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tomcat · 31st July 2007, 20:22

...on Thappraya Road between Pattaya and Jomtien, next to Bruno's. SD and I had been eyeing this place since its opening 8 months ago and decided to give it a try (despite the badmouthing it got from a certain competing proprietor in BoysTown). Nice decor, well-laid out tables and the Fashion Channel on both plasma TVs. A Thai maitre d' sat us and brought our menus. As I had already started with JW, I decided to continue and avoid mixing with wine (I'm sure that was a mistake). To start, we ordered the tomato crostino and New Zealand mussels in a tomato-onion sauce. The mussels were excellent but the crostino was plain, nearly ungrilled bread...a little disappointing. SD ordered the seafood pasta for the main dish and I asked for the tuna steak. To the maitre d's question about desired cooking time, I said 30 seconds on a side. He took notes. The fish arrived done to perfection: lightly grilled outside, thoroughly red inside and very lightly coated in a lemon-butter sauce. I can't remember when I've had better prepared tuna. SD's pasta was a tad disappointing as the sauce was flat, though the spaghetti, at least, had been freshly boiled. We were about ready for the vomitorium (to make room) as the maitre d' descended once more to give us the dessert specials: we selected the tiramisu (it was promised with espresso liqueur) and a hot apple-cinnamon muffin type thingy with vanilla ice cream and a raspberry sauce. The latter won hands down. The tiramisu was light, not too sweet, and not too anything: forgettable.

Still, I was so impressed with the tuna that we went again the next night: the tuna steak, even larger and thicker than the night before (I had complimented the chef when he came to the table), was once again a delight. SD decided to try a light pizza, ordering the tomato/rucola/mozza. Another winner! On an excellent base was a light tomato sauce. That's it for the cooked part: the rucola and thinly mozzarella were added later. A simple twist with the cheese, but it made the pizza as delightful as any I've had here...rivaling Scoozi on Thong Lor. We added a little chili oil (served warm) and went straight to weight-watchers hell. What meals we had both nights! I chatted with the young Napolitano chef: married to a former Thai Air hostess (Chula grad in Japanese) he met in London where he was gaining restaurant experience. He eventually came to Thailand and has been working here (at MaBeBa in BKK and now his own place in Jomtien) and doing very well indeed. Personable, down-to-earth, and a deft hand with tuna.

The first night came to about B1900 (not including my drinks). The second to about B1700. Well worth a visit if you're in the Pattaya/Jomtien area.

31st July 2007, 20:22	#1 (permalink)
tomcat tomcat is a perfectly content pussy, thank you Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 6,316 vCash: 100 Rep Power: 919	Gian's Italian Restaurant ...on Thappraya Road between Pattaya and Jomtien, next to Bruno's. SD and I had been eyeing this place since its opening 8 months ago and decided to give it a try (despite the badmouthing it got from a certain competing proprietor in BoysTown). Nice decor, well-laid out tables and the Fashion Channel on both plasma TVs. A Thai maitre d' sat us and brought our menus. As I had already started with JW, I decided to continue and avoid mixing with wine (I'm sure that was a mistake). To start, we ordered the tomato crostino and New Zealand mussels in a tomato-onion sauce. The mussels were excellent but the crostino was plain, nearly ungrilled bread...a little disappointing. SD ordered the seafood pasta for the main dish and I asked for the tuna steak. To the maitre d's question about desired cooking time, I said 30 seconds on a side. He took notes. The fish arrived done to perfection: lightly grilled outside, thoroughly red inside and very lightly coated in a lemon-butter sauce. I can't remember when I've had better prepared tuna. SD's pasta was a tad disappointing as the sauce was flat, though the spaghetti, at least, had been freshly boiled. We were about ready for the vomitorium (to make room) as the maitre d' descended once more to give us the dessert specials: we selected the tiramisu (it was promised with espresso liqueur) and a hot apple-cinnamon muffin type thingy with vanilla ice cream and a raspberry sauce. The latter won hands down. The tiramisu was light, not too sweet, and not too anything: forgettable. Still, I was so impressed with the tuna that we went again the next night: the tuna steak, even larger and thicker than the night before (I had complimented the chef when he came to the table), was once again a delight. SD decided to try a light pizza, ordering the tomato/rucola/mozza. Another winner! On an excellent base was a light tomato sauce. That's it for the cooked part: the rucola and thinly mozzarella were added later. A simple twist with the cheese, but it made the pizza as delightful as any I've had here...rivaling Scoozi on Thong Lor. We added a little chili oil (served warm) and went straight to weight-watchers hell. What meals we had both nights! I chatted with the young Napolitano chef: married to a former Thai Air hostess (Chula grad in Japanese) he met in London where he was gaining restaurant experience. He eventually came to Thailand and has been working here (at MaBeBa in BKK and now his own place in Jomtien) and doing very well indeed. Personable, down-to-earth, and a deft hand with tuna. The first night came to about B1900 (not including my drinks). The second to about B1700. Well worth a visit if you're in the Pattaya/Jomtien area. __________________ Majestically enthroned amid the vulgar herd.... Last edited by tomcat; 1st August 2007 at 09:07.