The Phuket News
Window on Phuket Phuket News TV Phuket Live 89.5 Where to Eat
The Phuket News Novosti Phuket Khao Phuket

Login | Create Account | Search

Window on Phuket
Phuket News TV
The Phuket News
Where to Eat
Phuket Live 89.5
Login | Create Account      The Phuket News Novosti Phuket Khao Phuket
Poll | Currency | Weather | Facebook | Youtube | Search
Culinary Detective: Rock Salt, out of its shell
Culinary Detective: Rock Salt, out of its shell
All the restaurants across the globe have many distinct differences, but the truly successful ones always have one standout factor: consistently delivering excellence. It is what singles out the exceptional. Rock Salt is undoubtedly one of these exalted few. From the first time I dined here, nearly five years ago, my expectations have always been exceeded. 
The Culinary Detective: Bollywood is back
The Culinary Detective: Bollywood is back
A quite common conversational ice breaker when out and about in Thailand is, ‘Where do you live?’ I love to answer this by informing those enquiring that I count myself as extremely fortunate in having the best of both worlds; both a home in Phuket and also one in Bangkok. The rationale for this, I continually remind myself, apparently gives me the benefits of city living for business combined with the regular opportunity to soak up sun, sea, sand and immerse myself in the slower lifestyle of the island.
Culinary Detective: Phuket’s PRU continues to garner accolades in Michelin Guide 2021
Culinary Detective: Phuket’s PRU continues to garner accolades in Michelin Guide 2021
Now in its fourth year of partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Michelin Guide in Thailand 2021 was recently launched at the new Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River. The event also honoured a 120-year legacy of the ultimate in culinary accolades. This year has been challenging for both the industry as a whole and due to temporary closures, probably for the Guide inspectorate, resulting in no additional coverage of other provinces.
Culinary Detective: Re-invented, Cosmo comes of age
Culinary Detective: Re-invented, Cosmo comes of age
I have always believed that the key to maintaining your competitive position as a world-class hotel is to never stop moving forward, continually seeking out ways to re-invent whilst building on past successes. In Thailand today, where hotels are currently devoid of overseas tourists, the staycation market becoming somewhat saturated, their restaurants have become an increasingly important element, offering diners value focused packages whilst also showcasing innovation to tempt demanding local residents through the doors to spend what they probably would have spent on a now postponed, overseas vacation. 
Culinary Detective: Little Roma, the nice surprise
Culinary Detective: Little Roma, the nice surprise
When seeking out restaurants in which to spend our time and with the current crisis, in which we choose to cautiously part with our particularly hard to come by Thai baht, I would hazard a guess that certainly high on the list of deciding factors is authenticity. This applies to all cuisines, Thai being no exception.
Culinary Detective: Kata Rocks shines in uncertain times
Culinary Detective: Kata Rocks shines in uncertain times
As I begin writing this week’s article, in the current turbulent world that we now find ourselves in, I cannot help but reflect on the relevancy of the quote from a famous Greek philosopher, Heraclitus who is probably best known for his statement, “The only constant in life is change.”
Culinary Detective: Shakers in the South
Culinary Detective: Shakers in the South
Following the easing of domestic travel restrictions, I am now thankfully back to my regular schedule of monthly short stay trips to Phuket, I do truly enjoy these short but enjoyable jaunts, discovering hidden gems, both new and old, near my residence in the quaint and somewhat underdeveloped village of Rawai. 
The Culinary Detective: Getting the 9th Degree
The Culinary Detective: Getting the 9th Degree
For those of you who read my culinary column, you will be aware that I was fortunate to visit the 9th Floor in Patong, a legend, not only in terms of quality cuisine but also in its success in what is an undoubtedly far from salubrious part of town, more celebrated for alternative fleshy temptations to the signature boneless Angus short rib available at the former. During my dinner, whilst I did meet the debonair Thomas Brack, who capably runs this outpost, unfortunately, the proprietor, Bart Duykers, was otherwise engaged so I was unable to renew our acquaintance. 
Getting away, with a stay
Getting away, with a stay
This current global crisis sprung upon us by the COVID-19 virus has had an enormous effect on life as we know it, and particularly on the hospitality industry. Countries are still in varying degrees of lockdown, several are going back into lockdown to avoid a ‘second wave’, flights to many destinations, including Thailand, are still suspended and hotels are as a result, suffering single figure occupancies.
The Culinary Detective: Phuket’s fine restaurants reset for post-lockdown launch
The Culinary Detective: Phuket’s fine restaurants reset for post-lockdown launch
It has sadly been some time since my last visit to Phuket. Whilst only a matter of weeks, it seems like an eternity! I am fortunate to have a small bolt-hole on the island, fulfilling my ocean-view retirement dream and equally a welcome escape from the hustle of Bangkok where I have been ensconced since mid-March. Daily, I fervently seek news of the airport opening date so I may visit my second home, but more importantly renew experiences at my favourite dining spots.
The Culinary Detective: Phuket chefs maintain regimen of healthy eating, exercise during lockdown
The Culinary Detective: Phuket chefs maintain regimen of healthy eating, exercise during lockdown
Many years ago, I began my working life as a lowly apprentice at the Savoy in London and just occasionally I reflect, that whilst great memories, these were probably some of the hardest days of my life.
The Culinary Detective: Chefs during Lockdown
The Culinary Detective: Chefs during Lockdown
The current COVID-19 crisis has affected everyone across the globe and with sadly many losing loved ones, the impact of this tragedy will undoubtedly continue to be felt for some time to come. Navigating our way through this present danger whilst worrying about the health of our families coupled with the devastating economic consequences of loss of income is a mammoth challenge. In addition to these critical concerns, the restriction of enforced lockdown has created an exceptionally unique environment.
Saffron sublime: Chef Gai marks quarter of a century perfecting classic Thai dishes
Saffron sublime: Chef Gai marks quarter of a century perfecting classic Thai dishes
Let’s face it, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to eating out in Phuket; from street food all the way up to our Michelin-starred PRU, and in between offerings of all cuisines at a multitude of price points including a world-class selection of both premium imported and quality local products.
Culinary Detective: Sun, Sand, Sea and Sausages!
Culinary Detective: Sun, Sand, Sea and Sausages!
It is always a pleasure to receive a call from The Nai Harn inviting me to experience their latest culinary offering, however, I must admit, I am more used to heading there for a late lunch or an early evening bite at one of their multitude of world-class restaurants. So, when my phone rang and Executive Chef, Mark Jones, invited me for breakfast, I was somewhat surprised, and to meet at Rock Salt at 8am in the morning, positively intrigued.
Angus O’Tool’s – a slice of Irish hospitality!
Angus O’Tool’s – a slice of Irish hospitality!
I must admit that my friends perceive me to lead a fairly charmed and somewhat envied life, drifting from one ‘fancy’ restaurant to another, without ever the need to reach for one’s credit card.
Banyan Tree Phuket’s best kept secret: Tre!
Banyan Tree Phuket’s best kept secret: Tre!
It has been little more than a year to the day since I last visited Tre, which is currently only open for the high season. Tre is one of Banyan Tree Phuket’s stable of leading-edge restaurants. The other outlets, perhaps slightly better known to you, are the Japanese Taihei and the heirloom recipe signature Thai restaurant, Saffron.
Royal Thai recipes shine at Ruen Thai!
Royal Thai recipes shine at Ruen Thai!
Tonight, (Dec 13) is not my first occasion dining at the Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, having previously enjoyed the rustic Italian dishes offered at the hotel’s La Trattoria, incidentally, well worth a visit. This evening I am to experience Ruen Thai, the hotel’s signature Thai restaurant. The hotel was opened in 1987 and on arriving at the lobby entrance, it has not lost the ambiance of a classic grand dame; perfectly manicured lawns wrap around open air Thai pagodas mixing a neo colonial theme with modern Thai touches. This hotel is a true example of the days when space was not yet at a premium, the lobby and arrival areas are generous. Located in the heart of the Laguna, it has an unrivaled position overlooking the Andaman sea amidst acres of tropical gardens planted with native casuarinas and coconut palms, yet easily navigated through buggies and leisurely cruising along the serene waterways in small shuttle boats.
From Coast to Mare: Culinary surprises await at Centara Grand Beach Resort
From Coast to Mare: Culinary surprises await at Centara Grand Beach Resort
I must confess that I have driv­en past the Centara Grand Beach Resort in Karon on countless occasions but have never ventured within. Cel­ebrating its 10th anniversary next year, its architecture showcases the distinctive dusky pink colours that are a hall­mark of the Sino-Portuguese de­sign we see in Phuket Town today.
Michelin Guide Thailand 2020: Phuket’s PRU maintains its star, but Thai cuisine takes centre stage
Michelin Guide Thailand 2020: Phuket’s PRU maintains its star, but Thai cuisine takes centre stage
Now in its third year of partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Michelin Guide in Thailand 2020 was launched yesterday (November 12) at the Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse.
November at The Nai Harn: Pizzas, pairings and more at resort’s Italian takeover
November at The Nai Harn: Pizzas, pairings and more at resort’s Italian takeover
Flitting between Bangkok and Phuket has advantages and disadvantages. It enables me to enjoy the best that Thailand has to offer: the hustle and bus­tle of Bangkok and the leisurely pace of tropical Phuket with sun, sea and sand, but the dis­advantages are sadly many.