Malta Fishing Village Favourites to be featured in UK documentary
This week, I was contacted by a UK film crew that has been working on a documentary series for six weeks about Malta. I was lucky enough to be introduced during the ‘Branch to Bottle’ experience in Wardija a few weeks ago while harvesting the Maltese Bidni Olives.
When I was first introduced to the producer there, I asked if they had managed to film the fishing village and highlight the island’s most beloved fish that happens to be in season right now, Lampuki. They told me that they had not been able to secure an interview with the fishermen to learn about this illustrious fish, but ever since I described what the fishing village really is to the island, they knew they needed to make it happen. Consider me your American-Maltese tour guide! With this, I contacted my two most treasured set of friends in the fishing village; George Galea owner of ir-Rizzu restaurant and my favourite family, the Gafa family, to show us how it’s done!
The Maltese, especially the fishermen and the farmers of this island, have been the most generous, charming, welcoming people I have ever known in my life. I couldn’t imagine anyone highlighting this island and missing out on the heartbeat of the island; the fishing village, Marsaxlokk! Here are some highlights from their documentary film that I caught on my own camera to share with you.
Ir-Rizzu Restaurant
Ir-Rizzu outdid themselves to show the Brits what Lampuki really is all about. George served us three separate ways of preparing this fish: raw, grilled and their new amazing addition: Black Squid Ink Lampuki fish and chips.
The raw Lampuki served in rows of lightly sliced sashimi flanks were covered in olive oil, lemon juice and fresh parsley. When the fish is fresh, it does not need much to make it fantastic. The raw fish was light, easy to eat and delicious.
Next came the grilled Lampuki. Again, drizzled in olive oil, salt and pepper, a little lemon juice and fresh parsley. It doesn’t need more than this! It was grilled to perfection. The sear on top made a lovely taste to the tongue when you ate each bite. It’s the perfect way to prepare this beloved seafood.
And then came a masterpiece I have never seen any place else: black ink squid Lampuki fish and chips! This was crispy and not at all greasy. The lampuki fish was cooked to perfection, not dry, but moist and juicy. Served on a bed of something like hummus that gave it just the right touch of sweet and silky in your mouth with the crunch of the skin. This was the best Lampuki I have ever tasted! Get it while you can! Lampuki only stays in season for a limited time!
The gafa Family and the Fish Market
The Lampuki on this island is caught locally and brought either directly to the restaurants like George’s fishermen, or to the fish market such as Roman Fish Market that the Gafa family offers. Vinunzio, the father of Roman, Natasha and Michelle and the grandfather of Andre who have a long history of fishing for the island. The film crew followed Roman and Michelle at the fish market where they were selling their Lampuki to the public.
We got to see Andre on the traditional Maltese fishing boat, the Luzzu along with Natasha who helped in both locations and is the backbone of both operations. We have a saying in the United States that says Team work makes the dream work and this family is this idea exemplified. Every Sunday they all help with the fish market and when it closes, they all eat together as a family. This is the true heart of Malta and the pride of the fishing village. I would happily introduce them to any country that visits Malta looking to see what the real heart of the island looks like: it’s them.
