The Hit And Run Restaurant "review" Thread

[jwdub]

The half-price pizzas from 3-6pm at the Holiday Inn on Beach Road. Some interesting combinations (veggie Peter Piper is my fav., with sundried tomatoes, Greek olives, artichoke hearts, red peppers, and capers). Thin cracker type crust pizzas. Stick with the pizzas, however, because the rest of the menu is meh institutional hotel food.

Have a pizza and beer and enjoy the sunset over Pattaya bay.

You have piqued my interest OMGP. How much are the Pizza's during 3-6 and is this an everyday special?

[Awohalitsiktoli]

Has anyone been to this place? Is it a "hit" or do we "run away from it?" I saw it today on Soi Buakao Rd. near that purple hotel (Sawasdee). I love Chinese-American food and some authentic Chinese food, but have never found good versions of either one of them in Thailand:

[OMGImInPattaya]

The half-price pizzas from 3-6pm at the Holiday Inn on Beach Road. Some interesting combinations (veggie Peter Piper is my fav., with sundried tomatoes, Greek olives, artichoke hearts, red peppers, and capers). Thin cracker type crust pizzas. Stick with the pizzas, however, because the rest of the menu is meh institutional hotel food.

Have a pizza and beer and enjoy the sunset over Pattaya bay.

You have piqued my interest OMGP. How much are the Pizza's during 3-6 and is this an everyday special?

Regular prices are B250-350 so half that, and + +. Some unique combinations in amongst the gourmet pizzas, including avocado and my aforementioned artichoke hearts. Yes, every day.

[Jingthing]

... I love Chinese-American food and some authentic Chinese food, but have never found good versions of either one of them in Thailand:

...

Keep looking.

Edited April 2, 2014 by Jingthing

[besth]

This Hit and Run thread is really about any kind of restaurant serving any kind of food in this region. Please, this is not the Khao Soy - pork liver specialist thread!

I was going to suggest that a new thread should be opened either for that particular restaurant or Khao Soy, as the long discussion here amongst a few posters kind

of has taken away the easy/quick reading that seemed to be intended for this

thread (no big deal, can skip through the "yes liver" "no liver" "yes blood", etc. but

maybe that would be better in a separate thread).

[Jingthing]

This Hit and Run thread is really about any kind of restaurant serving any kind of food in this region. Please, this is not the Khao Soy - pork liver specialist thread!

I was going to suggest that a new thread should be opened either for that particular restaurant or Khao Soy, as the long discussion here amongst a few posters kind

of has taken away the easy/quick reading that seemed to be intended for this

thread (no big deal, can skip through the "yes liver" "no liver" "yes blood", etc. but

maybe that would be better in a separate thread).

This new casual Lanna food place has been widely discussed already on multiple threads. I don't personally see the need for a separate thread on it now. The info is already available. It's a good, VERY well run, small budget priced place on 3rd road with a limited menu. The overwhelming response has been positive but not to expect a culinary orgasm either.

This isn't YELP or CHOWHOUND. If we had a separate thread for every small restaurant in the Pattaya region, 90 percent of the threads would be restaurant threads. That's one reason I started this HIT and RUN concept, to stick a bunch of them all together. Of course I think some places do deserve their own thread, and I admit that is highly subjective. We also regularly have "theme" threads such as Pizza and Burgers, but be careful about Mexican, those threads seem to always end in TEARS! I think there was also a fairly recent Khao Soy thread here ... too lazy to search for it myself right now.

Edited April 2, 2014 by Jingthing

[besth]

This Hit and Run thread is really about any kind of restaurant serving any kind of food in this region. Please, this is not the Khao Soy - pork liver specialist thread!

I was going to suggest that a new thread should be opened either for that particular restaurant or Khao Soy, as the long discussion here amongst a few posters kind

of has taken away the easy/quick reading that seemed to be intended for this

thread (no big deal, can skip through the "yes liver" "no liver" "yes blood", etc. but

maybe that would be better in a separate thread).

This new casual Lanna food place has been widely discussed already on multiple threads. I don't personally see the need for a separate thread on it now. The info is already available. It's a good, VERY well run, small budget priced place on 3rd road with a limited menu. The overwhelming response has been positive but not to expect a culinary orgasm either.

OK, I don't remember having seen it before. I just meant that the liver/blood discussion took away a bit from the intention of the thread (although since you opened it, you must know better what that was).

As a side note, the discussion has managed to trigger my curiosity to go and check the liver/blood or not thing

[Jingthing]

My idea for the thread is in the OP.

I am happy it has lasted even this long (against the odds) as I think it has provided useful new information on local food choices for many, including myself!

If it turns into a flame fest over trivialities like pork blood cakes, it's future existence would be in danger.

Thanks to all the reasonable helpful people who have kept this thread alive so far and made so many positive content contributions, and with wishes for this to continue.

Cheers.

Edited April 2, 2014 by Jingthing

[Yahooka]

Has anyone been to this place? Is it a "hit" or do we "run away from it?" I saw it today on Soi Buakao Rd. near that purple hotel (Sawasdee). I love Chinese-American food and some authentic Chinese food, but have never found good versions of either one of them in Thailand:

02042014744.jpg

02042014746.jpg

02042014747.jpg

It`s most deffo a "hit"...............Been there twice and like it a lot.

[Jingthing]

Has anyone been to this place? Is it a "hit" or do we "run away from it?" I saw it today on Soi Buakao Rd. near that purple hotel (Sawasdee). I love Chinese-American food and some authentic Chinese food, but have never found good versions of either one of them in Thailand:

02042014744.jpg

02042014746.jpg

02042014747.jpg

It`s most deffo a "hit"...............Been there twice and like it a lot.

Good to hear.

Can you mention the specific dishes that you found enjoyable?

[Bernard Flint]

Has anyone been to this place? Is it a "hit" or do we "run away from it?" I saw it today on Soi Buakao Rd. near that purple hotel (Sawasdee). I love Chinese-American food and some authentic Chinese food, but have never found good versions of either one of them in Thailand:

02042014744.jpg

02042014746.jpg

02042014747.jpg

It`s most deffo a "hit"...............Been there twice and like it a lot.

A big hit for me too,had take aways also.Menus available at the restaraunt

[Awohalitsiktoli]

Has anyone been to this place? Is it a "hit" or do we "run away from it?" I saw it today on Soi Buakao Rd. near that purple hotel (Sawasdee). I love Chinese-American food and some authentic Chinese food, but have never found good versions of either one of them in Thailand:

02042014744.jpg

02042014746.jpg

02042014747.jpg

It`s most deffo a "hit"...............Been there twice and like it a lot.

A big hit for me too,had take aways also.Menus available at the restaraunt

I just tried it and ordered chicken w/ black bean sauce. It was nothing like what I have eaten in either the USA or China (not even close). In order to be nice, I will just say "never again." And, yes Jingting, I will "keep looking."

[Jingthing]

For more authentic Chinese black bean sauce flavor profile, check out HO VA TIM on 2nd road a little bit south of Pattaya Klang, east side of street. It's not Hong Kong but they make an effort. They have Mussels with black bean sauce and also bitter melon beef with black bean sauce. You can ask and I know they will do squid and bitter melon with black bean sauce, and most likely clams with black bean sauce (a classic Chinese banquet dish) because they do offer clams in a Chinese curry sauce. Also worth noting, they will probably go too lightly on the black beans if you're a round eye, so best to tell them you want extra black bean sauce flavor, that is, if you do. This place also does very well with Chinese greens dishes!

Again, don't go with massive expectations, this is Pattaya. Chinese food lovers here, we make do.

Picture not from Ho Va Tim:

Cheers!

Edited April 2, 2014 by Jingthing

[Jingthing]

CHIC PUNJABI

roughly across from the baht bus queue school in South Pattaya appears to now be shut up.

If so, it didn't even last a year.

Was I the only one who tried it?

The Indian Chicken Man didn't work for you? What does it take?

On the theme of sad closings, AVI THE BEST, Israeli restaurant on Soi Bhuakow is sporting a Restaurant For Sale sign.

Also not lasting a year it seems. Yes, there was good food to be had there.

Tough business!

Edited April 2, 2014 by Jingthing

[TaaSaparot]

Has anyone been to this place? Is it a "hit" or do we "run away from it?" I saw it today on Soi Buakao Rd. near that purple hotel (Sawasdee). I love Chinese-American food and some authentic Chinese food, but have never found good versions of either one of them in Thailand:

Its not a hit for me.

But I am no fan, of the overly sweet gloopy UK (Chef Scottish trained actually) style Chinese Food.

Plus on my one visit, there is signs up stating its no smoking, but people were smoking, so it does not matter what their food is like, to me.

Edited April 3, 2014 by TaaSaparot

[smedly]

There may be some posting here with motives other than food so be aware

I have tried the food in this Chinese and it is the best and closest I have tasted to what we expect back home, that does not mean it is to everybody's taste, I would recommend you try it and treat the few that have commented here with a pinch of salt and that includes Jingthing who I have mostly respect for but would question his opinion and motive on this one with prejudice

[Jingthing]

There may be some posting here with motives other than food so be aware

I have tried the food in this Chinese and it is the best and closest I have tasted to what we expect back home, that does not mean it is to everybody's taste, I would recommend you try it and treat the few that have commented here with a pinch of salt and that includes Jingthing who I have mostly respect for but would question his opinion and motive on this one with prejudice

I had a negative experience. I can't really say more than that on a forum. Be as prejudiced as you like. I have no hidden motive. I think some people here do have hidden motives ... such as people with commercial interests posting as just customers, can't be helped but sometimes they give obvious clues.

Nobody is stopping people from trying any place themselves. By all means DO THAT if that is your wish. As far as respecting me, what do you want from me, to say I had a great experience when I didn't? I agree of course everyone has their own tastes. Enjoy whatever your tastes are. Be happy! This is food we're talking about. One of life's greatest pleasures. FUN FUN FUN. There is enough delicious food to please everyone in town ... as long as you can pay the check bin!

Edited April 3, 2014 by Jingthing

[smedly]

AS I said I have eaten there and I also know others that have, I have also been drinking there not eating and saw a constant flow of customers buying food there and a considerable flow of deliveries over the short time of a couple of hours, so although your opinion is your own and that is up to you it would appear from my own experience that a considerable amount of people like the food there including myself, it would also appear that not all of them in fact very few post on this thread or even TVF so it is not the ultimate eating guide in Pattaya and neither are you jingthing but I value your effort in trying out places and sharing even though I and others don't always agree with your findings

[Jingthing]

AS I said I have eaten there and I also know others that have, I have also been drinking there not eating and saw a constant flow of customers buying food there and a considerable flow of deliveries over the short time of a couple of hours, so although your opinion is your own and that is up to you it would appear from my own experience that a considerable amount of people like the food there including myself, it would also appear that not all of them in fact very few post on this thread or even TVF so it is not the ultimate eating guide in Pattaya and neither are you jingthing but I value your effort in trying out places and sharing even though I and others don't always agree with your findings

Fine, dude.

I am not a professional food reviewer and have never made any claims that I am.

I have never asserted food posts here are the ultimate food guide. Never ever.

The trouble is the "food guides" that do exist in Pattaya are very flawed, because in Thailand you can't really even have professional food reviewers as in the west ... FLUFF PIECES are the order of the day.

So it is natural that people would be interested in forums where people without commercial interests share their PERSONAL opinions, but even on forums, there are large restrictions on what can actually be said, even when information is objectively true.

I have never suggested that everyone should agree with my opinions any more than they should agree with your opinions.

You are projecting that on to me and I totally reject it.

In fact, just to show people how wrong you are on this about this particular eatery, on this very thread a poster said they liked the food there, and I said I was glad to hear it and asked for details about specific dishes ordered.

Which should tell people something else ... hopefully people will be inspired to say more than I liked it and rather tell us some more DETAILS about why they liked it, typically about specific dishes. For information for the public. Got that?

Also, this thread welcomes input FROM ALL. It is not a thread designed to only be about my restaurant comments,

It is beyond my powers to FORCE more people to post more often on the target topic posts -- restaurant stuff.

But people should know at least they are strongly encouraged to do so.

Edited April 3, 2014 by Jingthing

[Jingthing]

I would like to ask people to read the OP:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/608166-the-hit-and-run-restaurant-review-thread/?p=5971305

Because while normal back and forth chatter on specific restaurants is normal and expected (and I do it too), the ideal for this thread is more about what is written in the OP. It's really a different concept than most other restaurant threads. In execution, no it hasn't fully met that ideal, but I'd like to remind people of the ideal.

[smedly]

AS I said I have eaten there and I also know others that have, I have also been drinking there not eating and saw a constant flow of customers buying food there and a considerable flow of deliveries over the short time of a couple of hours, so although your opinion is your own and that is up to you it would appear from my own experience that a considerable amount of people like the food there including myself, it would also appear that not all of them in fact very few post on this thread or even TVF so it is not the ultimate eating guide in Pattaya and neither are you jingthing but I value your effort in trying out places and sharing even though I and others don't always agree with your findings

Fine, dude.

I am not a professional food reviewer and have never made any claims that I am.

I have never asserted food posts here are the ultimate food guide. Never ever.

The trouble is the "food guides" that do exist in Pattaya are very flawed, because in Thailand you can't really even have professional food reviewers as in the west ... FLUFF PIECES are the order of the day.

So it is natural that people would be interested in forums where people without commercial interests share their PERSONAL opinions, but even on forums, there are large restrictions on what can actually be said, even when information is objectively true.

I have never suggested that everyone should agree with my opinions any more than they should agree with your opinions.

You are projecting that on to me and I totally reject it.

In fact, just to show people how wrong you are on this about this particular eatery, on this very thread a poster said they liked the food there, and I said I was glad to hear it and asked for details about specific dishes ordered.

Which should tell people something else ... hopefully people will be inspired to say more than I liked it and rather tell us some more DETAILS about why they liked it, typically about specific dishes. For information for the public. Got that?

Also, this thread welcomes input FROM ALL. It is not a thread designed to only be about my restaurant comments,

It is beyond my powers to FORCE more people to post more often on the target topic posts -- restaurant stuff.

But people should know at least they are strongly encouraged to do so.

I am not attacking you with any personal garbage as you put it, but it is obvious from your reply that that you are in agreement with everything I said above, I fail to see were there is a need for taking this to a personal level - I don't talk garbage and certainly have not accused you either - so wind your neck in

If I chose to disagree with your opinion about something I will exorcise my right to do so as you should also

Leave the personal stuff out of this it has no place here and usually results in thread and discussion going down a rat hole and spoiling the neutral ambiance of the forum

If someone disagrees with you - take it on the chin and move on

[Jingthing]

You didn't just disagree with me.

Did you conveniently forget what you said:

... Jingthing who I have mostly respect for but would question his opinion and motive on this one with prejudice

You attacked my personal integrity questioning my "motive" as if I am obligated to love every restaurant I eat at and if I don't it's some kind of dark conspiracy. As far as spoiling this thread, I suggest looking in the mirror.

You know, if this is where this thread is heading now, maybe it is too old now and should be closed. Nothing good lasts forever. Everyone here is free to start their own FRESH AND NEW threads here on restaurants or most anything.

Yes, it may sound egotistical, but I think I did a good thing starting this thread and doing my best to help to keep it alive. But in my experience here, no good deed goes unpunished. You do something positive here and it always attracts SNIPERS.

Edited April 3, 2014 by Jingthing

[smedly]

so before eating in this place you had no connection whatsoever with the owners and had never met them before ?

If you answer my question honestly then I will believe you are completely 100% neutral

Not again making any accusation just wanting to know

[seasia]

Moving on and away from pork blood cakes ...

Has anyone tried the new sort of frou frou restaurant DA VINCI on 2nd road, accross from Rompho Market, Jomtien?

I had a look at the menu, it seemed to largely be about Italian pasta dishes.

However, it had more the feel of a trendy cocktail lounge than a conventional restaurant.

I wasn't personally inspired to try it myself as I like more funky places usually and the menu looked more conventional than I expected by appearance, so curious if the food might actually be good. The prices were also lower than you would expect for the look of the place.

...............

re. Da Vinci, not tried it, hadn`t even heard of it but would be tempted to at least take a look when next in Jomtien.

Curious as much as anything.

My list of places to look at/try seems to be growing larger than my appetite.

[Jingthing]

so before eating in this place you had no connection whatsoever with the owners and had never met them before ?

If you answer my question honestly then I will believe you are completely 100% neutral

Not again making any accusation just wanting to know

I had never met the owner to my knowledge in my life.

When I ate there, my waitress told me the owner was sitting at the bar.

I didn't even really look closely with him. I did not approach him to speak to him and he did not approach me. Even though the place was empty he didn't seem interested. He certainly did not look at me like I was a person who he knew personally.

I have never been back and couldn't describe the physical description of the owner to save my life. Except I think he was a white man.

It sounds to me from your questioning that you have heard some wild story from the owner, is that correct? I do often talk to owners, but not this one, and I suppose it is possible that he recognized me from another restaurant in the past, as I do eat out a lot, but again, I did not recognize him, not at all.

On the details of my actual experience as far as food and service, I would like to describe that in detail, but I think it's best if I don't.

As you say, others have reported positive experiences there. I am happy to hear that and sure thing, try it yourselves and form your own opinions, but that doesn't mean I'm going back either.

Edited April 3, 2014 by Jingthing

[smedly]

so before eating in this place you had no connection whatsoever with the owners and had never met them before ?

If you answer my question honestly then I will believe you are completely 100% neutral

Not again making any accusation just wanting to know

I had never met the owner to my knowledge in my life.

When I ate there, my waitress told me the owner was sitting at the bar.

I didn't even really look closely with him. I did not approach him to speak to him and he did not approach me. Even though the place was empty he didn't seem interested. He certainly did not look at me like I was a person who he knew personally.

I have never been back and couldn't describe the physical description of the owner to save my life. Except I think he was a white man.

It sounds to me from your questioning that you have heard some wild story from the owner, is that correct? I do often talk to owners, but not this one, and I suppose it is possible that he recognized me from another restaurant in the past, as I do eat out a lot, but again, I did not recognize him, not at all.

On the details of my actual experience as far as food and service, I would like to describe that in detail, but I think it's best if I don't.

As you say, others have reported positive experiences there. I am happy to hear that and sure thing, try it yourselves and form your own opinions, but that doesn't mean I'm going back either.

Nope the owner has never discussed anything about this forum with me and as far as I know he is not a member here and has not seen this thread

so fair enough now lets move on - and do keep up the good work like I said above I value your posts and your efforts

and BTW questioning someones motive is not getting personal it is simply a question - you answered it and I believe you

Edited April 3, 2014 by smedly

[TaaSaparot]

Just like to say, I have no commercial interests, that would influence my thoughts of Wok n Rok.

I have seen posts from the owner on another forum, and that's how I knew that the Chef was Scottish trained.

I did not think too much of their food, but would have been willing to give some other menu items a try on further visits

That they allow smoking in there, meant it was never going to happen, which goes for all other restaurants allowing the same.

Edited April 3, 2014 by TaaSaparot

[Sigurris]

Back to the food.

Cafe De Mar on Jomtien has the best pizza I have tried here. Perfection. And this is from someone who is not the greatest fan of Pizza's but I have been back for seconds in a week.

La Meranda opposite Rhompho market is my favourite restaurant. Small, friendly and good music. I can't talk for all the food as I have the same every time I go, the waitress doesn't even bother with the menu now. Spaghetti Aglio Olio it is superb. Italian chef who always comes out to say hello.

[OMGImInPattaya]

Back to the food.

Cafe De Mar on Jomtien has the best pizza I have tried here. Perfection. And this is from someone who is not the greatest fan of Pizza's but I have been back for seconds in a week.

La Meranda opposite Rhompho market is my favourite restaurant. Small, friendly and good music. I can't talk for all the food as I have the same every time I go, the waitress doesn't even bother with the menu now. Spaghetti Aglio Olio it is superb. Italian chef who always comes out to say hello.

And that spaghetti with olive oil, garlic, and chili is one tough dish to make (even without the fancy Italian name). I hear its a finals dish at the Le Cordon Bleu Cooking Academy in Paris!

[Jingthing]

Yeah ... some people don't like to cook anything though, and of course tourists don't usually have kitchens. I prefer to order restaurant food that I can't make myself or don't want to bother with.