Ta' Frenc | Savour the Gozo flavour
Enter the old stone archway into the courtyard and be greeted by the scent of mint, basil, lavender, lemon balm and thyme.
Rachel Zammit Cutajar
This restaurant review appeared in the second edition of GozoToday, out today in all leading stationers in Gozo and the Gozo ferries.
The beautiful converted farmhouse on the way down to Marsalforn not only serves as a fantastic venue to while away a perfect evening but is also hosts an olive grove and a herb garden that not only enhances the gardens of the place but are used in the dishes served.
The restaurant prides itself on the use of the most natural, home-grown ingredients with the least possible travelling miles. Herbs are grown in the gardens of Ta’ Frenc, chickens, quails, pheasants and other poultry are grown by a neighbour specially for the restaurant, and fresh fish is sourced from a local fisherman minutes down the road.
A new olive grove, using olive trees imported from Sicily, has been established close to the restaurant, which is producing sufficient olives for pressing into extra virgin olive oil. Four to six kilos of olive oil are required to produce just one litre of the extra virgin olive oil that is a great accompaniment to the fresh bread that is baked in-house.
Chef Mario Schembri transforms these fresh ingredients into exquisite dishes. Try the rabbit ravioli that have become a signature dish or his take on traditional fish soup – aljotta, which is exceptional.
Flambe cooking is another of the restaurants specialities. Whether you are after sweet or savoury dishes the maitre d’hotel will delight patrons preparing the spectacular dishes at table.
Enjoy a pre-dinner glass of champagne, which has been produced and bottled in France specially for the restaurant and even bears the restaurant name on the label. Similarly the Armagnanc, house red and white wines are also produced, and bottled for Ta’ Frenc.
An extensive and award-winning wine list, with bottles housed in an ancient cellar, is available for private dining, offering wines from local vineyards as well as from around the world, with an emphasis on the great wines of Bordeaux.
Address: Ghajn Damma Street, Xaghra
Opening hours: Daily 12:00 – 13:30; 19:00 – 21:30 (closed on Tuesday)
Contact: 21553888, 21550808
Email [email protected]
