The Dark Side

[Digger]

That top 5 is: The Courtyard; Cafe Uno; Chonlada; Dao Cafe; and Lakeside/Deli Bean.

funny it is, three out of your five I would rate excellent to quite good as well. The courtyard sticks out like a sore thumb and I haven't been to the new Lakeside yet.

I would also throw-out The Courtyard and add-in Tocino, RT, and Swiss Paradise.

I should add that I don't really wish The Courtyard fails but only that they could improve the cooking as it seems many agree that it does not match the setting. I will admit to not trying the weekend roasts but the regular daily menu items should be good as well. In the interest of fairness, I will give it one final try soon and report back.

Question: Does anyone have any feedback on the Terrace Restaurant (near the Peacock Restaurant on SSCC near the lake) and that new Scott's Bar (I think they have food as well as drinks) on the lake?

never stopped at the Terrace - looks like a girly bar to me so never even assumed they had food, let alone would it be any good. I did stop once at Scott's corner and was not impressed - never been back since. Just seemed like a mickey mouse operation, which always raises doubts in my mind at least about food hygiene.

[Digger]

so... what about Nice? i feel at times that the wife and i are the only ones who over go there. i rate Nice as the best on SSCC. is anyone else going there for dinner?

I have driven past this place many times but have never figured it out - has it changed hands recently? never see anyone in there so have not been inclined to stop.

[anothertorres]

so... what about Nice? i feel at times that the wife and i are the only ones who over go there. i rate Nice as the best on SSCC. is anyone else going there for dinner?

I have driven past this place many times but have never figured it out - has it changed hands recently? never see anyone in there so have not been inclined to stop.

almost a year ago it was re-opened under a new owner. stop in and check it out for yourself. it's not the british lady that owned the place before.

[Mobi]

Although I have no desire to become involved in a protracted slanging match, or any great debate on the culinary excellence or other wise of the various Darkside eating establishments, I do have to say that patsfangr's gushing praise of the various places he seems to be in love with does grate a little.

It's almost as though he is writing one of those "quasi news items" in one of the local rags, singing the merits of a certain place, when clearly it has been written and paid for by the owners of the place. And it usually isn't enough for him just to enthuse about the food, he also wants us to know he is on intimate terms with all the owners, managers and even the cooks, and they are all helpful, wonderful people and the "salts of the earth".

I have been to the Courtyard 3 - 4 times, including last New Year's Eve with a small party of friends. The Thai food I have eaten there is certainly nothing to rave about, and while the New Year's food was quite acceptable (although by no means "special"), the place closed about 2 hours before midnight, which I found very strange indeed. As to the owner being some kind of "Demi-God", well I did report some time ago that he spent a whole week chatting up waitresses from a rival establishment and succeeded in enticing 2 of them to his place. OK, all may be fair in love war and the restaurant business, but not very ethical IMHO. And I've yet to get even a smile out of him, let alone a welcome or a simple "hello"

As for the wonderful Chonlada. This is the place that specialises in breakfasts, yet on my first visit they had no bacon!. Then on a subsequent visit, I noticed that they charge extra if you want scrambled, rather than fried eggs, and they also charge extra for brown bread instead of white.

OK, all pretty trivial in the scheme of things, but let's not pretend these places deserve 3 Michelin Stars.

So how about getting a bit more realistic and balanced with our criticism?

[raro]

As for the mashed potatoes, while I know that some places add "flavor" of various types, for most places, mashed potatoes are potatoes, butter, and, perhaps a little milk. Add salt and or pepper to your taste. What, exactly, did you expect from mashed potatoes?

Well, the only ingredient in their mashed potatoes seemed to be the potatoes, No traces of salt, pepper, butter, milk found. The latter makes the texture more creamy, whereas salt and pepper should not be added after serving to have it blended well into the mash. A bit of muscat does to mashed potatoes what icing does to cake.

I would also throw-out The Courtyard and add-in Tocino, RT, and Swiss Paradise.

Ticino is well worth a visit, the other two I do not know yet.

I should add that I don't really wish The Courtyard fails but only that they could improve the cooking as it seems many agree that it does not match the setting. I will admit to not trying the weekend roasts but the regular daily menu items should be good as well. In the interest of fairness, I will give it one final try soon and report back.

I agree, the setting deserves a star cook! Weekends are unfortunately the only occasion for me to cook by myself, so slim chance that i ever venture to any of the Sunday roast affairs...

Question: Does anyone have any feedback on the Terrace Restaurant (near the Peacock Restaurant on SSCC near the lake) and that new Scott's Bar (I think they have food as well as drinks) on the lake?

Terrace is not worth the break pad wear you abrase for stopping your car. That applies to both, their food and chicks department.

Scott's has hearty Scottish food. Eaten there twice, not disappointed and back for sure. Free soups on Sundays and Freddy is a reat chat.

[raro]

so... what about Nice? i feel at times that the wife and i are the only ones who over go there. i rate Nice as the best on SSCC. is anyone else going there for dinner?

Nice is outstanding and possibly the most underrated place around. Deserves much more attention then it gets. Possibly too close to the Terrace Bar.

[MeetJohnDoe]

Question: Does anyone have any feedback on the Terrace Restaurant...

Terrace is not worth the break pad wear you abrase for stopping your car.

Scott's has hearty Scottish food. Eaten there twice, not disappointed and back for sure.

That's pretty funny...I might use it sometime somewhere on the Forum if you don't mind.

So you mean now I can finally get my first taste of haggis

[patsfangr]

Although I have no desire to become involved in a protracted slanging match, or any great debate on the culinary excellence or other wise of the various Darkside eating establishments, I do have to say that patsfangr's gushing praise of the various places he seems to be in love with does grate a little.

It's almost as though he is writing one of those "quasi news items" in one of the local rags, singing the merits of a certain place, when clearly it has been written and paid for by the owners of the place. And it usually isn't enough for him just to enthuse about the food, he also wants us to know he is on intimate terms with all the owners, managers and even the cooks, and they are all helpful, wonderful people and the "salts of the earth".

I have been to the Courtyard 3 - 4 times, including last New Year's Eve with a small party of friends. The Thai food I have eaten there is certainly nothing to rave about, and while the New Year's food was quite acceptable (although by no means "special"), the place closed about 2 hours before midnight, which I found very strange indeed. As to the owner being some kind of "Demi-God", well I did report some time ago that he spent a whole week chatting up waitresses from a rival establishment and succeeded in enticing 2 of them to his place. OK, all may be fair in love war and the restaurant business, but not very ethical IMHO. And I've yet to get even a smile out of him, let alone a welcome or a simple "hello"

As for the wonderful Chonlada. This is the place that specialises in breakfasts, yet on my first visit they had no bacon!. Then on a subsequent visit, I noticed that they charge extra if you want scrambled, rather than fried eggs, and they also charge extra for brown bread instead of white.

OK, all pretty trivial in the scheme of things, but let's not pretend these places deserve 3 Michelin Stars.

So how about getting a bit more realistic and balanced with our criticism?

No worries about any "flame war" with me, Mobi. I'm too old for such boring, useless exchanges.

I do, however, want to assure you that I definitely do not receive compensation of any kind from any of the establishments I've commented upon. I did, indeed, attempt to provide a complete "professional type" initial review of the places I visited, because I'm personally interested in all aspects of a restaurant; and thought others might share that feeling.

I will also note that I have been critical of specific items at each of them. In fact, my early reports about The Courtyard were extremely critical. Their service, as well as their food, were below acceptable levels for me. I stayed away for 3 months, and I believe they've gone straight up hill since, on both counts. As always, that's MY opinion, based upon MY palate. Yes, Raro, "To each his own".

All that said, I've said all there is to say - and, per your perception, considerably more - about the places I've visited, and listed as favorites. So, taking your objections to heart, I will no longer mention any of them; but leave others to exchange opinions. Should I try a new venue, I promise to keep my "review" of it to two sentences.

[raro]

As for the wonderful Chonlada.

if you want scrambled, rather than fried eggs, and they also charge extra for brown bread instead of white.

just for the records: the extra charge has been waived.

[Mobi]

As for the wonderful Chonlada.

if you want scrambled, rather than fried eggs, and they also charge extra for brown bread instead of white.

just for the records: the extra charge has been waived.

That's good to know, and good on'em.

But I have to ask what kind of mindset persuaded them to do it in the first place?

All they succeeded in doing is losing two customers, and possibly many more.

And the Darkside, more than any area I can think of, has a finite number of customers, and only the best and most customer oriented eating places will survive.

[patsfangr]

As for the wonderful Chonlada.

if you want scrambled, rather than fried eggs, and they also charge extra for brown bread instead of white.

just for the records: the extra charge has been waived.

That's good to know, and good on'em.

But I have to ask what kind of mindset persuaded them to do it in the first place?

All they succeeded in doing is losing two customers, and possibly many more.

And the Darkside, more than any area I can think of, has a finite number of customers, and only the best and most customer oriented eating places will survive.

In response to the direct question, I can tell you that Pook added that charge because she saw it done in some restaurant in BKK. I told her that it presents a very poor "first image" to customers, and that, in fact, it would even be better to raise the price of all breakfasts by 5 baht, than to have such added charges for very common, inexpensive changes. She removed it at my suggestion.

Having a relationship with owners who are really trying to grow does have some value.

[timekeeper]

so... what about Nice? i feel at times that the wife and i are the only ones who over go there. i rate Nice as the best on SSCC. is anyone else going there for dinner?

i have eaten at Nice a few times but mostly he does takeaways for me

i order by phone or when i am passing on the way home and tell him when its to be picked up and one of us goes and gets it

its not far from our house and the food is delicious.

the elgian owner JC is very accomodating and hospitable

he deserves to do well, good luck to him

[MeetJohnDoe]

I tried the new addition to the Chonlada burger menu today...While it doesn't have as much meet as the burgers at Rung's...the overall taste of it gets my vote as the best burger in town now! They also do a good job with the fries, cooking them to a crisp golden brown.

Yesterday, on the heels of this recommendation, I went to Chonlada for dinner to try their bacon-cheeseburger. I too agree that it is a good burger and very good value for money. You get a medium sized meat patty with a couple slices of Cheddar cheese and a couple thick slices of good tasting bacon (along with lettuce, tomato, and onions) for around B 125. The size is not huge, so if you are really hungry, you might want to go for the deluxe-burger, with 2 patties, or order another side-dish.

Pook said she grinds the patties herself and uses her own spice mix...the meat was good quality and tasty I agree. The size is nowhere near Rung's but Rung's cost B 200 for only a cheese-burger.

I know there have been some negative comments about Chonlada (sometimes closed, no bacon, etc.) and I'm sure they are all true. However, I cut them some slack because they are a small operation, are trying hard, and are very friendly. More important, the food is quite good and prices are very reasonable and it's in all our interests to keep as many good dining choices open as we can out here on the Farside.

My only complaint was, like Rungs and most Thai places doing Western burgers, they don't melt the cheese and I don't know how to request "melted cheese" in Thai Could someone ask their Thai wife/GF how one would say this in Thai and post it here please (George ). I believe cooking something "well done" one would say "sook sook," so would they understand if one said something like "cheese sook sook"?

Edited April 6, 2009 by MeetJohnDoe

[timekeeper]

I tried the new addition to the Chonlada burger menu today...While it doesn't have as much meet as the burgers at Rung's...the overall taste of it gets my vote as the best burger in town now! They also do a good job with the fries, cooking them to a crisp golden brown.

Yesterday, on the heels of this recommendation, I went to Chonlada for dinner to try their bacon-cheeseburger. I too agree that it is a good burger and very good value for money. You get a medium sized meat patty with a couple slices of Cheddar cheese and a couple thick slices of good tasting bacon (along with lettuce, tomato, and onions) for around B 125. The size is not huge, so if you are really hungry, you might want to go for the deluxe-burger, with 2 patties, or order another side-dish.

Pook said she grinds the patties herself and uses her own spice mix...the meat was good quality and tasty I agree. The size is nowhere near Rung's but Rung's cost B 200 for only a cheese-burger.

I know there have been some negative comments about Chonlada (sometimes closed, no bacon, etc.) and I'm sure they are all true. However, I cut them some slack because they are a small operation, are trying hard, and are very friendly. More important, the food is quite good and prices are very reasonable and it's in all our interests to keep as many good dining choices open as we can out here on the Farside.

My only complaint was, like Rungs and most Thai places doing Western burgers, they don't melt the cheese and I don't know how to request "melted cheese" in Thai Could someone ask their Thai wife/GF how one would say this in Thai and post it here please (George ). I believe cooking something "well done" one would say "sook sook," so would they understand if one said something like "cheese sook sook"?

you would ask for cheese la lai

[MeetJohnDoe]

My only complaint was, like Rungs and most Thai places doing Western burgers, they don't melt the cheese. I believe cooking something "well done" one would say "sook sook," so would they understand if one said something like "cheese sook sook"?

you would ask for cheese la lai

Thx

[patsfangr]

My only complaint was, like Rungs and most Thai places doing Western burgers, they don't melt the cheese. I believe cooking something "well done" one would say "sook sook," so would they understand if one said something like "cheese sook sook"?

you would ask for cheese la lai

Thx

John, when I cooked cheeseburgers myself, I always dropped the cheese on top of the burger while it was still on the grill - this done at a point about 20 -30 seconds before the burger was to be removed from the grill. Is that the process you're talking about for melting the cheese?

[MeetJohnDoe]

My only complaint was, like Rungs and most Thai places doing Western burgers, they don't melt the cheese. I believe cooking something "well done" one would say "sook sook," so would they understand if one said something like "cheese sook sook"?

you would ask for cheese la lai

Thx

Went back again today for another bacon-cheeseburger and requested the cheese be "la lai." They definitely understood what I meant and the burger was very good as before (with melted cheese)

[timekeeper]

My only complaint was, like Rungs and most Thai places doing Western burgers, they don't melt the cheese. I believe cooking something "well done" one would say "sook sook," so would they understand if one said something like "cheese sook sook"?

you would ask for cheese la lai

Thx

Went back again today for another bacon-cheeseburger and requested the cheese be "la lai." They definitely understood what I meant and the burger was very good as before (with melted cheese)

hi meetjohndoe

after your review i went to Chonlada yesterday for lunch for the first time

i ordered exactly the same as you and thoroughly enjoyed it

mrs timekeeper had the honey pork chop which she also enjoyed

service was attentative and friendly and both said we would return

thank you for the recommendation

[anothertorres]

ok, let's see if we can tally up who is staying open this week and who is not. i can only confirm that 'Nice' will be closed from the 16th-19th. is anyone else aware of any darkside closures for Songkran?

[MeetJohnDoe]

after your review i went to Chonlada yesterday for lunch for the first time

i ordered exactly the same as you and thoroughly enjoyed it

Glad it was to your taste

And thanks for the Thai lesson. I give credit to Patsfangr (aka George) for turning me onto this burger.

[Tokay]

You mean people live over there?

I was always told that is where the world ended.

[timekeeper]

You mean people live over there?

I was always told that is where the world ended.

you were told wrong, its the other way round, its Pattaya where the world ends (or many farangs worlds do anyway......)

[MeetJohnDoe]

ok, let's see if we can tally up who is staying open this week and who is not. i can only confirm that 'Nice' will be closed from the 16th-19th.

I can confirm that Dao Cafe will be open throughout the Songkran holiday period

[patsfangr]

ok, let's see if we can tally up who is staying open this week and who is not. i can only confirm that 'Nice' will be closed from the 16th-19th.

I can confirm that Dao Cafe will be open throughout the Songkran holiday period

Good for them; but they won't see me. I choose not to deal with Songkran. I'll be a shut-in, except for my required trip to Immigration on the 16th. I really don't mind the water; but I don't like getting the powder all over my car.

[Mobi]

My car is safely covered and stored in Bangkok, and I am out of the country until next week, longer if necessary.

Best decision I ever made, considering the ongoing unrest...

[Lancelot]

I have only tried the PJ pub or whatever it's called on Soi Khao Noi a couple of times but I found the food was very poor both times and I will not go back there.

Just down from PJ on the oppsite side of the road near the banana bar is a thai resteraunt called Baan Ahlaai (spelling ?) which I tried last night, there are no falang dishes only thai. Me and the missus was quite impressed with the food served, not the cheapest thai resteraunt around but very good food.

I haven't seen any reviews of the great british fish and chip shop on Soi Khao Noi on this thread but I have tried it a couple of times but I haven't been impressed so far, still a work in progress I think.

I ordered a steak sandwich and fries from PJs. I waited about 40 minutes for my order-the sandwich was barely warm and my order of fries consisted of seven very hot french fries

I went to Baan Ahan a couple of times and I agree that the food is good. Last time there I ordered fried rice and kai jeow (Thai ommlet) The menu listed the ommlet at B35, but since I didn't get it "over rice" it cost B60. Less food, higher cost. Go figure.

Today I tried the Great British Fish & Chips, ordering the large cod and chips. It was OK, but just OK. Not sure I would bother to go back.

I seem to go to Rung Thip the most and some of the local Thai Mom & Pop noodle and rice shops

[MeetJohnDoe]

ok, let's see if we can tally up who is staying open this week and who is not. i can only confirm that 'Nice' will be closed from the 16th-19th.

I can confirm that Dao Cafe will be open throughout the Songkran holiday period

Further FYI, Rung Thip is closed 13, 14 & 15 (Mon-Wed).

[anothertorres]

Chonlada was closed this morning. I'm assuming for the rest of the week???

[Digger]

Lakeside is open as are Delibeans - I was there last night and it was busy again. Has anyone tried the John Dory fish?, it was a toss up between that and the Roast ribeye but plumped for the healthier fish - superb is all I can say.

[MeetJohnDoe]

Lakeside is open

Have they completed their inside dining room yet?