Baan Rim Pa has been operating for more than twenty years and as such is one of the most well-known and acclaimed restaurants on the island.

It is often decorated by and awarded by such gastronomic governing bodies as the Miele Guide and the Wine Spectator Award.

Perfectly situated on the outer-rim of Patong and at the very beginning of Kalim?s millionaire?s mile, the views of the crashing waves against the cliff cove are spectacular and quietly serene.

Yet it was one that Sue Ultmann, the Director of Communications, admits was a concern when owner Tom McNamara first decided to open a restaurant there.

?When he decided to change his house into a restaurant, his friends were skeptical, they said, ?It?s too far out of Patong, nobody will come.?

But as the often-misquoted line from ?Field of Dreams? would seem to testify, they will indeed come if you build it.

The popularity led to Da Maurizo ? an Italian restaurant ? and later Joe?s ? serving snacks, cocktails and New World cuisine (including apparently the world?s best hamburger) - being built, alongside the same cliff face.

Now all three, although connected via external stairs, operate independently and offer a completely distinctive dining experience.

Baan Rim Pa remains the most popular and on the majority of nights operates at full capacity. And it?s easy to tell why; the former two-story teak house is tastefully designed with deep-rich wood and subtle colours that perfectly complement the elegant and natural setting.

Both levels of Baan Rim Pa are open air, which allows truly natural panoramic views and a gentle sea breeze, to keep diners cool.

The menu features Baan Rim Pa's "Royal Thai Cuisine" and as such, by definition, they were dishes formerly found only in the Grand Palace of Thailand.

A wide variety of appetizers and starters include the fabulous Fresh Spring Rolls (Po Pia Sod) (295 baht) and a personal favourite: the wonderfully indulgent Deep Fried Rice Cake with Peanut Sauce Topping (Khowtaang Nataang) (275 baht).

As well as countless traditional soups and salads, there is also a large selection of mains, of which curries make up a large proportion. The delicious Paneang Ped must be tried to be believed. Duck with a thick and creamy curry sauce that served with slices of lychee to be eaten simultaneously with the marinated meat.

Also on offer is the scrumptious soft-shelled crab with servings of wok-fried vegetables in a chilli jam.

There are elements of Baan Rim Pa?s dining experience that is well known among its diners; the daily-made ice sculpture at the front of the restaurant is one of them and the pianist is another.

Softly played background music can be heard most nights provided by Tommy Doyle, who besides being a regular fixture at Baan Rim Pa for many years has, during his time, entertained various U.S presidents.

Baan Rim Pa also prides itself on its extensive wine cellar and its staff?s knowledge of the wine.

Mrs Ultmann said, every week whichever member of staff is interested can take wine tasting and appreciation lessons. We currently have three really good wine girls at the moment.?

The wine cellar has been the winner of the prestigious Wine Spectator?s Award of Excellence each year since 2002.

So, despite the initial concerns over the ?far out? location of the restaurant, Baan Rim Pa has remained consistently strong and loved by locals, expats and travellers since opening.

It could even be argued that opening such an acclaimed restaurant in such a spot, allowed other restaurants along, which is now known as Millionaire?s Mile, to open up and flourish.

Some of which are still answering hesitancies about their location being too far out of Patong, but Mrs Ultmann believes that what with new development occurring in the area and wide-selection of already existing restaurants, it is just a matter of time before the area of Kalim becomes vibrant.

Whether that takes another 21 years we will just have to wait and see, but what is a pretty safe bet is that Baan Rim Pa will still be there, still entertaining guests and still providing a truly wonderful experience.