WIN: From Japan To Peru, ZEST Is Back With A Killer New Menu
It’s always a good idea to shake things up from time to time. Every once in a while you’ll be on the lookout for a new dinner spot, somewhere you can trust will put their own spin on the tried and tested classics. Look no further than Zest in St. Julian’s if distinction is what you seek.
They recently revamped their menu to expand their Euro-Asian influenced fusion concepts to include Nikkei cuisine, a Japanese inspired Peruvian culture, with some show stopping dishes dishes like the salmon tiraditos and the seabass ceviche. Whether it’s a celebration, a romantic evening with a loved one, a family dinner on the weekend or a treat yourself moment of self care, you’re sure to find the Zest choice for you.
Zest’s menu puts it perfectly: “A culinary voyage in a vibrant and modern setting where East meets West in both flavours and decor”.
“At Zest, you’ll find a unique blend of Continental and Asian food with the recent addition of Peruvian dishes inspired by Japanese cuisine.”
Where exactly do Japan and Peru meet? Maybe it’s where their chimichurri splashes onto your tongue with an aroma of sake, maybe it’s where they drip an eloquent hibiscus gel over their sushi…
Zest Signature Sea Bass Ceviche, Quinoa, fresh Lime and charred White Corn & Nikkei Salmon Tiraditos with a Sesame and Soy dressing and Chipotle Paste
It most definitely is where the friendly staff welcome you at the door, lead you to the quaintly diffused seating area, where the dim mood lighting relaxes you into an escape from the daily rushes of life, and prepares you for a dining experience you wouldn’t expect right on the cusp of Malta’s party centre.
As you enter through their outdoor terrace you’re greeted by the cosmopolitan sound of a cocktail shaker (most probably mixing up one of their fabulous, fruity lychee martinis). You’ll notice that the room is filled with the comfortable sounds of conversation, while the pleasant acoustics meld the sounds of every party in the room into one comfortable buzz, that makes you feel as though you’re right where you should be in that moment.
Duck and Coriander Japanese Gyoza
Whether you’re a fan of dumplings, a picker of sushi, a lover of ramen or an arepas aficionado, you’re sure to find something worth your while on Zest’s new menu.
Arepas are essentially a patty of cornmeal – think Peruvian bao bun but better. They’re fried till they get a crisp outer crunch, but thanks to the gram flour in the mix they maintain a fluffy interior you’d usually only get from steaming a traditional bready dough. And we haven’t even gotten to the best part: they use them as tacos.
Selection of Zest’s Signature Sushi
Zest do also serve traditional tacos, so if you’re after a comfort food instead of an adventure then there’s no judgement here – as long as you get some good eats we’re happy.
And you’re sure to get some great eats at Zest. Their drinks menu shows off their flair for fusion once again with signature cocktails like the Sweet & Sour Sake that will carry your tastebuds to a vintage Asia with the feeling that you’re sipping on the paints used in Kintsugi (the Japanese art of repairing cracks with golden varnishes).
Other standouts on the menu have to be their homemade guacamole that is smashed at your table with freshly prepared ingredients, seasoned to your taste and accompanied by some crispy-as-hell yuca root snaps. To. Die. For.
We also can’t forget their porcini Venus risotto, a star of the main and veggie menu (because Zest understand that in 2019 you have to accommodate everyone). Served without cheese for the leaf-lovers but still equally as delicious – and it comes with sweet potato crisps spiked on top.