River Market Review

[hellodolly]

Where did $20 to $40 per head without drinks come from? It certainly doesn't come from reality. My bill is usually around 800/900 baht for 2 with a couple of drinks. That's around $15 per head.

If it were $40 per head and I paid that, why is that a problem for you?

I think you may have misinterpreted my comments. I never mentioned that is was a problem for me. I rarely eat at overpriced (my opinion) establishment but I do encourage the restaurant owners to continue charging high prices so that people who enjoy spending western prices will feel right at home (USA, NZ, OZ, GB etc).

Extremely easy to say over priced.

How ever please give us your idea of a fair price based on what you get. The quality the service the cleanliness the ambiance of the setting which in some cases cost more than a food cart to produce. Try to stick to reality. How can one compare a Quality meal and setting to a Indian buffet that cost close to the same amount as a meal at McDonald's in a run down shack in the middle of a desert.

Give us a break

[daoyai]

So food to hear the say the new fat trains will link is to Arizona for that $20 buffet .... Hahahhahahah

Is this from google translate?

[uptheos]

How can one compare a Quality meal and setting to a Indian buffet that cost close to the same amount as a meal at McDonald's in a run down shack in the middle of a desert.

Which state has a McDonald's in a run down shack in the middle of the desert?

[daoyai]

How can one compare a Quality meal and setting to a Indian buffet that cost close to the same amount as a meal at McDonald's in a run down shack in the middle of a desert.

Which state has a McDonald's in a run down shack in the middle of the desert?

Dollywood

[vagabond48]

How can one compare a Quality meal and setting to a Indian buffet that cost close to the same amount as a meal at McDonald's in a run down shack in the middle of a desert.

Which state has a McDonald's in a run down shack in the middle of the desert?

As always, HD seems to have too much time on his/her hands and wants to create information out of thin air.

[NancyL]

Hubby and I enjoy eating at both Riverside and River Market from time-to-time. They really have different offerings. The Riverside food is (at least what we order) is Thai, while the food at River Market is fusion -- i.e. Thai food with some interesting variations. Also, River Market has a great selection of sushi, according to my friends who like it (I don't especially). Both have pretty settings, but it's easier to view the river at River Market. Both have good, friendly staff, good service and clean, modern toilets.

The bands at Riverside are very good and they do a nice job of keeping the volume down in some sections of the restaurant for those who want to talk. No bands at River Market -- but a great view and excellent chance to talk with diniing companions.

I think River Market went thru a little hiccup with it's management and staff training a few months after opening. Dave has corrected that problem and it's back to the same great quality it had during the first few weeks when Dave was very hands-on at the restaurant.

Oh -- for those who say the River Market is "over priced" -- go take a little peek into their kitchen. It's very easy to look into the door/window and marvel over the cleanliness and western standards. Now, go look at the food prep and storage area of your little street-side food vendor. This should give you an idea of why the prices are a little higher at the River Market.

Edited February 9, 2013 by NancyL

[vagabond48]

Sorry HD, you are right about one thing, Tuscon AZ is in the middle of the desert.

[LawrenceChee]

Good points NancyL

People really should stop comparing value and price only and look at the overall dining experience as a benchmark

There are not too many restaurants within CM with such a great view, clean environment at such a price range.

I still endorse it as a great place to bring some friends over ...when my parents swing over later in the week , that's one of the first restaurant we are going to catch up on life

[junglechef]

Have you even been there? The Duke's crust is just as thin as Italian style and IMO tastes a lot better than most of the places that you have mentioned - which are not any cheaper when the portions are compared.

"when the portions are compared". Exactly. You prove my point precisely. Most healthy people (not fat) would prefer a smaller pizza at an equivalently smaller price. Dukes seves decent food, I m not denying that, but he serves portions which are way too big and charges an equivalent higher price.....good marketting I guess but not good if like me you are trying to get through the rest of your life without blocked arteries and heart attacks!!

One of the things I dislike about eating in USA is the sheer waste of food with the size of portions in most places way too big, unless of course like most Americans these days you dont mind being 20 kilos over your safe weight!!

As a student of USA culture I'm sure your familiar with the American custom of "doggie bags" and there really isn't any better leftover food as a day old pizza.

[Joop50]

Hubby and I enjoy eating at both Riverside and River Market from time-to-time. They really have different offerings. The Riverside food is (at least what we order) is Thai, while the food at River Market is fusion -- i.e. Thai food with some interesting variations. Also, River Market has a great selection of sushi, according to my friends who like it (I don't especially). Both have pretty settings, but it's easier to view the river at River Market. Both have good, friendly staff, good service and clean, modern toilets.

The bands at Riverside are very good and they do a nice job of keeping the volume down in some sections of the restaurant for those who want to talk. No bands at River Market -- but a great view and excellent chance to talk with diniing companions.

I think River Market went thru a little hiccup with it's management and staff training a few months after opening. Dave has corrected that problem and it's back to the same great quality it had during the first few weeks when Dave was very hands-on at the restaurant.

Oh -- for those who say the River Market is "over priced" -- go take a little peek into their kitchen. It's very easy to look into the door/window and marvel over the cleanliness and western standards. Now, go look at the food prep and storage area of your little street-side food vendor. This should give you an idea of why the prices are a little higher at the River Market.

Thank you Nancy for your info, I will give it a try one of these days.

For good quality food I am willing to pay some more with pleasure.

[hellodolly]

How can one compare a Quality meal and setting to a Indian buffet that cost close to the same amount as a meal at McDonald's in a run down shack in the middle of a desert.

Which state has a McDonald's in a run down shack in the middle of the desert?

As always, HD seems to have too much time on his/her hands and wants to create information out of thin air.

Sorry about that fellows a bit of a ooops there. From time to time my fingers fly over the key board so fast that I will have an old man moment and miss very pertanet facts.

First of I did not bring up the idea of comparing prices and nothing else with a Indian buffet half the world away. It probably had a lot of corn products on offer.

Be that as it may be I truly goofed drooped the ball gave you a chance for a chuckle. Take your pick I am guilty.

Now to rectify that I should have mentioned that the Indian buffet was located in a run down seedy looking building next to the McDonald's just a short distance after you make the right turn to head for Tombstone. It is always very important when comparing the price on two completely unrelated venues half a world away. Yes the River Market is located right now next to an old Iron bridge in a very eye pleasing building here in Chiang Mai.

You now have the whole story as I see it through my travels. Ben a while since I was in Tombstone the country could be different now.

[uptheos]

Ben a while since I was in Tombstone the country could be different now.

Were you there the same time as Virgil, Wyatt, Morgan and Warren?

[hellodolly]

Have you even been there? The Duke's crust is just as thin as Italian style and IMO tastes a lot better than most of the places that you have mentioned - which are not any cheaper when the portions are compared.

"when the portions are compared". Exactly. You prove my point precisely. Most healthy people (not fat) would prefer a smaller pizza at an equivalently smaller price. Dukes seves decent food, I m not denying that, but he serves portions which are way too big and charges an equivalent higher price.....good marketting I guess but not good if like me you are trying to get through the rest of your life without blocked arteries and heart attacks!!

One of the things I dislike about eating in USA is the sheer waste of food with the size of portions in most places way too big, unless of course like most Americans these days you dont mind being 20 kilos over your safe weight!!

As a student of USA culture I'm sure your familiar with the American custom of "doggie bags" and there really isn't any better leftover food as a day old pizza.

Simply amazing how some people can the whole world is the same as there own little back yard.

However the mailman has come along way from

"Sorry to disagree totally...but I will. This place is clearly aiming at the tourist/ occasional visitor. The prices are ridiculous for what you get served, and despite the "nice" setting on the edge of the (smelly) Ping River, its just not good value for money at all.

The (so called) Satay I was served was disgusting. It was a lump of indistinguishable meat or fish, and you literally couldnt tell from texture or flavour what it was (I ordered mixed Satay by the way before you ask).

If people think River Market is good, they really must be grasping at straws!!'

to the pizza is good but to big and I can't control my eating habits if it is in front of me I have to eat it no matter that I know it is bad for me. Now who is grasping at straws as the chief said get a doggy bag. They are used a lot there. Also try the chiefs salad made with iceberg lettuce. It won't clog your arteries.

[hellodolly]

Ben a while since I was in Tombstone the country could be different now.

Were you there the same time as Virgil, Wyatt, Morgan and Warren?

No they left town when they heard I was coming.

[TommoPhysicist]

Well now that you mention it you can get the buffet with no pork in Islam countries. There was defiantly a lack of rice but then again rice is not a big breakfast food in most of the countries the expats come from. The breakfast sausages were the best I have had in Thailand.

Take a trip out to G&M sausages near Bo Sang/Doi Saket for a Sunday lunch 'all you can eat buffet'........... then eat your 'best sausages' comment.

[TommoPhysicist]

Good points NancyL

People really should stop comparing value and price only and look at the overall dining experience as a benchmark

I can do that ... in order

Duke's (Pizza) 10/10 (perfect pizza at a reasonable price)

Riverside 9/10 (lost 1 point as too busy, hard to get a table, expensive but worth it)

River Market 3/10 (3 points for the position, nothing else to recommend it)

GoodView 1/10 (food is often cold and doesn't taste good, band is way too loud, service is poor)

Edited February 9, 2013 by TommoPhysicist

[Chicog]

Here's my 2 satangs worth:

Food: Delicious

Setting: Pleasant and comfortable.

Service: During the day, next to abysmal due to lack of proper supervision (and that's when it's not busy); at night, good but not excellent.

Prices: A little on the high side but I don't mind due to the quality of the food, the ambience and the location.

Look forward to them hosting the Cricket Sixes Opening Party in March, I can't see the snacks being worse than the kennomeat the PornPing used to serve.

[hellodolly]

Well now that you mention it you can get the buffet with no pork in Islam countries. There was defiantly a lack of rice but then again rice is not a big breakfast food in most of the countries the expats come from. The breakfast sausages were the best I have had in Thailand.

Take a trip out to G&M sausages near Bo Sang/Doi Saket for a Sunday lunch 'all you can eat buffet'........... then eat your 'best sausages' comment.

Ouch I stand corrected forgot about them.

But I still stand by my comment on best breakfast sausage. Never having been there I will take your word for it that they are the best. Not having had breakfast sausages in every venue in Thailand I could be wrong but I do have experience with it in many different venues and the ones Dave has are the best. I am not sure who makes them for him maybe it is G&M Can't say.

But I am not sure what you are talking about You are the one who mentioned all the pork I just pointed out that it was pretty much of a staple meat in a expat breakfast. and that beef steak was to expensive for a 200 baht buffet.

[TommoPhysicist]

But I am not sure what you are talking about You are the one who mentioned all the pork I just pointed out that it was pretty much of a staple meat in a expat breakfast. and that beef steak was to expensive for a 200 baht buffet.

The expat breakfasts are good ..... as long as you like eating sausage and bacon ...... and the bread's good too.

At 214bht, not worth attending unless you intend to eat you fill of the expensive ingredient .... sausage and bacon.

Now you've got me on sausage and bacon .......

Take a trip out to Sausage King near Ruam Chock Plaza. Loads of sausage and bacon for 99bht in their all day breakfast.

Edited February 9, 2013 by TommoPhysicist

[DavidMavec]

Where did $20 to $40 per head without drinks come from? It certainly doesn't come from reality. My bill is usually around 800/900 baht for 2 with a couple of drinks. That's around $15 per head.

If it were $40 per head and I paid that, why is that a problem for you?

I think you may have misinterpreted my comments. I never mentioned that is was a problem for me. I rarely eat at overpriced (my opinion) establishment but I do encourage the restaurant owners to continue charging high prices so that people who enjoy spending western prices will feel right at home (USA, NZ, OZ, GB etc).

Extremely easy to say over priced.

How ever please give us your idea of a fair price based on what you get. The quality the service the cleanliness the ambiance of the setting which in some cases cost more than a food cart to produce. Try to stick to reality. How can one compare a Quality meal and setting to a Indian buffet that cost close to the same amount as a meal at McDonald's in a run down shack in the middle of a desert.

Give us a break

You give us a break, the food quality there was not so good in my opinion as well as three or four other (Thai) friends who went on separate occasions. And it's not Thai food? What kind of fusion is Pad Thai?

[DavidMavec]

As a Duke's devotee I am somewhat disappointed that CM expats are not more supportive of Dave and his RM.

The city riverfront land and construction cost a lot of money, a lot more than some other locations mentioned, and one might expect to pay a small premium for that.

Finding good managers and staff has been difficult and Dave spends a lot of time at RM to make a go of it. Please support his efforts to make it a Chiang Mai landmark restaurant with constructive criticism and foot traffic.

Note: I have no affiliation with RM, just many years in Hospitality, and my TW is a top chef!

As you said, you're a "devotee" so you are talking about it like it is either a charity or a cult.

I'm not, and to me the food was not high quality and overpriced for what you get. Friends of mine agreed.

If that's not constructive criticism I don't know what is.

And as for Duke's I've been there twice, both times expecting something great because of all the "devotees". The burger was alright but I like Chiang Mai Saloon's better and I also like the price more at CMS!! I tried some of the good looking chocolate cake at Duke's. It was stale!

I didn't even know they were owned by the same people until your comments but it is not surprising as in my opinion they are both overpriced restaurants that are hyped up by a band of "devotees" such as yourself.

[hellodolly]

As a Duke's devotee I am somewhat disappointed that CM expats are not more supportive of Dave and his RM.

The city riverfront land and construction cost a lot of money, a lot more than some other locations mentioned, and one might expect to pay a small premium for that.

Finding good managers and staff has been difficult and Dave spends a lot of time at RM to make a go of it. Please support his efforts to make it a Chiang Mai landmark restaurant with constructive criticism and foot traffic.

Note: I have no affiliation with RM, just many years in Hospitality, and my TW is a top chef!

As you said, you're a "devotee" so you are talking about it like it is either a charity or a cult.

I'm not, and to me the food was not high quality and overpriced for what you get. Friends of mine agreed.

If that's not constructive criticism I don't know what is.

And as for Duke's I've been there twice, both times expecting something great because of all the "devotees". The burger was alright but I like Chiang Mai Saloon's better and I also like the price more at CMS!! I tried some of the good looking chocolate cake at Duke's. It was stale!

I didn't even know they were owned by the same people until your comments but it is not surprising as in my opinion they are both overpriced restaurants that are hyped up by a band of "devotees" such as yourself.

I know for myself that the food is high quality It how ever may not be cooked the way you like it. That does not take away from the quality of the food. You might also want to look at the cleanliness of the kitchens that also contributes to the quality. Please tell me where you go to get Pat Thai with four large sized shrimps in them. Also if you wish wrapped in an omelet Just because they used the Thai name for it does not mean it is just Thai that is why you are told up front it is Thai fusion. Did you even try it?

It is understandable for you not to like it as you don't know what it is being a part of two different styles of cooking. For instance the son in law eggs being deviled eggs with tamarick mixed in and a coating of tamarick over the hard boiled part.

For myself some of the dishes I really like where I don't like the pure Thai version some of them I don't like either the Pure Thai version or the fusion version. It is all a matter of preferences. You might take notice that Dukes does a booming business that is not brought on by over charging. To be lasting the quality and the quantity have to be there and they have to be long lasting not just good today and so so tomorrow, common sense tells us that. They have been there for years because they deliver the goods. But not always to every ones taste and pocket book. i will have to give the saloon a try. There are different levels of burgers and all are good such as the Dukes and Burger King. Another really good one but completely different is at Geckos. Then Butter is Better wades in with there burger different than the other burgers all good tasting but I suspect the ingredients are different prices as some food is quality when purchased and some is makes no difference.

Makes no difference some people honestly don't like the food some don't like Dave and some have found items that they really like better than any place else, Neither dukes or the River Market is ever going to please every one and that is OK to be expected. But just because people don't like the food to say it is poor quality is just striking out blindly. There is a lot of the food I don't like so I don't order it I don't say it is no good. I just don't like it for instance the Dukes ribs I don't care for them so I don't order them and I don't say the quality of the meat and the preparation is not good. I don't order them any place. I know what they taste like as my boy always orders them and has given me a taste. I am no longer going to post on it as it is obvious to me that some posters have a closed mind and I strongly suspect the cost has some thing to do with it. Or like one poster said there is to much food on the order. Figure that one out.

For me part of it is the ambiance and the view. I am an old man now and I deserve some of the nicer things in life and those are two that I enjoy more so than the food. I often stop buy for a iced tea. The whole package is a treat for me. Others disagree with me but then again they are not me and i Am sure they have there little place to just sit back and enjoy the surroundings. If they dion't try a jug of iced tea in the affternoon at the River Market.

Edited February 9, 2013 by hellodolly

[chris1dna]

David needs to stick to western menu. We had dinner there on this past new years eve and the food was more like some kind of lackluster attempt at Asian fusion than authentic Thai cuisine and the service from our waitress was non existent. Even by low Thai standards this place was bad. Felt sorry for David. The dukes is so much better. I do have to say though that the decor and location are outstanding and the parking lot huge. Perfect for tour busses full of unsuspecting tourist. Sorry David but that's the way it was. Hopefully by now you have some more decent staff and improved menu.

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[chris1dna]

As and addition to my earlier post. I should ad that this is still a fairly new operation and David and his wife work their tails off. I want to ad that in spite of my earlier post, we still had a great time and ate all our food. The atmosphere is top notch. We were there for more than six and a half hours with a large table and ten people. I'm confidant that overtime he will manage to dial it in and have some to please everyone. But first. He needs to whip that staff into shape. 'twas very frustrating. And I'm used to being ignored an discounted as a farang. But that night took it to a whole new level to be quite honest. Really trying on all of our patience.

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[chris1dna]

Dont get me wrong Postman. I really really really like The Dukes. David has wonderful staff there and a great selection of well prepared meals. I AM a fan of David and what he is attempting to do with the riverfront. It does him or us little service to bash his place out of hand however. I know he is trying very hard and, this endeavor of his with the riverfront can't be easy. I have the privilege of currently residing in the San Francisco bay area and eat often in many fine restaurants. An several friends in the restaurant biz. He has the beginning of something that may prove either a huge mistake or a huge success. Let's all hope for the later.

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[Loaded]

It's just a restaurant. I liked my experience there. If you didn't enjoy your own experience, great. Why is there this need with some people to become emotionally attached to their opinion? Postman Pat - so you don't like the place, why are you on this drive to convert everyone else to not like the place? It's Sunday morning, enjoy the real world.

[bobl]

2. Number One Bistro/ Beer Garden, a bit further along the same road, great ambience, loads of mainly Belgian Beer, live music, and good food freshly cooked.....

Whoa... That woke me up... do they have Leffe?

[Rimmer]

Vitriolic posts bordering on name and shame removed also quoted replies

[bobl]

Dukes Pizza is unbeatable ..... this topic is Riverside which serves overpriced and watered down Thai food.

Please don't confuse the two.

Err. No its not.

I thoroughly enjoy a Duke's pizza and would agree it's not 'unbeatable' - but I'll qualify that by saying I also sold pizza (I had a place in Africa) so for me there's no such thing as an 'unbeatable' pizza, it hugely depends on whether the one you get 'today' meets your expectation of what you were in the mood for 'today'.

Personally I haven't found anywhere yet that serves pizza I prefer over Duke's... So, reason I'm commenting is to gripe about your post... If you know somewhere in CM that's (in your opinion) more 'unbeatable' than Duke's I'm sure we'd all like to know where, why stop at "no it's not"?

[DaamNaam]

The Rivermarket is one of Chiang Mai's best restaurants, amazing food, priced reasonably, and without a doubt the best setting in town.

Don't know what all the whinging is about.