Malta’s First National Action Plan for Organic Food

In what way do you feel that each and every day is show time?

Just like actors on a stage, chefs perform in the kitchen.

Each day brings new challenges, from preparing multiple dishes simultaneously to managing a busy service. Chefs must maintain composure, exhibit skillful techniques, and work efficiently under pressure, all while delivering exceptional results.

Like stage performers who pay attention to every movement and gesture, chefs meticulously focus on details. From plating dishes beautifully to ensuring precise cooking times and seasoning, they strive for perfection in every aspect of their culinary creations.

Us Chefs often have the opportunity to interact with guests, much like performers engaging with their audience. We may step out of the kitchen to explain their creations, receive feedback, and provide a personal touch to the dining experience. This direct interaction adds an element of showmanship to our role.

Finally, we are constantly pushing boundaries, experimenting with new flavors, and inventing innovative dishes. This constant quest for culinary excellence parallels the creative process of artists. We aim to surprise and captivate diners, just as performers seek to captivate their audience.

What are your thoughts about fine dining in Malta?

Malta’s fine dining scene showcases a fusion of traditional Maltese flavors with international influences. Chefs skillfully blend local ingredients, such as fresh seafood, olive oil, honey, and native herbs, with global culinary techniques to create innovative and memorable dishes.

Malta benefits from an abundance of fresh and high-quality ingredients. Fine dining establishments take advantage of this by incorporating local produce, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and the catch of the day into their menus. This ensures a focus on freshness, flavor, and sustainability.

Overall, fine dining in Malta presents a delightful blend of tradition, innovation, and Mediterranean influences. It offers a chance to indulge in refined flavors, impeccable service, and a captivating dining atmosphere that reflects the unique charm of the Maltese islands.

What’s next for you?

My main aim is to keep upskilling and improving, whilst reaching new milestones. I plan to keep on experimenting with Maltese and Mediterranean dishes and introduce these creations to my everevolving menu at The Golden Fork. I also plan to travel and undergo stages in different restaurants to futher broaden my skillset and be exposed to different cuisines.

Hidden among the noisy outlets, high-rise buildings and busy streets of Qawra lies a bistro concept which is attracting the interest of food enthusiasts from all across the island.

Lovage Bistro is managed by one of Malta’s leading young generation of chefs, Matthew Schembri.

The à la carte menu is interesting and a true celebration of the land and the sea have to offer. It is fresh, innovative and straight forward. indeed, every dish available in the Lovage menu is cooked and presented in a simple manner so as to give due merit to the natural flavours of genuine local fresh produce.

Moreover, it is very condensed with a selection of five starters that include champagne battered prawns, burrata salad, slow cooked pork bao buns, rabbit liver and carpaccio. The menu includes an interesting selection of pasta and risotto dishes.

Pasta has always been a staple dish at Lovage and still remains with a good selection that includes; gnocchi di patata tossed in rucola and parmesan pesto topped with crushed almonds and also Carnaroli di San Maiolo risotto with black truffle cream.

And what about the main course selection?

The menu also consists of six main courses which include a Moroccan inspired duck breast, stuffed quail, and grilled lamb fillet served on cous cous infused with mint and cumin.

For all those with a sweet tooth, the menu includes a good selection of desserts which include the traditional Maltese date fritters, crème brûlé and strawberry crumble.

Lovage is indeed a culinary experience which reaches its epitome during the summer season. The choice of food prepared is simply amazing and worth to enjoy with your loved ones. Booking is certainly a must so as to avoid any unnecessary disappointments.