by Miss Terry Diner
Sometimes we forget just what a culinary paradise it is
that we live in. Pattaya can boast almost every known cuisine, and some of
our better restaurants can hold their heads up in any company. This week’s
restaurant is one of those.
The Bay, Il Ristorante Italiano, seems to be getting stronger and stronger
under the hand of their ‘Oh-so-Italian’ chef Giuseppe Zanotti. A few months
ago, Giuseppe was interviewed in this newspaper and he said, “Cooking! It’s
a my life, it’s a my passion. If I live to be as old as my 85 year old
grandfather, I will still learn.” He then tapped his chest. “Inspiration
comes from inside. Like Pavarotti or Leonardo. A chef is a creative artist.
When we have promotions, I have many books, but I don’t use them for
promotions. I start with a (blank) white page and my pen.” And ‘inspired’
seems to be the opinion of people who have eaten there recently. Giuseppe
has made his mark, both on the menu and on the presentation. We went along
to see just how this appears to the everyday diner.
Begin
with the location. The Bay is set out on Dusit Point, curling around the
swimming pools and looking out over the curve of Pattaya Bay. At night this
is spectacular. You can dine outside (but covered) and enjoy the cooling sea
breezes, or inside and air-conditioned. Despite this being the hot season,
it was so pleasant outside that we opted to eat in the natural gentle
zephyr.
Now look at the welcome and service. Big smiles, attentive staff (you never
have to pick up a napkin ever again) and you are made to feel at home. The
menu is easy to read and prices not over the top, with pizzas and pastas
generally under B. 300, fish dishes B. 400-600, and the most expensive was
an imported Australian veal tenderloin at B. 830.
Wines? Try the Dusit labels – good quaffing wines and affordable.
We began with “Carpaccio di tonno con finochi marinati e salsa al limone”
which was a carpaccio of Atlantic tuna with marinated fennel end lemon
sauce. If your taste buds are a little jaded, try this as a starter. The
lemon sauce drizzled in a circular fashion all over the tuna slices and the
lettuce with some Balsamico, is just an explosion of flavors. And while
mentioning Balsamic vinegar, chef Giuseppe speaks of Balsamico as a wine
connoisseur does about wines. The best, he assured us, came from Modena,
which was very close to where he came from, and the Ferrari factory as well!
(Did I mention that Giuseppe was a fiercely proud Italian?)
Our next course was a Spinach tortelli with butter sage sauce. Hand-ground
Parmesan was offered by our waitress, but Giuseppe said no. Always listen to
the chef, so we declined and were rewarded by another sensational host of
flavors. If this is on the menu, order it, eat slowly and savor.
Our dessert was just as spectacular. A strawberry shortcake with Balsamico
ice cream (from Modena, of course)! We finished with a “zing”!
Have you got up after an Italian meal and felt so full, it was
uncomfortable? The Bay did not leave us that way. The portions are enough to
satisfy, and you can really enjoy three courses. Coupled with the fact that
each course had such a mélange of flavors, you feel as if you have really
experienced something different and first class. And you have! From the
perspective of a total dining experience, The Bay now has it all. Superb
location, great service and inspired food with fabulous presentation. With
monthly promotions you could safely eat there for 12 months and not repeat
yourself. If you have not tried The Bay yet, you owe it to yourself to do
so. Highest recommendation possible.
The Bay Restaurant, Dusit Resort, 240/2 Pattaya Beach Road (enter from the
Dolphin roundabout intersection of Pattaya Second, Pattaya North and
Pattaya-Naklua Roads), Pattaya City, telephone 038 425 611, fax 038 428 239,
email pattaya@ dusit.com. Open seven days, 11 30 a.m. until 2.30 p.m. for
lunch and 6.30 p.m. till 10 p.m. for dinner. Secure parking in hotel
grounds.
