by Miss Terry Diner
Did you know that Italian food is the world’s most
popular cuisine? I have that on good authority, and it was not told to me by
an Italian! However, Italians would not disagree.
Trattoria Toscana has been in Pattaya for 12 months, but is a little
difficult to find. However, follow my directions and you will not go wrong.
Remember Soi Regent Marina, or sometimes known as Soi Zero? This is the
side-street before Soi 1, so come slowly along Beach Road, and after you
pass Henry J Beans, look for Soi Zero on your left. The opening is
disguised, but Trattoria Toscana does have an illuminated sign outside, so
keep the eyes peeled. Turn left into Soi Zero, and there it is immediately
on your left.
The
restaurant is in two sections. There is an outside al fresco dining area
with white chairs and covered tables, or inside and air conditioned. In
these hot evenings, we made for the inside. The inside section is all tiled
floor, brick and wood panelling with (full) bottles of Italian wines around
the walls and even as a room divider, and many photographs of famous
Italians such as Sophia Loren, Anna Magnani and Alberto Sordi. I have to
admit I did not know all their names, but they were given to me in a very
reverent tone, by owner and chef Luca Marchetti. Towards the rear there is a
bar area, and a long refrigerated cabinet with meats and cheese delicatessen
items. The tables are covered in white starched tablecloths and similar
napkins, whilst the glasses are again of high quality, with the red wine
glasses approaching goldfish bowl sizes! The service staff were efficient
and looked professional in their white shirts and black aprons. Whilst the
name may be Trattoria Toscana, the ambience is much better than a simple
trattoria.
The wine list is by Italian regions, and mainly in the B. 1,000-3,900 range,
and if you are uncertain of Italian wines, Luca is happy to advise. Our
Calzalunga 2001 (from Tuscany) was excellent and was decanted at the table
before being poured.
The menu is varied and large enough to provide many options through the
various sections of antipasti with most around B. 160-260, pasta, c covering
meats (with various beef items B. 410-580 and a lamb in sage and rosemary at
B. 580) and fish (with a clams in pesto with polenta at B. 290 and Thai rock
lobsters in a pink light cream sauce B. 330), then around 20 pizzas (B.
180-250), separate side dishes and desserts.
Luca suggested he bring a selection of his dishes to the table, and I have
always found that if you follow the chef’s recommendations you will not go
far wrong! We began with an enormous platter of antipasti and other entrees
including clams on potato with pesto and pine nuts and a very delicately
flavoured ravioli with shrimp.
For me, one outstanding main was the Cinghiale in Salmi, which was a wild
boar in cacciatora style which was done in red wine with pasta and olives
(B. 380). Luca nodded in approval and even sat with us for a glass of red,
before returning to a large group for whom he had set up a carving table in
the middle of the restaurant. It’s that sort of a place. “This is a
restaurant with character,” said Madame. I agreed, and the ‘character’ is
all Luca Marchetti!
Trattoria Roscana is not your average trattoria with the obligatory red and
white check tablecloths and refectory seating. This is a very well appointed
restaurant that serves Italian cuisine and Italian wine, run by a passionate
Italian. The food is of high standard and the service likewise. It is more
akin to an up-market restaurant which serves trattoria food. The mood is
laid back and we had a most pleasant evening. If you are looking for
authentic Italian food, you will find it here. Highly recommended.
Trattoria Toscana, 463/2-3 Pattaya Beach Road (just in Soi Zero off Beach
Road), telephone 038 362 370, fax 038 362 371, website www.
thailandiatoscana.com. Open seven days 12 noon until 11.30 p.m. Parking
within Soi Zero, or along Beach Road.
