Pan Pan is almost an institution in
Pattaya-Jomtien, located at the T-junction where Thepprasit Road meets
Thappraya Road. Fortunately, Pan Pan had the foresight to employ a security
guard to control the traffic so that diners can get into and out of the
parking area in front of the restaurant.
We last ate at Pan Pan 12 months ago, which was not so
long after a total make-over of the restaurant buildings, and I had the
feeling that it had not yet settled down. Now 12 months later it was going
to be a better examination of what Pan Pan could deliver to its veritable
army of diners (once again, it was packed and it was a Tuesday night).
The restaurant has many faces. It begins with what could
almost be called a footpath eatery outside, and then another collection of
tables adjacent to the genuine wood-fired pizza oven. Head indoors from
there and there is a bar and delicatessen refrigerated area (with some
beautiful cakes, Italian hams and a dozen different ice creams), with a few
table settings along one wall. Venturing further indoors there is a very
large dining area, which is split into two sections, and has several larger
tables for dining Italian style, with the family (and extended family).
The tables all had salmon coloured cloths with white
starched napkins, terracotta tile floors, large curtained bay windows and
the atmosphere is very bright and happy. This seems to influence the diners,
and there was a hubbub of chatter everywhere - again, a very Italian
ambience. The chairs are cane and somewhat ‘rustic’ but with good
cushions and comfortable. By the way, there are highchairs too.
The menu is not too large, but is extensive, with 31
choices of pizza, for example. It begins with the antipasti (B. 90-260) with
all the usual Italian favourites, such as bruschettas. Next up are the soups
and pastas (B. 100-260) and then the salads (B. 80-200).
Main courses (B. 200-350) are again varied enough to
allow for individual choices, with the top price being for a saut้ed
prawns in a casserole with brandy. You will find something for everyone in
the family.
The wine list is mainly Italian, though I did notice some
Jacob’s Creek (Australian) on special on some tables. House wines by the
glass are B. 120, and most bottles are around the B1,000 mark, with top
drawer being B. 3,500.
We began with a couple of items from the antipasti list -
the garlic bread with tomato and basil and the grilled bread with clams and
white wine (crostini con vognole). Both of these were very tasty, and with a
liberal application of ground black pepper from our pepper grinder were
quite excellent.
We had ordered a salmon salad, which we had already
decided we would share, and fortunately so, as a very large wooden bowl full
of salad was delivered to the table. The dressing for the salad was quite
piquant, from olive oil and vinegar, and again we both enjoyed it.
For mains, Madame had chosen the spaghetti with seafood,
which was again a large dish and loaded with many different seafoods. In
fact, it beat Madame who had to call for a doggy box to take most of it
home! I had chosen the scallopini al limone, and it was perfect. Very
tender, lightly cooked meat with the lemon sauce just tart enough to keep
the taste buds refreshed.
Pan Pan has certainly settled down into being a very good
and reasonably priced Italian restaurant. The food was of a high standard,
with large portions. It was certainly a good ‘family’ restaurant, and
many of the families there that evening would attest to that. Definitely
another choice for large groups. If you have not tried it, then you should.
Recommended.
Pan Pan, Thappraya Road (just up from the Thepprasit T junction),
telephone 038 251 874. With the popularity of this restaurant is probably
best to book. Secure parking outside. Open Sunday-Thursdays 9.30 a.m. until
11 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 9.30 a.m. until 12 midnight. By the way, no
alcohol is served between 2-5 p.m.
