Culinary pleasures: A review of 'Fayrouz' and 'Mare Nostrum'

This past week, I had two occasions to eat out at different restaurants, and I have some comments to make:

Tue 2nd May : It was the birthday of Baaniisu, my bearer of victory and better half. I decided to eat out at a different cuisine, and Lebaneese was chosen ('Fayrouz' in Sliema). After managing to find the place, we entered into what seemed more of a typical family restaurant, but anyway, I do not know how a Lebanese typical restaurant should look like. However, Arabic-type music could be heard. The matron was really nice. At first I talked to her in English, but then realised she was local. I hate doing that. Maltese is my mother tongue and I try to speak it everywhere, even to Anglo-Maltese speaking fellow citizens.

There was a wide food selection, though no fish was at hand, maybe because it was a Tuesday. As a starter we took a mezee, a selection of dips and starters, similar to the greek meze. It was actually quite filling. As a main course, I opted for chicken while Baaniisu went for minced meat something. The food was good, simple but mouth-watering. The owner, a Lebanese I suppose, was the cook and a fancy cook too, dressed in trousers and a neat shirt. Every now and then he came out of the kitchen to talk to people and make sure all was ok. Unfortunately, we did not have enough room for a typical Lebanese restaurant, next time we will know better.

Friendliness of staff: 4/5

Service: 3/5
Food selection: 3/5
Food: 4/5
Ambient: 2/5

Overall: 3/5
Conclusion: Recommended

Sat 6th May: No excuse for this meal, except that it was a Saturday. Usually we do not go to restaurants serving normal foot, but this was an exception. My and Baaniisu went to 'Mare Nostrum' in Ta' Xbiex, more known as the 'Black Pearl'. We really went there for its setting, since the restaurant lies on the deck of the 'Black Pearl'. The ship is not floating in the sea but situated on land. Upon entering we were greeted by a foreigner and place a table (no booking done). We were on the side of the side, however on the wrong one, since for the view of Marsamxett Harbour and Valletta we had to be located on the other side.

As soon as we set, a waiter came asking if we wanted an aperatif, while handing us the menu, and another put the breadbasket and some black olives on the table . Another waiter came immediately afterwards telling us what were the specialities of the day, including the types of fish available etc. After a brief consultation of the menu (there was not much to decide from), we decided to go for chicken and beef. We also ordered a bottle of wine. After a few moments, the food arrived. We were quite surprised at how fast it came, too fast in fact. In fact, food came before drink. I had to recall the waiter to remind him of the bottle of wine, and still this did not come immediately. I found us stupid sitting there having all the food and side dishes but nothing to drink. After some time, the wine came. Food was good, though my chicken seemed a little dry. As we finished, a waiter came to take the plates away, and he was not alone; another came clearing up the table taking all the cutlery etc. Then after some time, while still drinking our wine, another came asking for coffee and sweets.

Hmmm as you would have probably noticed, this restaurant more seemed like a fast food by simply observing the behaviour of the staff (Note: the restaurant was 1/2 to 3/4 full). The setting was great, with candlelit tables, but I felt rushed around. Life is already too hectic, running from one commitment to another; being served in a frenetic way is not much appreciated. Obviously, I prefer being asked immediately then being left to wait endlessly on a table without any menu or food, but there has to be balance.

Friendliness of staff: 3/5

Service: 2/5
Food selection: 2/5
Food: 3/5
Ambient: 5/5

Overall: 3/5
Conclusion: Recommended, but beware of the frantic waiters