Since it had been quite some time since we last visited
Hans and Dickie Frei’s restaurant at the Little Hill Resort, it was almost
like ‘another’ first time for us. It is not as far out of town as you
would imagine, being only 3.5 km from Sukhumvit Road via Soi Nern Plub Waan,
right into Pattanakarn Road and then left into the winding Marbtatoayao Road
to Pattaya Land and House. As we pulled up in the very secure resort
compound, we were initially taken by the wonderfully kept surrounds and
flowering bushes. Hans has certainly been busy in the gardens.
On entering the restaurant, the Chaine des Rotisseurs
escutcheon is plainly visible, and then the restaurant fans out as a
semi-circle open on one side, surrounded by trees and tropical foliage, and
then further on to the free-form swimming pool. Despite the recent hot
weather, the cooling breezes around the ‘little hill’ kept the ambient
temperatures very pleasant.
The tables have good quality tablecloths and embroidered
linen napkins, matching up with good quality cutlery and comfortable
cushioned cane chairs. The paintings on display by Thai artist Jessada
Kongsommart are also for sale if one takes your fancy.
The menu is large, with 100 items in addition to
breakfasts and some fondues and a Swiss Raclette. There is also a
children’s menu as well as a Thai favorites selection (B. 85-140).
Cold appetizers (B. 150-210) include a smoked duck breast
and a tomato salad with mozzarella and basil vinaigrette. Warm appetizers
are similarly priced with a frog legs in garlic herb sauce for the
Francophiles. Salads follow (B. 50-105), then a range of soups generally
under B. 100, some pastas (B. 180), fish and crustaceans (B. 310-420)
including rock lobster thermidor.
The char-grill has imported US beef items (B. 435-480)
plus a chateaubriand for two at B. 790. Then are other meat and poultry
items (B. 215-425), followed by desserts and coffees.
We began with the tomato cream soup flambe for me and the
ravioli ricotta cheese-spinach in oregano cream sauce for Madame. I have
always said that dining out should be more than just sustenance, there needs
to be a little ‘theatre’ as well. The soup was prepared at the table by
the maitre d’ and the taste was as good as performance. I also had some of
Madame’s ravioli, and this home-made dish was exceptionally smooth with
delicate flavors.
For main courses, Madame selected ‘half’ a
chateaubriand, while I went for the eponymous ‘Little Hill Steak’. As
there is a choice of accompaniments, Madame opted for the home made noodles
with hers, whilst I went for the ‘Farmer style’ potatoes to go with the
sauces and vegetables. The Little Hill Steak is also flamed at the table,
and was a very hefty piece of tenderloin, with an additional boat of
mushroom sauce.
Both our meat courses came on warm plates and both steaks
were some of the most tender we have had recently. Superbly cooked large
portions of excellent top grade beef. Incidentally, the farmer style
potatoes were a very pleasant change too.
We came away from Little Hill Restaurant totally replete
and totally amazed. The value for money would be difficult to beat; in fact
I said to Hans and Dickie Frei that the steaks were so far under-priced for
imported American beef that I was sure they were selling them at a loss.
Before they think too much about what I told them, go to this restaurant and
experience excellent food which is honestly priced way too low. B. 790 for a
chateaubriand for two, or B. 480 for their beef tenderloin Little Hill steak
is incredible value. Highly recommended. But go before they put up the
prices! They also have a pick-up service from hotel or home, which makes the
drive there and back even easier!
The Little Hill Resort Restaurant, 11/32 M. 13 Marbtatonayao Road (on the
way to Swiss Paradise Village and Pattaya Land and House) telephone 038 734
484, fax 038 734 485, email [email protected]. Secure parking within the
resort compound. Open from 7 a.m. (the resort guests need breakfast
remember) through until late.
