Amid all the chaos of the modern world, it's reassuring to see traditional values are still an important element in the fabric of Thai society. Children are taught from an early age to respect their elders and to contribute to the harmony of a close-knit extended family. Although Western influences are rapidly gaining a hold on the Kingdom's youth, the happy family still rules.

Not having had the privilege of enjoying many family meals in my short time here, it was an absolute pleasure to dine with the Jacobs clan, who share Kamala Dreams, a small Thai family restaurant, with local and international guests in the seaside village of Kamala, on the mid-western coast of Phuket. Manager and granddaddy Charoen welcomes casual tourists, residents and life-long return visitors alike with his sunny smile.

Standing casually streetside with his handpicked and well-chilled display of fresh daily seafood, the proud patriarch beams with pleasure as he describes this bounty from the sea. "Crabs, fish, squid, prawn—just caught today! Barbeque, steam, deep-fry, stir-fry, grill, oven bake? Up to you! Please take a seat, and my daughter will be right with you. My wife Somchit does the cooking, you know?"

Lumduan is Khun Charoen's daughter and maitre d' at Kamala Dreams. She married Dutchman Jan 16 years ago, and together they have worked at building security for their son, the effervescent 12-year-old Tommy, and self-confessed shy girl and wannabe model, Amie, aged 14. The kids are due to depart any day now for a vacation with their Dutch family in Holland. Tommy's excited. Amie, a typical teenager, doesn't want leave her friends.

We sit together at the family table—Jan, Lumduan, my friend Jo and me. As we sip our white wine— Roberts Rock 2000 South African Chenin Blanc—the food starts arriving. Fresh squid in light batter, mussels soy, crab in yellow curry, spicy glass-noodle salad, and deep-fried fish in sweet and sour sauce. Aroi. Delicious! But wait, there's more. Tommy the superstar waiter just keeps loading us up with more delectable dishes. The massaman curry (best in Phuket, I'm told) is Lumduan's favourite recipe, which she gladly passed on to her mum to cook it for their guests.

After an amazing meal, we revert to snacks (Thais never stop eating!) while enjoying Hardy's 2001 Australian Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon, Jan's favourite red. Normally, the happy face of Lumduan's sister-in-law will accompany the gourmet delights, but tonight, since they are on school holidays, Tommy is buzzing around like a professional, heckling and joking with his sister. Amie is tall enough to be a model, but I'm not sure what her parents think about her current career choice. With such strong and loving support, however, I'm sure both these kids will be the best at what they choose to do with their lives. Dreams do come true.