Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/811845
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 16 APRIL 2017 34 Food SASHA SHUMARA THERE is truly nowhere on the island as unforgettable as the Jazz Cave Restaurant. Dining just never felt so smooth, so funky, so good – and that's not just the wine and jazz talking. Upon descending the staircase into the Jazz Cave Restaurant, you are immediately entering another time and place. Inside, you could be in Green- wich Village, NYC, and a world away from the Malta we know, but tucked right in the heart of Spinola Bay in Hotel Juliani. The feel-good vibes inside the Jazz Cave Restaurant are intoxi- cating. Our cheery waitress wel- comed us with baskets of home- made bread and sun-dried tomato tapenade to go around and the live pianist gently serenaded as we set- tled in. The group of us started the even- ing with a trio of starters. Beauti- fully plated (and even more de- licious) pan-fried scallops with chorizo, an assortment of cheeses and my newfound love affair: Mo- roccan prawns. After indulging in those tangy, Moroccan-spiced, grilled prawns served with minted yoghurt, I'm not sure if I ever want to eat prawns any other way again. The versatility of the Jazz Cave Restaurant with that perfect mix of class, style, and freshness, really sets a new standard in the restau- rant scene in Malta. Right in the heart of St Julian's, it's the perfect spot for date night or after work drinks, with a group of friends be- fore heading off to the clubs or for a business meeting (no awkward silences with the live jazz). For families there's even a discount on Sundays to enjoy a quality meal in style. Rest assured, the kids will love it. Special events, weddings, staff parties, you name it, the Jazz Cave Restaurant has you covered with a night to remember. Let's be honest, as a first-timer to a restaurant, you never know what to expect portion-wise. We were pleasantly surprised with our generous mains. They were of high quality, perfectly portioned and very fairly priced. The Jazz Cave Restaurant is neither budget nor fine dining but rather quality din- ing and a memorable restaurant experience. We wouldn't go home hungry, like I do too often after a night of fine dining, only to suc- cumb to the nearest pastizzeria for a guilty slice of pizza. My truffle mushroom risotto packed a flavour punch. The oth- ers enjoyed their mains like crispy salmon served with this rich and creamy prawn sauce on a bed of roasted vegetables. With a kitchen staffed with Hungarian, Arabic and Italian chefs, it's not surprising these worlds collide and you can taste it. The kitchen brings their touch of flair to the eclectic Medi- terranean menu. Before we knew it, it was well past midnight. Time dissipates in a good way inside the Jazz Cave Res- taurant. What can I say? We dined, we laughed, we jazzed... and we'll be back to try their Mediterranean lamb chops. Resto of the week Vermentino is quickly becoming the 'it' white wine of the past year and it's no wonder with authentic imports like this Verm from Rocca di Montemassi hitting our shelves. 100% hand-picked fruit from Tuscany that underwent soft pressing to enable to subtle, nuanced flavours of Vermentino to really shine. Aromas of white flowers, spice and hint of ripe fruit sit alongside a place of substantial freshness, citrus notes and an underlying character of almond. Vermentino is a Mediterranean grape variety that was virtually unknown until recently. It is a bright and refreshing wine. Lively floral, lime and green apple flavors shaded with dusty mineral notes vibrate with racy acidity. The wine is light bodied, fresh and tangy, perfect for sipping by the pool or pairing with grilled shellfishBrilliant straw-yellow colour. Bouquet of white flowers, with spicy notes and hints of just barely ripe fruit. Substantial yet fresh flavour with citrus hints and almondy notesBrilliant straw-yellow colour. Bouquet of white flowers, with spicy notes and hints of just barely ripe fruit. Substantial yet fresh flavour with citrus hints and almondy notesBrilliant straw-yellow colour. Bouquet of white flowers, with spicy notes and hints of just barely ripe fruit. Substantial yet fresh flavour with citrus hints and almondy notesBrilliant straw-yellow colour. Bouquet of white flowers, with spicy notes and hints of just barely ripe fruit. Substantial yet fresh flavour with citrus hints and almondy notes Exclusively imported by Charles Grech & Co. Ltd, Valley Road, Birkirkara T: 2144 4400 Rocca di Montemassi Calasole Vermentino Toscana, italy Rhythm, blues and a superb dining experience Jazz Cave Restaurant Hotel Juliani Spinola Bay, St Julian's Web: jazzcaverestaurant.com Facebook: jazzcavemalta WINE OF THE WEEK