Is there anyone who has not seen the Ambassador City Na
Jomtien? That enormous collection of buildings, which was once the largest
hotel in the world. Well, it has lost that title, but is still the fourth
largest at 4,200 rooms. I used to swear that if everyone pushed the flush
button at the same time Mabprachan dam would dry up!
Chef Claudio Viale.
A few years ago, the Ambassador City was looking a bit
sad, to be honest, but after our visit last week, that has all changed. Many
holidaymakers and 20 restaurants to attract them. We went to their Italian
outlet, Pasta-Pasta, way down on the left side from the entrance heading
towards the sea, and you will be as amazed as we were.
Pizza-Pizza is fresh, vibrant and is so Italian you could
be in Genoa. I chose Genoa as that is where Pasta-Pasta’s Italian chef
Claudio Viale comes from, and he is passionate about his food and his
restaurant.
Terracotta tiles, archways and private alcoves, a
traditionally styled pizza oven, red and green napkins and tablecloths and
happy service staff will have you smiling before you have even looked at the
menu! A glass of wine while making your choices always helps, and a glass of
the house wine Mandrarossa Nero d’Avola from Sicily (B. 250 per glass or B.
1,200 per bottle) is very pleasant.
Rocket salad with prawn.
The restaurant is in three main sections, with an open
dining (air-conditioned) main area, leading into the alcoves section, whilst
there is also an open air al fresco section for those wishing to enjoy the
sea breezes (and a cigarette!).
Wines are predominantly Italian (not hard to predict) and
range in price from around B. 850 to B. 7,000 (though there is a Chateau
Lafitte Rothschild in the cellar for something over B. 150,000).
Salmon.
I have often found that you get the best out of an
Italian kitchen by following the recommendations of the chef. Chef Claudio
rose to the occasion, suggesting the mixed appetizer (B. 460 for two
persons), a rocket salad (B. 280) with prawn (the Pasta-Pasta salads are
hydroponically grown on site), a beef ravioli in truffle sauce (B. 390) and
their 4 Seasons pizza (Shitake mushroom, salami, artichoke and ham). All
pizzas come in two sizes - eight slice or four slice and are mainly in the
range of B. 260-390 for the large ones. And of course Chef Claudio insisted
we try his Tiramisu (B. 130) at the finish and a couple of glasses of his
special grappas (try the Nonino, especially the chardonnay variety, just
wonderful). There is an old saying in the gastronomic world - “Never trust a
skinny chef.” Claudio Viale is not skinny! Claudio also waxed eloquent when
the subject of ‘real’ pizzas came up. “Thick bases with fillings in the
rolled over edges are not pizzas. They are focaccia bread with tomato sauce
topping.” The Italian chef from Genoa has spoken.
It was an excellent Italian evening, and my favorite
dish, amongst the many we tried that evening, was the beef ravioli in the
truffle sauce. Subtle, smooth, flavorsome, and the white truffle imported
from Piedmont. I can highly recommend this dish. The portion sizes were more
than adequate, and I asked specifically as to whether the amount on the
plate was standard, and was assured that the portions were correct, and not
‘inflated’ for the reviewer. The prices are not over the top, or as Chef
Claudio put it, “These are trattoria prices, and they are net.”
We were quite frankly amazed at the difference between
the present and how we remembered the Ambassador City from around 10 years
ago. F&B director Prayoon Chaitosa showed us one of their other outlets,
with five or six open kitchens, very modern d้cor and even a revolving
stage. With the new road system, for us living in East Pattaya it was a
leisurely 15 minute drive via the railway road. We will definitely be back,
and I’d like to try their new Oyster Bar as well (hint, hint K. Prayoon)!
Pasta-Pasta, Ambassador City Na Jomtien, 21/10 M2
Sukhumvit Road, open 7 days, 11.30 a.m. till last orders 10.30 p.m.,
telephone 038 255 501, website www.ambassadorcityjomtien.com, secure
parking.
