Our first event for 2018 was lunch at Firefly Restaurant at the Pavilions Resort where Chef Belinda created a selection of delicious dishes.

We started with Aperol spritz or an Italian Valdobbiadene Prosecco Spumante ‘Cuvée Rosado Edouardo’ Brut in the bar giving long-standing and new members a chance to chat. Lunch was at a long table in an air-conditioned area for which we were grateful as it is the hot season.

The menu began with family-style starters: red shrimps; anchovies and lemon; arancini with squid ink and sea urchin; zucchini sformato, roasted red peppers and eggplant; barbecued octopus and potatoes. On my side of the table the favourite was the red shrimps.

Two main courses followed: cod with artichokes, lemon, olives and wild boar ravioli with tomato and basil sauce. Both were wonderful dishes and definitely the highlights of the day.

The wine served with both of these dishes came from the same Italian producer, Alex Fabi. Pinot Grigio 2015 accompanied the fish and Valpolicella Ripasso 2015 partnered the ravioli. Good wines that well matched the food.

A special treat for the day was a cheese called “Uccelli al malto d’orzo”. Some diners looked sceptical when it arrived on the table as it looked extremely mature. However, the moment everyone tasted it each plate was soon empty. Some decided to continue the red wine with the cheese whilst others were daring and drank whisky.

The final course was a lovely lemon cream with strawberries with which we drank Massolino Moscato d’Asti 2015, also from Italy.

The many staff both in the kitchen and serving at table whose immaculate efforts and attention were exceptional, were thanked profusely for a most memorable lunch on a hot day in Phuket.

Lena Willoch
Vice-Chargée de Presse

Photos courtesy of Lena W Photography (c)