What a night!
No, I’m not reading from a diary about my mother meeting three consecutive men on a Greek island, accompanied by a fantastic rendition of Honey Honey....
I’ve actually just got back from attending the media launch for a brand-spanking-new local Thai restaurant opening its doors tomorrow.
I’ll be honest, given the current circumstances, I have been somewhat nervy about the idea of dining out at a restaurant... but the promise of Thai food and cocktails was just too much temptation to resist, so off I went ... and boy am I glad I did!
Located in the centre of Bournemouth, Kala Thai is ideally situated for regular locals and passing trade alike.
Boasting authentic and handmade Thai cuisine, everything is made on site, fresh, to order ... and (where possible) with local ingredients.
Visually, this is a beautiful overhaul of the building previously owned by Alcatraz Brasserie... with industrial metal paired side by side with warm, handcrafted wooden tables and bar (wood sourced from the New Forest, keeping it local and sustainable), the interior is in keeping with the Thai cuisine, without loosing its modern and sleek feel. Beautiful details such as the stamps on the wooden tables and the natural edges to the bar, translate the care and attention which has gone into this restaurant.
Owner and head chef Tom hails from Bangkok and has taken his passion for his native cuisine and poured it into an exciting and extensive menu.
Noting his favourite disk as the Weeping Tiger steak, Toms passion for cooking stems from his mother, who also enjoyed a career as a chef.
I was lucky enough to be invited along this evening to a media/press launch, ahead of opening night tomorrow ... this meant a sneak peek of the restaurant itself which even up to the last minute was undergoing work to ensure everything is ready for opening. Delays due to Covid have meant that progress had been pushed back for the team and yet, despite all the hurdles, they have accomplished great things.
Also included for us this evening was a taster of the incredible cocktails on offer, and most importantly, the food.
First up the cocktails... now I’m a sucker for a good cocktail, this we know....
Mitch created a beautiful lychee and mango fizz on our arrival, followed by custom cocktails to suit our flavour preferences ... I had a beautiful gin cocktail which was heavy on the citrus, just how I like it. Bitter... just like me. Haha. With a wealth of knowledge and a clear passion for his craft, Mitch is the man to go to for a cocktail in Bournemouth! I will most certainly be back.
Giving us a taster of the menu, Tom and his team offered up a range of dishes for us to sample... and by sample, I mean we were offered plates piled high with the most incredible Thai cuisine. We certainly didn’t go hungry!
Two kinds of handmade spring rolls, fish cakes, king prawn pad Thai, green Thai chicken curry, stir fried tofu and vegetables and Thai rice were on offer and I of course tried the lot (it had to be done ok! It’s a tough job but someone’s gotta do it!.... Jean, not a word about my diet ok!)
This, my friends, is the real deal. Good, proper Thai cuisine, no MSG, no nasties, just traditional Thai made with care and love. This is quite simply Thailand on a plate.
I highly recommend the Thai green curry... those liquorice flavours!! Incredible! (And I don’t even like liquorice!)
Tummies full, Mitch then whipped up a palate cleansing tea for us featuring mint and Thai basil ... simple but oh so effective.
So here’s the deets folks:
Kala Thai will be opening tomorrow (7th August) with no bookings, walk in only for the first weekend. Following this they will be available for bookings and open for both lunch and dinner. I’ll share the menus on my social media for those of you who want to plan ahead (or just fancy salivating over the incredible dishes on offer).
I have no doubt I’ll see some of you down there as I’ll be heading back down with friends in the very near future! And yes, these guys will be taking part in the Eat out to help out scheme, check their social media for more details on that.
A huge thank you to the team at Kala Thai, and the lovely folks at Route PR for a fantastic evening.
Disclaimer - this was a PR event which I was invited to attend, however, all views and opinions are completely my own.
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