The latest new restaurant in the Chateau Dale complex (the culinary center
of Pattaya-Jomtien) joining Bruno’s, Cuvee, Gian’s, Habitu and Indian by
Nature, is the News Cafe. It is well signposted, so you should have no
trouble locating it, around half way down Thappraya Road on the left, and
before the traffic lights intersection with Thepprasit.
The owners are a Scandinavian trio (Per, John and Jens), all of whom have
been involved in the restaurant business, both here and overseas, so the
News Cafe is not a new venture, but rather an extension of their experience
in a new location. And the name the News Cafe? It is just something they
dreamed up, as they keep newspapers there, including of course, the
Pattaya Mail.
The restaurant is positioned under Gian’s, and the entrance is from the side
of the building, so you can park directly outside. There are three sections,
an outer courtyard with wicker chairs, an inner air-conditioned section with
sit-up bar with the open kitchen on view, and another enclosed area for
private functions, seating around 35 people. Some spectacular artwork is on
the walls, and the restaurant is finished in muted beige tones, giving it a
‘cozy’ atmosphere. Most tables are also situated alcove style and have a
rattan placemat and good quality cutlery and napkins. The serving staff in
the long European aprons add to the friendly ambience.
There are some daily specials on blackboards above the bar at B. 220, which
Per described as Swedish home cooking items, and on the evening we went,
there were plenty of Scandinavians enjoying themselves. There is also a
rotating three course special set menu at B. 495 on its own blackboard at
the bar.
The
menu proper has the wine list at the back. A limited, but well thought out
selection with most between B. 1,000-2,000, covering old and new worlds.
House wines are only B. 130 per glass, and supplied in a good measure at
that, as we sampled both the red and the white.
Six starters are priced between B. 60-210, with caviar cheese balls with
salmon and shrimp at the top end. Salads are B. 75-100, followed by pastas
and burgers (B. 165-210). The baked potato Skagen sounded interesting,
filled with shrimp and dill mayonnaise.
Seafood items are between B. 355-390, while the steaks and grills are
between B. 245-395. This covers chicken, pork and beef. The planked steak is
an interesting item, being served on a wooden plank, with the potato.
For those with Thai partners, they are also accommodated for with a Thai
favorites menu, with most items around B. 135. Children are not left out
either, with their own kids menu at B. 120-165.
I tried the Shrimp Zorba as a starter, and it was sensational. Chopped
shrimp and Feta cheese with spring onions, tomato, sunflower oil and chilli
in a coronet of lettuce. Definitely something to give a jaded palate some
‘zing’. Madame had a kebab, a mighty skewered version which come with its
own hanging bracket. A fun presentation of a familiar dish.
For mains, Madame went for the Texas steak which came with chips, while I
went for the sole file limone (B. 375) which came with a side plate of
boiled potatoes. The fish comes wrapped in a filo parcel and has been done
with lime and mango juice and a shrimp garnish.
The steak was brought to the table cooked to order, and the chips were
correctly done (and I have to say that many restaurants do not seem to be
able to do this). The fish was superb, with the lime juice making for a
sharp, but smooth dish.
The News Cafe is presenting good quality food in more than adequate
portions, at reasonable prices in a very friendly ambience. It is a proper
restaurant, and not just a cafe. Children are welcome, so this restaurant
could be ideal for families. Definitely worth adding to your ‘must visit’
list.
The News Cafe, 306/89 Chateau Dale, M12, Thappraya Rd., telephone 038 267
174, email [email protected]. Open 12 noon until midnight (kitchen
closes at 11 p.m.). Secure parking in the Chateau Dale complex.
