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Culinary Detective: Rock Salt, out of its shell
Culinary Detective: Rock Salt, out of its shell
Sunday 23 May 2021 11:00 AM
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
Sunday 28 February 2021 02:00 PM
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.
Blazing Saddles: Cycling in cycles
Blazing Saddles: Cycling in cycles
Sunday 17 January 2021 11:00 AM
I have my sixth birthday coming up! More specifically, this month I will complete my sixth Buddhist cycle, each cycle comprises 12 years, so by the conventional Western method of calculating the annoying trajectory of Time’s Fleeting Arrow, my tortured anatomy will turn 72 this month.
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
Sunday 20 December 2020 10:30 AM
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
Saturday 14 November 2020 11:00 AM
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
Sunday 1 November 2020 02:00 PM
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
Saturday 26 September 2020 11:00 AM
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
Sunday 13 September 2020 11:00 AM
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
Sunday 30 August 2020 10:30 AM
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
Saturday 15 August 2020 01:00 PM
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
Saturday 23 May 2020 11:25 AM
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
Sunday 10 May 2020 10:00 AM
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
Sunday 19 April 2020 12:34 PM
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
Saturday 21 March 2020 11:00 AM
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!
Saturday 29 February 2020 04:00 PM
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!
Saturday 8 February 2020 01:00 PM
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!
Sunday 5 January 2020 02:00 PM
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.

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