Jean-Pierre Restaurant at BYD Lofts
Patong Beach
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By Sam Wilkinson - Photos
by Stephan Audiger
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Generally speaking, there are three types of
newly-opened restaurants in Phuket. The first
type is timid in nature; it watches its budget
closely and is a touch-and-go affair. The second
is brash, boastful and promises the earth and
also charges too much, once the dust from the
opening party is settled.
The third is a well-thought out project that
aims for the long run yet is supple enough to
adapt and change with savvy diners’ whims
and caprices. Jean-Pierre at BYD Lofts in Patong
fits into the latter category with graceful
ease.
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Where is it?
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| Jean-Pierre
Restaurant |
Jean-Pierre is the signature restaurant of BYD
Lofts and is situated downtown Patong off Rat-U-Thit
Road nestled on Aroonsom Plaza next to the Andaman
Beach Suite Resort north of Bangla Road.
There is plenty of parking in this back road but
it’s a brisk walk from most centrally-located
hotels.
View a location map below...
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Décor
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| "Chic
but comfortable" |
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Very chic but comfortable. There is more than ample
ventilation and discreet lighting and towards the
roadside lies a black, marble-topped bar where you
can sample the restaurant’s ‘Loftinins’
– actually vodka martinis – and mix with
people who have discovered and appreciate this tasteful
eatery.
As for diners, there are multiple options involving
wall benches, tables for two and al fresco dining.
As it is, the restaurant (in clement weather) is open-sided
so a fresh evening breeze is pretty much a norm. Black
and red are the theme colours.
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Atmosphere
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| "Discreet-chic
atmosphere" |
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Chef Stephan Bowman makes this place special. A talented
young German, passionate about food, he arranges Friday
night parties with top-name DJ’s.
It’s no wonder that Jean-Pierre (named after
the restaurant’s Belgium owner) is popular as
if you want to be alone, you can: if you want to party,
you can.
The atmosphere here is best described as ‘discreet-chic’.
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Wine
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| A great
selection of wines |
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The wine list at Jean Pierre isn’t extensive
(15 reds and 14 whites) but then again it doesn’t
need to be as Stephan has good contacts with the best
wine distributors in Thailand and he chops and changes
at will.
The four house wines range from 220-240 baht a glass
and 920-1,200 a bottle and they’re fine and satisfactory.
We choose a Trivento ‘Roble’ from Argentina’s
fertile Mendoza wine region and every sip is a delight.
Later on we sample a house Hardy’s OP Shiraz
and it’s surprisingly lively.
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Food
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| Butterfish
with a tomato variant sauerkraut |
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Stephan is gradually being recognised as one of the
best chefs in Phuket and deservedly so. His beef carpaccio
with white truffle dressing, parmesan cheese and mushrooms
– all on a bed of rocket salad – is a medley
of flavours, each effortlessly complementing the other.
Butterfish with a tomato variant sauerkraut in a
white-wine-dill-sauce with a cappuccino milk extra-light
mousse over the top has to be tried to be believed.
The main course, a French rack of lamb with spinach-potato
mousse, thick balsamic sauce and a soupcon of passion
fruit is truly a work of an innovative personality
who not only is well trained, but also someone who
has the creative talents of a true chef haut-de-gamme.
Briefly put; Jean-Pierre is the stomping ground of
a truly creative guy who loves cooking.
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Service
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| Stephan
Bowman, a talented Chef |
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Discreet and well-presented, the service staff at
Jean-Pierre is a credit to the restaurant.
The level of spoken English is commendable and of
course you are guaranteed genuine Thai friendliness.
Jean Pierre at BYD
Lofts
5/28 Haad Patong Road, Patong
Tel: 076-343024
Email: fb@bydlofts.com Reservations recommended.
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