Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/506094
VIII maltatoday, SUNDAY, 3 MAY 2015 Food There is, at least from an outsider's perspec- tive, a sense of change in Marsascala. Long gone are the quiet beach-town days, where families would take their kids to cinema because it was cheaper than the one up north (remember Suncity?). Just like everywhere else, it has grown to accommodate new residents and their myriad needs and conveniences. Along with that expansion came the realiza- tion – perhaps by those who hadn't ventured down there in a while – of the pretty seaside town's potential. A number of new establishments, of varying degrees of quality, sprang up, easing Mar- sascala closer to having its own fully-fledged nightlife scene. One such place, opened in recent months is Bongo Nyah. With a name like that, you could be forgiven for thinking that perhaps this little place may not be for everyone. The thought of reggae music and dreadlocks do not, after all, appeal to all. But while there was more than just a hint of Buffalo Soldier in the air, don't let that fool you. This place has a vibe and food that can hold their own against anything the north has to offer. Bongo Nyah is mix of music venue, bar, restaurant and lounge, and it seems to juggle all these with ease. Although there was no live music on the night we visited, they hold music nights every Thursday. If jamming out is not your thing, they also keep a stock of board games to hand for a more relaxed, if competi- tive, night out. Whether you're there for the tunes or for a cutthroat game of Scrabble, don't even think of missing out on the dining experience. The menu contains an impressive list of loose- leaf teas and coffees as well as a selection of smoothies and non-alcoholic cocktails (the one called '0% Vol' is a zesty, refreshing delight). For those with a larger appetite, there is plen- ty to choose from, including salads, platters to share and their piece de resistance – the burg- ers. Whenever I do these reviews, I always try to let my guest choose their dish first then pick something from a completely different area of the menu. After all, what's a review without a little diversity? This time, dear reader, I failed. And worse, I have no regrets. As my friend tackled a rabbit burger – all delicate flavours and succulent texture – I sank my teeth into the Angus. Arguably the most run-of-the-mill choice (there were also salmon, chicken, bean and veggie varieties) I was nonetheless very satisfied. One thing the staff here do is ask how you want your beef burger done, something that is woefully overlooked in most other restaurants. So they get extra points for that. You can also choose to have your burger on a white or wholemeal bun. In an attempt to alle- viate my guilt – there was a whole lot of ched- dar on that burger – I chose the brown bread and found it gave my burger a little something extra. The veritable boatload of wedges that ac- companied it, were also a plus – you definitely won't leave here hungry. Of course, you do risk not wanting to leave at all, a phrase splashed, not inaccurately, on some of Bongo Nyah's posters. It really does cater to every kind of customer – music fan, drinker, diner, competitive Rummy player. Give this underrated gem a try and I guarantee you'll be coming back again soon. Rachel Agius 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 Resto of the week Bongo Nyah Triq il-Gardiel Marsascala Tel: 99855057 Facebook: bongonyahmscala Enter at your own risk – you might not want to leave New venues are mushrooming all over Marsascala. RACHEL AGIUS finds Bongo Nyah is a particularly difficult one to leave! The original benchmark Gavi! This amazing, cortese wine brought fame to the small wine producing region and showed the world the potential in quality of white wines from Italy. More than 45 years later, it is still a wine of pride, tradition and elegance. The highly acclaimed Gavi di Gavi is a wine of quality that exhibits intense fragrance and flavor, a harmonious and balanced structure complemented by its freshness and integrity. Exclusively imported by Charles Grech & Co. Ltd, Valley Road, Birkirkara T: 2144 4400 2014 Gavi di Gavi – Palladino Piedmonte, Italy