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maltatoday, SUNDAY, 30 AUGUST 2015 34 Food 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 Charles Grech wines division was recently entrusted an official and exclusive distribution of the famous Australian wine maker, Penfolds. Australia's winemaking history of less than two hundred years is brief by European measures, though, like Europe, punctuated by periods of extreme success and difficult times. From the earliest winemaking days Penfolds has figured prominently and few would argue the importance of Penfolds influence on Australia's winemaking psyche. Without the influence of Penfolds the modern Australian wine industry would look very different indeed. Sitting comfortably outside of fad and fashion, Penfolds has taken Australian wine to the world on a grand stage and forged a reputation for quality that is without peer The wine manager Zoran Crncevic adds: We are very proud to have become partners with Penfolds. Their prestigious wine brands are fully in line with our 'on-trade' and wine boutiques' strategy and we feel very privileged to be also associated with some of the finest wines worldwide. Along with Baron Philippe de Rothschild, Louis Roederer, Frescobaldi, Luce and number of others, Penfolds wines will surely add an extra star to the Charles Grech wine portfolio. We truly look forward to working with Penfolds wines and contributing to its success. Charles Grech appointed to officially represent Penfolds wines THOUGH there are many summery days still on the way, I can't help but feeling like summer is slowly slipping away. The Ta' Xbiex Water Polo Club Bistro is the per- fect 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 ourselves together and organise a table for Sunday lunch. Owner Nicky Gatt has got fast food down to a T, churning out fantastic Mexican ta- cos, pizzas and burger from Amigos, but whether he could do as well with a more up-market restaurant we had to see for ourselves. Located in the most fantastic spot the water polo club offers stunning views of the entrance to Sliema Creek and the Ta' Xbiex yacht marina. The angle of the res- taurant is so completely perfect that the horrors of modern day architecture are removed from sight and you get to see are the beautiful baroque Valletta bastions and the bright blue Mediterranean 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 afternoon and a cool summer evening. We sat at a long table outside and were served with drinks, and complimentary foccaccia while we waited for everyone to arrive. The menu offers a vast selection of piz- zas, 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 premi- um wines courtesy of Charles Grech, of- fering the most fashionable wines at great value for money. We decided on mixed starters to share where we went for a selection of fish start- ers 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 selection 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 fla- vours of fresh fish 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 just as good as they sailed by to other tables, as our fish. There is no dessert menu but a display of homemade desserts that 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 service, and will serve a full meal at any time of day – per- fect for those busy souls who somehow let lunchtime slip by and can't seem to 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 Mal- ta's nicest spots then get down there and feel the summer before it slips away. The Ta' Xbiex Water polo Club Bistro is open all day every day, from Monday to Sunday. Address: Ta' Xbiex Seafront, Ta' Xbiex Contact: 27330144 The summer is magic Ta' Xbiex Water Polo Club Bistro The Ta' Xbiex Water Polo Club Bistro is the perfect spot for summer dining at the water's edge