CAFE LE MAR

The ocean-side terrace is spacious and welcoming, the popular bar area friendly and convivial, the air-conditioned dining room elegant and chic and the new pizza zone designed on an authentic Napoli-style pizzeria. Shan is justifiably proud of his pizzas and confirmed that only the top grade "farina" is used in their making. The iconic Margherita (B.160) tops the Classico menu and continues through Napolitana, Frutti di mare and our favourite, Quattro Stagioni (4 seasons). Vegetarian, white pizza (without tomatoes), Calzone and the house "specialties make up this wide-ranging rota of Neapolitan pies.

Breakfast is an overall B.110 with small supplements for extra items such as sausage, bacon, ham etc. Burgers (from B.120) and creative sandwiches, (open rye bread with thin slices of roast beef and remoulade, a Napoleon deep fried triple sandwich filled with ham and mozzarella) provide the snack element while the Thai menu’s selection of over fifty dishes is one of the best Mick and I have seen for a long while. As a seaside location they specialise in fresh fish and their house signature dish of steamed snowfish with soy sauce, shredded spring onion and ginger is a definite must-try.

From the Western menu, soup lovers would be well served with New England clam chowder (B.120), minestrone or French onion. We elected to launch the proceedings with the home-made chicken liver pate. It was tasty, creamy and toothsome providing a perfect light starter. For a main course I chose the grilled salmon salad while the sauteed lamb chops got Mick’s vote. I really enjoyed the sweetness of the salmon and the fresh, vibrant salad tossed in a Caesar dressing while Mick complimented the chef on the succulent lamb infused with garlic, olive oil and rosemary while the fresh, herby mint jelly added another delicious facet. An excellent all round meal and kudos to Chefs Praison and Chartchai for their dexterity in the kitchen.

The wine list covers a choice selection from around the world at very reasonable prices (we were drinking the excellent house wine). The cocktails are numerous and the premium spirits luxurious and wide-ranging.

Other meat courses include deep fried crackling pork shank served with sauerkraut and pineapple mustard sauce (B.495 for 2 people), tenderloin of beef "Rossini", chopped sirloin steak, rib-eye, T-bone or New York strip (B.595) for hard-core meat eaters.

We couldn’t resist one of Café Le Mar’s delectable deserts and chose a chocolate bomb confection which was heavenly. Other tempting items include their home-made ice creams, crepe suzettes, banana fritters and an apple soufflé omelette. Shan is a coffee aficionado and his knowledge on this subject is huge. His family are closely associated with the coffee business in the U.S. and they receive an extraordinary concession of Wallenford Blue Mountain coffee which Shan has brought to Thailand for a unique taste of this legendary brew. The bergamot tea here is also elite. It is Iranian grown Ceylonese tea called Ahmed which has received the royal seal of approval in England.

For unbeatable locations, this restaurant wins hands down. There are so many reasons to visit this beach-side eatery, so next time you feel the lure of an ozone-setting for a bite to eat, make it Café Le Mar. The service is friendly and efficient, the prices reasonable, the ambiance laid-back but enlivening and the food delicious. Do visit soon, we’re sure you won’t be disappointed.

Located on Jomtien Beach Road in front of Jomtien Beach Paradise resort, south of Soi Chaiapruk. Open daily from 10 am till midnight. Tel: (038) 233 466 or 089 932 3920. Website: www.cafelemarpattaya.com.