WHERE IS IT?
On the Rock is situated at the far, northern end of the cape jutting
out between Kata and Karon beaches. There is ample parking space
and security staff in the resort’s grounds. Just follow the
signposts through the Marina
Phuket Resort (on the Karon Beach Road) along exotic walkways
and bridges and through the almost Disney-green gardens. Head northwest
and listen out for the sound of the surf and you’ll find your
destination. View On
The Rocks location map.
DÉCOR
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| Overlooking Karon
Beach |
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Recently renovated, this two-tiered restaurant, somewhat unsurprisingly,
has a rock-based theme in that, apart from the natural granite southern
walls and the boulders it is built on, it features a stone-age looking
bar, similar to Dino Park – its sister restaurant in the same
grounds. The effect is light-hearted and somewhat Flintstone-esque,
yet the restaurant’s sea views are seriously beautiful. The
overall décor is reminiscent of a large beach cottage, with
latticed ceilings and an A-shaped roof over the main dining area.
All in all, the place is much improved, functionally wise with a
semi-open kitchen at the head of the eatery.
ATMOSPHERE
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| Simple and natural
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Romantic dining personified. Who wouldn’t feel special, dining
out with a fresh sea breeze rippling the table cloth and the ebb
and the flow of the Andaman Sea hissing and bubbling through huge
granite boulders three metres below? More than this; On the Rock
commands a sweeping northerly facing view of Karon Beach and the
sparsely lit hills beyond. For this reason alone it is a great location
by day or by night but especially at sunset. At night, table lamps
underline the personal touch even though the restaurant is bustling
(120 covers) and is one of the more popular eateries in Kata/Karon.
Of course, seaward tables are in great demand and in high season
you’ll have to book at least two days in advance to obtain
one (see contact numbers below). Diners inside are cooled by overhead
fans while prerecorded background music meanders from the extremely
tasteful to the somewhat bland, nonetheless it is never overbearing
in volume. The clientele is mostly European and family orientated.
Dress code; casual but smart.
WINE
All the usual suspects are here on the extensive 84-label wine
list. Prices range from 850 baht for the Carlo Rossi house wine
(200 baht a glass) to 4,950 baht for a bottle of Laurent Perrier
Brut champagne. The other house wine featured is the ever-reliable
Gato Negro/Blanco from Chile (1,490 baht) but for some reason this
is not available by the glass. Refreshingly, Old and New Worlds
are equally represented at reasonable prices. Small beers (Heineken,
Singha, and local beers) go for 90-100 baht while large bottles
cost 180-200 baht.
FOOD
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| Thai-style seafood
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At On the Rock it’s seafood all the way, and decidedly Thai-style
in its delivery. The success of the restaurant could be said to
lie in its seemingly everlasting reliability to serve up unpretentious
dishes in such a great location and atmosphere. And indeed it is
hard to think of another establishment on the island that has stuck
so tenaciously to its winning formula.
For starters, mussels “Café de Paris” are a butter-and-garlic
treat with fresh bread as is another typical On the Rock entrée;
tod mun pla – fish meat patties with pickled and slightly spiced
cucumber mash. This runs apace with the prawns with salad and artichoke
heart dish. A quick word about the service: The iceberg salad for
this particular dish is changed on request to a green one and –
along with a delicious vinaigrelle and olives, it is outstanding.
As for main courses, we sample fried fish in a sugary rich tamarind
sauce and shallots and lemon grass along with king prawns, sautéed
with garlic and pepper that are so big they could be mistaken for
crayfish. Desserts are generous and swift in arriving. All in all,
an evening here – while not a culinary revolution – is
satisfying and comfortable.
SERVICE
On the Rock boasts a 100% Thai staff and the Marina Phuket management
plays to this strength. This does not mean that members of staff
smile uncomprehendingly as you order this-or-that extra. Quite the
opposite: It means that courtesy and gentleness are the bywords
of this eatery. Even in haute service the service is unflappable
and courteous.
PRICE
Reasonable: A three-course dinner for two with dessert(s) will
cost somewhere in the region of, 1,500 baht (without alcohol).
On the Rock: 47 Karon Beach Rd. Tel: 076-330625 Email: info@marinaphuket.com
www.marinaphuket.com
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