Today is the last day of Carnival so we decide to participate in the closing activities in Valletta. We have planned to have an early dinner then check out the festivities along Triq Anne (Anne Street). We catch the #41 bus to Valletta and it takes us through some towns we have not seen before - a bonus.
Our search for restaurants takes us along Republic Street, the main pedestrian walkway. Along the way we encounter many people in costumes. Some are clearly part of the dancing groups associated with the floats. Others seem to be people who just wanted to participate and have fun in costume.
Our search for restaurants takes us along Republic Street, the main pedestrian walkway. Along the way we encounter many people in costumes. Some are clearly part of the dancing groups associated with the floats. Others seem to be people who just wanted to participate and have fun in costume.
We meander over near Strait Street. There's a gentleman eating a pasta dish at cafe with outside tables and a few counters inside. It's a little cool to sit outside and the counters don't really appeal to us. The waitress quickly explains that they have additional seating downstairs. After climbing the stairs we soon find out that this restaurant is the same as the Whisky Bar we have previously visited. They must have the full corner building and market the bar on one street and the restaurant on another street. How funny!
In honor of Fat Tuesday we both order pasta - Spaghetti Carbonara for William and Pappadelle Pulled Pork for me (made with whisky jus, garlic, and truffle paste). Both are delicious. We have an opportunity to chat with one of the owners. He gently admonishes William for having one small ice cube in his whisky; the owner saying his grandmother who is Scottish would not approve. We discuss various whiskies and we decide to try one of his favorites from Isay - Ardbeg. It's quite smoky, but smooth. Very nice.
After dinner we waddle the 8 blocks to Triq Anne. The vendors are setup offering sweets, a range of foods and beverages. Unlike our first trip to Carnival alcohol is now frequently offered by the vendors. However there's no rowdiness. Perhaps it is early in the night or people are tired from 6 days of fun. We've also been told that Valletta's Carnival is much more tame than Carnival on Gozo.
In honor of Fat Tuesday we both order pasta - Spaghetti Carbonara for William and Pappadelle Pulled Pork for me (made with whisky jus, garlic, and truffle paste). Both are delicious. We have an opportunity to chat with one of the owners. He gently admonishes William for having one small ice cube in his whisky; the owner saying his grandmother who is Scottish would not approve. We discuss various whiskies and we decide to try one of his favorites from Isay - Ardbeg. It's quite smoky, but smooth. Very nice.
After dinner we waddle the 8 blocks to Triq Anne. The vendors are setup offering sweets, a range of foods and beverages. Unlike our first trip to Carnival alcohol is now frequently offered by the vendors. However there's no rowdiness. Perhaps it is early in the night or people are tired from 6 days of fun. We've also been told that Valletta's Carnival is much more tame than Carnival on Gozo.
The floats are now lit and the parade moves very slowly down the street. The music is blasting and there are dance groups coordinated with many of the floats. Along with the rest of the crowd we enjoy Fat Tuesday.
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