Kata Rocks 186/22, Kok Tanode Road, Karon
Located right on the oceanfront, featuring authentic Mediterranean and Thai delicacies amidst spectacular views over the Andaman Sea.
Open now
Open time: Daily 7am-10pm
Resevation: Tel: 0 7637 0777
www.katarocks.comKata Rocks has long had a reputation among locals and tourists alike as a top-class venue in Phuket for sipping cool cocktails while enjoying stunning panoramic views of the Andaman at sunset. While this is undoubtedly true, it is also about time the place started receiving fair recognition for its culinary capabilities too.
The view certainly does hit with that inimitable ‘wow factor’ as soon as my dining partner and I walk into the dining area at the Kata Rocks Clubhouse, although once seated it is all eyes on the menu and what is ahead food wise.
The menu is immediately impressive in how extensive it is, covering a wide range of tastes, while also specifically catering for gluten free and vegan diners. While there are several mouth-watering options on offer for starters, we select the Phuket Crab Cake and Andaman Ceviche, decisions we are very soon glad we made.
Two fantastically presented dishes, the crab cake, in particular, is decorated with edible beetroot powder to resemble the form of a crab when looked at from above. It is a clever and creative touch that is only amplified when Executive Chef Andrew Dickie explains the dish is designed to replicate Koh Poo, or Crab Island, which is nestled in the waters directly opposite the venue.
Presentation is hugely important, of course, but it is primarily taste that we judge on – and both these dishes are an absolute knock-out. The ceviche is incredible, a delicious fusion of soft seabass, cucumber, lime and sweet potato in a sweet and refreshing coconut sauce, while the crab cake carries subtle undertones of tom kha gai that leaves you wanting more.
Moving onto mains, I opt for the Scallops while my partner chooses the Tournedos Rossini, a Jacks Creek Australian Angus beef tenderloin served with pan-seared foie gras and black truffle jus. I only eat beef once in a blue moon nowadays, but sampling this makes me reconsider as it is melt-in-the-mouth perfect! Similarly, the scallops simply dazzle, cooked to perfection and accompanied by a rich pumpkin purée, brown butter balsamic with toasted hazelnuts.
For dessert my partner selects Lemon, a customised creation by Andrew that involves confit candied lemon rind, lemon curd, French meringue, blueberry compote and Sable Breton – and which she happily declares a taste sensation! As a bona fide chocoholic, I have to plump for the Thai Chocolate Lava which, with its Kad Kokoa 70% chocolate from Chumphon, does exactly what it is supposed to do by leaving me more than satisfied.
We just about have room to sample the cheese trolley, a sensational range of mature cheeses by Les Freres Marchand, a famous cheesemonger company since 1849 that specialises in maturing cheeses from France and Europe. Definitely recommended!
It is a divine way to conclude a genuinely fantastic dining experience, something that is made all the more enjoyable as chef Andrew visits us periodically to explain each dish. One thing I find especially endearing is a chef who clearly not only takes pride in what he presents but who clearly loves what he does with a passion, something Andrew has in spades, while his insistence on using goods sourced as locally as possible is admirable and, judging by how he utilises them, very wise. Special mention must also go to all the staff who are not only courteous and attentive but genuinely engaging and truly pleasurable to interact with.
Yes, Kata Rocks is a great venue with a knockout view, but it dawns on us both that we have not raised our eyes to take in the vista as much as we imagined, which is testament to the overall experience and sheer quality of the food on offer. As we depart genuinely satisfied, we both declare that chef Andrew and the staff at Kata Rocks really do rock – and it is only a matter of time before we repeat the experience!
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