Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/424604
Charles Grech & Co. Ltd., Valley Road, B'Kara Tel: 2144 4400 The flag carrier of Chilean grape varieties, Carmenere is to Chile what Malbec is to Argentina. Carmenere is a very late-ripening varietal, and ours is a true expression of how juicy and round this varietal can be when ripened properly. Its also notable for its elegance and complexity. Anderra wines are fruit-forward, youthful, elegant wines designed for everyday enjoyment. COLOUR Dense purple, with violet streaks. AROMA Black currant and blackberry aromas open up to reveal bright strawberry and cherry notes, and a subtle spicy character. PALATE A touch of vanilla oak complements the fruit and the ripe, sweet finish. FOOD PAIRING Savory dishes, like earthy stews; spicy dishes, like braised short ribs, chile con carne, Texas ribs, or steak au poivre. Exclusively imported by Charles Grech & Co. Ltd, Valley Road, B'Kara, T: 2144-4400 Carmenere Anderra 2012, Baron Philippe de Rothschild, Chile 42 RESTO OF THE WEEK maltatoday, SUNDAY, 30 NOVEMBER 2014 The Blue Room Not only does The Blue Room, on Republic Street, offer some of Malta's best Chinese food, but also a great overall dining experience, with stylish décor and a hostess that truly understands what diners are after. From my experience of Chinese restaurants, not only in Malta but right across Europe, they are gen- erally poorly decorated with tacky traditional items that look like they came from a flea market – lots of red tassels and gold dragons. The Blue Room is nothing like that with its contemporary décor and stylish owner overseeing the show – real wooden floors, high backed, varnished chairs, contem- porary oriental prints on the walls and a surprising amount of light for a restaurant with no windows. The menu is extensive, with five or six dishes of meat, chicken, and seafood as well as a vast array of starters, including the regular fa- vourites like wontons and spring rolls to more exciting steamed dumplings, soups and sizzling hotplates. The menu does include some vegetarian options and, in today's modern age of food intol- erance, there are also some gluten free options. The last time I went there with a group of ten friends we decided to have a quick meal after the thea- tre. We arrived late - not only was it after a theatre performance but an added half an hour of arguing where we were going to eat and roaming around Valletta trying to find somewhere we were all happy with and that would feed us with- out a reservation. We were seated without so much as a frown. The last table in the restaurant were just finishing off but the waitresses were happy to set up a table for our large group without a booking. Once we were seated we proceed- ed to order every starter on the menu, a quarter of a duck… no, let's get half… or just go for a whole one, some soups and then forget the mains… or maybe we'll just have one, or three, some rice and some noodles. So much for a light meal - though we did stay away from the wine. The service was impeccable and the food came out quickly, we ate quickly and dishes were cleared away quickly. We decided to skip dessert, as we were quite full after our 'light' meal. However before I sat down I caught a glimpse of a young girl digging into what looked like pineapple fritters that I have been thinking about ever since. When the bill arrived, we split it, paid our dues and left without the liquor offered on the house. Though a little on the pricey side, the food is fresh, the service is good and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly making a trip to The Blue Room definitely worth a night out. The Blue Room is open daily from 12:00 to 14:00 for lunch and from 19:00 to 23:00 for dinner (closed all day on Monday and Saturday lunch). WINE OF THE WEEK The Blue Room 59, Republic Street Valletta Tel: 2123 8014 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 Stylish, oriental dining Stylish, contemporary décor sets The Blue Room apart from the tacky decorations of other Chinese restaurants on the island