by Miss Terry Diner
The Dining Out Team was invited to the Buraran
development just outside Pattaya (3 km on the left outbound past Nong
Nooch on Sukhumvit Highway) for a Sunday BBQ. We had previously been to
social gatherings run by the development manager John Wood, so it looked
to be a very pleasant way to spend a Sunday lunch in the sun.
On our Sunday, the heavens opened till Miss Terry was
almost on the point of cancelling, but we decided to go anyway. The drive
down is pleasant and easy - just look for the signs after Nong Nooch, and
the Buraran estate does have security at the Checkpoint Charlie. Drive
around the development until you come to the "Clubhouse" sign
(about three quarters of the way around) and park. Through the portals and
then follow your nose to the BBQ!
The clubhouse section used for the BBQ is a very high
roofed open sala, so there was no problem with the weather, and is
adjacent to the clubhouse swimming pools (kids and adult). Along one side
is a bar, and the BBQ station. Seating is around large tables, with raffia
placemats and Balsamic vinegar and olive oil dispensers. The chairs are
large comfy woven cane with cushions. (Many restaurants let themselves
down with uncomfortable chairs which are not conducive to lingering over a
few drinks afterwards.)
We were immediately made to feel "at home" by
John and his partner Nikki and introduced to other guests. There was no
stiff formality, it was already feeling like a "family" BBQ. Off
to one side was a guitarist playing quiet music to fill in any lulls in
the chatter, and Nikki informed me that he is available for private
functions, just give John a call. Despite the weather we were already
enjoying ourselves.
The concept is a 250 baht all-you-can-eat deal. Drinks
are extra, but locally available bottled beers were only 70 baht and the
house wines are premium quality at 120 baht per glass. We chose the white,
which was a Hardy’s Australian Chardonnay, 2001 vintage. An excellent
choice.
On our Sunday, the blackboard specials included ostrich
kebabs, Yorkshire ham (cured locally) and the delightful annotation
"and lovely others"! The principal BBQ items to go with these
included BBQ steak or pork chop, some garden salad greens, a caprese with
tomato and mozzarella cheese, bell peppers, potato salad, coleslaw,
eggplant Sicilian lasagne, and a yoghurt with chopped tomato, peppers and
lime juice (to go with the pita bread pockets and the kebabs).
The cooking is done mainly by mine host John, in the
true "family" manner, where father does the BBQ on Sundays, and
he rotates the main dishes through items such as coq au vin, osso bucco,
beef bourguignonne and several pastas and pizzas.
We began with the eggplant Sicilian, a vegetarian item
which was smooth and flavoursome and then ventured back to the bar where
the BBQ items are placed along its periphery. With a pork chop and salad
for Madame and a steak and potato salad for me, it was again a typical BBQ
lunch. John also brought over the pita pocket bread, complete with ostrich
and yoghurt, to make sure we did it properly. (John spent many years in
Italy and knows his Italian food!)
Following this, we declined the desserts (too full) and
joined the others for a round table discussion afternoon. It was that sort
of an occasion.
The Sunday BBQ at Buraran obviously began as a local
get together and went on from there. Kids can play in the pool or assault
each other at ping-pong, adults can use the clubhouse facilities such as
the snooker table, or just sit back and relax with a drink. It is not
pretentious in any way and this is reflected in the price. A 250 baht BBQ
(150 baht for kids) is certainly not expensive and it is worthwhile
putting a party together for a relaxing time. Definitely recommended for
an afternoon out with the family and friends.
Buraran Village, Km 166, Sukhumvit Highway, Bang Saray, telephone 01
782 1431 (John Wood) or 038 425 861.
