The Monsoon Cafe Thai Restaurant & Lounge has taken Javea by storm in the last few months! Situated on the Arenal above Scallops, with great views of the sea and the Montgó Mountain, reservations are now essential if you want to guarantee a table and relish for yourself this ultimate Thai experience.

Proprietors Martin and Yamila Cox's extensive travels throughout South East Asia, working in some of the finest Thai restaurants and Martin's tremendous success managing a unique Thai restaurant in Switzerland, has certainly paid immense dividends.

They are both still applying those first principles as they continue to tempt the palates of all nationalities here in the heart of Javea: to employ authentic Thai cooks with many years experience and to use all of manner of exotic fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices, which are flown in from Thailand.

Their secret is to blend authentic Thai cuisine with a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere. Fantastic food, warm colours and friendly, professional service all create a wonderful dining experience.

This time we started with the Monsoon Mix - various Asian delights, won ton, mini spring roll, money bag and samosa, and a spicy Som Tam, a salad of green papaya, carrot, cherry tomatoes, peanuts, chilli and lime juice. Then we decided on Gang Pep Ped - a red curry with duck fillet, tomatoes, lychee, basil, coconut milk and rice, and the Pad Thai Gung - fried rice noodles with king prawns, bean sprouts, egg and peanuts. For our desserts came - a zingy, mango sorbet with plum wine and a pineapple flambé with Cointreau. Can't you just smell those spices and feel your taste buds being tantalised by the flavours of Thailand?

We knew it was going to be fabulous when Monsoon first opened but our expectations have been surpassed every time we have eaten there - and that's many times! For more information and opening times please check the website at www.themonsooncafe.com