We were honored to host the 50th Wedding anniversary of Fay and Eddie last week with a splendid evening of amazing food and beautiful surroundings. Most of the village of Thong Nai Pan Noi were invited and were treated with a range of mouth-watering thai curries along with freshly baked rolls and a mix of salads courtesy of our new chef Gordon. As you walked into Luna Lounge there were hundreds of little candles lighting up the walls, with a golden drape wishing Fay and Eddie a Happy Anniversary. The floral decorations were the final touch, a beautiful mix of white flowers amongst the green of the stems, artistically arranged and designed by Justin Lavigne, who we were lucky enough to have visiting Thong Nai Pan for a holiday. With the low romantic lighting and some melodic music the place was perfect. At 11 pm, which was the time they said there vows in England all those years ago we brought out the cake, a delicious white vanilla sponge with a cheesecake filling and an anniversary message on top. Fay and Eddie seemed to enjoy themselves immensely. Watching them slow dancing together made me think how lovely it its to see the couples who do make it and are still genuinely in love 50 years later. Lets hope they have many more ahead of them!
Justin Lavigne-Floral Designer.
We were lucky to enjoy the company of Justin Lavigne the last couple of weeks on Thong Nai Pan Noi. Justin who is a Flower designer and Interior Landscaper with an impressive CV, came and arranged the flowers for Faye and Eddie’s Golden wedding anniversary at Luna Lounge last week. He works at Martha’s vineyard which is the second biggest wedding destination in the US. Trained in New York and San Fransisco, his designs have graced the tables of the rich and famous from coast to coast. With an eye for beauty his artistic and creative skills make even the most plain flowers look spectacular. Extensive experience and a real talent have given Justin a colourful and interesting career which has undoubtedly taken him to many interesting places. Whilst here in Thong Nai Pan he helped to make the evening of Faye and Eddies anniversary special with his inspired designs. The transformation of Luna was complete with his floral masterpieces taking centre stage, creating a romantic and festive ambiance for an evening of great food in beautiful surroundings. Many thanks to Justin and we hope to see him on Koh Phangan again soon!
Thai Break Germans descend on Thong Nai Pan Noi!
Every year Thong Nai Pan is taken over by around 200 Germans coming for Thaibreak, two weeks of mad partying with top german DJ’s on a beautiful and normally fairly quiet beach on Koh Phangan. The Thong Nai Pan hotels, bungalows and resorts are fully booked and other tourists have a hard time finding accommodation. Arranged by a man called Thomas who pre-books all the parties with the different bars and restaurants. From the opening night at Baan Panburi which is awash with fireworks and fireshows, each bar decorates and prepares for the hordes who arrive on the evening of their party. At Luna Lounge we are hosting two of the parties, the first of which was last wednesday and was a big success. With a great fireshow from Zen and some fantastic DJ’s the night went of with a blast and we hope their final party, also at Luna on the 31st will be an equally great night.
The revenue brought to the beach every year by Thaibreak is fantastic and is often the busiest night a year that many places have. They only hold one party in Thong Nai Pan Yai which is a fundraiser for the local school and is held on their grounds and at the local temple. Almost everywhere else closes and the majority of both beaches attend. Local businesses often hold food stalls and the choice of local cuisine is mouth-watering! The school children perform traditional Thai dancing on a stage in front of hundreds of tables and chairs set up for eating and socialising. The locals spend the days leading up to the party decorating especially around the temple where they build a DJ booth and set up a bar. As you walk from the school to the temple you are greeted by fantastic decorations and a night of dancing awaits you. It is a festive evening and a lovely chance for the both beaches to do something together.
Sala Cafe open at Last!!
The opening of the Sala Cafe on Feb 20th was a great success. With a colourful array of the new deserts and lots of friendly faces, we enjoyed celebrating the start of a new journey. The free tasters dissapeared rather quickly and so the afternoon was spent enjoying the new space to relax with friends. The passion fruit Cheesecake is set to be a favourite and many a person has already popped in for an afternoon slice. Bringing some new flavours to Thong Nai Pan, Gordon has created a menu featuring many a favourite and some interesting new things to try too.
The venue in the centre of Thong Nai Pan Noi, Koh Phangan, has proved a success, and with the open air and comfy wicker chairs its the perfect place to while away an afternoon with a good book or good conversation. Being central in the village it is great for people watching and a nice place to take a desert and coffee after dinner. Unfortunately we are not selling food in the evenings however there are many other Thong Nai Pan restaurants serving dinner including Luna Lounge just down the road. Luna and now Sala too seem to be favoured by a lot of people staying in the Thong Nai Pan hotels and resorts and we regularly get complimented on the standard of the food and the general all round experience.
Sala Cafe is open everyday from 10am till late in the evening serving breakfasts and Lunch’s. Luna Lounge is open 6.30pm till late for dinner’s and both places have a selection of our new mouth-watering desserts.
