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Phuket for Foodies
Aside from its spectacular scenery, fascinating culture and stunning beaches, one of the main attractions for visitors to Thailand is the country's celebrated cuisine. Even if you only visit one location during your stay in the Kingdom, you can still enjoy everything from authentic local street food to exquisite delicacies at a gourmet restaurant. What's more, with the tastes of virtually every other country in the world represented in Thailand, it's perfectly possible to combine a holiday to remember with a truly global taste adventure.As the country's most popular tourist destination, Phuket boasts more than its fair share of fine food, which means eating out is definitely a major part of the island experience. Most good hotels offer extensive menus that include everything from Thai classics to fresh seafood and international fare, while some of the more exclusive resorts take things to the next level, employing renowned international chefs who serve up delectable dishes that match those served at the tables of fine eateries in London, Paris or New York. Many of the island's rental villas also come with the option of a private chef, so you can feast on the very best without venturing more than a few steps from your private pool.
Yet even with so many options close to the room, most holidaymakers like to eat out at least a couple of times during their stay and on Phuket the choices are vast and enticing. Even a brief round up of the temptations on offer is enough to get the juices flowing in anticipation of a culinary, tropical treat.
Watermark Restaurant & Bar
www.watermarkphuket.com
When dining on the water's edge next to rows of luxury yachts, time seems of little importance, and food is enjoyed as more than just sustenance. Watermark Restaurant & Bar is Boat Lagoon Marina's brasserie on the island's east coast, serving contemporary cuisine in addition to Italian and Thai favorites. A good sized menu offers perfect appetizers for that between-meal snack attack, ranging from the succulent "Grilled scallops on a bed of Porcini mushrooms and brown peaches" to "Quattro", a platter of sliced raw vegetables served with 4 Mediterranean dip choices. Unsurprisingly, the chef's recommended main courses are both seafood dishes - a tender Grilled White Snapper crusted in Pistachio, and Grilled Jumbo Tiger Prawns drenched in a Thai red curry sauce. For food on the go, Watermark's sandwiches and burgers are generously sized with moist full stuffings. Decadent desserts such as "Goats' Cheese Tower" drizzled with passion fruit sauce, and an extensive wine list wraps up a memorable eating experience.
L'Orfeo Restaurant & Lounge
www.orfeo-phuket.com
Fine dining does not have to mean stiff surroundings, at L'Orfeo's, indoor Arabian decor oozes cosiness reminiscent of a living room - red toned walls, colorful curtains, plush sofas, eclectic art pieces hanging on the walls, decorative items scattered around the room, all illuminated by warm glows from the Chinese hanging lamps. There is outdoor seating available under a massive tent with the tropical balmy breeze wafting past. The feast doesn't stop with the eyes - with the owners hailing from France, it's not surprising that the menu is decidedly French influenced, full of classical items with a twist, such as "Foie gras poêlé with fresh mango" and "New Zealand lamb chops with gratin Dauphinois". They also serve a juicy Angus beef tenderloin, in addition to select creamy pasta dishes. On the dessert front, L'Orfeo makes a mean "homemade lemon tart", the tangy taste enough to jolt you back from the preceding heavenly courses. Needless to say, wine is a big part of any French meal, with the likes of Bordeaux heavy-hitter Château Margaux on pour here, perfect to serenade diners at one of the most romantic restaurants on the island.
Baan Rim Pa
www.baanrimpa.com
Perched on a rocky cliff overlooking the Kalim Bay on the west coast, 3 restaurants form a whole in the Baan Rim Pa group, consisting of Baan Rim Pa (royal Thai cuisine), Joe's Downstairs (contemporary cuisine), and Da Maurizio Bar Rist