Don Serafino Al Molo - Cucina Siciliana in Malta.
Positives
Al Molo the long standing icon restaurant at the Portomaso complex, was relaunchd as the Don Serafino Al Molo Cucina Siciliana in Malta - Restaurant under management of Giuseppe and Antonio La Rosa of Locanda Don Serafino, on the 24th of November, 2012.
Don Serafino Al Molo dinner on Wednesday 19th December, 2012.
Al Molo the long standing icon restaurant at the Portomaso complex, was relaunchd as the Don Serafino Al Molo Cucina Siciliana in Malta - Restaurant under management of Giuseppe and Antonio La Rosa of Locanda Don Serafino, on the 24th of November, 2012. The kitchen staff has been totally changed with the visiting leading Executive Head Chef being the Michelin Starred Chef Vincenzo Candiano. To be fair, Vincenzo is not the resident chef in Malta, but menus are set-up and inspired by him, to conform with the new concept of this restaurant in offering the finest cuisine at a good value for money price list.
Over the last year we have carried out two reviews of this restaurant, under the Al Molo concept, and of course after the re-launching a new review visit had to be scheduled. We visited the Don Serafino Al Molo Restaurant for the first time, for dinner on the 19th of December, ad we were quite surprised not only in the exquisite changes in the new menu, but also with reference to general pricing. I am not saying that the concept of fine dining has been precluded in any way, but the concept has been changed to appeal more to lovers at of gourmet cuisine, at reasonable prices that would not break the bank. With this new image, Don Serafino Al Molo has a winning concept, which would certainly appeal to exclusive business dinners, romantic dinners and social gatherings, special occasion dinners, as well as to some special treat to a loved one or friend, with guests that would enjoy cuisine from an exclusive Sicilian kitchen, excellent service and value for money, in an up-market ambience.
The new menu:
The illustrations give an exact indication of what is available and one can form their own opinions on what’s on offer and pricing:
Our Choices for the evening were:
An elegant, couscous based Amuse bouche was served with our pre-dinner drinks.
Primi:
The Grand Plateau containing: Oyster; Tuna Carpaccio; Raviolo of King Prawns; Squid salad with orange; terrine of Mackarel; Cuttle fish Polpetta; White shrimps. (read anti-clockwise).
One serving of the Grand Plateau di Mare Don Serafino m- which is a gourmet seafood platter of a selection of fish and seafood served cooked and uncooked and prepared in various ways. This was a really delicate combination of the freshest ingredients, eminating a fantastic flavour.
and one serving of the “Porchetta” di coniglio con giardiniera fatt in casa e miele al peperoncino - Roulades of boned and stuffed rabbit in the “Porchetta” style with home made pickles and chilli infused honey. Another well selected starter.
Secondi:
For main course we selected a serving of the Filletto di spigola arrostito in padella su crema di patata e cipolla con brodo ristretto di funghi e porri fritti - Pan fried fillet of Sea Bass set on a cream of potato and onion with mushroom broth and fried leaks. There is nothing much to say about this serving, except that the combination of the sea bass with the thick mushroom creamy broth was fantastic.
and a serving of the Charolais Rib-eye, grigliatacojn verdura saltate inpadella con timo e limone, pue di patata all’ olio extra vergine di olive - Grilled Charolais beef rib-eye, served with pan fried vegetables with lemon and thyme and potato puree. Tender, juicy and grilled to perfection.
Desserts:
Desserts of the day were served in a platter to share - Cheese cake with pistachio; Cannolo di ricotta and Cassata Meringata. Mouth watering selection of home made desserts.
Wine list:
The wine list at the Don Serafino Al Molo contains a selection of some 165 wines, with a special wine list for the more expensive reserve wines.
Service:
Very attentive service through the Sicilian Maitre D’ assisted by two servers. As far as the kitchen crew went, this was manned by three Sicilian Chefs who ensured that the best Sicilian and authentic recipes were used in all dishes served and offered in the menu.
Value:
The value of the above dinner excluding wine came up to Eur80 (or Eur40 per person), for food only. Wines is priced according to choices made, as the wine list and prices are varied. Water and espressos completed the dinner.
REVIEWERS’ IMPRESSIONS:
Ambience: Excellent.
Cuisine quality: Very good+.
Preparation and presentation: Very Goo +.
Harmony of the menu: A vast improvement on the old menu - excellent.
Service: Very Good.
Wine list: Vast selection with different mark-ups according to price of wine; best value is on the mid-priced wines.
Value: Very reasonable for a fine dining restaurant.
RATING: 9/10 Fine dining.
RECOMMENDED.
