Trattoria Capri da Rico: Old-School Italian in Phuket

While researching for good Italian fare in Phuket, we came across this recommendation which is supposedly Phuket's first Italian restaurant. After an unsuccessful lunch attempt on the first try, we finally made it for dinner at Trattoria Capri da Rico!




Oozing with old-school charm, the restaurant was decked in flag colours and had both alfresco and air-conditioned seatings. The Italian manager was friendly, witty and helpful with providing recommendations, while his Thai staff provided equally good service.


Chang Beer

Always welcoming in Phuket's weather!



Steamed Mussels & Clams in White Wine Sauce, Specialty Pizza

I regretted not taking a full shot of the pot, the serving was huge! Using only fresh clams and mussels, every morsel was juicy and sand-free, fully absorbing the garlicky white sauce. And man, I had no idea that clams could be as large as mussels!

As we could only finish one pizza between the two of us, we went for their house special that came with a bit of everything and topped with a pretty egg. The pizza crust was an in-between of thin-crust and thick, doughy American variants, resulting in one that was crispy on the outside with a soft, slighty chewy interior. Awesome!


Tiramisu

Having eaten such good mains, I had to go for the classic dessert even though I was suppose to save stomach space for a second dinner (Don't judge okay). It was certainly a good decision as we polished off every bit of the moist, creamy cake.

Apologies that I am not able to provide a price breakdown, but the bill for two amount to ฿890nett ~ S$35.30. With its excellent quality and service, Trattoria Capri da Rico is definitely worth a visit if you are seeking more than just Thai food in Phuket!

Trattoria Capri da Rico
142/5 Moo 3, Thaveewong Rd,
Patong, Phuket 83150, Thailand
Tel: 0 7634 5280
Note: Walk past Soi Bangla and Savoey, turn right into a old, small plaza and you will see the restaurant on your right. Opens only for dinner from 5pm onwards!

Taken with Nikon D70

Savoey Seafood: Random but Excellent Lunch Find

The lunch plan was to actually eat at the oldest Italian restaurant of Patong Beach but alas, they were no longer open during noon! Needing a quick solution to satisfy the rumbling stomach, the girlfriend and I took our chances at Savoey!



Located just a little off the happening Soi Bangla, Savoey was one of the many seafood restaurants along Taweewong Road but what attracted us outright was the bright and new-looking decor, and the strong air-conditioning that was seeping through the glass doors. Menu was dominantly Thai as we went straight for our favourite items.



Deep Fried Shrimp Cake (฿200 ~ S$7.90), Stir-fried Kangkong (฿150 ~ S$6.00)

Served piping hot, the batter was light and crunchy while the fillings were made with solely minced prawns that were fresh and juicy. Top notch I will say!

Even the greens here are tastier than back home, really. Full of "wok hei" and a generous pile at the price.



Tom Yum Soup (฿100 ~ S$4.00), Baked Shrimp with Vermicelli (฿200 ~ S$7.90)

The national soup hit the right spot for us with its balanced sourness and spiciness, a much better attempt than Holiday Inn's CharmThai. The springy vermicelli absorbed the base sauce and prawns flavour nicely, tasty till the very last strand.


Phad Thai (฿100 ~ $4.00)

The national noodles pleased us well too. Wok-charred, savoury and refreshing with the crunches of beansprouts in between. If only I can get these as easily in Singapore.

Bill for two was ฿840 after taxes, or S$33 with a bottle of water. My gut feel is that many of these seafood restaurants taste about the same, just that everyone has their own favourite one to go to. Still, to walk into a place without research and come out feeling immensely satisfied isn't that common after all!

Savoey Seafood Restaurant
136 Taweewong Road
Patong Beach Phuket, Thailand 83150
Tel: (076) 341170-4
Directions: Walk along Patong Beach from Holiday Inn side and just a little more after Soi Bangla, you can't miss the giant signboard!

Taken with Nikon D70

White Box Phuket: Fabulous Seaside Dinner

After budgeting to splurge for a dinner in Phuket, the girlfriend and I researched high and low for a perfect place to spend the evening. This eventually led us to making reservations at White Box Phuket.



Our amazing evening started right from our resort, where a private van pick us up for a complimentary one-way ride to the restaurant. Talk about service!




Leaving bustling Patong Beach behind, the comfortable 15 minutes ride had us travel along the coastline to Kalim Beach, which is a lot more quieter and private with few buildings in the vicinity.




The cheerful receptionist greeted us with a smile and suggested us to head for a drink at the rooftop bar since it was still early. Why not? With such an awesome view, I could sit here all day!


Complementary Snacks

Cured Olives for munchies? Me like much!


Singha Beer (฿120 ~ S$4.70), Lychee Martini (฿280 ~ S$11.10)

Beer for me, martini for her. Cheers to the memorable holiday with tinkling of glasses.




Time to head downstairs for our table by the full-length glass windows. Needless to say, the restaurant is decked heavily in luxe white which might probably be a nightmare for housekeeping, but very posh to dine in. Service too is excellent as you can surely count on the spirit of Thai hospitality.




The Caucasians and the rare few Asian will go for the Alfresco area, but we still pretty much prefer the indoor for a more consistent temperature.




With the sun gone into hiding, the orange-blueish glow became more obvious and made the place resembled Supperclub. Serving modern western cuisine, White Box's menu covered land and the sea options well. As for us, we went for the ฿990 nett (~S$39.40) 3-course dinner that was definitely a bang for the bucks.



Bread Basket

The warm buns was served with a variety of sauces, as the olive-based dip was particularly memorable.


Amuse Bouche: Tuna Stack And Smoked Ham

Nothing particularly fancy, but these did teased our palate ahead.



Appetizer: Mix Thai Starter

Served hot and crispy, my starter was simply an artpiece to behold. With springs rolls, crab cake, fried prawns and chicken satay to boot, it was good enough to be a main for small eaters already.


Appetizer: Phuket Lobster Soup

An intensive broth, the girlfriend loved it and its the tinge of cognac aftertaste.



Mains: Crispy Salmon, Duo of French Duck

Beautifully presented, her fresh salmon fillet was wrapped with a light pastry, while mine had grilled duck breast and a ball of duck meat shreds that resembled a drumstick. Again, nothing mindblowing but very interesting attempts nonetheless.



Desserts: Hazelnut Mousse Cake, The White Box

We didn't like the first one very much as it had a slight artificial taste to it, while the other signature dessert was pretty to look at and to indulge in if you love white chocolates.



Bill for two was about ฿2500, or marginally below S$100. While food was relatively less exciting than the view and ambience, the overall experience at White Box was simply top-notch. A must go place with your date when in Phuket!

White Box Phuket
245/7 Prabaramee Road,
Patong Kathu 83150 Thailand
Tel: (+66) 076-34-62-71
Check out their website and remember to book in advance for pickup arrangements!

Taken with Nikon D70

The Coffee Club Phuket: Afternoon Chillout

Jungceylon mall is the biggest mall at Patong Beach side, with the other mega mall being Central Festival Phuket that is newer but further away from us. After a couple of hours of exploring the grounds, visiting a nearby wet market (more on that another time!) and the girlfriend enjoying an hour-long facial, we head into The Coffee Club for a short break!




With the decor reminding us much of Tully's Coffee, the place served light bites, drinks as well as western main course staples. Also, the free, speedy wifi sure came in handy for us to catch up on happenings back at home.



All day breakfast? Looking good! But we didn't want to overeat and spoil that night's dinner!


Iced Cappuccino (฿100 ~ S$4.00 ), Hieneken Draft (฿75 ~ S$3.00)

The girlfriend opted for a iced drink which she enjoyed much in the warm weather, while mine was a no-brainer choice (for me, at least). Beer that's cheaper than coffee? Doh!

Bill for two was ฿175nett (no addon whatsoever!) ~ S$$7.00. Very nice place to rest the legs and enjoy a cuppa or in my case, booze. But its time to head back to prepare for our dinner date. Where, you ask? Find out soon enough!

The Coffee Club
181 room no. 1101/1-2
Jungceylon Shopping Center
Note: The cafe is located at just the left side of the mall's main entrance, visible in my first picture. Hard to miss!

Taken with Nikon D70