Palio's at The Westin Dragonara | The final days of summer
The skies over the last week have not been quite what we’ve become used to. Though the summer shows no signs of cooling down, the grey clouds are hanging over reminding us that our long days on the beach are numbered. Although its not great beach weather, I am choosing to make the most of the what’s left of beach days with a meal on the beach, followed by a quick swim if not a whole day of sun worshipping.
Rachel Zammit Cutajar
Palio's at The Westin Dragonara offers the best of both worlds - a great casual lunch or dinner and a swim. Last weekend I headed down to the Reef Club for a late afternoon swim - and some rock throwing with my nephew - followed by a glass of wine, with views of the sea while the sun set, and an early supper.
The menu at Palio's is simple yet fresh and enticing. With a selection of pizza, pasta, salads, fresh fish and meats there is bound to be something to tickle your fancy. And if you're not really very hungry, why not try some of the tapas, perfect for sharing or as a stepping stone into a great meal. Try the trio of dips or if you want to keep it traditionally local, the bigilla served with galletti, or for something more substantial, the calamari fritti - tender rings of calamari deep fried in batter, drenched in lemon juice and dipped into a tangy sauce.
Maccharoni with a creamy Maltese sausage sauce
Although you can expect to find all your usual favourites, be on the look out for some truly innovative dishes like the watermelon mojito salad served with salad leaves, watermelon, cucumber, feta cheese and mint leaves topped with a lime and Bacardi dressing - how's that for a Friday night out?
If you are looking for something a little more indulgent, check out some of the chef's signature dishes, including homemade ravioli stuffed with porcini mushrooms tossed in a creamy Parmesan sauce with mushrooms, pine nuts and Parma ham.
Fresh fish depends on what is available from the fishermen's catch but it always fresh out of the waters you are overlooking, and main courses from the grill include some finger-licking pork ribs with a sticky glaze served with fries and coleslaw or some deliciously indulgent spiced pork belly among others.
Or if you're looking for something simple try the Westin burger - a delicious beef patty made even more delicious with melty American cheese and sweet onion marmalade, or one of the vast number of pizzas. Again the regular favourites are available - all served with choice ingredients but keep your eyes open for something special - truffles and roasted garlic or duck and hoisin sauce.
Desserts are decadent with a choice of homemade Snickers cake, cassata, Belgian chocolate fudge cake and apple crumble among others.
If you've just had lunch you can end your meal with an afternoon swim, or retreat to your sofa. Whatever your decision, it is bound to be at the end of a worthwhile afternoon out.
Palio's is open daily for dinner from 7pm onwards and for Sunday lunch from 1pm onwards.
Free parking is available to patrons.
Palio's
Westin Dragonara
St Julian's
Tel: 21381000
Email: [email protected]
