There are some restaurants that stand the test of time,
and the original Pan Pan in Jomtien is undoubtedly one of those. Located
very close to the T-junction between Thappraya and Thepprasit Roads, it has
been a very popular restaurant in Jomtien for many years. Its popularity is
not just in the Pattaya diners, it is visited by scores of people from
Bangkok every weekend, and has remained one of the most successful Italian
restaurants in Pattaya.
The ambience is Italian, with the words San Domenico under the name Pan Pan,
making one remember the Basilica of San Domenico, one of the major churches
in Bologna, Italy.
Walking in to the restaurant, you are immediately struck
by the European ambience. The salmon pink walls and the salmon pink
tablecloths, the terracotta tiled floor, the draped windows - it all fits,
and is a tribute in many ways to the late Nic Demet who carried out the
refurbishment. The tables are set so that you can have an intimate dinner
for two, or a board meeting with 20 quite easily. Dotted throughout the
restaurant are plant pots. There are also other dining areas, including an
al fresco section at the rear of the building and some outside tables at the
front. The coffee corner has its own area complete with refrigerated cabinet
with pastries and ice cream with classic cappuccino and caffe’ espresso, the
caffe mocha, the macchiato, milk, Irish coffee and more. The choice is
yours, and there are plenty of them. It is more of a trattoria style than
upmarket restaurant.
The menu is familiar (if it ain’t broke - don’t fix it,
comes to mind). The prices only show a very mild increase over the years. It
begins with Appetizers (B. 100-550) with Bruschetta with tomato and garlic
at the lower end and Parma ham and melon (large serving) at the top end
served with pizza bread.
Salads next (B. 180-310) with the salmon with glass lettuce, onions, eggs
and olives sounding very conducive towards a great salad. We also noted the
Insalata caprese, another classic Italian course: tomato and mozzarella
cheese, oregano, basil and olive oil.
Soups and Pastas are the next section (B. 150-380) with traditional
Minestrone at the lower end and a Spaghetti alla Tarantina with prawns,
clams and mussels at the top end.
Main courses (B. 300-450) show that this is not an expensive restaurant.
This section includes tenderloin and Scaloppine.
There are also weekly specials (B. 320-400) which on our evening included
Red Snapper.
Pizzas (B. 220-420) have their own section (naturally,
this is an Italian restaurant after all). The traditional Margherita is
first and the very interesting four cheese pizza (mozzarella, gorgonzola,
camembert and fontina) at the top. The pizzas are made in a traditional oven
at the front of the restaurant, and you can watch yours being made by the
skilled cook in front of your eyes.
Of course there are breads and cheeses as well, including Gorgonzola and
Parmigiano.
Wines are all reasonably priced, with many very drinkable
wines around B. 1,000.
We began with the Insalata caprese, sliced tomato with mozzarella cheese,
oregano, basil and olive oil.
That was followed by a Montanara pizza, a refinement in pizza making which
has been done in Naples for many years, but only recently has ventured
outside Italy. The wheel of dough is fried quickly, then the other
ingredients (tomato, mozzarella, mushrooms and Italian sausage) added and
sent to the pizza oven to bake.
Summing up, Pan Pan reminds me of a comfortable pair of
old shoes. Not squeaky new, but can be relied upon to give good service in a
warm friendly way. Even the rustic wicker chairs are welcoming.
If you are looking for an Italian venue, you can add Pan Pan to your list.
Even though Italian cuisine can sometimes be on the heavy side, there are
plenty of light meal choices on the menu.
Pan Pan, Thappraya Road (just up from the Thepprasit T junction), telephone
038 251 874. With the popularity of this restaurant it is probably best to
book in the evenings. Secure parking outside and at the rear of the
building. Open every day 10.30 a.m. until late.
