SIGNATURE DISHES

Mee grob Pla Neung manao Goong sarong Tom kha gai paak tai Yam goong Panaeng red duck curry

SETTING: A beautiful restaurant in a beautiful setting. Baan Rim Pa straddles a cliffside with views of Patong Bay. The interior is polished teak and discreetly lit, with jazz drifting through the night.

FOOD: Baan Rim Pa is founder Tom McNamara's former home. It serves royal Thai cuisine set in luxury; each dish is faithfully rendered and balanced according to tradition. Mee grob crispy noodle has a light and crumbling texture and is a worthy starter along with delicious chicken sauteed in ginger. Coconut palm salad is generous and savoury; delicious with white wine. Pak boong, morning glory with garlic, provides a counterpoint to the rich flavours on offer here. The crowning dish, pla nueng manao, or steamed fish with lime defines this restaurant's quality and focused commitment to providing a tour of what the cuisine is about.

WINE: A consistent winner of the Wine Spectator award, and with 808 different wines to choose from, Baan Rim Pa has one of the top wine cellars in the country.

SERVICE: Attractive, intelligent staff with good English skills.

PRICE: A hearty dinner for two without wine costs about 2,000 baht.