An Excellent New Restaurant On Surin Beach

[Jingjok]

‘Taste’ on the Surin beach track. I discovered it yesterday.

What a breath of fresh air in the tourist-trap Phuket is becoming. Their food is imaginative, beautifully served, fairly priced, and would be a credit to a top restaurant in any capital city, let alone a beach joint.

Plus for the first time in Phuket, ever, I got a well-made Mojito: fresh limes (not juice), mint, not too much sugar, muddled properly, plenty of alcohol (that’s a first!), crushed ice, not too much soda. Bloody excellent. But you must ask the barman, Khun Num, to make it.

If I had to make any criticism, I’d not chop the mint quite so much, but that’s pushing the envelope of pedantry a little too far, even for me

Next time I’ll catch the happy hour, which ends at 19.00. Mojitos are included on the list.

Please don’t think this is a puff piece: I’m not connected with the place in any way, and I have no idea who the owner is. It’s just such a pleasure to report a local restaurant which is not overpriced, does not provide substandard food from a copy-cat menu, has no idiotic staff, and can make proper cocktails!

[LivinLOS]

mmm Mojitos...

Theres a place on Samui / Lamai beach.. They got me well hooked on a mojitos..

[ade100]

Yep I love Mojitos too, but as the OP says they have to be done right - no lemon cordial, and cheap rum just doesn't work.

Might check out this place in Surin. What sort of food do they do?

[tom yum goong]

The food is pretty good but let down by poor service the 2 times i've eaten there. Although its new so I'm willing to give cut it some slack.

[Jingjok]

Yep I love Mojitos too, but as the OP says they have to be done right - no lemon cordial, and cheap rum just doesn't work.

Might check out this place in Surin. What sort of food do they do?

It’s difficult to define. When listed it sounds boring; the food style defies description. The quality of preparation is world-class.

Some examples:

Toast skagen, mixed tapas, moules, prawns.

Spaghetti and other pasta, steak, fish and chips, crab & apple.

A huge mixed barbeque platter for two: ribs, fresh prawns, steak, salad, mashed potato, rice coleslaw, tamarind sauce, sweetcorn: at under Baht 700 a throw that’s good value.

The puddings are super. The home-made cheesecake is more akin to a pannacotta, served in a little bowl with fruit coulis. Freshly-whipped cream and crunchy shortbread complete the synergy.

The chocolate mousse, made with quality chocolate, comes with its own appurtenances: caramelised lime and crushed nuts.

The ‘premium’ house red by the (big) glass (Baht 200) is a Australian Cabernet I believe. Bloody excellent too.

Catch Beach Club along the road had better watch out!

The food is pretty good but let down by poor service the 2 times i've eaten there. Although its new so I'm willing to give cut it some slack.

I'm surprised to hear that. On the four occasions to date I've been there, the service has been relatively excellent. What happened with you? Were you sitting at a distant outside table or indoors?

[tom yum goong]

I'm surprised to hear that. On the four occasions to date I've been there, the service has been relatively excellent. What happened with you? Were you sitting at a distant outside table or indoors?

outside on the beach. i think the first time they got our order wrong and also forgot one of the dishes. the second time they were just very slow.

as i said, i think these were just teething problems and i mean to go back and give it another shot.

[Jingjok]

...as i said, i think these were just teething problems and i mean to go back and give it another shot.

Let us all know how it goes!

I'm just home from another night there, and all was fine. I recommend the Blue Moon Cabernet - great value at about Baht 760.

Oh, BTW, there's no service charge which is a refreshing change. I always leave more than ten percent to make the point that I appreciate not to be forced to pay.

If anyone see a bloke there annoying staff by parking a noisy quad bike (ATV) outside, or by lounging on the banquettes, that's probably me

Do say hello. Or, if you're from the general thread, hurl a wine bottle. Just make sure it's a decent vintage please.

[ade100]

Tried the Taste restaurant last night at the OP's recommendation. I confirm, excellent Mojitos, great ambience and pretty good food. The menu was mostly European, not great for vegetarians but ok for Pescatarians (ones who eat fish).

I also confirm it was one of the few restaurants open on Surin beach. Seems like the island is already half dead and low season hasn't officially started yet