Savour a taste of Thailand, as horses gallop by

THE new incarnation of Ruanthai opened its doors at the old Bathurst Showgrounds restaurant at the end of September, to the delight of the many customers who have enjoyed the Thai flavours produced by cook Ian Currie over the years.

Ruanthai has moved from Bathurst to Port Alfred and back again.

The showgrounds are the ideal venue for the restaurant, as not only can one enjoy a fine meal but also sit and relax while watching horses gallop past the window.

When we arrived, we were greeted by Currie, who explained what was on Sunday’s menu. It all sounded good, and we didn’t have to wait long before that opinion was confirmed.

First up were a brace of vegetable spring rolls with a peanut dipping sauce – a perfect start to the meal.

This was followed by a stuffed cucumber soup, which was delicious. I usually don’t eat cucumber but, when cooked, it is soft and easily digested.

This was counterbalanced by the savoury pork stuffing that added depth and spiciness to the soup.

Next were the main courses that were set out on a buffet table to allow customers to select how much of everything they wanted to eat.

There were effectively two courses, the first being stirfried beef and beansprouts with jasmine rice, and the second, chicken stir-fried noodles in an oyster sauce with braised broccoli. As individual meals these would have been superb but, together they were a culinary sensation.

And, just when we thought it was over, Currie appeared with dessert – a chocolate cake, decked with ice-cream and chocolate sauce on top.

It was a very satisfying way to end a great meal.

You have to bring your own booze to the restaurant at this time, but that only makes the meal even more enjoyable.

Currie, who denies he is a chef, just a cook, is a master of turning common ingredients into Thai specialities.

“The restaurant is open on Friday evenings, Saturday and Sunday lunchtimes, and booking is essential,” Currie said.

So, for an authentic taste of Thailand, call Currie on 072-431-1831 and reserve your seat.

Picture: BRYAN SMITH REFRESHING DELIGHT: The second course at Ruanthai, a delicious stuffed cucumber soup

Picture: BRYAN SMITH BURST OF FLAVOUR: Sunday’s starter at Ruanthai restaurant – vegetable spring rolls with a homemade peanut sauce

Picture: ROB KNOWLES JUST DESSERTS: Decadent chocolate cake topped with icecream and chocolate sauce