Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/620229
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 27 DECEMBER 2015 30 Food 30 Ornellaia is simply one of the greatest wines in the world, one of the First Growths of Italy. Ornellaia 2012 is as yet un-rated by Monica Larner of the Wine Advocate or Antonio Galloni; however, he has said of the vintage, "Although most of the top wines haven't been released yet, the 2012s I have tasted from barrel and bottle are hugely promising. The best wines are nothing short of exceptional." The vintage was hot and dry from June to August, characterised by an abundance of sun, causing the vines to slow growth, this followed a cool February and a wet May. Rain fell at the right periods providing a tonic for the vines. The result was consistent ripening, yielding a generous, seductive wine, with all the hallmarks that distinguish a great vintage of Ornellaia Ornellaia 2012, Bolgheri, Italy Exclusively imported by Charles Grech & Co. Ltd, Valley Road, Birkirkara T: 2144 4400 Top restos for 2015 Rachel Agius and Rachel Zammit Cutajar Working at Gourmet Today means we get to eat out… a lot. We see a lot of restaurants start up and some that go on to become regular fixtures on our calendars. 2015 has been a good year for eating out and after much deliberating we have come up with a list of what we deem top of this year – some new and others old favourites. Rubino - Best all-rounder One of Valletta's most beloved eateries, Rubino is not so much a restaurant as a gastronomic institution. Anything on the menu is guaranteed to impress, given that it is backed by the culinary expertise and passion of the Diacono dynasty. A homely atmosphere, reasonable prices and knowledgeable staff mean you'll never leave disappointed. 53, Old Bakery Street, Valletta. Tel: 21224656 Facebook: Rubino Sciacca Grill – Best for meat Put plainly, Sciacca Grill leaves every other steak restaurant in the dust. Dining here has that interactive feel, forgoing menus and letting customers choose their meats from the counter. Sciacca also prides itself on its whiskeys, all 150 of them. With a private function room in the back, its open kitchen and a simply unmatched selection of meats, Sciacca is a must for any hungry carnivore. South Street, Valletta Tel: 237222 Facebook: Sciaccagrill Pure – Best for healthy foods This little place started out as a juice bar offering the very best in juice cleanses. Slowly they have progressed to serving salads, and warm lunches using only the very best quality ingredients. Healthy living is what drives them, but tasty is just as important. And while you're there, try their guilt-free desserts – absolutely delicious. High Street, Sliema Tel: 99320003 Facebook: PureMalta New York Best – Best for quality fast food Fast food doesn't have to be crap food. New York Best has made a name for itself serving up burgers and pizzas made with quality ingredients, and with a fourth location opened this year, fans don't have to go far for their NYB fix. Look out for their seasonal specials and an expanding range of artisanal beers. Paceville Avenue, St Julian's Tel: 27282899 Facebook: newyorkbest Wejla by Tartarun – Best for fish Wejla has quite the pedigree and lives up to Tartarun's reputation as a purveyor of fine seafood. Situated in SmartCity, it is far removed from its sometimes garish surroundings, with welcoming interiors, simply superb staff and unforgettable fish dishes. Try the lobster agnolotti and the bouillabaisse for a truly transcendent gastronomic experience. SmartCity, Kalkara Tel: 79258117 Facebook: wejla