GOTHA PHUKET

Gotha is a delightful surprise: a spacious, bistro style restaurant with functional banquettes, chrome fittings, wooden-slatted tables, and themed murals, allied to friendly service and distinctive “haute cuisine”. A new venture, inspired by the Steampunk science fantasy movement associated with the city of Gotha, it has, for good measure, a French chef and French proprietor – which no doubt accounts for the classic Gallic emphasis. The menu is still changing; at present a moveable feast with frequent exciting additions.

We begin with another surprise: an amuse-bouche of creamy salmon in an oyster shell, resting on a bed of pebbles. Totally in keeping with the inventive and meticulous character of Gotha. For starters, I sample the Chicken breast and goat’s cheese in pastry. Two very distinct flavours and textures. My friend opts for the Gravlax spiral, an authentic Scandinavian dish of raw salmon served with herbs, cream and crispy vegetables. Other delicious-looking starters include Oeuf parfait with fried cèpes, cream and shallot confit.

 The Burger is, again, very different from the usual offering: a massive layer of ground beef with truffled Brie cheese, topped with an eye-catching dressing of caramelized onions, beetroot spaghetti and asparagus. The spicy Boeuf Bourguignon comes with red wine sauce, mashed potato, mushroom and asparagus. Desserts run the gamut from rich chocolate mousse to Exotic entremet – passion fruit and mango mousse with fresh fruit and rum syrup.

 Unsurprisingly, the wine list is modest, but inexpensive; glasses of house red and white won’t break the bank. For our repast, we sample a fruity Australian red. The luxurious bar lounge has a wide selection of drinks and opulent surroundings in which to enjoy your aperitif or cocktail.

If you are looking for something different with a French accent, go to Gotha. You will not be disappointed. Chef Christophe Pach is to be congratulated. As the restaurant welcome declares: ”Be part of it!“