Here at Luna lounge we’re pleased to announce that the sorely missed Flip Flop Pharmacy, will be re-opening in a new location on Thong Nai Pan Yai.
The closing of Baan Pong’s and Flip Flop was a sad moment for regulars and resident Thong Nai Pan folk, so it is with great pleasure we announce the new location, at Starlight Resort, right next to Central in the middle of Thong Nai Pan Yai beach.
Building work is underway and Roman said they are aiming for an August opening. Can’t wait to sink a Singha and reminisce about the old days once they are open. The added benefit of the Yai location is that many of the more lazy among us will have their horizons vastly expanded by trips to the other side.
The recent unrest in Bangkok has been causing serious problems with the tourist industry in Thailand. The group known as the red shirts have been protesting for the past two months against the new prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and refuse to leave their encampemnt on Silom road which is in the heart of the business district of Bangkok. After the riot which broke out in april due to a clash with the military, which left 23 people dead and many more injured the western world has put out serious warnings about the safety of travelling in Thailand, advising people that the country is seriously dangerous.
It is a shame that the whole of the country is suffering mass tourism problems due to the situation which is happening in one street of Bangkok. Having been to Bangkok myself and actually walked right through the centre of the red shirts encampment from end to end, i have to say that the atmosphere was very peaceful and had more of a festive feel than one of aggression. Thats not to say its like that all the time, however the majority of Thailand is. Nothing has changed down here on Koh Phangan apart from the dwindling number of people coming out to beaches like Thong Nai Pan.
Having spoken to many people in Thong Nai Pan Noi, and visitors to Luna Lounge, it seems that most peoples experiences of Bangkok have been fairly normal ones, without disruption or even any notice of the problems in Silom road. However after lastnights second major clash with the army things may be pretty tense in the capitol right now. But down on Ko Phangan things remain the same, beautiful scorching weather and calm blue sea! We hope to see more people down here soon!
We were honoured last week with a fantastic live performance from Natalie Williams and her partner Mark Brown. Natalie is the resident singer at the legendary Ronnie Scott’s Jazz club in London.
She has released 3 critically acclaimed albums and has played alongside Jamie Cullum and Amie Winehouse to name but a few. Her partner, Mark Brown, is a freelance saxaphone and keyboard player, he also holds a residency at Ronnie Scott’s. He plays Jazz and Funk in several of his own bands and has also worked with Ray LaMontagne, Craig David and Girls Aloud along with many more prominant names on the music scene.
We were lucky enough to have the pair drop by Thong Nai Pan Noi and come to Luna Lounge to play. With Mark on guitar and Natalie singing they perfomed a range of classics from Dolly Parton to India Arie, with even a great version of Oasis’s Wonderwall.
Natalie’s beautiful voice was mesmerising and along with her passion and easy chatter the place felt lively and intimate. Everyone joined in, a tambourine was passed around and any available surface became a drum. She encouraged everyone to sing along and with Mark strumming away the evening was a great success. Unfortunately they were leaving Koh Phangan the next day and so we had to satisfy ourselves with just the one night (although they had done an impromptu practise gig the night before too which had also been great to watch).
A massive Thankyou to both Natalie and Mark and we hope to hear you playing here again soon.
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!
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.
The opening of the Sala Cafe on Feb 20thwas 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 comfywicker 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 Loungejust 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.
Hey all, im sorry to say we have changed the opening date of the Luna cafe again. We will now be opening on the 20th of February, but trust me it will be worth the wait. Join us from 2pm for a cup of coffee and some tasters from our delicious new desert menu! Already at Luna restaurant the pannacotta has proved a big hit and with plenty more to come for the cafe you dont want to miss out! We are also introducing a new food menu featuring some of the favourites from Luna and more so come and check it out. The new venue is situated at the centre of Thong Nai Pan Noi opposite jungle bar. If your on Koh Phangan then thats the place to be! Hope to see you there…
Firstly i would like welcome our new executive chef Gordon to Koh Phangan! Gordon will be adding to our menu with delicious, creative dishes featuring the freshest local produce and ocean-caught fish. He is now introducing a scrumptious new selection of homemade deserts and breads which will be a major feature of the Luna cafe (also in Thong Nai Pan Noi). Unfortunately the cafe opening is now postponed till the 18th of february due to the building taking slightly longer than planned (we want to get it just right for you all). However we have an exciting valentine evening planned at Luna Lounge with a three course menu (shown below), a glass of crisp bubbly Prosecco and an all round lovely romantic evening. Couples and singles welcome however we do ask that you book in advance. Hope to see you there……
VALENTINES MENU
Grilled Asparagus with sauce mousseline and soft herbs.
or
Chilled Melon with crispy Parma ham, rambutan and poppy seed syrup.
*******
Pan fried Sirloin steak with balsamic braised shallots, herb mash and sauce Diane.
or
Char Grilled Chicken breast, crispy bacon and garlic crouton salad with honey and mustard dressing.
Here’s a treat: I just found this video from one of the Luna Phangan Island parties last year. Zin is an amazing fire dancer graces us with his presence on occasion. Just watch this boy’s style…..
