Seafood under the setting sun

LOCATED JUST a few steps from the centre of Ao Prao Beach on Koh Samet and the best place to see the sunset, Bagus, the restaurant attached to the Lima Coco Resort, has quickly earned a reputation as a great place to dine.

Serving Thai and Western dishes, terrific desserts, exotic cocktails and both old and new world wines, the 100-seat eatery – the name is Balinese for “good” – is a great place to while away the evening. During peak season, tables are moved out on to the sand and guests can choose their fare from the seafood barbecue.

Foreign visitors are always keen to sample Thai dishes and, according to restaurant manager Sumek Phampechr, their favourite orders tend to be spicy Papaya Salad and Pad Thai Goong Hor Khai.

“We buy all our seafood from the market in Baan Phe on a daily basis because there is no fresh market on Koh Samet. But we are still able to keep our prices down to a very reasonable level. Our Thai dishes tend to be spicy, as we make our own curry paste.”

For the European palate, there’s steak, burgers, barbecue, sandwiches, pizza and spaghetti. Tender beef from Australia and imported sauces are used to guarantee quality. 

We prefer something with more of a kick and order Tiger Cry (Bt280), a house special of tender grilled tenderloin with spicy jaew sauce and pickled vegetables and Yam Ta Khai (Bt195), a herbal salad mixed with sliced chilli, crunchy shrimps, cashew nuts and sweet sauce wrapped in betel leaf.

We follow with Tom Yum Goong (Bt215) and Deep-Fried Shrimps (Bt205) served with salad (Bt205). A good choice for friends who want to share is the seafood set of grilled prawns, scallops and squid. Prices start at Bt900, inclusive of soup, salad, fried rice with pineapple, garlic bread, a glass of wine and fruit. 

We finish our meal with fried banana and ice cream (Bt130). Other sweet treats 

 include French toast with condensed milk, chocolate & strawberry toast, waffle and banana pancake, as well as seasonal delights like sweet sticky rice with mango.

Those wanting to linger can relax with the restaurant’s signature cocktails: the Lima Lemon Jung cocktail (Bt190), a blend of orange and lemon juice, curacao, vodka, tequila and peach triple sec, and the less lethal Lima Welcome Drink (Bt105), which is made with orange, pineapple, grenadine, lemon and apple juice with syrup.

 

MAKE THE TIGER HUNGRY

>>Bagus Cafe is located in Lima Coco Resort. It’s daily open from 8am to 10pm. Call (089) 545 4733.