NIKITA'S, the popular Phuket bar and restaurant, has done something quite remarkable. After 18 years of serving up meals, it finally has a kitchen.
For nearly two decades, the venue on the shorefront at Rawai has been importing all its restaurant meals from Baan Rim Talay nearby. That's right. Order a meal at Nikita's, and expect delivery any minute from next door.
For decades, that has been just one of the quirks of a tropical island life, and one enjoyed by plenty of locals in the vicinity.
A few days ago, Nikita's new kitchen opened, and reaction so far has been very good, says Tony Bridges, who started the restaurant in the name of his Thai girlfriend Nikita many moonlit nights past.
''The terms of the leasehold changed so we were finally able to put in a kitchen,'' said Tony, now aged 49. ''We've still got a well-priced Thai menu but we have now added pizzas from the wood-fired oven and a range of fresh options.
''We had a full house last night so the word is getting out among the locals.''
Despite the difficulties of opening a restaurant on the island, especially one without a kitchen, Nikita's has prospered over the years.
''Some restaurants struggle,'' he said. ''The secret is probably a good location combined with good value. It's sometimes hard for tourists to find smaller restaurants that are off the beaten track.''
He said that some restaurants were able to manage on word of mouth, while others depended on substantial expenditure on marketing budgets.
''It's true that tourists are probably spending less,'' Tony said. ''On the other hand, they always come to Phuket to have a holiday, not necessarily to spend up big.
''People will still go out to eat and drink, but they will probably head back to the hotel a bit earlier, that's all.''
Phuketwan heard about Nikita's new kitchen from a reader who gave the place a rave review. ''I've spend a lot of money,'' Tony said. ''We brought a pizza chef from Bangkok, we have two Thai food chefs and two pasta and salad chefs.
''We plan to keep doing what we do, and let the weather, the beach and the friendly atmosphere on Phuket take care of the rest.''
Nikita's pizzas are priced from 180 baht up. Carlsberg is expected on tap next month. Lao beer and Dwyer's stout are already served. The place is open from 10am to 10pm, with pizzas available all day.
Phuket Expat Dies in Popular RestaurantFor nearly two decades, the venue on the shorefront at Rawai has been importing all its restaurant meals from Baan Rim Talay nearby. That's right. Order a meal at Nikita's, and expect delivery any minute from next door.
For decades, that has been just one of the quirks of a tropical island life, and one enjoyed by plenty of locals in the vicinity.
A few days ago, Nikita's new kitchen opened, and reaction so far has been very good, says Tony Bridges, who started the restaurant in the name of his Thai girlfriend Nikita many moonlit nights past.
''The terms of the leasehold changed so we were finally able to put in a kitchen,'' said Tony, now aged 49. ''We've still got a well-priced Thai menu but we have now added pizzas from the wood-fired oven and a range of fresh options.
''We had a full house last night so the word is getting out among the locals.''
Despite the difficulties of opening a restaurant on the island, especially one without a kitchen, Nikita's has prospered over the years.
''Some restaurants struggle,'' he said. ''The secret is probably a good location combined with good value. It's sometimes hard for tourists to find smaller restaurants that are off the beaten track.''
He said that some restaurants were able to manage on word of mouth, while others depended on substantial expenditure on marketing budgets.
''It's true that tourists are probably spending less,'' Tony said. ''On the other hand, they always come to Phuket to have a holiday, not necessarily to spend up big.
''People will still go out to eat and drink, but they will probably head back to the hotel a bit earlier, that's all.''
Phuketwan heard about Nikita's new kitchen from a reader who gave the place a rave review. ''I've spend a lot of money,'' Tony said. ''We brought a pizza chef from Bangkok, we have two Thai food chefs and two pasta and salad chefs.
''We plan to keep doing what we do, and let the weather, the beach and the friendly atmosphere on Phuket take care of the rest.''
Nikita's pizzas are priced from 180 baht up. Carlsberg is expected on tap next month. Lao beer and Dwyer's stout are already served. The place is open from 10am to 10pm, with pizzas available all day.
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