The group consists of three fabulous restaurants, Baan Rim Pa, Joe’s Downstairs and DaMaurizio Bar Ristorante, all located in Kalim overlooking the stunning Andaman Sea. A true reflection of the meaning of the name of the group, “house on the cliff”.
Sue Ultmann, Executive Manager & Marketing Director of Baan Rim Pa Group for the last 15 years, explained to The Phuket News that it is a true accomplishment for all three restaurants to be recognised.
Wine Spectator is an American monthly magazine, “one of the bibles of the wine industry worldwide” according to Sue.
“For a restaurant to be enlisted, they must acquire a certain standard of their wine list.”
Every year, a restaurant must fill in an application of their wine list and how they treat the wines for example, and then it is checked. At different times, representatives randomly come and check the wine lists. A restaurant must have at least 92 per cent of the wines available, so that the guests are not left disappointed in case a wine is “out of stock”.
Every year, the company hand out awards to various restaruants around the world who possess a high standard of diverse wines.
Since 2002, the Baan Rim Pa group have been awarded the “1 Glass” award and this year is the first the group have been awarded “2 Glasses”, for all three restaurants. Only 10 restauants in the whole of Thailand received this prestigious award in 2015, and yet Baan Rim Pa, Joe’s Downstairs and DaMaurizio Bar Ristorante were all awarded it.
Very few restaurants in the world hold the award for “3 Glasses”, so it is indeed a huge accomplishment to be awarded two. Sue explained that the knowledge that the Thai staff have gained over the years is exceptional. They do a wonderful job and for an island such as Phuket to possess three of these awards, is a true testament to the level of quality these restaurants are.
“This is a very special year, as Baan Rim Pa turned 25 in March, which is indeed a milestone for any restaurant.
“We have been awarded the “2 Glasses” by Wine Spectators, and this month, we will be opening our new branch Baan Rim Pa Kalim.” This stunning new restaurant will have its soft opening in late August. It will have the same design and elegance of the current Baan Rim Pa and a spectacular location with sensational panoramic sea views.
It is located 1.9km north of the current Baan Rim Pa and is directly opposite Kalima Resort. Initially, however, the new restaurant will be open from 5pm. It will possess all of the same characteristics as the current one, inlcuding the grand piano, and the fabulous vintage bar.
“When you walk in, it really is wow. It’s going to be spectacular,” says Sue. It appears to be the perfect location for an evening out, weddings, and dinner parties.
The restaurant is certainly an icon, since it is has consistently been the same over the years, which can be comforting for all the oldtimers and long-term expats.
Three awards, a milestone anniversary and the opening of a stunning new restaurant, the Baan Rim Pa Group can certainly be pleased with their achievements and have much to look forward to.