The Captain’s Corner is almost a landmark
in South Pattaya, and despite the widening of the road which eats into the
parking area, it is certainly in no danger of sinking! It had been more than
a year since the Dining Out team had officially reviewed this restaurant,
and with an Australian journalist in tow, we invaded one evening. Our
‘boarding party’ met no resistance, and in fact we were very warmly welcomed
by the lovely hostess Khun Gai, and her service personnel.
For those who have never been (and I honestly do not
think there can be too many who have never been), it is on Thappraya Road on
the left going up the hill from South Pattaya to Jomtien, about 50 meters
from the Thappraya-Third Road intersection. It is situated between the
Residence Garden and the Residence Suites, and beside the Residence Garden’s
swimming pool. It is also a ‘garden’ restaurant, with much greenery and
bushes, but the very airy dining areas are covered. A great ambience.
Adding to the ambience is resident singer/keyboard player
George Sinatra, who will keep the diners very happy with his rendition of
easy listening music; however, on Wednesday evenings he is replaced by
Pattaya’s own Elvis, for all the Graceland fans.
The concept of this restaurant is an ‘all you can eat’
BBQ, and this has been the way it has been run for 10 years this coming
October. The price is low (B. 350 plus VAT and children under 12 years are
half price) and as they say, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” Having found
the formula, owners Kannikar and Ib Ottesen have indeed kept it, fine tuning
only, to make it one of the most successful BBQ restaurants in Pattaya.
The ease of running this BBQ, both from the diner’s and
staff point of view is worth mentioning. You go to the loaded tables, pick a
plate which has a number tag, and now choose the items you want to go on the
BBQ. You have plenty of choices, with beef of many cuts, pork and pork chops
with some done in different marinades, sausages with some wrapped in bacon,
BBQ skewers, chicken, spare ribs, prawns, and other seafood items. You give
your plate of BBQ items to the chef and they start immediately. You then
select what salad items you would like, with plenty of fresh choices, plus
1000 Island or French dressing to go with your salad. However, it does not
end there, as there were food warmers with a Panang curry, a chicken with
cashews, and pork rissoles, plus some cold cuts, a Yum Talay and prawns and
crab sticks, baked potatoes, rolls, butter, and more sauces and dressings.
When you are ready, you retire to your table and display
your number tag, and the smiling service people find you as soon as your BBQ
selection is cooked.
We decided we would have a bottle of champagne, or more
correctly, sparkling ‘methode champenoise’ to complement a sparkling evening
and the Hardy’s Premiere Cuvee at under B. 1,000 is an excellent and
inexpensive sparkler. It is also worth mentioning that the majority of the
wines, from both the old and new worlds, are under B. 1,000 as well.
Between the three of us, we sampled everything, and
backed up for a couple of items as well. We were not disappointed,
especially when you consider the price.
We had a great evening at the Captain’s Corner. We ate
till we could eat no more, we had fun with George Sinatra who seemed to be
able to play and sing all requests, and finished with the Irish Coffee.
This restaurant venue will be enjoyed by everyone and is
also very suitable for families, has a good selection of items and is really
underpriced for what is on offer. Very highly recommended.
The Captain’s Corner Steak House, Thappraya Road (just
past the Residence Garden), open seven days from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m.
Parking available under the Residence Garden and kerbside (when the new road
is finished). Free pick up service available in the Pattaya - Jomtien area,
telephone 038 364 314.
