And a place that’s absolutely dripping with modern style and class is the fabulous new Padma restaurant at Karma Samui. The bad news is that it’s not located in the middle of Chaweng, and the good news is that it’s not located in the middle of Chaweng! But those of you who don’t like traveling far at night, for whatever reason, don’t need to cross Padma off your list too quickly, because it’s literally just five minutes’ drive away on the road leading from Chaweng to Choeng Mon.
Having arrived at the hotel lobby on the main road, you’re whisked down the steep hillside through the beautiful grounds of Karma Resort in a golf-style electric buggy. And when you’re dropped off at the front of Padma, you’ll immediately realise that this is a ‘restaurant within a resort’, as opposed to being a ‘resort restaurant’. There is a difference, and it’s a BIG one.

The staff are great here. And from the moment you arrive till the moment you leave they’ll be attentive, helpful and, above all else, very friendly. Which is of paramount importance when it comes to having a special meal out.

It’s airy and spacious here, with an enormously high ceiling, and a wide terrace enjoying a panoramic view of the Gulf of Thailand and the floodlit beach below. And the whole place is open-plan, with the show-kitchen at the back and the cocktail bar to the side. Polished wooden flooring, discreet but ample lighting, and huge tables and chairs. You won’t find a more comfortable dining chair on Samui, and that’s a fact. Although upright, they’re well-padded and make the task of leaving at the end of the evening a difficult one.

Before I get on to the food, a special mention must be made of the cocktails at Padma. Because they are extra-ordinary. Not only is the list endless, but the ‘mixologists’ are highly trained in both traditional concoctions and in the cutting-edge contemporary mixtures. As an example of the many innovative ideas used here, some of the fruits used are grilled beforehand, which actually changes the DNA and therefore the flavours produced, giving cocktails a whole new breathe of life. It would be worth coming to Padma just to experience these wonderful drinks, and you’re welcome to. But I recommend that you eat here, too, because the cuisine equally as good.

And that’s courtesy of new arrival, leading international chef - Stefano Leone. Italian by birth, he grew up in Canada where he learned his noble art before heading off to warmer climes and greater experience. And his travels took him to be the Executive Chef in many top hotels around the world, including the highly-acclaimed Inter-Continental Citystars in Cairo, Egypt. But now he’s here!

Here are some of my personal favourites: from the Fresh Market Cuisine menu, for starters there’s the Tuscan Seafood Chowder in rich tomato, saffron broth with toasted garlic crouton and Aioli; and the Nut-crusted Melted Goats’ Cheese accompanied by a pear and red grape salad with chardonnay-honey emulsion. And an excellent choice of main course would be the Organic Farm-raised Guinea Fowl with porcini mushrooms under the skin and house-made herb gnocchi in a chunky tomato sauce.

From the Thai menu, I wholeheartedly recommend both the Yam Pla Sashimi Tuna with green mango, rose-apple, fresh mint and dried shrimp salad, and the Pheanang Nua - slow-braised beef cheeks with Thai basil and chili. Try them and you’ll understand why.

Desserts at Padma are equally tasty and range from novel ice-creams with flavours such as Jasmine and Green Tea, through to specials like the Pears Poached in Merlot with an Amaretto cookie crumble and a cool glass of Tio Pepe Jerez, Sherry Palomino Fino. And, in addition to the huge range of cocktails, there’s an excellent wine list, with ten bottles being available by the glass, too. Restaurants such as this are sadly lacking in numbers on Samui, so a lot of people were very happy when Padma opened in September 2006. And I’m one of them!

Source: www.siamdiningguide.com

The restaurant is open from 6:00 am
till midnight (kitchen closes at 11:00pm).
For reservations and further information,
telephone 0 7723 4500 ext.71.

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