 Going to Malta? Try these...
I just returned from an all too short week vacation in Malta/Gozo. While there I dined at two restaurants that I enjoyed very much and would like to share.
First was The Arches. My starter was pan fried duck breast. It was described as "Yoghurt and Berry Sphere, Red Wine and Black Pepper Dressing". Very nice!
Next was celeriac, apple and carrot risotto with roasted pinenuts, a cream (the name of which I don't remember but it was described as mild) and rucola. I don't know why I didn't write the cream down like I did everything else...getting old I guess!
My main course was the geef mignon with Aubergine caviar (which I could do without), walnut caramel and tapenade crust. Makes my mouth water just typing it!
There is an amazing wine list here. Being I don't drink much I couldn't tell you anything about the selection I was served. I just know it was what the server recommended. Sorry! There was no room for dessert. The restaurant is located at 113 Gorg Borg Olivier St. in Mellieha, Malta.
The next was Ta' Frenc. My starter was a wonderful house made pasta that was stuffed with "spinach and a local cheese in a cream and diced tomato sauce topped with cheese". I would have been satisfied with only that for my meal! I passed on the soup because they only seemed to have fish soups that day and I don't like fish. The main course was wonderful! Roasted pork tenderloin with a "char-grilled sweet and sour pumpkin, rosemary, thyme and pumpkin sead gravy infused with local honey."
Dessert was a sin. "Intense chocolate" is what it is called. It was described as follows: "Vairhona Nyangbo chocolate basket filled with pistachio, chocolate caramel mousse, milk chocolate wafers and hazelnut Crème Anglaise". Need I say more? To top it all off they make a herbal infusion right at your table made from fresh herbs they pick in the chef's garden. You'll find this place on Gozo in Marsalforn. I don't remember the exact address but it is on Marsalforn Road. Just ask a local. They'll get you there.  | 
