WHILE staying as guests at the Impiana Resort and Spa in Chaweng Noi, we had the chance to dine at one of the hotel’s fine eateries, Sabai Beach Restaurant. This was on a Friday night when the hotel hosts an extravagant beach-side BBQ buffet dinner.

We had had breakfast that morning at the Sabai Beach Restaurant, and it was such a large feast that we did not feel hungry again until dinner time (also because we wanted to be as hungry as possible because we knew it was going to be a buffet dinner!) And sure enough, when we arrived, there were more large dishes of food than could be counted. We enjoyed just walking around and talking about the food as much as we did actually eating it.

The professional staff will sit you at the table of your choice; either out under the stars or at one of their cozy inside booths. The good thing is, no matter where you sit, you will have a good view of the stage because a musical and visual treat is on display as well.

Beginning at 7 p.m., professional Filipinos take the stage and perform. From relaxing tones to upbeat top-40 hits, it seems they can belt out just about any song ever written. I personally know one of the singers, Ann, as she and her family attend the Samui Mercy Baptist Church in Bangrak, which is where my girlfriend and I attend as well. She and her whole family are very musically talented, and not only do they bring their wonderful voices and instrument-playing abilities to Impiana, they share their abilities with the church as well.

After making about four trips to the buffet to get everything we wanted, we were finally able to sit down and enjoy the food. Items on offer included seafood, such as shrimp, squid, crab, fish and clam; and chicken, beef, pork and vegetarian dishes. Many types of rice and pastas were available too. Much of the food was cooked BBQ style. The shrimp kebabs were outrageously good! There were also many international foods such as spaghetti, French fries and clam chowder. And so were Thai soups such as tom yum guung and tom yum gai, sweet-and-sour chicken and many types of salad and stir-fried vegetables, and different breads.

The dessert selections needed two tables to hold all the Thai and international sweet dishes—flan, bananas in coconut milk, puddings and many types of cake. 

We took a long time to eat so that we could really enjoy and taste all the dishes. While doing this, we were taken by surprise when the cabaret show started. And what a show it was! 

The combination of all the delicious foods (which vary each Friday night) and the live entertainment created a night of fun and satisfaction.

The Impiana Samui Resort is located on the main ring road in Chaweng Noi. Call 077-422011.