Aqua Restaurant, here in Phuket is a well-known Phuket culinary experience. The island has all kinds of business people, some mildly disinterested, some focused some semi-retired and some full of passion.
Alessandro Frau, the owner and chef of Acqua, certainly falls into the last category with his passionate approach to gastronomy. Frau is clearly not in business for financial return, he is there to create art, to build a kitchen, staff and final product that quenches his need for gastronomic expression.
Originally from Italy, Frau wears the standard chef uniform while in the restaurant, his pony tail pulled back tight behind his head. He seems distracted while discussing business as though, like many chefs, he is more comfortable in the back working on a new dish. What always strikes me the most during my time there is the level of organization and teamwork that he has been able to orchestrate.
It was clearly a point of pride for him as we sat together and watched the staff coordinate their movements like a well-oiled machine. All of the staff have been personally trained by Frau and they have learned the examples well. The architecture is simple and modern as are the decorations, allowing for an open plan that feels spacious and allows Frau to watch over his clients like an Italian mother would over her family, with care and always ready for more. The restaurant also has an extensive collection of fine Italian wines with a menu that lists 150 different wine labels. We are happy to recommend this fine establishment.
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