Phuket Nightlife : Tatonka Bar & Restaurant

Chef and owner Harold Schwarz opened Tatonka, which means buffalo in a native American language, several years ago to offer what he calls "globetrotter" cuisine. His menu features exciting combinations of Western foods mixed with Asian spices. "I took an apprenticeship in the kitchen in Germany and then began traveling and working around the world where I learned how to mix new foods in interesting combinations," reports Harold. "My menu is especially influenced by foods from the American Southwest which use corn, beans and cajun spices." Harold not only leads the team of cooks he painted the restaurant walls with scenes of Native American warriors hunting buffaloes. Sitting in Tatonka, the diner is surrounded by the same colors and textures as a Plains Indian home, a teepee.

The menu at Tatonka features the most exciting pizzas you'll ever find. These include the Pollo Loco with corn relish, marinated chicken, onions, black beans and fire roasted mild chilis with cheddar cheese topped with sour cream and fresh coriander. "During April we will feature a fresh, original menu every day," continues Harold. "We have such a wonderful selection of fresh seafood in Phuket. Every day I love exploring new dishes with what is fresh and available." Tatonka is open for dinner daily except Wednesday. For reservations call 324 349x`

Joe Lewis is a legend on Phuket. He's lived in Asia for over twenty years with a successful career owning, operating and managing sports clubs in Bangkok, Singapore and Jakarta. However, almost four years ago while looking for a Phuket site for a health club, he took the opportunity to build both a gym and adjacent restaurant. Now the island has Jungle Joe's and Jungle Gym. Jungle Joe's is probably the most fun tavern on Phuket. Joe keeps both the drinks and the jokes flowing which makes his bistro where the local leaders of the hospitality hang out. He offers the best Mexican food on the island. His taco and enchilada dinners are not only authentic but the portions are generous.

The menu features The World Famous Tarzan Burger which is so big that he offers a second one for free if you can finish one. It's a monstrous double patty of 100 per cent certified beef, grilled ham, two lean bacon strips, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions with Jungle Joe's spicy Tex-Mex chili AND a half kilo mound of jungle style fries. There's always something fun happening at Jungle Joe's. It's a Happy Friday with complimentary taste treats floating around to patrons clutching a draft Guiness or full range of international beers.

If you like to party, you'll love Jungle Joe's which is open every day starting at 5pm except Sundays. Call Joe at 325 112.