There is a bumper bar sticker in outback Australia which
reads “You’re in cattle country – eat beef you b*st*rds!” I was
reminded of this when I sat down in the newly opened Beefeater Steak House
and Pub, noting that their steaks were imported from either Australia, New
Zealand or Argentina, probably three of the four most famous cattle raising
areas in the world.
The
Beefeater has just opened in Pattaya, and we did the dining out review in
their pre-opening period, which had restaurateur Peter Lomm just a little
worried as everything was new and the staff likewise. However, Peter is a
very experienced restaurateur and currently has four restaurants in Phuket,
so he knows the business, and had very little to worry about.
The venue has two entrances. You can gain access from Soi
Diana Inn, right opposite the Diana Inn itself, or from the other side, in
the arcade that used to be known as the Bavaria House arcade, opposite Mike
Shopping Mall.
The restaurant has two distinct areas, one ‘outside’
in the arcade itself and the second inside and air-conditioned. The tables
are placed in alcoves and are large enough to seat large people with large
appetites! In fact, the target group, according to restaurateur Peter, are
the Brits and the Aussies, both being diners that like a good steak,
especially the Australians said Peter. This is why they offer different
weights in the various cuts of meat.
The
menu is colourful and detailed, with explanations of the dishes. It begins
with starters (B. 70-170) and salads (B. 90-120) including a Caesar salad.
Pasta dishes are next, with choices of Penne or spaghetti
(B. 185-240) and then a range of Mexican items with quesadillas, enchiladas
and fajitas (b. 185-245), burgers (b. 175-220), ribs and chicken and then a
full page of grills (b. 245-550), with pork and imported beef on offer.
There are six choices of potato to go with your order and eight sauces.
There are also seafood items and two pages of Thai favourites, around B.
100.
Beers and wines are priced moderately, with eminently
drinkable whites and reds under B. 1000.
We began with the spring rolls for Madame and the Toast
Skagen (prawn salad) for me. We enjoyed both and were in agreement that they
were great palate fresheners.
From there it was into some good hearty meat dishes, with
a pork chop for Madame, that came with a red wine sauce and french-fries.
The chop was not at all dried out and the meat was very tender. Madame
remarked that the steak knife was superfluous, as the meat just fell apart.
At Peter’s suggestion I went for the planked steak, and
this was duly presented on its wooden platter, covered with b้arnaise
sauce, on a bed of oven-baked mashed potato, with fried tomato. I had
ordered the meat (200 gm) as medium-well, and it arrived at the table,
exactly to order. Peter informing me that all steaks are cooked to order and
checked using a meat thermometer. Again my steak was truly perfect and one
of the most enjoyable I have had recently.
Desserts? None for me, I was too full, but Madame (of the
sweet tooth) managed to pack away a Cr่me Brulee!
We did enjoy the food at the Beefeater. Madame was still
talking about her pork chop on the way home, whilst burping Cr่me
Brulee! There was no doubting the quality of the meats, and the quantities
were more than just adequate. Some of these Aussies must have huge appetites
to get through the 300 gm steaks; I found I was very full after the 200 gm
planked steak!
This restaurant is a very worthwhile addition to the
dining out venues in Pattaya, and for the carnivores out there, this new
eatery is next to heaven! Definitely worth a visit, even if just to have a
true ‘quality’ steak again.
The Beefeater Steak House and Pub, 216/30-31 Soi Diana Inn, Pattaya
Second Road (in the arcade opposite Mike Shopping Mall), Central Pattaya,
telephone 038 720 926. Open 4 p.m. until midnight seven days. Street
parking.
