Malena

An unbelievable experience in gourmet dining! This newest trendy spot in town has only been opened for a little over a month. Every table was filled. The bar was packed. There was also a large crowd waiting for a table.

The place is designed with the finest taste. The hanging lights and magnificent mirrors give the feeling of grandeur and space. In reality the place is not that large. There are two rows of tables on each side of the room. The central aisle is bustling all evening with talented servers carrying plates of exotic food and pleasing the patrons. Our server was Zinta. She is also the sommelier. She was quiet spoken but it was so obvious that she was well informed about the wine and the food. She was also charming and attentive.

We spent much of the time conversing with that adorable romantic couple sitting beside us. We watched the plates being delivered to the 8 women at the next table. We were so grateful that they spoke quietly and didn’t overpower our own conversation.

I am so fortunate that I have a new friend, Fransi. She adores good food and is always willing to have a gourmet experience. She is now living in the same building as I am so it is fun and easy to try new restaurants.

Fransi started with a special order of Oysters. They were served on a lovely tray filled with rock salt. The presentation was so appetizing. Zinta explained where the oysters originated and what the sauces were all about. Little dishes of a variety of sauces were at the side.($19.00)

I was so pleased with the Rocket and Watercress Salad.($12.00) The greens had that fresh peppery taste and I loved every morsel. Toasted sesame was on top and served with lemon vinaigrette.

This is a very esoteric menu. Smoked Halibut cheek Cakes are prepared with horta, shallots and lemon cream.($13.00) The darling couple at the next table really enjoyed this dish.

Ionian Seafood Soup has a tomato broth base and is enhanced with grilled ciabattaa and olive oil.($!6.00)

Grilled West Coast Octupus was a popular item this evening.($14.00) It is served with minted cous cous, trilya olives and Greek yogurt.

I was anticipating the Swordfish that I had read about in an excellent review of this new restaurant. On this evening three fish were offered. I had to be urged to try the Stealhead Trout. It was grilled and perfectly moist and flavorful. The zucchini on the side was also grilled and drizzled with lemon. Every bite was exotic to the palate.($25.00)

Fransi ordered the Porgy Fish. It was served whole with the same zucchini sides.($30.00) We hardly had time to eat. We were ‘oohing’ and ‘ahing’ throughout the meal and so busy watching all the action. Each plate came with a little tray of three side sauces. The citrus marmalade was outstanding. The sauces really added to the flavor of our chosen fish.

The Spot Prawn Risotto looked so appealing when presented at the next table.($29.00)

Muscat Glazed Lamb Ribs are served with chick pea and red cabbage salad.($27.00)

We shared an order of Quebec Cheese with fresh figs for dessert.($8.00)

This is an event place. Every bite was a gourmet experience and the entertainment is watching all the action in this most popular spot.