in sight.

At dessert time I’m advised to try the chocolate soufflé which we order with 6 spoons. It’s dark and innocent looking from the outside but with pressure from a spoon a pool of sexy chocolate goo oozes from the centre. Devine. Wine throughout the night was moreish and beautifully balanced – the 2005 Hadjimichalis red being my personal favourite (€28).

Service and décor both hit the spot – the former being impeccable; attentive, courteous and friendly, and the décor, I’m informed, includes the hand-illustrated wall art by an up and coming artist who is living in Cyprus at the moment. Think Geisha art, oriental palaces, jasmine flowers and cherry blossom in metallic gold. Tasteful, different, modern. Just like the food. The name won't win any awards but I'm sure that the food will. We’ve all been back for more.

Oriental Cuisine - Taste From Asia

Yianni Ritsou Str

23721568

Article by Niki Proctor, which appeared in the Cyprus Weekly newspaper.

Review: Therapolis, Limassol

Tried & Tested: Semi Permanent Makeup

Example of impressive results

Jennifer Aniston once said “There are no regrets in life – just lessons” but she obviously hadn’t overzealously attacked her eyebrows with the tweezers with her giddy teenage hand. If I have one regret it’s doing just that.

If eyes are the window to the soul then the eyebrows are the frames and there are plenty of reasons to choose the semi-permanent makeup option of having them expertly tattooed onto the skin – from chemotherapy patients who’ve sadly lost their hair to those who fell victim to the thin arches which were de rigueur in the 1980’s and 90’s. Now a bushier brow is order of the day and the semi permanent route is fast becoming the quick fix solution – added to the fact that you wake up (or emerge from the sea) with brows intact.

Therapolis, the advanced beauty solutions centre in Limassol, is the ‘go to’ option for the socialites and beauty conscious Russian contingent for semi permanent makeup. Offering lips and eye liner, in addition to eyebrows, this centre has set a new standard for a whole manner of pioneering treatments and beauty procedures.

After a reassuring consultation, your brows are numbed with a cream before the in-demand therapist, Jules, sets to work with the fine needle drawing in each individual hair forming the required shape and arch. The sensation of the needle on my face causes a strange, irritating sensation in the base of my spine but the treatment isn’t unbearable in terms of pain. Jules tells me many people feel the urge to sneeze. You’re consulted every step of the way and the whole process takes around 1.5 hours.

When finally faced with the mirror I was a little swollen and red but aside from that I was presented with the most perfect brows which are even an improvement to the previous ones I painstakingly painted on each morning with an Estee Lauder pencil! Tiny scabs form over the next few days which are calmed by a healing cream that you’re provided with and it’s advised to wear sunglasses until they fall off, and take care until the assessment 6 weeks later. After only 1 week I have brows I could only have dreamed of and I can hit the snooze button each morning as I’ve shaved 10 minutes off my daily make over routine!

Therapolis, 3 Pergamou St, Potamos Germasogeia, 4041 Limassol

t: 25328585 e: info@therapolis.com w: www.therapolis.com