Greg’s Kitchen on Pattaya Second Road (just past the
Tourist Police office and before Soi 4) has been there for seven years.
“How time flies,” said the attentive Greg, as we spoke about the recent
changes to his restaurant. And changes there have been, as Greg freely
acknowledges that no matter how successful his restaurant has been, if you
stand still, you are in reality going backwards!
The
most visible changes initially are on the outside, in the ‘Terrace
Garden’ where Greg has installed a large TV for viewing live sports
telecasts and has upgraded the furniture with large, comfy rattan chairs
where you don’t mind parking your bottom for the duration of the matches.
This is also a place for those who wish to smoke.
Inside, in the air-conditioned area, we were immediately
taken with the brighter ambience. A lick of paint here and there, some
brighter tablecloths and additional wall lamps have just given the place a
more cheerful appearance. The menu has also been expanded to include some
‘international’ items. All these have also seemed to extend the appeal
of the restaurant, with many diverse ethnic groups all filling the
restaurant on our dining out evening.
The menu begins with various drinks (including beers B.
85, house wines B. 130 per glass and milk shakes B. 85) and then to Greg’s
big breakfast B. 150, English style with all the trimmings.
Starters are next ranging between B. 70-220, covering a
couple of soups, some deep-fried breaded mushrooms and garlic bread with
tomato and mozzarella cheese.
A full page of British favourites is next. The vast
majority are between B. 220-260 and include many of Greg’s home-made pies
(he is now supplying outlets in Bangkok and his offer of order more than 12
pies to take away and you get a free breakfast is still going!). Others
include his roasts and gammon steaks.
The next page has international dishes (B. 250-495) with
pork schnitzels and pastas at the lower end and imported NZ fillet steak at
the top end. Both the British favourites and the international items come
with three vegetables and a choice of potatoes done in one of eight ways.
Next up are two pages of Thai items, generally around B.
140, then some sandwiches (B. 130-195) served with home-made chips and
pickles. Following these there are salads, filled jacket potatoes and
desserts which include blueberry pie, apple strudel and lemon meringue pie.
It does not end there, as there is a Light Lunch menu
offered from 11 a.m. till 5 p.m. This is a B. 195 lunch and covers many
British and international items and salads.
We began with a Norwegian Prawns Provencale as a starter,
and we shared this dish, as I knew what sizes Greg’s offerings are for
mains! The prawns were plump and tender, and the white wine, garlic and
tomato sauce they came in was very tasty. The dish came with garlic bread,
which we both used to mop up the last tiny bit. A great appetizer. The new
crockery was also a bright start to the evening.
For mains, Madame had ordered the Norwegian poached
salmon which came in a lobster sauce with prawns. This was an excellent way
of presenting the large salmon steak, and in my opinion much better than the
usual pan-frying. Loved it!
For myself, I ordered the Chicken Parmegiano, with two
large breaded chicken breasts topped with herb butter and Parmesan cheese.
Great smell and a great taste, but as usual, Greg beat me with the size of
the portions. Did we want a dessert, Greg asked. He has to be joking!
There’s no way you can fit in desserts after his mains!
Greg’s Kitchen owes its success to many factors. The
consistent standard of the food, the size of the portions and the value for
money. You will never leave Greg’s Kitchen feeling that you could eat more
food, and it will not empty your piggy bank either. Very highly recommended.
Greg’s Kitchen, 370/21-22 Pattaya 2 Road (opposite Soi 6), North
Pattaya, telephone 361 227. Parking in Soi 4 and behind the Bangkok Bank.
