Rivet & Rebar
You know you are in for a special dining experience even before entering the Rivet restaurant at the Slate at Nai Yang Beach. Arriving at the lobby, you are immediately struck by the fantastically unique setting, with quirky but visually stunning sculptures plentiful, all brought to life by perfectly set mood lighting.
It is an impressive introduction and is something that is sustained as you enter Rivet itself and are seated; low lighting, soft music and a wonderfully creative industrial-chic décor set the tone as my partner and I are handed our menus.
For appetizer I opt for the Grilled Asparagus Salad with Burrata, an exquisitely light, fresh offering punctuated by prosciutto and a delicious romesco sauce. My partner’s choice of Watermelon Compress with balsamic vinaigrette, feta and a delightful avocado crema is equally well-received.
With our taste buds already elevated into overdrive, we are both further seduced by the aroma of the open-fired grill and smokehouse, suggesting what is to come for main course.
Going on our waiter Khun Palm’s recommendation, we both opt for steak. I select the Australian Grass-Fed
Black Angus Tenderloin and my partner The Australian Wagyu 400 Days Grain-Fed Rib Eye. We’ve both enjoyed some amazing steaks over the years, but this was genuinely on another level altogether and – whereas it is easy to over exaggerate – I can honestly say both were absolutely exquisite taste sensations.
A generous serving of delectable side dishes, including sweet baby carrots, parmesan infused mash potato and sumptuously cooked broccoli, accompanied the star of the dish, as did an array of delicious sauces. It was an incredibly enjoyable main course that, frankly, neither of us wanted to end!
But alas, end it did, meaning we were onto dessert, often my favourite course. I have to admit I am a bona fide chocoholic so, anytime anything chocolate related is on the menu, I am guaranteed to order it. And, true to form, I did on this occasion, with the Chocolate Lava Cake ordered almost before Palm could ask me! It did not disappoint, a truly decadent molten lava spilling from the moist cake as my spoon cut through it. Delicious! My partner chose the Strawberry MilleFeuille with Vanilla Bavarois which was a true delight and a perfect end to our meal.
The ambience, excellently attentive staff and, of course, the knock-out food made for an incredible dining experience and one that we both look forward to repeating soon. Highly recommended.
As if that weren’t enough, Rivet is also home to a legendary Sunday Brunch held once a month, where guests can revel in a gastronomic extravaganza. This highly anticipated event showcases an impressive spread of delectable dishes.
Rivet & Rebar is located at The Slate resort at Nai Yang Beach, five minutes’ drive south from Phuket International Airport. Open daily: 18:00 to 23:00 hrs. Price range: More than B1,200. Best to book a table. Major credit cards accepted. Car park on site. Smoking area. Free WiFi hotspot. Reservations: 076-327006. Website: TheSlatePhuket. com/dining. Facebook: RivetRebar. Instagram: RivetRebar