DINING OUT - ENTERTAINMENT

Captain’s Corner

Is this the best value BBQ?

   by Miss Terry Dinerner

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.