Restaurants of Malta No.9: LE LUCI OF MARSASCALA.

28th January, 2012.

Le Luci  - Part inside view.

The premises where Le Luci Di Marsascala Restaurant is located in Mifsud Bonnici Square, Marsascala, has been operated as a restaurant for some time under various guises and themes.. First, as far as I can remember, it was run as an ethnic Lebanese restaurant, then it was taken over by another operator who changed the name as well as its concept. Alas, this operator only lasted for about six months, in  the very highly charged and very competitive location such as Marsascala, (where located in this area, comprising Marsascla and St. Thomas Bay), one can find around 80 eateries ranging from simple take-aways to some of the best fish, seafood and general restaurants found in Malta.

Le Luci emblem

Some, seven months ago, this venue was taken over by a young Chef, who in this very short time has gained a name for himself as an excellent Chef/Patron, ably assisted by his wife as front-of-house manager. I think that Roderick Vella and his wife are very successfully placing Le Luci of Marsascala on the culinary map of the South of Malta,offering, as the Chef explained it,  "Fine Mediterranean Cuisine", integral with quality, service and value.

A secluded romantic table.

The Menu.

Le Luci Di Marsascala offer a reasonably harmonious menu with a selection of soups and starters ranging in price from some E5.95 to E8.95 , notable of which are the Le Luci fish and shellfish broth and the Mussel Mariniere; next come a good selection of Pasta and Rice dishes ranging in price from E7.95 for the vegeterian risotto to E10.95 for the Tagliolini prawns and zucchini.
The main courses selection cover a range from the a la carte as well as the day's specials and cover dishes of Trio of Pork; Black Angus beef rib-eye; Babychicken;  Roast rump of lamb;  Roast Duck Breast; Chataubriand for two; Pan seared Salmon;  Grilled marinated king prawns; Pan seared sea bass; and Fresh fish from the catch of the day when available. Prices for main courses range from E13.95 for the Trio of Pork,  to some E23.95  for the King Prawns platter.

The Wine List.

The wine list offers a very good selection of local and imported wines, with a very decent mark-up. In fact, in my opinion,it is one of the best value for money wine selections available, which will not break the bank even if one consumes a couple of bottles. An excellent Pianoforte Ebony from Camilleri wines was priced at a very decent and reasonable E13.50.

The bread basket and wine.

Pre-dinner Appetizers

A very nicely presented and original, complimentary, small platterof appetizers which inclued home made sausage and caviar were place before each diner whilst we were selecting our food.



Our Choices.

Our cuisine selections were varied as we wanted to savour the different dishes not only for this review but also to check out the quality, preparation and presentation of the various dishes.

STARTERS:

The Fish and Shellfish Broth.

A very appetizing  Le Luci fish and shellfish broth, which turned out to be a really wonderful bouyabaise, made of fresh local fish and shellfish was ordered by my wife;







 then there were:

The Papiri Duck.

The Pappardelle Pork.

one Papiri duck- pasta with a very rich duck sauce;
one Pappardelle pork- pappardelle with a rich ragout of slow cooked belly pork and demi-glace with cream; both of which were excellent on the palate.

Parma Ham, Grilled Asparagus
and aged Parmegiano salad.

Pappardelle Pork with added cheese.
A plate to die for.

and one, quite large Parma Ham, grilled asparagus and aged parmegiano cheese, salad, which tasted of rich herbs and exquisite extra vergine herbal olive oil.








These starters were very good examples of the exquisite cuisine that this Chef is endeavouring to produce.


MAIN COURSES:

Chateaubriand prior to sharing.

Chateaubriand individual portion
with veg and potatoes.

Our main course choices were a succulent chateaubriand for myself and my wife to share, grilled perfectly medium, and which simply melted in one's mouth;

The Trio of Pork.

Baby Chicken deconstruction.

A Trio of Pork which consisted of a vriety of exquisite cuts of local pork cooked in three different ways- 24 hour cooked pork belly, pork fillet wellington with saute mushrooms and spinach wrapped in puff pastry, and braised pork cheek;
and the Baby Chicken which was described as a "deconstructed" baby chicken pieces consisting of: sous vide cooked breast, crispy leg croquette and stuffed wing with tomato scented risotto.

Cassatella

Dessert choices offered were a selection of Cater Essence products, which although good, are becoming a bit too common.

Liquor selection.

Wine selections fell on two very decently priced Pianoforte Ebony reds, with a bottle of still and a bottle of sparkling water, and espressos to finish off the dinner. Complimentary liqours were offered.

The price range for this restaurant excluding wine and drinks is about Eur30 per person, our bill for the above orders, including the two bottles of wine, water and espressos came out to a very reasonable Eur38 per person. One has to keep in mind that cuisine presented is "fine Mediterranean" which takes time and attention to prepare.



REVIEWERS IMPRESSIONS:

Ambience: The restaurant is situated in a refurbished house of character which presents a very pleasant and romantic atmosphere. Very Good.
Decor: Maltese stone authentic walls and architecture; well spaced tables, linen table cloths. Very Good.
Harmony of Menu: Very Good.
Cuisine Quality: Very Good fine dining cuisine.
Preparation and presentation: Very Good.
Wine list and mark-up: Very good.
Service and attention to clients requirements: Very Good.
Value for money: Very Good.

OVERALL RATING: 8.5/10  Mediterranean Fine Dining.
RECOMMENDED. 

Contact Details:
Le Luci of Marsascala,
Mifsud Bonnici Square,
Marsascala.
Entrance from: St. Anne Street down a short flight of stairs to the playing field, or from Marina Street, through the playing field.
Telephone: 9964 3988 and 27661144.
The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner.
A light lunch menu is also available.