Another new restaurant was brought to our attention. This is the Bite Me Bistro and Bar on Third Road, almost on the corner of Soi Lengkee and opposite the New York Pizza. It is in a single shop house so it is easy to miss it, but before reading the review, let me assure you this restaurant is well worth your while!
The driving force is Ewan, a Scottish chap from Nairn who has literally worked all over the world, including 12 years as the chef on a luxury yacht. As well as being a chef he is also a sommelier who takes an active interest in the wines he stocks.
Being in a single shop house, it is a little squeezy, and Ewan suggests that if you are part of a party of more than four, please book so that tables can be re-arranged.
Tables and chairs are somewhat rustic, but with cushions to make it more comfortable. Being a “bistro” it kind of fits.
At the rear of the restaurant is a small bar, plus access to the next floor which can cater for larger numbers.
Table wines are B. 120 per glass and there are four house wines (B. 890-1250). Local beers are B. 60-75.
We were blown away by the Sesame Tuna. I have had rare tuna before, but never on such a flavorsome dressing.
We chose a bottle of the Chilean Antares Cabernet Sauvignon (B. 990) to sip while we perused the menu, which is not large, with four entrees and eight mains. However, as you read the menu, you get an inkling that the food is anything but ‘ordinary’. For example, the Sesame Seared Rare Tuna (B. 390) is served with a seaweed and pickled vegetable salad and Ponzu dressing. The BBQ pork fillet is marinated in a Jack Daniels sauce (B. 290) and there is a vegetarian Parmesan basket filled with eggplant and zucchini ratatouille and red pepper coulis (B. 250).
The BBQ Jack Daniels pork was excellent.
There is also a daily blackboard special and another Set Menu which changes every few days and runs from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. and includes one drink (wine, beer or soft). On our evening this was B. 490, but can change, depending upon the market prices of ingredients.
We began our review with the Sesame Tuna (entrée size, B. 195) and were blown away by this dish. I have had rare tuna before, but never on such a flavorsome dressing. I had intended just having a couple of slices and ended up having more than Madame. Ewan knows his craft.
The Sea Bass fillet on a bed of Mediterranean vegetables and a white wine dill sauce made for a wonderful mélange of flavors.
For mains, Madame chose the BBQ Jack Daniels pork which was excellent. The pork was cooked to perfection and the slightly ‘tangy’ sauce just lifted the dish. At B. 290 it is one of the culinary bargains of Pattaya. Quite honestly, it is being sold too cheap. Go along to Bite Me before Ewan realizes this!
For my main, I had gone for the Sea Bass fillet on a bed of Mediterranean vegetables and a white wine dill sauce. I have rarely seen a fish done this way, and the different tastes and textures made for a wonderful mélange of flavors in the mouth. This dish was also B. 290, and also underpriced.
We turned down offers of desserts as we were too replete, but I did have a small Pastis with a couple of coffee grounds dropped in it at Ewan’s insistence. A fitting end to a gourmet dinner.
Bite Me Bistro and Bar has been in operation for only two months, but it has already built up a strong clientele, and it is easy to see why. Ewan is on top of his game, his food is a very welcome change from the “standard” restaurant dishes, and he understands the meaning of “service”.
This new restaurant is a “must go to”. You will not be disappointed. By the way, he does not cook Thai food and suggests that if it must be Thai, there are plenty of roadside kitchens producing that style of cuisine.
Bite Me Bistro and Bar, 312/12 Third Road (corner Soi Lengkee, opposite New York Pizza), https://www.facebook.com/BitePattaya, tel. 09 23456 385, closed Sundays, plenty of on-street parking.
