 Shall it be Thai food tonight, yet again? Or should we have something international that we’re familiar with, that we could eat any day of the week back home? These are usually the two questions that pop up here when picking a restaurant for the evening. But there is a third alternative that covers all bases. And that’s to go someplace where there’s a subtle blend of the two. Somewhere that serves the very best of Mediterranean cuisine, for instance, but with an Asian accent.
And at Green Olive restaurant, not only do you get exactly that, but you get it in a beautiful environment, prepared by an excellent chef, and at extremely reasonable prices. So let me tell you about it …
Buri Rasa Boutique Village is one of Chaweng’s loveliest small resorts. It’s conveniently situated in the middle of Chaweng Beach. It’s tastefully designed as a leafy lane leading through a quiet hamlet of attractive cottages down to the sea. And it has a deserved reputation for being one of the island’s friendliest places (and with so many great places on Samui, this is a real accolade). But, most importantly, it’s the home of Green Olive beachside restaurant.
It’s completely open on two sides, allowing the cooling sea breezes to waft through aided by swirling overhead fans. And the other two sides have attractive hanging louvred shutters, giving a Mediterranean touch to the whole affair. Hanging lanterns and discreet spotlights gently illuminate everything, whilst spacious seating and attentive uniformed staff add the final touches of elegance and style.
But it’s the food here that makes it so very special. And here are a few recommendations from the brand-new menu to give you an idea of what I mean, and to give you an appetite! In the appetisers’ section there’s an amazing Prawn, Avocado and Tomato Salad with fresh boccocini and cashew-nut pesto, and some outstanding Cilantro & Lime Hokkaido Scallop Kebabs served with carrot, turnip julienne and plum sauce.
The main courses reflect the ‘Mediterranean with an Asian accent’ cuisine too, particularly in both the Seared Red Snapper & Tiger Prawns served with buttered brown rice and a creamed lemon-grass sauce, and the Australian Beef Tenderloin served with crispy almond polenta and a brown blue cheese sauce. And both are delicious. I can’t possibly describe them adequately without writing a paragraph on each. But I will say that it’s not just about flavours here, it’s also about healthiness and freshness (everything is bought the same day as it’s cooked), and interesting textures, too.
“… and it’s the food here that makes it so very special.”
And I can’t finish the recommendations without quickly mentioning my favourite course – dessert. I’ll just say, try either the Dark Chocolate Mousse with vodka sauce, or the Ricotta Cheesecake with a chilled berry sauce – you’ll thank me after.
But before leaving Buri Rasa Boutique Village altogether, I’ve got to mention its other lovely restaurant – La Trattoria & Bar. As the Italian name suggests, it serves Italian cuisine and has a full range of tasty pasta and pizzas. And you don’t have to go through the hotel to reach it, as La Trattoria’s got its very own entrance and separate identity from the resort.
From the street, you’ll see the cosy lighting shining down welcomingly from the completely wooden restaurant. Up a few short stairs and you’ve arrived. And being a couple of metres up above the roadside really does make all the difference. The elevated position gives you a clear view along the street for some people-watching.
And you’ve got choices where to sit here, too. Outside, under the hanging lanterns and discreet spotlights, in the warm balmy air cooled by overhead fans, or inside a spacious air-conditioned room. But it’s not just any old room. With wood-paneling, cosy lighting, and comfortable homely furniture, it’s much more like a large dining room in an Italian country house than part of a restaurant
As you can see Buri Rasa Village really does offer a lot. So, whether you’re here on holiday, or are living here full-time, do try and visit. It’s not only the food that you’ll remember for a long time after. | 
