The soft-spoken Collini learned the ways of proper Italian cooking from his family. At the age of 7 he made his first “creation”: pieces of chocolate rolled up inside a slice of salami he called chocolate salami.
“In school, when it was play time, I played with the food,” he said with a laugh.
The plate of Spaghetti alla Ragosta (spaghetti and lobster priced at B400) he served on this sunny Friday afternoon was the culmination of a lifetime of playing with food. It’s comfort food with tomato sauce made to perfection that pairs nicely with the soft, fresh lobster which was caught earlier that day in the waters off Phuket. The tender meat complimented the pasta in a way that pork, chicken or beef simply can’t.
There is a Prego Italian restaurant in every Westin resort around the world, but Phuket’s location recently went through a complete menu overhaul. That’s what happens when you have three Italians running the place.
In addition to Collini, who joined the restaurant early last year, fellow “paisanos” Stefano Maccagno (Executive Assistant Manager) and Janet McNabb (Area General Manager of South Thailand) have all contributed in some way to the new menu. The result is authentic taste that’ll make you say “mama mia”.
One of the highlights on the menu is the Antipasto Misto (B250), which has a variety of small appetizers: parma ham with melon, pickled vegetables, coppa, mortadella, salame Milano and caprese salad. For parties of two or more, the Antipasto Misto is a must since it’s light and includes something for everyone.
The sparkle of the Siray Bay waters is a great backdrop for the meal and, between chomps of delicious mortadella, it’s easy to appreciate the stunning views. Right next to the dining area is the pool, which has a bar for guests to order and enjoy drinks during their swim. The sounds and views of paradise surround the Prego dining experience and the best is yet to come.
Saltimbocca alla Romana (pan fried pork slices with parma ham, mashed potatoes, and spinach priced at B300) was the highlight of the entire meal with juicy pieces of tender meat being the star of the show. The spinach was equally as soft as the mashed potatoes and had a similar consistency – a huge plus!
“My concept is to give to the customers what I like to eat. I try to put my personal touch into all the dishes, it’s something more different for you,” Collini says.
For me, “spaghetti and lobster” was all that I could think of for the rest of the day and night.
After the meal, we bid adieu but not before I was told that the restaurant runs an all-you-can-eat pasta and pizza special every Saturday for only B550++ (kids 4-12 get 50 per cent discount).
At such value, I made a mental note to come back soon.
Prego by the Beach is located at the Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa at 21/4 Moo 1, T. Rasada at Siray Bay. It’s open everyday from noon–4:45pm for lunch and 5pm–11pm for dinner. For more information or reservations, please call +66 76 335 600 or email fb.phuket@westin.com