The allure of Gozo cannot be denied, especially in the summer months. So when we start to get that Gozo feeling we usually call one of our villa-with-pool friends and chat and chat and never hang up until that invitation finally comes.

So I called our dear friend Nicki, because we hadn’t heard from him for a while and were naturally concerned about him… and yes, bingo! not five minutes had passed before I landed that much desired invitation.

Three days later, night bag in hand, we descend on him and his lovely abode on our sister island. But to compensate for my cheek, I decided at least to treat him that evening to a dinner at the restaurant of his choice. So when Nicki mentioned Tatitas I was only too keen, as this was one restaurant I have long been meaning to try.

The restaurant was extremely busy, which is always a nice thing to see. However in spite of their relative rush, all the staff as well as Markita the owner, all took plenty of time to stop and shower Nicki with greetings and hugs. For Nicki has now become quite a famous fixture in Gozo and in his own words he may well be considered the Victoria Beckham of Gozo, bringing them much style and panache, which is also probably where he buys his lingerie from, but that’s another story…

In spite of the place being packed, the service was extremely attentive throughout and although there was the occasional odd moment where it might have been a bit awkward and clumsy, we were very well looked after. Markita herself often hovered around our table and I must say that she was the perfect host.

The setting of this restaurant is quite amazing. The tables are laid out right in the central village square, directly next to church, giving an unparalleled authentic ambiance and an insight into local village life. I would only recommend slightly better-thought lighting, rather than relying solely on the street lights around, especially as the one directly overhead is quite temperamental and tends to switch on and off of its own accord.

They also have an interesting and varied wine list with plenty of choice. We went for the Chilean G7 sauvignon blanc which was lovely and citrusy, refreshing and floral and also very decently priced. Their food menu too was fairly extensive and well drawn up.

For starters we had fresh mussels which were ok and a bouillabaisse which was really more of a fish soup, but which was rather delicious. We also had gorgonzola and walnut fagotelli which were fine although a bit lacking in moisture and in sauce.

Our main courses consisted of grilled calamari which were pronounced average. Also king prawns in garlic which were nice and well enjoyed. And finally a rack of lamb with mint sauce which was lovely and well prepared.

Our desserts were a crème caramel which was nice both in texture and in taste. A chocolate souffle which was rather yummy. And crepe suzette which took rather long to arrive and with pancakes which could have been cooked slightly longer.

With our coffees we also had whisky, calvados and cognac, which Markita very graciously and generously repeated on the house.

All in all we thoroughly enjoyed it, but we might want to go again when they aren’t so busy, when possibly an even higher standard both in service and notably in food would be attained. In reality, as we were asked to come late after the main rush, for much of our meal most other patrons had already left. So if anything it would be more a case of them being tired rather than rushed off their feet.

But again I will repeat that all in all it was fine and will continue this point not with reference to Tatitas, but simply as a general comment.

We hear only too often both in this group and elsewhere, of customers expressing their disappointment, only to be answered by many, suggesting reasons why this could be. Oh perhaps the staff were tired, or too busy, or because it was late. They were just having a bad day or you were simply unlucky. Others still start saying that they too have been there and never had a problem themselves.

Well all I can say is that these type of comments are rather irrelevant. If you go to a clothes shop and buy a torn dress it is of no consolation to anyone to say that they bought one too and had no problem with it. If I buy a fridge or a TV which doesn’t work, I really care little that the one you bought from the same shop worked well.

With restaurants exactly the same reasoning applies. For even the worse restaurants on earth can sometimes produce a good meal, while the best ones are meant to produce only good ones. We all know that consistency is the key factor with any dining establishment and as long as they expect my money at the end of a meal, I expect to have a good one no matter the time or day.

We shouldn’t ever be making excuses for poor food and service, nor trying to convince others through your our positive experiences in the same establishment. It also happens that you too may have many an excellent meal at the same restaurant, only then to be disappointed on the next occasion. Do you then try to convince yourself that the meal was in fact great?

The only thing that concerns me is the meal I just had and not the thousands of others which have been served there before me. As the saying goes, a restaurant is only as good as its last meal.