There was something very "chill" about Marsaxlokk. The little fishing village made Valletta seem like a bustling city. The top sight in this fishing village is without a doubt the bay which is a natural harbor. Three quarters of Malta's fishing fleet is located in this harbor, which was also where the Turkish fleet was station during the great siege of 1565.
In spite of the rather unsightly power plant located across the harbor, it is still quite stunning.
After taking a nice stroll, we took a short nap. When we awoke, in late afternoon, all of the day-trippers were gone, and it was like we had the place to ourselves.
A nice light breeze blowing, the clouds rolling in, we seemed light-years away from the hustle and bustle of Rome.
Looking closely, you might notice something quite interesting about the brightly colored "Luzzi", the traditional Maltese Fishing Boats.
It's in the eyes......
These boats in design and color is said to date back to the Phoenicians and the "eyes of Osiris" are painted on them to watch over and protect the fishermen while at sea.
One thing you quickly notice about Marsaxlokk are the lack of resorts, hotels, and that sort of thing crowding up the boardwalk. Rather, there are many traditional buildings, which add character to the locale.
Looking for a place to eat, we came upon this rather colorful place. Half restaurant, half gift t shop, named T'anna Mari. The menu was fascinating so we stopped by to eat....twice!
We loved the menu, which featured traditional Maltese dishes; stuff I'd never heard of, ingredients that we love. It was a great change of pace from the multitude of seafood places on the waterfront.
Unfortunately, time passes quickly, and changes come just as fast. T'anna Mari is under new ownership and is now a Sicilian Restaurant.
So I'll do the rest mostly in photos with a few names of dishes and such.
This was called L-Platt Malti and featured a collection of traditional Maltese appetizers.
Bigilla - the traditional mashed beans.
Ful - Broadbeans with Garlic.
Tonn Immellah - Brined Tuna.
Zalzett Malti (Maltese Garlic Sausage) and Ġbejna (Goat Cheeses)
Il Fortizza - Stewed Horse.
Qarabaghli mimli - Stuffed Marrows, that would be stuffed squash.
Dessert.
We loved the meal and went back for lunch the next day. Unfortunately, it was like eating at a totally different restaurant. The food was over salted, fishy, dry......
Fenek Moqli - Rabbit in garlic and wine
Aljotta - Fish Soup
Qarnit bit-tewm - Octopus in garlic and herbs.
When getting ready to write this; I discovered that the place had been sold. That's too bad......the menu was interesting and it seemed like they were really trying to make a go of it. We did appreciate how the menu broadened our horizons with regards to Maltese food. I hope the nice husband and wife team that ran this place are doing well.
cute boats! too bad about the restaurant, at least you got a chance to try their food.
Posted by: kat | Thursday, 30 April 2015 at 08:45 PM
Those boats sure were unique Kat.
Posted by: Kirk | Friday, 01 May 2015 at 06:15 AM
I guess the night crew and day crew were totally different!
Posted by: Sandy | Friday, 01 May 2015 at 07:25 AM
Like Sandy alluded to, maybe they have a cook for the day tourist and lunch and a cook for the locals that handles dinner. At least one of the meals was great!
Posted by: Jason | Friday, 01 May 2015 at 08:20 AM
Hi Sandy - We actually asked....it was the same crew.
Hi Jason - We did ask and was told it was the same crew.....husband and wife. That dinner was really good.
Posted by: Kirk | Friday, 01 May 2015 at 08:38 AM