The Dark Side

[luckyluke]

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MeetJohnDoe, patsfangr, thanks, I will give it soon a try with my wife.

[anothertorres]

The Thai restaurant you refer to is called Kor Moo Yang (Grilled Pork Neck)

my first laugh-out-loud of the day, thank you very much. fuc_king "Grilled Pork Neck". god save us all...

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Sorry, I am a non-enlightened, please explain what's so funny.

"Grilled Pork Neck" is (no offense to anyone) the silliest name for a restaurant i've come across. i find it funny because i'm incredibly ignorant and even moreso, immature.

[luckyluke]

"Grilled Pork Neck" is (no offense to anyone) the silliest name for a restaurant i've come across. i find it funny because i'm incredibly ignorant and even moreso, immature.

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Thanks, don't feel ignorant or immature, a lot of non native English speakers have a lot of fun too with the names of some English business establishments ( pubs & restaurants).

Edited February 16, 2009 by luckyluke

[Mobi]

Ok all you Cholada Coffee shop lovers, what do you think of this?

To recap, the first time I went into Cholada and ordered a breakfast, they told me they were sorry but they were out of bacon, and this was at 9.30 a.m. Never being one to condemn a restaurant one one bad experience, I went again and this time, they had bacon, and the breakfast was fine, though a little expensive compared to say the Caddy Shack which provides a Superior breakfast all round. But that, as they say, is a matter of taste and personal opinion.

Now, has anyone read their breakfast menu lately? They do indeed have an incredible array of breakfasts available at different prices. But have you looked at the small print at the foot of the menu. When my friend pointed it out to me, I couldn't believe my eyes.

If I order a breakfast off the menu, but wish to have scrambled eggs instead of fried eggs, I have to pay an extra 10 Baht on the printed price.

If I wish to have brown toast, instead of white toast, I have to pay an extra 10 Baht.

I have never seen anything like this in my life.

It's not the 10 Baht - it's the principal, and don't forget the prices aren't particularly cheap.

The "scam the Farangs" syndrome, seems to have crossed over to the Darkside.

That's the last time that either my friend or I will be dining at Cholada.

[paul1970]

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.

[plasticpig]

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.

Don’t bother tried it three times, it’s very disappointing

no more ever for me.

But if you want a real laugh try the Lamb Kebabs they are doing

Got to be the worst in pattaya.

[Digger]

I tried the new Lakeside restaurant on Mabprachan reservoir last night. I had the Roast Turkey which seemingly is a special on Friday. Saturday and Sunday according to the menu - they also had Roast beef, which is claiming to be Australian Rib Eye and New Zealand leg of lamb. seemingly the Turkey is from the USA and was very tender. The Turkey was served with roast potatoes and a side dish of 3 vegetables - they offered more vegetables but I found the portion more than enough. Gravy was nice and is claimed to be homemade according to the menu. Lots of service staff and the restaurant must have had about 16 people when I was in there so seemingly pretty good trade. I know its recently opened and that reflected in some of the service - I got a condiment tray of mint sauce and Horseradish !!! Then after I asked, I got cranberry so presumably a few early glitches as things bed down. No big drama and I would say the food was very good - the Turkey was certainly nice and perfectly cooked. The setting is lovely - its a open air restaurant set on wooden decking around a large fish pond with fountains and green lighting showing up all the plants and trees, however you would not know that from the road as its not visible due to a couple of steps going up and a coffee shop at the front. The owner was around and asking how everything was food wise and he told me the indoor aircon restaurant which is behind the pond area is opening in about 3 weeks. He is the same guy who has the Delibean place near Horseshoe Point and he was advising they have 9 chefs on staff, so presumably they have big plans. He was also asking me about temperature of the food and he let on - since they launched the Western menu, that has been the biggest issue and something he is determined to resolve (which probably explains why they had about 14 staff wearing the Lakeside yellow polo shirts last night). Must say, mine came out piping hot and the only grumble I would have was that the Brussell sprouts were overcooked - but its a small issue to me at least - just seeing Brussell sprouts is a nice touch. The couple next to me had Thai food and I overheard them saying it was delicious.

The roast was priced at 350baht which I thought good value - however as I did not try the beef or lamb - cant comment on that. I did notice 'toad in the hole' which I must put on the 'to do' list. Service staff were everywhere, something he also let on had been a problem as they bed down the menu and not being able to accurately predict volumes. I will certainly return and I suspect they will do very well especially when the aircon restaurant part opens up - apart from the Courtyard, I cant think of any other aircon venue this side of Sukhumvit. Its actually a big operation thinking about it - there must be about 50 seats around the pond area and presumably similar size indoors which was lit up inside for part of the time I was there as a technician was doing something to the lighting. The only thing I suggested he might consider is some background music - otherwise seemed pretty spot on to me at least. Some of the service staff were excellent - some less so, but that probably reflects their relative lack of experience - I did notice that he has pulled his supervisor from the Delibean place to work here. She came over and greeted me by name when I walked in, which was a nice touch.

Overall a strong thumbs up and a nice addition to the East Pattaya dining options.

[patsfangr]

I'll add a brief "ditto" to Digger's review of the Lakeside Restaurant. My wife and I went there for lunch last week, and plan to make it a regular stop for both lunch and dinner. We just sat in the 'Delibean' coffee shop area at the front for the lunch. But we walked back to check out the dinner area, and it looks very nice.

Nothing special on the lunch. I opted to go with an old Delibean favorite, the smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwich. My wife, however, had Thai food, and said it was better than average, including the som tam.

It's great to have two really attractive, air condidtioned venues here now. As always, I continue recommend The Courtyard for many menu items. I now add The Lakeside / Delibean Restaurant as another place for a good meal, in a clean, comfortable, environment.

OH, make that 3 such places. Don't forget about Cafe Uno, on Khao Noi. It's not nearly as large or fancy as the other two; but does have air con and outdoor seating. Also, the owner, Craig, does a great job with the food; and he and his lovely GF, Waan, are very nice folks. Good breakfasts (open at 10), lunch (great panini sandwiches!), and the best pizza in Pattaya (after 6 PM for that). He also has some good Indian items, and a popular Sunday roast (which I have not yet tried).

[thaiflyer1]

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.

Don’t bother tried it three times, it’s very disappointing

no more ever for me.

But if you want a real laugh try the Lamb Kebabs they are doing

Got to be the worst in pattaya.

Here you go from the fish and chip shop thread.........the kebab i bought from there a couple of weeks ago. ...and only 145 baht!!!!!

Edited March 15, 2009 by thaiflyer1

[mamanoodle]

Looks pathetic, think I'll stick with the 60baht chicken kebabs after seeing that!

[santol]

I tried the new Lakeside restaurant on Mabprachan reservoir last night.

What is the name of this restaurant? Where is it in relation to other lakeside restaurants?

[monty]

Between Khun John and the Fisherman's rest.

Slightly elevated wooden structure on the entrance of a housing estate.

[patsfangr]

I went there with a few of my wife's family members last week. Everything, both Thai and western dishes, got high marks from all. I had the John Dory fish, which was terrific! Seeing it, one of the family ordered it, and they shared it. All loved it.

I predict that this place will become the most popular spot on the Dark Side for dinner when they complete their expansion. There'll be section on the second level with a great view of the lake.

I remain, and shall remain, a fan of The Courtyard. But we definitely now have TWO upscale, attractive places to go to for dinner. Both are places where you wouldn't hesitate to take visiting friends for dinner.

[MeetJohnDoe]

This is just to second the positive comments on the new Lakeside Restaurant. I dined there tonite and it was quite good. The place is nicely situated with the outside terrace areas offering a nice view of the lake (we went around sunset and it was just right...during the day it would be typical Thailand HOT). The owner needs to get some outdoor fans but otherwise, very well done. The inside dining room is still not finished so one has to eat outside or at one of the small tables inside the Delibean Cafe, which is also part of this resto-2-some. That is to say, the place is a combination of 2 places...the Delibean Cafe and a separate Lakeside Restaurant all on the same compound. The staff girls are all very nice and really try their best and are doing a good job of it.

Now for the food, there is a B 350 weekend roast of beef, pork, or lamb, which comes with roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, and veggies. You can have a second portion of meat if you fancy but the initial serving is quite generous in itself. One in our party had the lamb and it was very good. The gravy was on the watery side of thick but the taste was okay...maybe a little more garlic and herb seasoning would make it perfect but still very adequate nonetheless. I had the sautéed chicken fillet with Parmesean cheese and breadcrumb crust (B 250). It also came with choice of potatoes and veggies or salad. It was fine...nothing great but fine for what it was. The potatoes and veggies were well cooked (not undercooked which can be a problem in LOS). There is also a large selection of desserts and they feature New Zealand Natural ice creams.

I noted that there are no pizzas or pastas on the menu For those, one has to go to Tocino, Dao, or Uno. Also, the Thai food is, IMO, overpriced, but that is the case with most places (except RT). I suppose they make a nice profit from all the guys who come in with their misses who don't eat anything but Thai food so are a captive profit center

Overall, a good meal, with good service, in a nice atmosphere. The prices are quite reasonable and this makes another great addition to the dining options out here on the Farside. Either one or both the cafe or restaurant will be open during breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Edited March 29, 2009 by MeetJohnDoe

[patsfangr]

I wouldn't disagree with any of that review, John. I forgot to mention the need for outdoor fans in my review; which, as you said, really is a needed addition there, even at night. The Thai food is, as you said, a bit "overpriced", when compared to the same dishes as most other places. However, I would add that, taken in context of the venue, I don't consider it unreasonable at all. Lakeside is, for example, a much more pleasant and stylish environment than Rungthip. ... Except for the lack of fans, of course. I mean, watching and listening to the motorbikes and baht buses buzz by Rungthip, with the wailing from the karaoke joint next door in the background, is hardly comparable to watching the sunset over the lake, and the fountains spouting into the fish pond, at Lakeside. :-)

[raro]

we had a first visit to the Courtyard today - and possibly the last one.

Mrs. raro had the greek lamb stew, which consisted mostly of a large bone in a soup bowl surrounded by spinach. Served with mashed potatoes (now that's typical Greek.... ) that were free of any kind of flavour.

Myself, I had the fish and chips. Fair enough, I'm spoiled from Bert's outstanding chips and the battered whale. At the Courtyard, the fish was ok, maybe not 100% well done, but ok. No lemon served with it, though. The chips were not up to the task and the green peas were sprinkled with some black stuff that looked like black pepper at first glance but was something completely different - possibly teflon. What exactly the kitchen's best kept secret - we asked the staff and they never came back with an answer.

[patsfangr]

we had a first visit to the Courtyard today - and possibly the last one.

Mrs. raro had the greek lamb stew, which consisted mostly of a large bone in a soup bowl surrounded by spinach. Served with mashed potatoes (now that's typical Greek.... ) that were free of any kind of flavour.

Myself, I had the fish and chips. Fair enough, I'm spoiled from Bert's outstanding chips and the battered whale. At the Courtyard, the fish was ok, maybe not 100% well done, but ok. No lemon served with it, though. The chips were not up to the task and the green peas were sprinkled with some black stuff that looked like black pepper at first glance but was something completely different - possibly teflon. What exactly the kitchen's best kept secret - we asked the staff and they never came back with an answer.

A couple of points on this, Raro. First, I think you'll find yourself in a small minority for the overall rating of The Courtyard.

Next, I always note that rating food is a totally subjective task, as we all have different tastes.

Third, I have to acknowledge that your specific selections are not, in my opinion, among the best items that The Courtyard has to offer. I don't eat lamb, so I can't comment on the lamb stew. I have, however, had the beef stew, and, while it was OK, I don't rate it as highly as, for example, the Irish/beef stew at Cafe Uno, which is excellent. 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?

If you want to "test the best" at The Courtyard, try any one of the Sunday Roast dinners; the chicken breast with mushroom sauce; the grilled pork chop with pineapple; the breakfast (get the 1/2, because you won't finish the large size!); the John Dory fish, the grilled Salmon; the Scotch broth; the Greek salad; any of the burgers (beef, chicken, pork); the pork steak ... I could go on, but you get the point. There are many excellent dishes on the menu. Try it again, perhaps for the Sunday roast of your choice. Then tell us what you think.

[MeetJohnDoe]

we had a first visit to the Courtyard today - and possibly the last one.

I agree with you on this one Raro. I have given the CY 3 tries and each time the food has been mediocre to downright bad...both the Thai and the farang. The Thai food is also overpriced. It's really a shame as the air-con atmosphere and decor are really nice as is the garden. The only reason to go there is they have a couple hot waitresses (but of course this fact would not be of interest to you and George now would it)

Maybe down the road, the current ownership will go out of business and someone with real restaurant and cooking experience will take it over and make something really special of the place.

Edited April 3, 2009 by MeetJohnDoe

[anothertorres]

we had a first visit to the Courtyard today - and possibly the last one.

I agree with you on this one Raro. I have given the CY 3 tries and each time the food has been mediocre to downright bad...both the Thai and the farang. The Thai food is also overpriced. It's really a shame as the air-con atmosphere and decor are really nice as is the garden. The only reason to go there is they have a couple hot waitresses (but of course this fact would not be of interest to you and George now would it)

Maybe down the road, the current ownership will go out of business and someone with real restaurant and cooking experience will take it over and make something really special of the place.

i also have to agree that the wife and i have been to the Courtyard on 3 occasions and were not too thrilled with our food. always decent and the it's the setting and the proximity to the house that has made us return3 times. i had the fish and chips once and it was pretty poor. wife has had the lamb and it was "acceptable".

they do have some hot waitresses though and the ladyboy isn't so shabby himself

[patsfangr]

we had a first visit to the Courtyard today - and possibly the last one.

I agree with you on this one Raro. I have given the CY 3 tries and each time the food has been mediocre to downright bad...both the Thai and the farang. The Thai food is also overpriced. It's really a shame as the air-con atmosphere and decor are really nice as is the garden. The only reason to go there is they have a couple hot waitresses (but of course this fact would not be of interest to you and George now would it)

Maybe down the road, the current ownership will go out of business and someone with real restaurant and cooking experience will take it over and make something really special of the place.

i also have to agree that the wife and i have been to the Courtyard on 3 occasions and were not too thrilled with our food. always decent and the it's the setting and the proximity to the house that has made us return3 times. i had the fish and chips once and it was pretty poor. wife has had the lamb and it was "acceptable".

they do have some hot waitresses though and the ladyboy isn't so shabby himself

Well, to each his own. As I've said before, there are several dishes at The Courtyard that I rate as very good. It remains one of my favorite lunch spots.

By the way, John, the owner/manager, Kuhn Nut, has extensive experience in the restaurant business from their former home in Canada. They are doing fairly well, in terms of profit, and have a significant number of regulars, especially for the Sunday roast. I doubt very much that there will be any change in management, since they own the restaurant, and live in a large house in the moo ban. Sorry for those of you who don't like the food; but I think they are there to stay. That's just fine with me.

[anothertorres]

Well, to each his own.

you say that phrase but then you go on to basically tell us our "own" is incorrect. no one said anything about changing anything, certainly not management. and who gives a shit how much cash money John is raking in. good for him!

now let us have our opinions and you do your best to not yell at us about them. and don't say "to each his own" and then contradict the entire phrase by trying to make us feel silly

[patsfangr]

I tried the new addition to the Chonlada burger menu today. She calls it the "Deluxe Burger", and I loved it! It's on a large bun, with 2 home made burger patties, 2 slices of cheese, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and some "secret spices". While it doesn't have as much meet as the burgers at Rung's or The Courtyard, 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.

Pook is continuing to expand on, and improve the menu. She told me today that she is changing the source for her meats to a friend she's know for several years, who also runs a restaurant somewhere downtown. She says that the quality, quantity, and cost will ALL improve.

She also told me that the lack of late dinner business has driven them to a decision to close at 8 PM. There are still plenty of good recently added dinner items on the menu; but the will be focussing on breakfast, lunch, and early dinner customers now. I still recommend this place highly; as it remains among my top 5 Darkside restaurants.

That top 5 is: The Courtyard; Cafe Uno; Chonlada; Dao Cafe; and Lakeside/Deli Bean. Among those 5, I can find virtually every type of food that I like, as they all excel for at least a couple of menu items. I will have to say that I think the best chef, in terms of a quality and variety combination, is Craig, the owner/chef at Cafe Uno. He has Italian, Indian, English, and American items that are all excellent! But I have to note once again that the best larb gai in the city is at Rungthip; which would be #6 on my list, if I extended it ... which I suppose I should, since Rungthip is my wife's favorite, so I actually eat there more often than at any of the others.

It's GREAT to have that many good choices on the Darkside!!

[patsfangr]

I have a question for the critics of The Courtyard. Have you tried any of the following there:

1. Sunday roast - choice of beef, pork, lamb, chicken

2. Chicken with mushroom sauce

3. Grilled pork chop with pineapple

4. Grilled John Dory fish

5. Grilled Salmon

6. Greek salad

7. Bangers and mash

8. Burgers - beef, pork, chicken

9. Scotch broth

10. Deep fried squid

11. Courtyard shrimp

12. Shrimp casserole

Those are, IMO, the best items on their menu. I rate every one of them at well above average, at worst. I'd like to see some critiques from anyone who has tried any or all of those. I'll be very surprised if the positives don't outweigh the negatives on them.

[patsfangr]

Well, to each his own.

you say that phrase but then you go on to basically tell us our "own" is incorrect. no one said anything about changing anything, certainly not management. and who gives a shit how much cash money John is raking in. good for him!

now let us have our opinions and you do your best to not yell at us about them. and don't say "to each his own" and then contradict the entire phrase by trying to make us feel silly

I definitely did NOT say that anyone's opinion is "incorrect". I clearly stated that my opinion of the food differs from that of the 3 recent critics. I also noted that the items I like are different from most of those noted by the critics. I have stated repeatedly in this thread that I do not believe there is any such thing as "right" or "wrong" when it comes to individual tastes for food. It is only the elitist "gourmets" who do that.

I certainly wasn't try to make anyone "feel silly". You are entitled to your opinion, as I am to mine. I merely point out my differing opinion, and responded to John's hope that the place would soon fail.

You are also incorrect in stating that "no one said anything about changing anything, certainly not management." MeetJohnDoe stated a hope for exactly that.

By the way, the owner, manager, and head chef of The Courtyard is Jeffrey's (not "John") wife, Nut ("NOOT"). Jeffrey, of course, built the place, but he has nothing to do with running the restaurant. Nut is in full control of every aspect of it.

[lemel]

I have a question for the critics of The Courtyard. Have you tried any of the following there:

1. Sunday roast - choice of beef, pork, lamb, chicken

2. Chicken with mushroom sauce

3. Grilled pork chop with pineapple

4. Grilled John Dory fish

5. Grilled Salmon

6. Greek salad

7. Bangers and mash

8. Burgers - beef, pork, chicken

9. Scotch broth

10. Deep fried squid

11. Courtyard shrimp

12. Shrimp casserole

Those are, IMO, the best items on their menu. I rate every one of them at well above average, at worst. I'd like to see some critiques from anyone who has tried any or all of those. I'll be very surprised if the positives don't outweigh the negatives on them.

I have tried 3 of your best items, the last one being the Beef Roast ( a few months ago)which I was not impressed with and you said you totally disagreed with! ok your choice but stop harping on about the bloody courtyard its not that good!!! reasonable yes, but not the way you go on about it. Yes, your entiltled to your opinion but enough already! jeez

[raro]

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.

[MeetJohnDoe]

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?

Edited April 4, 2009 by MeetJohnDoe

[anothertorres]

You are also incorrect in stating that "no one said anything about changing anything, certainly not management." MeetJohnDoe stated a hope for exactly that.

heh, i didn't read his post after the first few sentences. i don't read much, i just post

[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?

[patsfangr]

You are also incorrect in stating that "no one said anything about changing anything, certainly not management." MeetJohnDoe stated a hope for exactly that.

heh, i didn't read his post after the first few sentences. i don't read much, i just post

Ahh, I see. Pretty speeches with no knowledge of, or basis in truth. You must be studying Obama very carefully.