Linda’s (friendly) Restaurant

A little over a year ago, we reviewed Linda’s Restaurant in Jomtien. We finished the review with, “The food was excellent and the portion sizes tending to be on the large side, and the prices reasonable. The wine list was also inexpensive. This restaurant is definitely worth visiting. We are sure you will not be disappointed.”

Well, before you read further, one year later we were still not disappointed! We dined with Linda Eiksund herself, who is a most interesting international lady. A restaurateur, born in Hong Kong, but spent 20 years in Norway, a talented business woman and chef and who began her working life as a dishwasher. And now runs her own restaurant in Jomtien.

The restaurant itself is spotless, and is in two sections. There is the al fresco verandah outside, though covered, alongside the footpath (this is part of the Thappraya footpath that took years to be finished). Inside, in air-conditioned comfort, there are comfortable chairs and decent sized tables, with white starched napery. Along the back wall is the cocktail bar, and you are looked after by very attentive service staff in maroon uniforms.

The wine list, though not extensive, has more than enough choices, and is also not expensive. The Chilean Yali label costs between B. 1150-1350. We chose the Italian Montepulciano D’Abruzzo DOC, and at B. 1,350 made for pleasant, relaxed quaffing while we perused the menu.

Reflecting Linda’s 20 years in the cold climes of Norway there are several Norwegian dishes on offer (such as Fårical (mutton and cabbage) on a Friday), with many others being based on seafood, a commodity which is plentiful in Scandinavia. There are also rotating daily specials and some set lunches and dinners, and being an ‘early’ restaurant, there are choices of breakfasts as well. Remembering that we are in Thailand, there are separate items to cover Thai cuisine, with nothing over B. 300.

Appetizers include an Aquavit marinated salmon with mustard sauce (B. 265).

There is a complete page of pizzas (B. 295-395) including one whimsically called the Harry Potter pizza with ham, bacon, mozzarella, onion, paprika, tomato and oregano, all for B. 365.
In the main courses, tops is an Australian rack of lamb at B. 685, while the more usual choices are in the B. 450 range.

One popular seafood dish is the Norwegian Bacalao (dry salted cod) and there is even an English fish and chips (B. 460) with tartar sauce and the ubiquitous french-fries.

A page of pork/rice and noodle dishes includes pork with garlic and pepper (B. 280) which is followed by a Thai set menu (B. 395) which includes a Thai spicy shrimp soup (tom yum goong), beef tenderloin sweet and sour, BBQ chicken satay and a banana crepe.

Still enjoying our red wine, we began with a Hong Kong style wonton soup for me (B. 160) and some garlic prawns for Madame (B. 195). The soup was one of the best I have had this year, and the garlic was not stinted in the succulent plump prawns. A great beginning for our dining out review.

For mains, Madame had the pepper steak (B. 495), which was presented on an iron hotplate with a filled jacket potato. Very tender steak and thick and juicy and hot till the end, being on the hot plate.

For myself, the Weinerschnitzel beckoned (B. 380) and this was not one of those battered to a pulp schnitzels, but meaty and tender. This was certainly an enjoyable couple of main dishes.

No one restaurant can be all things for all people, but Linda’s restaurant does go close. Not over the top with prices and a choice of cuisines from Norwegian to European and to Thai. The ambience is excellent and you can linger over your wine as long as you like. As the high season approaches, this restaurant can become very popular, and although not necessary right now, it will be advisable to book in the Norwegian winter months.

Linda’s Restaurant, 315/177-180 Moo 12, opposite the Jomtien Complex. Thappraya Road, Jomtien. Open seven days from 7 a.m. until late. Tel: Reservations: 038 252 726, 087 813 0115, www.lindasrestaurant.com, street-side parking. Email [email protected].

Spicy avocado salad

Avocados are back again, and I find them irresistible, as do a lot of people! They are rich in flavor and texture and are perfect for use in a variety of salad recipes, and you can do far more with them than just making guacamole. Avocados are apparently loaded with nutrients such as dietary fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, magnesium, and folate, so you are doing your body a favor at the same time. The preparation of this salad is simple and quick, and the dressing is also easy.

Ingredients	Serves 2
Avocados ripe	2
Tomato, large seeded and chopped	1
Red onion, chopped	½
Red chilli medium, chopped with seeds	1
Coriander chopped	2 tbspns

Cooking Method

Combine all ingredients in a large serving bowl and toss gently.
Now prepare the salad dressing, which needs:
Juice of 1 lime
Balsamic vinegar 2 tbspns
Extra virgin olive oil 1 tbspn
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper a pinch
Now combine all ingredients in a jar with a screw top. Shake vigorously until well blended. Pour over the salad, mix well, serve and enjoy!