When I was living in Bangkok I could never turn down an opportunity for a buffet. Although Bangkok buffets are usually expensive, the variety of food and the chance to eat as much of it as you want always got me excited. I had my last buffet at the Grand Hyatt Erawan, and once again I ate so much that I struggled to walk out of the restaurant.

I thought my buffet days were over, but that was before I found out that UK chef Keith Floyd has his own buffet right here in Phuket. Keith Floyd is a likeable old rogue who has had a number of TV shows on the BBC.

Keith Floyd is like the rebel TV chef Jamie Oliver wants to be. On his shows, Keith became well known for indulging in his passion for wine and drinking it by the bucketload while preparing food. He is one of the few TV “personality” chefs who actually has a personality.

There was no way I was going to miss out on the chance to eat at Keith’s restaurant in Thailand and get to see the man himself. Floyd’s Brasserie is at the Burasari Resort in Patong. The resort itself is swish, and the restaurant is stylish and elegant. The outdoor arrangement is convivial and settling, with a good selection of food to whet your appetite. The new addition to the brasserie is Floyd’s Sunday Brunch, which was what I was there to sample.

Keith Floyd was milling about, cooking one thing, attending to another, running around making sure nothing was out of place, sipping wine, and looking like he was engrossed in his work. I assume Keith won’t be there every Sunday as I was there for the launch, but the food is said to reflect his philosophy in the kitchen, so you know he will be there in spirit.

The roast lamb was particularly good, although I was alarmed to be pointed in the direction of white mint sauce. Sure enough, as soon as Keith saw that there was no green mint sauce he set the matter straight. Other than that I had no complaints. There was a good variety of seafood, enough cheese to keep a French army happy, and the pasta was spot on.

As you’d expect, there was a fine selection of wines. The meal was enjoyable and filling, although being a brunch, I wasn’t able to eat as much as I would have liked.

Floyd’s Brasserie opened in March. For reservations call Tel: 076-370000.

Techno’ tags: Thailand, Bangkok, Keith Floyd