Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/349229
32 RESTO OF THE WEEK maltatoday, SUNDAY, 20 JULY 2014 SUMMER time finally feels like it's here and how better to celebrate it than to sit outside on the water's edge, sipping white wine and feast- ing on the treasures the sea has to offer. The Ta' Xbiex Water Polo Club Bistro is the perfect spot for a summery meal, whether lunch or dinner, quick or lengthy. After driving by at least twice a day, we finally managed to get our- selves together and organise a table for Sunday lunch. Owner Nicky Gatt has got fast food down to a T, churning out fantastic Mexican tacos, pizzas and burger from Ami- gos, but we had to see for ourselves whether he could do as well with a more up-market restaurant. The club has finally got a well- deserved re-vamp. Located in the most fantastic spot, the water polo club offers stunning views of the inlet to Sliema Creek and the Ta' Xbiex yacht marina. The angle of the restaurant is so completely perfect that the horrors of modern day architecture are re- moved from sight and all you see are the beautiful baroque Valletta bastions and the bright blue Medi- terranean sea. There is some seating inside, though the best place to be is on the terrace outside. Large umbrellas protect you from the sun and the gentle breeze coming off the sea makes for a perfect spring after- noon and a cool summer evening. We sat at a long table outside and were served with drinks, and com- plimentary foccaccia while we waited for everyone to arrive. The menu offers a vast selection of pizzas, pasta, salads and grilled meats and fish, complemented by an extensive wine list with wines from all over the world. The wine list even includes a list of premium wines courtesy of Charles Grech, offering the most fashionable wines at great value for money. We decided on mixed starters to share. We went for a selection of fish starters that included delicious neonati fritti, an octopus salad that was as tasty as it was tender, and mixed calamari and prawns. For mains it was mostly a selec- tion of fresh fish, al cartoccio or al sale or pasta dishes, also with fish. The fish was tasty and simply cooked to allow the subtle flavours to come through, the pasta was also al dente with fishy sauces that were simple yet tasty. Although we stuck to fish, I would very much like to return to try the meatier dishes on the menu, which looked good even as they sailed by to other tables. There is no dessert menu but a display of homemade desserts are strategically placed at the entrance of the restaurant so that you know to leave room for them. The restaurant doesn't have an official lunch and dinner style serv- ice, and will serve a full meal at any time of day – perfect for those busy souls who somehow let lunchtime slip by and can't wait a couple of hours until dinner service. Though we had a long and boozy lunch, the Ta' Xbiex Water Polo Club Bistro is just as good for a quick and casual meal. If you haven't yet had the pleasure of the fresh ingredients served up in one of Malta's nicest spots, then get down there and feel the summer. The Ta' Xbiex Water polo Club Bistro is open all day every day, from Monday to Sunday. WINE OF THE WEEK Ta' Xbiex Water Polo Club Bistro Address: Ta' Xbiex Seafront, Ta' Xbiex Contact: 27330144 The summer is magic 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 FOOD Ta' Xbiex Water Polo Club Bistro Charles Grech & Co. Ltd., Valley Road, B'Kara Tel: 2144 4400 M de Minuty 2013 – Chateau Minuty Provence, France Château de Minuty is located on the St Tropez Peninsular, with its vineyards virtually overlooking the Mediterranean. 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 honeysuckle 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, fish, salads and pastas. Exclusively imported by Charles Grech & Co. Ltd, Valley Road, B'Kara T: 2144-4400