The House of Pascal

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An angry Dover Sole.
An angry Dover Sole.

Students of language will appreciate that “Casa Pascal” means the House of Pascal, and our Casa Pascal has both Pascal and Kim Schnyder at the helm, both of whom are masters of language.

Right at the outset, I will admit to having a bias when it comes to a dining out review at Casa Pascal. Family birthdays have been celebrated at Casa Pascal for many years. Special occasions likewise. We have never been disappointed.

Pascal’s home smoked salmon.
Pascal’s home smoked salmon.

Where is Casa Pascal situated? In a small soi off Pattaya Second Road on the right, almost opposite the Avani Resort’s Dicey Reilly’s Pub and Restaurant next to Ruen Thai. Plenty of secure parking too.

There are two dining areas – the inside air-conditioned section which has large tables and very comfortable chairs in an atmosphere of “class”, and this is non-smoking. Outside, where smoking is permitted, there are two levels of terraces set under red umbrellas. At the far end of the upper terrace there is a large BBQ used for the breakfasts.

Attention to detail categorizes Casa Pascal, even to such subtle touches as stools beside the tables on which the ladies can place their handbags. Glassware and napery are spotless. There are also amethyst stones (called ‘thunder eggs’ in Australia) on display and for sale if you want something different for your home decor.

Even the menu has class. It’s written in several languages so take your time to take it all in. Likewise the wine list.

Pascal has experience in some of the world’s top kitchens, and in my opinion, he is the most innovative chef in Pattaya. Not too many chefs build their own smoker in their own garden, for example. Not too many chefs can tell you about the differences between a Spanish ‘filet’ and South American ‘filet’ for example, and I always leave Casa Pascal better educated than before.

The separate wine list is a well presented and photographic menu covering 117 wine labels, with many in the 1500-2000 THB range. We chose the Penfolds Koonunga Shiraz 2017. A pleasant red and not in the expensive range. Pascal also had the wine decanted through an aerator. A nice touch.

A “small” schnitzel.
A “small” schnitzel.

With dinner at Casa Pascal you begin with an Amuse Bouche as artistic as well as something to titillate the taste buds. We then began our starters with mine being the Pascal’s smoked salmon. This was a wonderful beginning with the onion and capers on the stone plate. Brilliant presentation, as well as palate pleaser.

Our main dishes were also a gourmet delight, including a very large pork knuckle and an equally large schnitzel and a lamb Provencal.

The most spectacular dish, however, was the garlic prawns served in a heated iron pot at the table. I continued with a seafood dish, being the Wild Dover Sole, pan-fried with my choice of mashed potato on the side.

The delicate job of decanting.
The delicate job of decanting.

We finished our wine while refusing another bottle, and took advantage of Pascal’s limousine service, to finish a wonderful evening.

In the second paragraph I mentioned never being disappointed. That still stands true. We all thoroughly enjoyed our evening at Casa Pascal.

I should also mention the Casa Pascal BBQ breakfast and lunch buffets. These are outstanding.

Casa Pascal also has the most amazing restrooms. So many restaurants let themselves down by having mediocre toilets. Casa Pascal’s are just superb.

Garlic prawns in an iron pot.
Garlic prawns in an iron pot.

This restaurant could hold its head up in any culinary collection, and the prices are not over the top. Casa Pascal gets our highest recommendation possible. You don’t need to wait for special occasions. Book now!

Casa Pascal, 485/M10, Pattaya Second Road (small soi next Ruen Thai and opposite Dicey Reilly’s Bar and Restaurant) Pattaya Central, telephone for reservation 038 723 660, (mob) 081 983 4182, email [email protected], web www.casa-pascal.com. Secure parking. Breakfast and Lunch Buffet from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. (or a la carte if you wish), dinner 6 p.m. until late. You can also book the Casa Pascal limousine if you wish to avoid the plethora of check points around town on the way home.

The classy interior.
The classy interior.