Phuket

HOOF HEARTED · #1 23-12-2007, 21:19

Just wondering if anyone knows a good restaurant around Nana. Last time we were there we ended up in what looked like a nice place, but the food was awful. For anyone who knows the Islander off Bangla, thats the sort of food I would like. We're in Bangkok for 1 night in April b4 we come to Phuket and will need a good feed. Any help much appreciated.

THE HOOF

Simbo · #2 23-12-2007, 21:26

Try heading down to Soi Cowboy- Old Dutch on the corner had always done great filling food and not expensive. I know its not Nana, but its close.

Matt Knickerbox · #3 23-12-2007, 21:49

Just 'one night in bangkok' sounds too cliched.

Slow · #4 23-12-2007, 23:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOOF HEARTED

Just wondering if anyone knows a good restaurant around Nana.
THE HOOF

I am speaking some years back so I hope I am still right. For breakfast Jools is very good, on soi 4 just down the street, and my all time favorite BKK eatery is "By Otto's" down on Soi 11. For a feast of a brunch the Pan Pacific Hotel seems a bit pricey until you see the quality of the food. There are easily a half dozen good place but the ones I listed are Great!

landofsmiles · #5 23-12-2007, 23:31

Not been myself but this sounds very "Islanderish" and the menu is tempting.

Welcome to "The Black Swan" - English Pub - Bangkok

Schmeen · #6 23-12-2007, 23:52

I don't know the Islander, but the food in the Black Swan is not bad at all.

Patriot · #7 24-12-2007, 00:39

"Jools" down soi 4. about 37 paces on the left.

HOOF HEARTED · #8 24-12-2007, 04:45

Cheers for the info chaps. I think we tried the one in Cowboy, Simbo, if its the same one it was pretty cheap but the food wasnt great.

I'll look into the Black Swan, and I've also read about this place on another forum. Cabbages & Condoms Restaurant
This looks promising even if its got a dodgy name.

I suppose food is pretty subjective really, one mans meat and all that. I am temped to splash out on that one thats at the top of a skyscraper, simply for the view and piccies I'd get. I cant remember the name of it right now, but the taxi guy we had in Bangkok spoke highly of it and its quite well known apparently.

Anyway, I'm sure we'll find somewhere before we retire to that legend of Bangkok that is the Nana Hotel !!!

THE HOOF

Slow · #9 24-12-2007, 05:05

Cabbages & Condoms Restaurant was started by one man and the restaurant and other places use their profit to buy condoms for those hill villages that can not afford them so they are turning cabbages into condoms. While I support his effort it is better to just donate a few baht to the cause and seek other places for eating. The pub in the basement of the landmark hotel also has some English Pub type food that is pretty good but the price is a bit higher then you can get elsewhere. (disclaimer) all my info is very dated so things may have changed. Missing out on by Otto's would be a mistake though - Home

dawsey · #10 24-12-2007, 05:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOOF HEARTED

I suppose food is pretty subjective really, one mans meat and all that. I am temped to splash out on that one thats at the top of a skyscraper, simply for the view and piccies I'd get. I cant remember the name of it right now, but the taxi guy we had in Bangkok spoke highly of it and its quite well known apparently.

Anyway, I'm sure we'll find somewhere before we retire to that legend of Bangkok that is the Nana Hotel !!!

THE HOOF

I think this is the hotel you are thinking of

Bangkok Hotel

Schmeen · #11 24-12-2007, 06:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOOF HEARTED

I suppose food is pretty subjective really, one mans meat and all that. I am temped to splash out on that one thats at the top of a skyscraper, simply for the view and piccies I'd get. I cant remember the name of it right now, but the taxi guy we had in Bangkok spoke highly of it and its quite well known apparently.

there are 2, Vertigo on top of the Banyan tree and Scirocco on top of State Tower.

Both very pricey, Scirocco being the most expensive. Last time I was at Vertigo I spent about 13,000 for 2, booze as usual seems to be the major cost.

Not sure any taxi guy you had in Bangkok would have personal experience of it....5555

In my opinion cabbages and Condoms is crap, I'm a big fan of the owner, remarkable character but the food just isn't up to scratch and it is overpriced for what it is.

MrDK · #12 24-12-2007, 07:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOOF HEARTED

I am temped to splash out on that one thats at the top of a skyscraper, simply for the view and piccies I'd get. I cant remember the name of it right now, but the taxi guy we had in Bangkok spoke highly of it and its quite well known apparently.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schmeen

there are 2, Vertigo on top of the Banyan tree and Scirocco on top of State Tower.
Both very pricey, Scirocco being the most expensive. Last time I was at Vertigo I spent about 13,000 for 2, booze as usual seems to be the major cost.

Can't speak for Vertigo, but I have dinned at Sirocco a couple of times and expect 10k+ for two. I have been told that the food is better at Vertigo, but the view better at Sirocco. IMO the food was good at Sirocco and by western standards the prices were par for the course.
Personally I think that Sirocco for dinner can be a bit overwhelming for most Thais. It is definitely a knife and fork place. Also keep in mind that it is not called Sirocco without a reason. It can be a bit windy and by Thai standards a little cold.

If you want to do the skyscraper view and dinner on a budget (sort of have cake and eat it too), start out at the Blue Elephant Bangkok Restaurant for dinner. It is walking distance (or 40 baht taxi) from the State Building (Sirocco). The Blue Elephant Bangkok Restaurant is fancy Thai food; probably better than Sirocco at a fraction of the price (not the same cruising). Expect 1500 baht for two, plus drinks. After Dinner go to the Sirocco Bar for a couple of drinks and enjoy the view. If it gets a bit too cold you can go inside to the The Dome Bangkok restaurant and bar.

Slow · #13 24-12-2007, 10:12

High in the sky and posh in that area would be the Dusit Thani on about the 20 floor and the Pan Pacific on about the 30th floor. Brunch at eather will run about 1500 Baht, but well worth it when you just really want to treat yourself to something special.

aussie dollar · #14 24-12-2007, 10:57

Vertigo on top of the Banyan tree

have gone here a couple of times,is expensive but food is very good,drinks expensive,but was worth the price.

one of my must go places in Bangkok,is close to the best i have gone too.

and the view is great,but book early for a good table(its open air ask for side table)

LivinLOS · #15 24-12-2007, 11:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slow

Cabbages & Condoms Restaurant was started by one man and the restaurant and other places use their profit to buy condoms for those hill villages that can not afford them so they are turning cabbages into condoms. While I support his effort it is better to just donate a few baht to the cause and seek other places for eating.

He also runs a open clinic for abortion even though its illegal.. Seems he is tolerated by the law. Girls often have to go from Phuket where none of the hospitals will, to BKK...

darrel66 · #16 24-12-2007, 17:53

in soi 4 nana there are 2 great places to eat chequres and finnigans,both great food like theislander i lived in soi 4 for two years and ate here most days

Schmeen · #17 25-12-2007, 08:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by LivinLOS

He also runs a open clinic for abortion even though its illegal.. Seems he is tolerated by the law. Girls often have to go from Phuket where none of the hospitals will, to BKK...

He just believes in giving people options and empowering them to do stuff for themselves.

His life story is quite remarkable, son of a Thai father and Scottish mother, who came to live here in the 1930's having met at Medical School in Scotland. He was educated at Geelong Grammar, though he was known to neglect his studies for sports, beer and girls.

He has acted, run, very successfully, the National water authority and been a politician.

A great man, used to live in Sukhumvit 39, not sure if he still does.

Actually in the soi's between Asoke and Thong Lor, you'd be very suprised at some of the people I have had as my neighbours over the years....5555

Slow · #18 25-12-2007, 08:49

Mechai Viravaidya, was the Thai Minister of Health, for many years, it is hard to list all the good he does. He started a pilot program that is now being copied all over the world by starting cottage industries in small villages many street people are actual returning to villages as the working condition's and profits a big incentive. Next to most of his restaurants is a clinic that offers a free vasectomy.