Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/826629
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 21 MAY 2017 40 Food RACHEL AGIUS 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 pleasure of eating at can really be consid- ered versatile enough to be suit- able 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 gathering may not be professional enough for a business lunch. Some restau- rants 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 atmosphere. But there is one place that has consistently proven itself worthy, whatever requirements I hap- pen to throw at it. Dining at La Vela for this review is probably the fourth or fifth time I've vis- ited. Among those visits were one rowdy family reunion, a birthday dinner with friends, and your run- of-the-mill dinner-for-two. Each time, we were met with a few constants – 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 business – 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 park- ing makes it an attractive prospect for those looking to squeeze in a business deal at lunch. Fish is the order of the day here – sitting 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 awful Chi- nese buffet frozen specimens can only dream to be – moreish, crunchy and delicate. I could have easily eaten another 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 interesting gnocchi trying to catch my eye) was a grilled and deboned bream, selected from a large, very heavy-looking tray lad- en with shiny specimens, and veal sirloin 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 ten- der and obviously prepared with care. A melodious symphony of flavours, without being too clut- tered. 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 expecta- tions once again. The gentle lap- ping of the sea, the classy (but not pretentious) interior and the op- tion for outdoor dining make it a place I would be happy to return to, whatever the occasion, if only to try those tempting gnocchi. Resto of the week A new exceptional vintage which celebrates the maturity of a plots selection from the estate. Coming from vines aged between 25 years, the prestige boasts a color of pale rose with crystal reflections. Very intense with a great complexity, the finesse of white fruits is revealed by iodine notes giving it a unique character. This rosé with a vibrating expression is a concentration of greedy aromas, with an intense freshness which offers the full expression of fruits. Exclusively imported by Charles Grech & Co. Ltd, Valley Road, Birkirkara T: 2144 4400 Minuty Prestige 2016 Chateau Minuty, Provence (France) The perfect meal for any occasion at La Vela Ristorante La Vela Triq ix-Xatt, Pieta. Web: www.lavelamalta.com Facebook: Ristorante-La-Vela WINE OF THE WEEK For 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