Today is a wonderful day. Lovely grey clouds showing off before the endless blue sky of Summer, vege bacon sandwiches for breakfast, fabulous hair do with even more fabulous massaging chair at Toni & Guy in Gzira and then lunch to discuss a new and exciting project....
We decided to meet in Valletta at La Mere, a cute little place on Merchant Street, which you have probably walked past a hundred times. If the door were open and the aromas were to escape - they would get your attention and I'm almost positive you would investigate. Unless you like bland food, that is.
The menu is divided into Indian, Arabian, Mediterranean and Maltese, with starters, platters, pasta, salads and mouth watering mains. Side dishes are all at just 2.50 euro. What is really interesting is the wine menu. Not because of its varieties, though the classics are all represented, but because of the fact that wines are priced at retail cost with a 4.50 euro corkage charge - indeed, you can bring your own wines and pay the same fee. Brilliant idea! Spread the word!
Being on a 'no meat no fish' for Lent has had its challenges - I have left parties positively hungry (caterers, take note) and choosing in restauraunts is limited often having to resort to two starters or plain ol' pasta - which vegetarianism is for only a few weeks in my case and so no great shakes, but makes me a little sad for the dedicated beaneaters out there. It is here that La Mere's menu stands out. In fact, there is so much choice in the no meat department that carnivores should vegetarianism (even for one meal) a go.
I had the vegetable thali, a mix of two curries, a couple of dips, papad and naan bread with rice - and chose to opt for medium heat - another nice touch (food is truely prepared fresh so you can select ingredients and chilli temperature) and I have to say, it was delicious. Layered flavours, just enough of each to leave you wanting more and well cooked paper thin naan to mop it all up with. The abundant jewel coloured rice was almost untouched - way to much to squeeze into my pencil skirt - no room for desert either I'm afraid, but left feeling satisfied and wanting to return to test out their tagines.
Tel: 21223256
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