Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/858250
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 6 AUGUST 2017 34 Food SASHA SHUMARA SLIP right into that holiday feel- ing with cocktails, excellent food and stunning views of the spar- kling Med at Otters. Marsalforn is a seaside village we are quick- ly falling in love with; if only it were somehow closer to home, we would surely be eating sea- side at Otters Bistro every week- end. Sitting on the edge of the bay, Otters has one of the most stunning views of Marsalforn Bay and a menu that is to die for. The cuisine at Otters relies on seasonal and fresh ingredients and is constantly varying. We couldn't wait to see what was on the menu. We settle in for a mojito or two. It's a hot summer day and under Otters' big umbrellas, sit- ting just metres away from the glistening turquoise sea, there is nowhere we would rather be. For starters, we both enjoy the duck salad with chocolate sauce. With duck, the fat can be a real deal-breaker but with the touch of my fork, the fat slides right off. Perfection. I appreciate that the chocolate sauce comes served on the side as I drizzle just the right amount of choco- late balsamic sauce on my salad without overpowering the taste of the duck. Two mojitos quickly becomes three. Today would be a day of pure gluttony. We thought the duck was the highlight of the day and then our handsome Italian server (can this get any better?) brings our mains – whole grilled ca- lamari stuffed with crabmeat. We can taste the freshness of the seafood from the calamari to the tender crabmeat stuffing inside. The crabmeat is incred- ibly sweet and delicate yet rich, complimented with olive oil and herbs. I suspected we would be having seafood at Otters, but this, this is seafood heaven. Our cheery waitress comes over to see if we can handle an- other main, makes some jokes and leaves us laughing as we continue main number one. To be honest, with the single starter and main, we are both full but we can't resist the temptation. Not today. The group of ladies next to us feasts on huge bowls of mussels with the largest king prawns I've seen in awhile. "We're com- ing back here tomorrow?!" one of the ladies semi-asks to her group of friends. For main number two, because we can't get enough, we try the salmon parcel with prawns. The salmon parcel is partially sur- rounded with puff pastry giv- ing it this crispy, flaky outside and doughy inside. Paired with a creamy, tomato-based, fish sauce and fresh apricot slices, we completely clean our plates. "How often are we in Gozo? Let's share one more?" I ask my guest. She feels the same and we decide to share the grilled beef tagliata. I'll tell you right now, if you love steak, you will not be disappointed. Cooked medium, not very bloody, crispy on the outside and tender inside, the beef tagliata is just as a good steak should be – sublime. I wish I could say we stomached dessert but it was not possible and I would be very worried if it were. We plan on making Ot- ters our go-to Gozo restaurant this summer. Just to spend a few hours dining at Otters Bistro in beautiful Marsalforn Bay is well worth a trip to our sister island. 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 shellfish. Exclusively imported by Charles Grech & Co. Ltd, Valley Road, Birkirkara T: 2144 4400 2016 Rocca di Montemassi Calasole Vermentino Toscana, Italy WINE OF THE WEEK The holiday feels in Gozo Otters Bistro and Lounge Marsalforn Gozo Tel: 21556606 Facebook: OttersBistroAndLounge