The Pan Pan Restaurant (close to the Thepprasit/Thappraya
Road T junction) has been at that location for many years, but as Jomtien has
burgeoned, with new (and sometimes previously well established elsewhere)
restaurants moving into the area, the owners of Pan Pan decided it was time for
a facelift. That facelift has seen a spectacular change to the outside of the
building, and it was obvious that it was time for the Dining Out Team to try the
cuisine.
The
restaurant has actually several different sections to it. Outside there is a
‘pavement eatery’ for al fresco dining, and then another non
air-conditioned, but undercover area, near the wood-fired oven. Inside, there is
a central bar and patisserie section, complete with a large range of some very
mouth-watering cakes. Going further into the restaurant, it opens out into two
large dining areas, complete with terracotta tile floors and tables with linen
tablecloths. Another fact that became immediately obvious was that Pan Pan was
packed packed! Many tables were pushed together as whole families were out to
have dinner Italian style.
The menu and the wine list are separate, with wines generally
from 1,200 baht, but house wine (Italian of course) is available at B. 120 per
glass for white or red.
The food menu is in Italian, with English translation, and
Thai subtitles as well. Appetizers range from B. 80 for the Bruschettas, through
to B. 420 for a large serving of Parma ham served with pizza bread or with
either melon or salami and Mortadella cheese.
Soups
and Pastas are next on the bill, with 13 choices ranging in price between B. 100
and B. 250. The pastas include lasagne, spaghetti, tagliatelle, macaroni,
tortellini and capellini, so you’re not going to get much more Italian than
that!
Eleven main courses, or should I say Secondi Piatti, are
mainly between B. 200-260, but the Gamberi al Cognac (casserole prawns with
brandy) is top spend at B. 350. Mains include different scaloppini and a Fritto
Misto San Domenico (Italian style fried seafood and vegetables).
Vegetables and salads (B. 80-200) include an intriguing
Insalata Cosa Nostra (mixed vegetables with olives, cheese and eggs) and a
Funghi Trifolati, which is mushrooms saut้ed with garlic and parsley.
Pizzas are next, generally under B. 200, and then there are the specials for the
week, so there are enough choices.
We ordered a variety of dishes, starting with a Bruschetta
Con Pomodore e Basilico (AKA garlic bread with fresh tomato and basil), a
Crostini Con Vongole (grilled bread with clams and white wine) and a traditional
minestrone soup. The soup in particular was very pleasant. We chose the house
white, which was perfectly acceptable and at the correct temperature.
For mains, we had to have pizza (they came from Italy after
all) and a hot Margherita was delivered to the table on a wood platter, but
surprisingly no ‘pizza slice’ to make it easy to distribute pieces to the
others. However, it was universally enjoyed.
Other mains were a Lasagne al Sugo (with meat sauce and
cream) and an Insalata Estiva (advertised as a mixed salad with asparagus,
beetroot, fresh basil and tomato). I found the lasagne rather on the heavy side
and the salad had obviously been kept under refrigeration, so it certainly was
not wilted.
The Dining Out team tried a selection of the fare at Pan Pan.
The pizza had a thin crust, as true Italian pizzas do have, and with an Italian
behind the long handled scoop at the oven, they should be authentic. I was
perhaps a little disappointed that the Margherita did not come in the three
Italian colours that I have experienced before, but the taste was fine.
There was no getting away from the popularity of the
restaurant - it was mid-week and it was full, with the staff even looking a
little overextended. Italian food as presented by Pan Pan obviously tickles the
public’s palate!
Pan Pan, Thappraya Road (just up from the Thepprasit T junction), telephone
038 251 874. With the popularity of this restaurant is probably best to book.
Secure parking outside. Open from 9 a.m. till late.
