Few destinations in the world can host an evening of enjoyment with sophisticated flair and unrivalled ambience. Unprecedented luxury and comfort characterize Baan Yin Dee. “Warm Welcome Home”, the English translation of Baan Yin Dee, proved to be an apt name for this upscale retreat as my dinner companion and I discovered. Personalized service with traditional Thai charm and hospitality, the very pleasing sounds of the piano softly playing in the background and the superb dinner made for a very relaxing and leisurely occasion.

The menu revealed a tempting array of selections, made easier and more appealing upon recommendations of the chef. Starters included the Gateau of Smoked Salmon with crab and baby coriander salad and herb oil and the Wild Mushroom Aumoniere, a mousse of wild mushrooms and chicken wrapped in an herb pancake and served with a sweet Madeira jus. Appealing to the eye and superb to the taste, these dishes offered an insight into the chef’s culinary expertise. Complemented with an Australian Cabernet Sauvignon, a Xanadu Margaret River, we welcomed the courses to come.

The Andaman Fish Soup with shrimp, mussels and sea bass and served with saffron-garlic mayonnaise and croutons proved to be a superb and delicious blend of seafood favourites. Our sea fare continued with the Simply Pan Roasted Phuket Lobster with lemon and kaffir lime leaves and served with vegetables in oyster sauce. This was accompanied by Roasted Duck Liver served on a toasted bacon brioche and garnished with a melon chutney and aged balsamic vinegar.

Sweet treats are a distinctive roundup to a wonderful meal and enhance the leisurely pace and timeless quality of the evening. The Chocolate Fondant, a hot chocolate cake with a chocolate center that was served with chocolate ice cream and butterscotch sauce, was a decadent dessert and wonderful treat.

An upscale venue catering to tourists and locals alike, Baan Yin Dee is truly a warm welcome home providing an unsurpassed dining experience. With superb food, piano music and high service standards in a stylish environment, it doesn’t get any better than this.