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36 RESTO OF THE WEEK maltatoday, SUNDAY, 31 AUGUST 2014 Krishna TEMPERATURES have reached their maximum and most of us have become a little tired of the heat. At this time of year, I tend to seek out restaurants that are indoors, with air-conditioning, as opposed to sweating it out on an outdoor table by the sea where the heat and humidity are stif ling, even after dark. Though you may think eating spicy food will make you feel hot- ter, eating hot food in the heat has been proven to actually cool you down. It's no coincidence that chillies are prevalent in cuisines of hot countries – India, Malaysia, Thailand, Africa, the Caribbean and Mexico all use the hottest chillies to f lavour their foods. While a cold, refreshing drink may cool you down, the effect is short-lived as the body reacts to this sudden decrease in body temperature by raising it, leaving you hot and bothered. Spicy foods on the other hand increase body temperature and dilate blood ves- sels close to the skin allowing for a longer lasting reduction of heat. Krishna is a small restaurant targeted at the casual diner seek- ing out real authentic Indian food. On the promenade of The Strand, Krishna is in a central location, though just outside the "busy zone" making it an easy spot to get to without it being a night- mare to park your car. A family-run business, the or- der of the day is to provide fresh, cooked to order, all-Indian dishes from the starters right down to the desserts. Owner Robert is de- lightful and not only remembers every patron who walks through the door but also the food that they ordered last time, what they enjoyed and what they didn't. The last time I called to order a take- away, he even recognised my voice over the telephone even though I hadn't been there in a while. Before the meal, complimentary poppadoms are served with a de- lightful array of chutney, yoghurt and mint sauce and sweet chilli sauce to keep you going until you can decide on the right meal. Try the onion bahjis and vegeta- ble samosas or for the more car- nivorous among you, the tandoori chicken for starters. Main courses include all the usual curries such as vindaloo and madras for spice lovers and the milder tikka masala and ko- rma for those that prefer the gen- tler f lavours of India. Curries can be made to your taste - super spicy if you like or mild if you can't handle the heat. For larger tables they can even bring some spicy and some mild of the same dish to make sure eve- ryone is happy. If you really like the heat, then try some of the homemade chilli sauce, made from fresh chilli pep- pers, to put a bit more of a kick into your meal. Though wine and other drinks are available, choose from a range of Asian beers that complement the Indian spices, creating the perfect match to the spicy dishes. To add to the sweetness of the meal, the bill is not as harsh as you would expect. For the great quality of food and the excellent service, prices are extremely rea- sonable, making Krishna great value for money restaurant ideal for large groups or family out- ings. You can also enjoy the warm In- dian f lavours at home with take- away also available. Krishna is open from Sunday to Friday lunch from 12:00 to 14:00 and for dinner from 19:00 to 23:00 and on Saturdays for dinner from 19:00 to 23:00. WINE OF THE WEEK Krishna 97, The Strand, Gzira Contact: 21346291, 21315731,21370511, 79594403, 99450636 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 Charles Grech & Co. Ltd., Valley Road, B'Kara Tel: 2144 4400 Escudo Rojo Sauvignon Blanc 2013 – Rothschild, Chile Escudo Rojo is now a complete range that includes five varietal wines -- Carmenere, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc -- and a rosé. Coming from the best terroirs in Chile, they each epitomise varietal character and elegance. Escudo Rojo will delight people seeking quality wines, who are curious to discover new tastes and are looking for unique experiences. Escudo Rojo is all about the winemaking know- how of Baron Philippe de Rothschild in Chile, the art of blending perfected through many years of making prestigious wines in Bordeaux, a new packaging with flamboyant colours, and a new range of refined varietal wines that are a perfect complement to the historic red blend. The winery is serious about Sauvignon Blanc as well. There's a smoky, struck-flint character on the nose, then layers of citrusy fruit on the palate. It's medium bodied, with a long, grapefruity finish. Exclusively imported by Charles Grech & Co. Ltd, Valley Road, B'Kara T: 2144-4400 Putting some spice into the last days of summer Get your curries spiced up or spiced down according to your taste The small cosy restaurant is aimed at casual diners seeking out real authentic Indian cuisine