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REVIEW: Lovage Bistro – a palpable hit in Qawra
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REVIEW: LOVAGE BISTRO - A PALPABLE HIT IN QAWRA
Deciding which restaurant to visit post COVID-19 lockdown restrictions was not an easy task. I did prepare for it by creating a list, and with a quick 'close my eyes and point the finger' game, Lovage Bistro it was.
Situated in St Paul's Bay, Qawra to be exact, Lovage Bistro is run by chef Matthew Schembri, a likeable calm man with an even calmer demeanour. He's not a boaster and his dishes are what do the talking.
A quick scan of the paperless menu and I was good to go. Opt for the generous dish of plump prawns, delicately enveloped in a light champagne batter, which in itself is enough for a second visit. They're not oily in the slightest and are delightfully consistent in terms of texture and flavour. 
The blackboard specials of the evening involved a brightly-coloured fresh-as-can-be tuna carpaccio anointed with dollops of refreshing guacamole. Topped with mint for that extra kick.
Another special was a ravishing ravioli stuffed with octopus stew, tossed in a tomato and basil fondue. Enough to put a bounce in your step and definitely proof that pasta dishes are Matthew's forte.
Do not overlook the rich and textured risotto cooked with a silky prawn bisque which beds extra large scallops, with the roe still intact. That for me was the highlight main.
The patriotic boneless quail stuffed with Maltese sausage is modern, hearty and elegant all at the same time. This new flavour-packed menu item is a must for anyone who wants a taste of the wild. 
The duck, dry-rubbed with Moroccan spices, was perfectly cooked and was well complemented by the bed of sweet potato puree it laid on. Every element contributed its best attribute to the dish.
One thing I will say, is that a few dishes were garnished with mint... which they didn't need at all.
After three months without my twice (or thrice) weekly restaurant visits, I'm exceptionally happy that Lovage Bistro was the eatery to re-pop that cherry
Lovage Bistro
Triq l-Imhar
St Paul's Bay
Website
Elsa Messi
Food connoisseur, curiosity feeder and travel queen. Londoner who has lived in Tokyo and now based in Malta.
I like what I C: Cheese, cats, consuming cuisines, canines, cooking, clothes and countries. I also like taking long romantic walks to the fridge.
