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maltatoday, SUNDAY, 24 APRIL 2016 34 Food Domaines Ott was founded in 1912 by Alsatian engineer Marcel Ott. Today, the wineries are owned and managed by Champagne Louis Roederer, producing some of the world's most prestigious wines. These wines are made at three distinctively different estates: Château Romassan (Bandol), Clos Mireille and Château de Selle (both Côtes de Provence). BY.OTT is a refined and elegant wine for any Rose enthusiast. The blends originate from select vineyards in Cotes de Provence that have been chosen to ensure that the wine is characterized by fruit and freshness, with added finesse and complexity. Blend: 75% Grenache, 25% Cinsault and Syrah Exclusively imported by Charles Grech & Co. Ltd, Valley Road, Birkirkara T: 2144 4400 BY OTT Rose 2015 Domaines Ott, Provence, France 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 ALLROUNDERS are hard to find in this restaurant business. In my (very well fed) tenure with this magazine, only a tiny fraction of the places I've had the pleas- ure of eating at can really be considered versatile enough to be suitable for any kind of event. A good first date sort of place may be too smart for a quick bite. A perfect venue for a big family gather- ing may not be professional enough for a business lunch. Some restaurants do one thing and they do it well, and kudos to them really – there's nothing wrong at all with catering to a certain clientele or at- mosphere. But there is one place that has con- sistently proven itself worthy, whatever requirements I happen to throw at it. Dining at La Vela for this review is prob- ably the fourth or fifth time I've visited. Among those visits were one rowdy fami- ly reunion, a birthday dinner with friends, and your run-of-the-mill dinner-for-two. Each time, we were met with a few con- stants – impeccable service, a balanced menu and a wonderful view. Sitting down to lunch, I could see that I wasn't the only one there on work busi- ness – several suits and ties took up a number of tables. It seemed like La Vela had ticked that box too. And why wouldn't it? A central location with great parking makes it an attractive prospect for those looking to squeeze in a business deal at lunch. Fish is the order of the day here – sit- ting this close to the marina, it seems like a natural choice. The menu also includes pasta and meat dishes, with something for every palate. Our first course arrived – filo pastry spring rolls stuffed with Angus beef and ricotta and pasta with a mix of seafood. My spring rolls were what those aw- ful Chinese buffet frozen specimens can only dream to be – moreish, crunchy and delicate. I could have easily eaten an- other four or five, had I not had a main course to leave room for. As for the pasta, I would be letting my readers down if I failed to mention that my guest literally threw her head back, eyes closed, after that first bite. It was that good. Next up (disclaimer: we skipped the primi piatti but there were some interest- ing gnocchi trying to catch my eye) was a grilled and deboned bream, selected from a large, very heavy-looking tray laden with shiny specimens, and veal sir- loin wrapped in bacon. Both of us were more than satisfied. The veal came with a grilled slice of scamorza, a drizzle of honey and carrot and pea purees. The fish was no-need-for-a-knife tender and obviously prepared with care. A melodi- ous symphony of flavours, without being too cluttered. We shared dessert – a crème caramel with little puffs of an airy chocolate mousse, accompanied by large shards of dark chocolate sprinkled with pistachios. I will neither confirm nor deny that there may have been some quiet arguing over the last bite. In all, La Vela met my expectations once again. The gentle lapping of the sea, the classy (but not pretentious) interior and the option for outdoor dining make it a place I would be happy to return to, whatever the occasion, if only to try those tempting gnocchi. Ristorante La Vela Triq ix-Xatt, Pieta. Web: www.lavelamalta.com Facebook: Ristorante-La-Vela Resto of the week WINE OF THE WEEK The perfect meal for any occasion First dates, business lunches or family gatherings – La Vela is one of the few places on the island that gets it right no matter the company you keep. RACHEL AGIUS heads down there to check it out