The Jomtien Boathouse is rapidly becoming an institution
in Jomtien, even though it has only been open for two years. The restaurant
is on the ground floor of the 12 room boutique hotel, and in many ways is a
reflection of the professionalism of the owners, Ib and Kannikar Ottesen,
both very well experienced restaurateurs.
The restaurant is in two sections, an outside area on
wooden decking which also has a bar at the far end, and an inner
air-conditioned section, which has the stage, graced every Thursday and
Friday by “Elvis” himself.
Wood predominates, with all the table settings in natural
wood, though there are cushions for one’s bottom, a most important
element! The tables have brightly colored tablecloths, and the happy
atmosphere is reflected in the very efficient staff.
Being a balmy evening, we chose to sit outside and enjoy
the sea breezes. A glass of wine at the bar seemed in order, and with the
house white at B. 99, our appetites were whetted inexpensively.
The menu also shows that the Ottesens understand the food
business. Whilst not the largest menu around, it is one of the few totally
photographic menus in town. The old WYSIWYG principle (What You See Is What
You Get). Since the restaurant is also a favorite with European tourists,
the prices are given in euros as well as baht.
It
begins with a prawn promotion, with a choice of six styles at around B. 150,
followed by a page of appetizers (B. 65-140) that includes a tempura dish
and a salmon/asparagus roll with shrimp egg sauce.
A couple of pages of starters are next, with the majority
around B. 120-130, with some very interesting baked dishes including clams,
mussels or shrimps.
The brochettes (B. 199-375) come in seven styles,
covering pork, lamb, prawns, fish, and beef. Your choice comes with a side
salad and a choice of potato - baked or french-fries, and freshly baked
bread.
Dinners (B. 195-350) cover steaks, schnitzels, poultry,
fish and even a couple of Scandinavian items.
Then there is Thai food (around B. 120), children’s
items and desserts. Enough for everyone!
Finally there is a decent selection of wines, both old
and new world, with most under B. 1000.
We began with a baked shrimps in garlic butter and cheese
for Madame and an interesting variety item for me, called a ‘symphony’
of shrimps, mussels, salmon, crab sticks and salad. We both enjoyed our
starters.
For mains, Madame went for the pepper steak, while I was
taken by the ‘Surf and Turf’ brochette that came with a very large prawn
at each end and a large cut of beef in the middle. This dish also came with
a choice of fries and fresh garden salad.
What was immediately evident with both cuts of beef was
that the ‘tenderstretch’ aging process really works. Both were cooked to
our order, and the meat was flavorsome, satisfying and tender. The portions
were also such that I had to struggle to finish (but I did, the food was so
good!).
The meals were of a very high standard, with the aged
steaks rivaling many imports. The cooking was as per our orders, and the
size of the portions more than just adequate! The brochettes come on skewers
that could be used for sword-fighting, hanging over each end of the large
oval serving plate.
We were both very satisfied with our food, and both
unable to find room for desserts, even though they looked very tempting.
However, I was tempted by the Irish Coffee, which was a great finish to what
had been a very pleasant evening.
The Jomtien Boathouse continues to impress. The food is
good, the portions are large and prices not expensive. Three most important
points in any restaurant. If you have not been, then you should. I have to
admit that this is one of my favorite venues. Highly recommended.
The Jomtien Boathouse, Hotel, Wine and Grill; Jomtien Beach Road (corner
Soi 8), telephone 038 756 143, fax 038 756 144, email info @jomtien-boathouse.com,
website www.jomtien-boat house.com. Open seven days, 8 a.m. until 11.30 p.m.
On street parking.
