The
last time we ate at Gian’s Italian restaurant, it was a Chaîne des Rôtisseurs
gala dinner. It was superb, but it could be argued that for those kinds of
dinners, everyone from the management to the junior chef’s assistant would be on
their toes. Nothing less than perfect is expected. However, on a mid-week
Wednesday in July, would it still be as good? We went along to see for
ourselves.
For those who are unaware of the location, it is in the
Chateau Dale Plaza, around half way down Thappraya Road on the left heading
towards Jomtien. It is well signed, and you cannot miss it, and there is secure
parking within the Chateau Dale Plaza.
The restaurant has an outside balcony section overlooking
Thappraya Road, and is used by those who wish to smoke, leaving the inside as an
air-conditioned area, complete with its cocktail/wine bar along one side, with
the on-view kitchen at the back.
We were met by the owner Guido Vietri, who is unmistakably
Italian. The atmosphere is also unmistakably Italian, a combination of many
factors. These include Italian tenors as the background music, statues,
paintings, some wonderful murals of Italian streets and to cap it all,
appropriately on the ceiling, there is the “God Creates Man” painting by
Michelangelo in the Sistine chapel. For Guido Vietri, the décor is a labor of
love, and something that is ongoing. Do not be surprised if you find even more
reminders of Italy, next time you go. And also do not be surprised when you hear
native Italian speakers around you, Italians are known for their love of good
food.
The table settings are of high standard, the tables large and
the seating comfortable. Guido wants you to stay and enjoy his restaurant! The
service personnel are outfitted in white shirts and black pants, and are very
friendly. You are made to feel at home.
We discussed the wine list with Guido and noted that the vast
majority of wines were under B. 2,000, and the vast majority were Italian.
(Would you expect anything less?) Guido suggested the Villa Antinori San Giovese
2006 (B. 1990) and it was decanted to allow 10 minutes of breathing time, during
which time we perused the menu.
The dishes on offer include the expected antipasti starters,
salads, soups, pastas, seafood, meats, pizzas and more. The prices are in the
medium range for quality restaurants, and are quoted as net, with no unexpected
add-ons.
We began with a mixed antipasti platter, which was very
large, but packed with very flavorsome items such as fried prawns as well as
cold salami cuts, Parma ham and melon and seafood. It was practically a meal in
itself.
At
one stage while we were quietly digesting during the evening, Guido came to
tempt us with some finely sliced Pata negra ham, the rather special ham from
black Iberian pigs fed on a diet of acorns. Beautiful!
However, for our mains, Madame had selected the snow fish con
spinaci e patate bollite (B. 590) for herself, while I was seduced by the
scaloppine al masala (B. 720). Both dishes were excellent, the snow fish was
moist and flaked easily, while the masala sauce with the very tender scalloppine
was a very, very satisfying dish.
By this stage we were replete and settled back into the
comfortable chairs to finish the Villa Antinori, but Guido was having none of
it! “You have to try my panacotta,” was the command - it was not a request. So
we shared one of the smoothest panacottas you can have, and then settled back
again and enjoyed a grappa and a truly Italian espresso before toddling off
home.
Dining Out at Gian’s Italian Restaurant was certainly a very
pleasant Italian experience. The food and service were of the same high
standards we had enjoyed at the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs dinner late last year, and
we can most certainly recommend that you try this restaurant. Do go, but I do
recommend that you book.
Gian’s Italian restaurant, 306/89 Chateau Dale Plaza,
Thappraya Road, Jomtien, tel. 038 364 934, www.gian.bkk4you.com, open seven days
from mid-day till late, secure parking in the plaza.
