The just off the seafront café Mint, located in Sliema, promises fresh, seasonal and homemade cuisine. To give customers the opportunity to try something new on every visit, they provide ‘new and exciting’ dishes every day in addition to the main menu. If a carnivore, pescatarian, vegetarian or vegan- everybody gets their money’s worth. Thanks to Mint’s internet presence, I was already enthusiastic before we even got to the place. But, well, thanks to the almost non-existent parking opportunities, we already had no choice than to take-away our food. Luckily, this didn’t turn out to be a problem at all, since Mint offers take-aways and has the concept of counter order, sit down service. The inside area contained fewer tables and seemed quite welcoming on the first sight. The furniture was held dark, chairs were made of black hard-plastic material. Although I couldn’t observe it too well – since we didn’t have a seat – the furniture didn’t make the impression of high quality. Eating my dish at home didn’t seem like the worst alternative to me then. Nevertheless, the counter had some dark-wooden accents, which gave the place the right atmosphere. All the dishes of the day – salads, pasta, casseroles/bakes, cakes and sweets – were freshly presented to chose from and the fresh juices and smoothies were indicated on a board. There are also always opportunities for certain dietary requirements, which I definitely appreciate being lactose intolerant and vegetarian. I really found the Mint menu authentic, varied and creative. I decided for a fresh juice containing beetroot, apple and mint and spicy chickpea patties with coriander and spring onions as a main and a salad made of celery, walnut, apple and raisins as a side dish. My friend took a fresh strawberry, orange and mint juice with vegetarian pasta as a main dish. When I ordered, I was asked by the very friendly and lovely staff if I wanted my dishes to be warmed up, which I did. I did not have to wait longer than 10 minutes and I could take my lunch with me. When we opened the lunchboxes at home, we were pleasantly surprised; for this moderate price, the dishes were ample. Even little extras I didn’t expect – such as a dip and a little side salad – were in the boxes. And as I was hoping – it was delicious. Fresh, great combinations and right seasonings. The vegetable pasta was more than enough for one person, rich tomato sauce and chunks of aubergine were evident. You should keep in mind that Mint opens only until 4pm to maintain a healthy balance of work and family life – totally understandable. But people like me, who like to go out for dinner rather than lunch, have to make an effort if they want to go there. Well, I will at least go once more to try the sweets and cakes for sure. Maybe as a take-away again, choosing the nearby beach as a location to enjoy a wonderful meal with a real sea view. But my advice: come by bus, bike or foot.
