The Hit And Run Restaurant "review" Thread

[Jingthing]

Pasta e fagioli

pasta fasul (fazool)

pasta e fasule

Pasta and beans

 

Pizza Art (CLOSED)

Somehow I managed to make it this far in life without ever having tried classic Neapolitan pasta fasul until very recently. 

 

At now closed Pizza Art in Jomtien I had it and I was totally blown away by how much I liked the dish and their version.

 

It was more like a thick soup (with the beans and smoky ham) than a typical pasta dish and the pasta they used was chopped up very al dente spaghetti. 

 

The soup reminded me of an exceptionally good American green pea and ham soup. 

 

For me it was the perfect light meal.

 

But now they're gone.

 

Anywhere else in town that has this dish? If so, I don't expect it to be as good as Pizza Art's was but I'm game to try new versions.

 

Thanks. 

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pasta_e_fagioli

 

 

Edited November 10, 2018 by Jingthing

[balo]

2 hours ago, DrTuner said:

In short, Arno's got superb meat (It's a butcher's shop after all), Jim wins in everything else.

You did not mention the prices , who wins there?

[DrTuner]

3 minutes ago, balo said:

You did not mention the prices , who wins there?

Hmmm. I'm not sure. Perhaps Arno's was a bit less. I go for quality so don't mind paying. Neither is what I would call cheap.

[Jingthing]

Oishi Ramen

 

Even though Terminal 21 is now "Ramen Central" in the new Pattaya, I was at Central Mall last night and felt curious to try the new "higher end" ramen options at Oishi.

 

I have thought of Oishi as mass appeal for Thai tastes
"Japanese" food and haven't thought much of their ramen in the past, in fact I thought it was really not good, so hadn't been for years.

 

But I noticed they upped their game with fancier and higher priced ramen choices.

 

So I went for I think their most expensive ramen menu item, the Tonkatsu Kukuni Ramen at 189.

 

If you don't know Tonkatsu ramen broth is a very rich, very high fat, white broth made with pork bones.

 

Kukuni is a special Japanese preparation of pork belly.

 

I love Tonkatsu broth but don't have it often for health reasons and this was the first time I tried Kukuni meat.

 

Well, and I'm not really surprised as they would need to justify their higher prices, overall I found it pretty good. Nothing at the level of the great tonkatsu ramens I've had but decent enough quality for the price. 

 

As they're a huge chain I think it's fair to assume their tontaksu broth is probably not made in a traditional way like in a small shop in Tokyo and who knows maybe they just throw in some flavor paste packet, but that's behind the scenes and not my problem, as it tasted pretty good.

 

I compare it a tonkatsu I had at the Zen chain before which doesn't specialized in ramen. The Zen chain tonkatsu broth actually tasted like it came out of a flavor paste packet. Oishi's only tasted like it MIGHT have. So Oishi's was better.

 

The pork belly meat was intense and seemed mucho Japanesey (but not cheesy) in preparation but hard to rate quality as my first time. But it was certainly delicious.  Happy to try it once for sure.

 

The noodles didn't impress much and for me not toothsome enough. They didn't seem better than the Oishi noodles I had there before. 

 

There are better ramen brand options now at Terminal 21 but Oishi was good enough for me to consider returning sometimes to try some of their other broth options.

 

So I would say they have improved.

 

 

Edited November 11, 2018 by Jingthing

[Jingthing]

Jiao Zi Guan 
T21 Mall, San Francisco floor (south side) 
Chinese, Northern Chinese Dumplings 

 

Mentioned before but they are changing rapidly, it seems for the better. Before I rated it pretty good. Now I would say a solid good, possibly very good.

 

First of all they have expanded their menu yet again. Aside from the huge selection of mostly boiled Northern Chinese dumplings, they now have a larger variety of noodle dishes, and pretty much everything else too. There are the mostly for Chinese dishes with all the organs stuff and duck tongues type stuff expanded but also plenty of more westerner accessible dishes expanded as well. For those seeking the familiar, perhaps try their sweet and sour pork. Another new dish is Shanghai style wontons in soup. Be careful though mixed in randomly in the menu are some purely Thai dishes such as squid with salted egg. That's fine but I think it's best to go with Chinese dishes at a definitely Chinese restaurant. I ordered a clam dish which was poorly described on the menu and ordered it spicy so what I got was basically a spicy Thai with Thai basil clam stir fry. Good but not Chinese.

 

Some more dishes I've tried recently include the stir fried noodles with beef, a dry dish, not greasy, and a large portion of edible beef. I think that would appeal to westerners.

 

Tried the famous Shanghai Xia Long Pao, the dumplings with hot soup inside. This is more sophisticated dish and I only found them average there. So I think going with their specialty, one of the boiled dumpling dishes is a better idea.

 

Tried the boiled "mushroom dumplings" which of course had pork in there as well, so I don't think they actually do have any vegetarian dumplings. They were more al dente than before which is how I think they should be.

Vinegar is on the tables which is good to use as a dip with this style of dumpling. Soy sauce too of course.

 

Also tried one of their very new dishes, Spicy beef stew noodle soup and asked for it extra hot. It came extra hot very RED and again a very generous portion of beef stew meat. The broth was on the oily side which is an authentic way of doing it, so I left over half of the broth, not because it was too spicy but too oily. Not a complaint. 

 

There is a Chinese speaking young lady there who seems in charge of the floor that is exceptionally friendly and helpful and always tries very hard to explain the food if you have any questions. She seems to be trying to practice her English as well, which is a way of saying non-Chinese customers are very welcome there. 

 

I've noticed this place is a hit. There aren't many tables but sometimes they're full or mostly full at more peak hours anyway. Also nice to see diversity in the customers, mostly Chinese or Thai Chinese, but also Thai Thais and Russians. Russians shouldn't surprise people. They love dumplings!

Edited November 12, 2018 by Jingthing

[Jingthing]

More about the Pizza Art to Da Nicola thingie on Tappraya in Jomtien

 

Pizza Art had purist traditional Neopolitan pizza. Particularly the crust. I loved it. I know of no other place doing that in Pattaya.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neapolitan_pizza

 

So a question, for anyone that had Pizza Art pizza and liked it, is there another place in Pattaya that does it like they did?

 

I'm assuming Da Nicola is NOT doing purist Neopolitan pizza anymore because they have their own brand. 

Edited November 13, 2018 by Jingthing

[ThaiBob]

2 hours ago, Jingthing said:

More about the Pizza Art to Da Nicola thingie on Tappraya in Jomtien

 

Pizza Art had purist traditional Neopolitan pizza. Particularly the crust. I loved it. I know of no other place doing that in Pattaya.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neapolitan_pizza

 

So a question, for anyone that had Pizza Art pizza and liked it, is there another place in Pattaya that does it like they did?

 

I'm assuming Da Nicola is NOT doing purist Neopolitan pizza anymore because they have their own brand. 

Well I wouldn't assume anything without asking first but two visits to DaNicola revealed nothing special to make it a regular stop unless you live nearby. A friend enjoyed their pizza, I found their lasagna unexciting and zero complimentary bread(just like Pan Pan). I suggest you investigate Italian Osteria or some of the the other pizza paces at T21. The Italian manager and cook listen and might do a pizza to your liking. 

Edited November 13, 2018 by ThaiBob

[Jingthing]

16 minutes ago, ThaiBob said:

Well I wouldn't assume anything without asking first but two visits to DaNicola revealed nothing special to make it a regular stop unless you live nearby. A friend enjoyed their pizza, I found their lasagna unexciting and zero complimentary bread(just like Pan Pan). I suggest you investigate Italian Osteria or some of the the other pizza paces at T21. The Italian manager and cook listen and might do a pizza to your liking. 

I've had DaNicola before in other locations. He does AUSTRALIAN style pizza! The menu at the new place is exactly the same as before. I think there is no way he is doing purist Neopolitan pizzas there. It's a good space. I have no idea why the old place left. People assume losing money but people close shops for many different reasons. 

 

I haven't noticed purist Neopolitan pizzas at either of the new places at T21. It's not something you do on call from one customer. It's a whole involved schtick. 

[CharlieH]

Reminder.

 

Please only post in this topic about venues/establishments you have actually visited and eaten in.

 

Thank you.

[Jingthing]

Vickan's Swedish Restaurant

Jomtien beach road, Jomtien

 

 

 

Vickan's is a long standing charming well regarded cozy place (that I have previously eaten at and "reviewed" a meal on this thread).

 

They have some new offers during the daytime I think are worth a mention.

 

First of all they have lunch specials, as pictured. It's in Swedish so get out your google translate. For example Monday is brown beans with pork meat and Sunday is a fish and shellfish with cheese gratin.

 

 

 

Secondly they have a Scandanavian sandwich "buffet" including a choice of four set sandwiches. Interesting in that Lindas on Tappraya Road discontinued their offer (which I had tried and "reviewed" before it ended) which in their case was literally a buffet with a sandwich case to choose from. Linda's still has some offers for Scandinavian sandwich sets but no longer has a buffet.

 

[opporna]

Big news: Taco Taco Tex Mex has opened a sit-down restaurant on Soi 9 Central Road. Today is their soft opening.

Edited November 15, 2018 by opporna

[Jingthing]

5 minutes ago, opporna said:

Big news: Taco Taco Tex Mex has opened a sit-down restaurant on Soi 9 Central Road. Today is their soft opening.

Yes, and I have previously eaten at their old location in Soi Buakow market. Their Mexican meats were done in a believably authentic way. But I found their burritos weird in that they used French fries in place of Mexican rice. I noticed on the new menu at the Taco Taco new restaurant that they are now including more traditional Mexican rice in their burritos. I also recall their salsas at the original location were pretty decent as well. 

[Jingthing]

Thai Marche

Spectacular new food building adjacent to Tiffany show, 2nd road, North Pattaya

As I've mentioned before I've been watching for their opening date and wondering what it would be.

 

Well it opened last night and as people guessed it's a Thai food only high end luxury food court concept.

Kind of the opposite vibe as the nearby T21 food court which is frankly more my speed.

I stopped in to peruse the menu and walk around but wasn't in the mood for such a frou frou meal experience.

The customers they had all appeared to be hiso-ish Thais.

I suppose they're aiming for tourists but they just opened.

They have various food stations but it's vague whats actually on offer there. Happily they do have a quite extensive menu with pictures. I found the menu a little intimidating actually. It would be some work to make choices. The food as said is all Thai. But a specific kind of Thai. I would say roughly traditional old timey Thai done up in fancy ways. Not fusion food. Definitely had lots of items you won't see on a standard Thai menu here. Heavy on starters and desserts too. I reckon they're shooting for a 400 to 500 baht per head spend before drinks. Well now you have at least a little better idea of what to expect should you choose to check it out.

 

 

Sent from my Lenovo A7020a48 using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

 

 

 

 

[balo]

3 hours ago, Jingthing said:

First of all they have lunch specials

Yes thats interesting. 

On Tuesdays , boiled cod with egg sauce. Never seen that on the menu here before. 

 

We Scandinavians love our cod fish , but it must be boiled the traditional way. Cod is very expensive to import so I wonder where they get it from ?  

 

If its the real deal like this picture, I'll be back on Tuesday, 

 

 

 

 

[Jingthing]

T21 food court.

Tried the pad Thai / pan fried seafood pancakes place close to the woonsen place in the rear on the right.

 

Wow.

 

Had the mussel egg pancake at 55 baht. This was the best version of this dish I ever had or perhaps the second best. The competition was in the USA. Don't be a hater.

 

Anyway the texture of the pancake was chewy, not at all greasy, and not over or under cooked. It enveloped fresh crisp bean sprouts.

 

My only complaints are the actual mussels could have been more numerous and bigger.

 

The station also didn't have the traditional red Thai chili sauce. They did have a red sauce but it was basically sugar syrup.

 

I can forgive those faults considering how good it was.

 

Sent from my Lenovo A7020a48 using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

 

 

 

 

[Jingthing]

Bueno Italian Restaurant

Soi 4 Jomtien

 

 

A long time back this was getting some good "foodie" buzz but that was a long time back and I only just tried it.

I saw they had a promotion of buy a pizza and get another pizza or salad free during certain hours.

Well I showed up during these certain hours but no have salad but they did have another daily special on pizza, a medium sized "4 Seasons" for 199 so I tried that. Soda water was 50 and no plus plus.

 

Anyway, you can see the picture. 

 

 

This pizza did not appeal to my tastes. I found the crust cake-like. It sat heavy in my stomach. I often say there is likely a pizza in Pattaya that will be your personal pizza bliss. Also pizza is subjective.

 

Enough said?

[TaaSaparot]

Taco Taco in their new location, Pattaya Klang Soi 9, is now open.

 

 

 

 

[KneeDeep]

For fresh seafood at local prices, get yourself to Naklua; One plate meals just 40 baht.

 

Restaurant name; เจ๊น้อง ซีฟู๊ด สะพานยาว / Chef Long Sea Bridge

 

Location

 

 

 

 

 

 

[DrTuner]

19 hours ago, opporna said:

Big news: Taco Taco Tex Mex has opened a sit-down restaurant on Soi 9 Central Road. Today is their soft opening.

 Since Thailand still needs a Napoleon to sort out the street numbering so they'd make sense, I took the liberty of finding out where it is on Google maps: https://goo.gl/maps/N7BmnxHCCBG2 . I shall be paying them a visit.

 

 

 

 

Edited November 16, 2018 by DrTuner

[Jingthing]

11 minutes ago, DrTuner said:

 Since Thailand still needs a Napoleon to sort out the street numbering so they'd make sense, I took the liberty of finding out where it is on Google maps: https://goo.gl/maps/N7BmnxHCCBG2 . I shall be paying them a visit.

 

 

 

 

Yes, Taco Taco is definitely the most exciting new local restaurant to open this week. Mexican has been a weak spot at least in Central Pattaya. I think people should keep in mind that restaurants aren't always their best after they first open. 

Edited November 16, 2018 by Jingthing

[Jingthing]

I reckon some people (including me) that have enjoyed the authentic Italian cooking at casual La Taverna del Passatore (off Soi Buakow) over many years (now closed) have wondered about it's rebirth as Il Peccatore on Soi Lengkee. Well now we know. The opening happens on November 27 and it won't be the same menu as before. They will even have pizza, unlike before. 

[TaaSaparot]

Il Peccatore  = The Sinner ?

[Jingthing]

Il Peccatore  = The Sinner ?

Yep. That's amusing. Seems apt for that part of Pattaya.

Sent from my Lenovo A7020a48 using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[Jingthing]

On 11/15/2018 at 6:22 PM, Jingthing said:

Vickan's Swedish Restaurant

Jomtien beach road, Jomtien

 

 

 

Vickan's is a long standing charming well regarded cozy place (that I have previously eaten at and "reviewed" a meal on this thread).

 

They have some new offers during the daytime I think are worth a mention.

 

First of all they have lunch specials, as pictured. It's in Swedish so get out your google translate. For example Monday is brown beans with pork meat and Sunday is a fish and shellfish with cheese gratin.

 

 

 

Secondly they have a Scandanavian sandwich "buffet" including a choice of four set sandwiches. Interesting in that Lindas on Tappraya Road discontinued their offer (which I had tried and "reviewed" before it ended) which in their case was literally a buffet with a sandwich case to choose from. Linda's still has some offers for Scandinavian sandwich sets but no longer has a buffet.

 

Update on Vickan's lunch offerings.

The sign about the Scandanavian sandwich buffet is down. Oh well.

I tried the Sunday fish and shellfish gratin lunch special at 225, pictured.

 

 

 

 

As you can see it was a base of mashed potatoes topped with the stuff. The flavor was bland as you might expect with this style of food. The portion of sea meat (small shrimps and pieces of fish) was sparse. I guess the sauce was a mix of cheese and cream. Even though the menu didn't promise it, some vegetables would have helped. I needed to pour on lots of table pepper to give it some flavor. I should have asked for tabasco but not sure if they have it.

Based on the sign and my google translate, coffee AND cake were included in the offer.

I was only given coffee so I asked about the cake. Their response was cookie. But the staff ended up running around for five minutes trying to find a cookie. Eventually they served me a very small butter cookie at the bottom of an absurdly large small bowl (relative to the cookie). I had a bite and left it. So don't go for the cake/cookie.

Still curious about some of their other daily choices, believe it or not. 

 

 

 

 

[Jingthing]

HuaTai Sichuan Chinese Restaurant

2nd road, North Pattaya, across the road from the Burger King anchored Korean food town outdoor mall, easy walk to or from Terminal 21

 

This is a newer restaurant but it appears associated with a big local restaurant brand called HL. In the front they have a "Special Foods Menu" which is all Sichuan food, no English descriptions, and a lot of seafood (so not cheap).

 

Once inside they also have a more standard HL branded menu that is not specifically Sichuan and is a menu you can find at a number of other restaurants in town. 

 

One of my favorite dishes in any cuisine is Sichuan boiled fish filets "Mala" hot pot in hot chili oil. Mala means Ma for "numbing" Sichuan peppers which aren't technically peppers and La is for better known red hot chili peppers. This dish is not technically a soup as the broth is dominated by OIL so you're not supposed to eat much of the actual liquid as it's for flavoring. Also included in the flavoring is Sichuan fermented broad bean chili paste and fresh garlic. In other words, if you order this dish full strength, you're probably an advanced CHILI HEAD because it's HARD CORE.

 

Once inside I was only offered the more boring generic HL menu. So I had to ask for the special menu that I saw outside.

 

When I was there was a very sweet quite old semi English speaking Chinese lady. 

 

So I recognized the Mala fish pot from the picture on the special menu. This is a large dish and at 420 baht that's a standard price for it in Pattaya. But for that, you want it to be good, and it's not always good in Pattaya.

 

The biggest issue with Sichuan dishes in Pattaya when they are supposed to have Sichuan peppers is that the locally sold Sichuan peppers completely lack the mouth numbing ZING of the real deal. They are also often STALE which actually destroys the flavor of dishes. Not good.

 

So the better places import them directly somehow from China.

 

So I took a chance and had the dish. I ordered it very Mala and first the Chinese lady tried to correct me and said "not spicy?" so I had to dramatically insist on VERY VERY VERY MALA along with hand gestures. The thing is when fighting farangitization of spicy dishes whether at Thai, Chinese, or Indian restaurants sometimes you have to go overboard just to make sure they don't serve you bland food. But if they take your request literally, you're going to get something that probably the majority of people don't really want to (or can't) eat.

 

 

 

 

So they took me literally which is fine with me but it didn't really need to be THAT hot and spicy!

 

Also included in the hot oil along with the ample portion of nicely cooked fish filets are special mushrooms and Chinese cabbage. All the ingredients get heavily flavored by the oil including the vegetables. 

 

Eat with rice. Lots of rice. 

 

The picture makes the dish look smaller than it really is. Anyway, as you can see there were "adequate" spices. But the risk factor here being the Sichuan peppers, well, these Sichuan peppers while not the freshest I've tasted, but at least they weren't stale, and they were VERY VERY powerful in the mouth numbing department. It was almost nuclear. A great test is ordering plain water and then after having real deal mala food the water becomes SODA water in your mouth. You may like this sensation or you may hate it but you should try it if you haven't. I confirmed with the lady that indeed they can't buy the Sichuan peppers they use in Thailand and must import them directly from China.

I'll never understand why you can't buy decent Sichuan peppers locally in Thailand, but there you have it.

 

If you go have a look at the special menu and you will recognize some other dishes such as something similar to Kung Pao chicken, but probably not most of them. I couldn't use my smartphone translate apps because the text was vertical. Maybe my error but it couldn't make it work.

 

 

 

 

Edited November 21, 2018 by Jingthing

[Jingthing]

Inner Jomtien Going Chinese?

 

Many people are aware of the very large and dramatic CHINATOWN GOD OF WEALTH hostel and restaurant on Tappraya Road at Jomtien Complex. 

You really can't miss noticing it if you're passing by on that road.

I've mentioned that place before and do recommend all Chinese food fans to visit there but not only once. Why not just once? Because the menu is quite large, the prices very moderate for local Chinese food, but some dishes are much better than others and there is also some inconsistency in what you get. Because of that, I don't think you can fairly judge the place on one visit and I also think most lovers of Chinese food are going to find some dishes to like there. So it's not expensive to give a fair test. To add -- THEY MAKE THEIR NOODLES IN HOUSE! I will specifically suggest one particular dish, the "market chicken" which is a VERY LARGE big bowl of chicken on the bone served with those house made noodles in a spicy sauce at 250.  You can get also those noodles in spicy bean paste for 120. A representative dish showing their price level is the classic fish flavored sliced pork and vegetables at 130. 

 

On the theme of inner Jomtien going Chinese, the owners of Chinatown God of Wealth have purchased the lovely building on the other side of Tappraya and towards Pattaya a bit that used to contain the Pommes Café. Remember the big painting of an apple on a corner? That place. What will that be? Well not totally sure yet but reportedly more of Chinese dumplings, snacks, dim sum, and dessert place rather than a full restaurant. There will also be Chinese "cultural" stuff going on higher floors. Sounds like an ambitious project. I'm assuming the pricing will probably be attractive similar to the existing restaurant.

 

And now for something to scare away the cheap Chinese charlies. NUMBER 0001 A new FINE DINING Chinese restaurant is coming (different owners) also on Tappraya but in the block close to the beach. I can't wait to see the menu but it's obviously going to be fancy and expensive.

 

 

Edited November 21, 2018 by Jingthing

[DrTuner]

23 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Inner Jomtien Going Chinese?

Not just inner, right next to Lung Sawai at the end of Jomthien beach road is a large condo project with only Chinese on the ads in progress. I expect that to be ground zero for the upcoming invasion. A nice restaurant (called billionaire in Thai I think) already fell prey to the Chinese tours a while ago, it's about 300m north. The Russians will likely be replaced so expect Chinese eateries there. I drove past a couple of weeks ago on weekend at 6pm and it was a ghost town in the beach front places, those will likely be taken over as well. I'd guess within 1-2 years it'll be another Hainan beach.

 

Not the kind of "progress" I'd like to see but that's the trend.

[Jingthing]

2 minutes ago, DrTuner said:

Not just inner, right next to Lung Sawai at the end of Jomthien beach road is a large condo project with only Chinese on the ads in progress. I expect that to be ground zero for the upcoming invasion. A nice restaurant (called billionaire in Thai I think) already fell prey to the Chinese tours a while ago, it's about 300m north. The Russians will likely be replaced so expect Chinese eateries there. I drove past a couple of weeks ago on weekend at 6pm and it was a ghost town in the beach front places, those will likely be taken over as well. I'd guess within 1-2 years it'll be another Hainan beach.

 

Not the kind of "progress" I'd like to see but that's the trend.

From a culinary POV a Chinese "invasion" is much more preferable to a Russian one, for most food lovers anyway. The Chinese trend to come as independent travelers as opposed to bus tours is also a very positive development. I can imagine if any one group becomes too dominant as was the case with Russians some years back, then there is definitely an unpleasant aspect to that (unless you're in that group) regardless of the who the dominant group is at the time.

But I have to agree, the Chinese trend is clear and the Sinophobic might consider other places to visit or live. 

[marcusarelus]

16 minutes ago, Kim J said:

Absolutely not.

Quite simply the whole idea of all these places what ever the name on the front, is just to get you to spend as much money as possible whilst you are in there, on overpriced goods or anything else they may be peddling at the time.

Wow you have just described any retail business in the world.  What business do you know of that does not want to sell goods for what the market will bear? 

[Jingthing]

On 10/2/2018 at 3:45 PM, Jingthing said:

Reza Iranian restaurant South Pattaya, main larger location, now featuring a 200 baht buffet. 

 

 

 

It's the best 200 baht-ish level Iranian buffet in town when they have it.

Why? 

The grilled chicken drumettes are really good! If they don't have them if you go, I would pass on the buffet.

They are pictured on a main dish at about 1:37 in the video. 

Reza had a second small location directly on 2nd road near Beverly Plaza Hotel that closed and opened a lot. Now closed.

Not sure if the main Reza will continue the buffet. Could be a flash in the pan.
Their regular menu is good as well but of course pricier than the buffet.

 

 

 

 

The buffet has been discontinued.

I've seen this place start and stop their buffet before, but now it's stopped.

You gotta jump on these things before they go away!