Valyn makes its grand entrance.
Valyn makes its grand entrance.
Today we bring extremely good tidings for fans of Thai fare (everyone, we assume), – as we welcome Valyn into the fold – an elevated, south east Asian eats noshery, that also shares some hefty Hemsworth-style sibling notoriety.
Joining esteemed local eateries, Nahm Thai, Nahm Talay Thai and Chong Co – and by association earning itself immediate, unequivocal fave status.
And yeah, you better believe we will very valiantly valyn-teer ourselves as taste-testing tributes for this mouthwatering occasion.
If you’re yet to treat yourself to the next level contemporary Thai experience owners Pattaree (Pat) Jiranuchaiwattana and Vitchaya (Alex) Hasitawet have long been dishing up on the Coast – we implore you to remedy this immediately.
For anyone else struggling to keep up, Valyn’s addition to the proliferating portfolio now makes six in the duo’s famed restaurant fam – an impressive, yet unsurprising development to those familiar with the trademark fare.
Arguably, there are few cuisines that instantaneously transport us to the shores of its heartland than that of Thailand’s zesty and fragrant fare. Pat and Alex take this experience to a whole new level, dishing up fresh and vibrant dishes as easy on the eyes are they are on the tastebuds.
The masterful drinks menu is also known for delivering its fair share of visual theatrics – artfully crafted cocktails arriving smouldering, finished with clouds of floss, bubbles balanced precariously atop a common sight. And locals (us included) can’t seem to get enough.
Valyn Thai will again treat us to that signature, immersive dining experience – featuring dishes such as Spanner crab stuffed dumplings swimming in yellow curry, Kaffir lime sauce laden crispy pork belly, Wagyu tataki and Shitake and taro spring rolls, with an extensive takeaway array available to quell those ‘curry and chill’ cravings (or perhaps Ponzu oysters for a memorable date night in, eh?).
The new kid on Isle of Capri’s block will be in good company, with Valyn joining the ranks among Capri on Via Roma’s waterside luxury leisure precinct. The team well and truly delivers on their promise of an elegant and refined space that blends sophistication with warmth.. and really, we’d expect nothing less.
The lofty, light-filled interior is framed by floor-to-wall windows, with hanging greenery and chandeliers to really show off those spacious, soaring ceilings – and hey, if you’ve got it, flaunt it.
The menu, meanwhile, will showcase with many of the flavour-forward faves we’ve grown very fond of. Expect unique signature dishes like Miang Kham Betel Leaf Wraps and Asian-Style Kingfish Ceviche, complemented with a mix of Thai staples such as Tom Yum Soup, Pad Thai and Slow-Cooked Beef Cheek Massaman Curry.
To drink – though it feels futile attempt to recommend one of the meticulously mixed libations over another (kind of feels like picking a favourite child, tbh) – we have at times been especially partial to a Never Ever (straight to the jug, thanks).
A pretty-in-pink, petal topped elixir that could well have been created by cupid himself – made with Triple Juniper Gin, Elderflower Gin, Cointreau, Lime Juice, Syrup, Tonic, Pomegranate Tea.
It’s official, we’re already smitten. It’s probably too soon to ask them to be our valyn-thai, right?
Where: 2G01, 15 Via Roma, Surfers Paradise
When: Monday–Thursday 10:30 am–3:30 pm, 5–9 pm, Friday–Saturday 10 am–3:30 pm, 5–10 pm
Words by Kellie Leader.
Do you like your Thai served with a side of oceanside luxury? And your dishes presented with high-end WOW-worthy details, feeding your eyes and stomach with spectacular flare and flavour? We’re even talking liquid nitrogen in some dishes, as well as bubble smoke on cocktails and no, this is not an immunity challenge on Masterchef, but what you can expect at Nahm Talay Thai in Surfers Paradise, opening Friday 9th September.
Situated in the newly renovated Paradise Centre, Nahm Talay Thai is the latest offering from Pattaree (Pat) Jiranuchaiwattana and Vitchaya (Alex) Hasitawet. This duo know a thing or two about executing traditional Thai and Asian dishes in style, with a five-restaurant strong portfolio in Queensland, including Chong Co Thai at Pacific Fair. Add talented chefs Metira (May) Wongtom and Nitis (Kai) Shombunsode into the mix, as well as a stunning DBI Design interior, the final product is a total vibe.
Offering indoor/outdoor dining, a beachfront balcony (perfect for events may we add), plus booth and couch seating, the venue accommodates 120 guests. Picture luxurious accents blended with a high quality, modern beach aesthetic to complement the multi-million-dollar views. Cool grey hues and whites are warmed up with a sandy colour palette creating an oasis-like feel. There are contrasting textures throughout, a unique roof design, beautifully designed bar, and eye-catching golden metallic wave artwork.
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner until midnight EVERYDAY, let’s start with the AM timeslot and oooh, the Soft Shell Crab Egg Lava definitely caught our eye. Featuring a croissant with salmon caviar, tobiko sauce, vine cherry tomato, and parmesan, LBR – we were born to eat caviar for breakfast. There is also a wide range of other brekky crowd favourites, but with an exciting Nahm Talay Thai twist. Pair your meal with a darn good coffee or refreshing (and super pretty) cold pressed juice and yep, you’ve started the day right.
If you’re more of a lunch or dinner person, the menu is once again off-the-Richter good. Order a serve of Crispy Pork Bao to start, with steamed bao, crispy pork belly, cucumber, coriander, spring onion, long red chilli, peanut and sesame oil. Then, it’s signature dish-o-clock and besides happy hour, this is our favourite time of the day.
Tuck into the Lamb Shank Massaman Curry with slow cooked lamb shank, mild curry, potato and cashew nuts, or the Barramundi Fillet steamed with lime sauce. Or, if you’d rather make friends with salad, you can’t beat the mouth-watering flavours of the Wagyu Salad. We’re talking Wagyu MBD 9+, Thai herbs, tomato, cucumber, rice power, chilli powder, house dressing and pear.
And for dessert, may we recommend the Cream Brulée, with egg, cream, pandan, sugar, coconut, vanilla ice cream and chocolate crumble. Drool.
Now let’s get down to business – cocktails of course. Pat and Alex certainly don’t do anything by halves and their jaw-dropping drinks menu is a testament to this.
Don’t miss the opportunity to sample a Bubble Smoke Lychee Martini and you had us at bubble smoke. With vodka, orange liqueur, lime juice, cranberry juice and lychee syrup and bubble smoke top, the yum-factor is only rivalled by the presentation.
Laying off the harder stuff because you’re in detox mode? Same (not really) and good news, the Mocktails are as delish and insta-worthy as their boozy cousins. We’re ordering the Mint Lychee Frappe with lychee, lychee syrup and mint.
Also, a quick shout out to the Jellyfish Shots because these things are quite possibly the coolest thing we’ve seen, and yes we’re back to alcohol #oldhabitsdiehard.
This brings us to the pointy end and the hardest decision yet. Should you go for breakfast, lunch or dinner (no more complaints about not being able to find a restaurant for a late-night feed, finally a venue open till midnight!) and our advice is a unanimous “all of the above”.
Where: Paradise Centre, 2 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
When: Friday 9th September, open 7am – midnight, Monday – Sunday.
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY NAHM TALAY THAI RESTAURANT AND BAR
