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36 RESTO OF THE WEEK FOOD Ta' Frenc Gozo is prettiest in springtime, with the bright sunshine bringing out the lovely greens of the grass and bright colours of the f low- ers before that same hot sunshine burns everything to a crisp. Take some time out of your busy sched- ule to take a break just a stone's throw away on the beautiful island of Gozo and while you're there, be sure to treat yourself to a night of fine dining at Ta' Frenc. Enter the old stone archway into the courtyard and be greeted by the scent of mint, basil, lavender, lemon balm and thyme. The beau- tifully converted farmhouse on the way down to Marsalforn not only serves as a fantastic venue to while away a perfect evening but is also hosts an olive grove and a herb garden, that not only enhance the gardens of the place but also contribute to the dishes served. The restaurant prides itself on the use of the most natural, home- grown ingredients with the least possible travelling miles. Herbs are grown in the gardens of Ta' Frenc, chickens, quails, pheasants and other poultry are grown by a neighbour specially for the res- taurant, and fresh fish is sourced from a local fisherman minutes down the road. A new olive grove, using olive trees imported from Sicily, has been established close to the res- taurant, which is producing suffi- cient olives for pressing into extra virgin olive oil. Four to six kilos of olive oil are required to produce just one litre of the extra virgin olive oil that is a great accompa- niment to the fresh bread that is baked in-house. Chef Mario Schembri transforms these fresh ingredients into exqui- site dishes. Try the rabbit ravioli that have become a signature dish or his take on traditional fish soup, aljotta, which is exceptional. Flambe cooking is another of the restaurants specialities. Whether you are after sweet or savoury dishes, the maitre d'hotel will delight patrons by preparing the spectacular dishes at table. Enjoy a pre-dinner glass of cham- pagne, which has been produced and bottled in France specially for the restaurant and even bears the restaurant's name on the label. Similarly the Armagnanc, house red and white wines are also pro- duced and bottled for Ta' Frenc. An extensive and award-winning wine list, with bottles housed in an ancient cellar, complements pri- vate dining, offering wines from local vineyards as well as from around the world, with an em- phasis on the great wines of Bor- deaux. 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 M de Minuty 2013 – Chateau Minuty, South of France With the sun finally showing itself it's time to get the pink stuff back in the fridge again. To start the Spring off we've chosen arguably the best Rosé of them all, Minuty. Famed for being drunk on the beaches of the South of France, Château Minuty is the benchmark when it comes to dry, light, crisp Rosé. Located only a stone throw away from St Tropez, their vineyards over look the Mediterranean and this wine is made from 100% Tibouren grapes, grown almost exclusively in Provence. This wine is perfect for summer barbecues, salads and tapas This rosé is quintessential of the local style, with the blend employing the little-known Tibouren grape, a variety grown almost exclusively in Provence. Pale hon- eysuckle pink, and offering a clean nose of citrus fruit, offset by subtle floral and candied notes. Fresh acidity makes for an incisive and lively palate, with a rounded feel. Partner with the delicate flavours of fresh shellfish, or with a mozzarella and sun-ripened tomato salad. Imported by Charles Grech & Co. Ltd, Valley Road, B'Kara T: 2144-4400 Savour the Gozo flavour Address: Ghajn Damma Street, Xaghra Opening hours: Daily 12:00 – 13:30; 19:00 – 21:30 (closed on Tuesday) Contact: 21553888, 21550808 Email info@tafrencrestaurant.com Web: www.tafrencrestaurant.com WINE OF THE WEEK Make yourself at home in the private dining room at Ta' Frenc restaurant, the ideal spot to celebrate any occasion