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40 RESTO OF THE WEEK FOOD Raffael Now that spring is officially here and the days are longer, (did you remember to move your clocks for- ward?), the time has come to spend long afternoons lunching in the sun. And no place does that better than Raffael in St Julian's. Many locations on the island sell sunny spots with great views either at a huge premium or keep their prices low and serve sub-standard food. Because Raffael does neither of these things it becomes a who's who of diners and sun seekers as soon as the sun peeps through the clouds. In the picturesque Spinola Bay, Raffael is close enough to the bus- tling St Julian's to be convenient, though just that little bit removed from it, allowing you bask in the sun and watch the world go by across the glistening waters complete with re- flective colours of old fishing boats. A great spot for tourists to enjoy a spot of local colours, it is also filled with locals mingling among tables, sipping rose in the sun and enjoying a variety of simple dishes. The food at Raffael is varied yet fresh. Simple dishes made with the best local ingredients using simple cooking methods and some tradi- tional recipes. As this is one of my regular haunts I know the menu inside out and often decide what I'm going to eat as I'm driving to the restaurant. There are few piz- zas on the island I would really rec- ommend and Raffael goes down as one of my favourite spots for pizza – thin and crispy, with the prefect combination of tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella and my favourite top- pings – Parma ham, rocket and Parmeggiano shavings. If you're looking for something lighter, try one of the salads, brim- ming with tasty ingredients, so you'll be sure to enjoy a healthy lunch without feeling food envy when the boys order pasta or pizza. If you're looking for something more substantial, try something from the grill, kebabs served with couscous or half a roast chicken that is moist and tasty. As the restaurant is situated in an old boathouse sur- rounded by fishing boats, nets and other fishing paraphernalia, the fresh fish on the menu is also worth a shot. If you're looking for a fancy spot for a long, drawn out lunch then head upstairs to sister restaurants, San Guiliano, or Girasole on the roof of Raffael that opens when the summer kicks in, but Raffael is all about no-fuss fare, in a casual at- mosphere, where you can eat and spend the afternoon chatting with friends and enjoying the first bit of outdoors of the season. You can't reserve a table, so get there early to pick the best table and lean back and enjoy a pre-lunch drink over the long weekend ahead. Raffael is open daily from 09:00 to midnight. Rachel Zammit Cutajar takes a look at a restaurant and brings a recipe, wine and delicacy of the week. Write to us with your comments on restaurants or submit your own recipes to rzammitcutajar@mediatoday.com.mt Charles Grech & Co. Ltd., Valley Road, B'Kara Tel: 2144 4400 Gavi di Gavi 2013 – Palladino, Italy "$#%'( %!&% #'!!(#*%)! Southwest facing slopes in the Gavi region close to Alessandria in the east of Piemonte, exposed to gentle sea breezes coming off the Mediterranean. Lean and dry flavour, with well balanced acid- ity. The bouquet is intensely characteristic, very delicate, harmonious and reminiscent of bitter almonds. Strictly speaking this is not a wine from Serralunga, but the Palladino family also have vines in the Gavi region and bring the finished wine across to be bottled at their cellars. It is a wonderful dry white wine. Perfect for drinking with a Chinese or Indian takeaway, or indeed just on its own. Exclusively Imported by Charles Grech & Co. Ltd, Valley Road, B'Kara T: 2144-4400. Simplicity and sunshine Raffael Spinola Bay, St Julian's Tel: 21352000 Email: sangiu@maltanet.net WINE OF THE WEEK