A visit to News Cafe on Thappraya provided a few surprises !! Meeting an old pal from UK, this was an ideal venue for an unhurried lunch on the terrace (he smokes, we dont) so three of us settled back for a la carte. The first thing we noticed was the MVC card which is presented prior to dining, was now obsolete !! Shock, horror!! News Cafe is now under new management. New owner Jack, also Scandanavian, came over to appraise us of the changes and the alterations he has made to the restaurant. Firstly, a Buffet lunch is available every day from 12.00 to 16.00pm. This is priced at 199 Baht and covers a myriad of excellent choices without limit. Secondly, he has scrapped the discount card as the new prices reflected on his revamped menu far exceed the 10% discount obtained on the MVC card. Thirdly, the cost of house wine per half litre carafe has reduced to 325 Baht per carafe. In our case, we enjoyed three carafes of a Chilean Merlot which improved as the afternoon went on. Fourthly, new courses have been added and prices reduced considerably. Desserts included Tiramisu and Pannacotta with Passion fruit dishes to broaden the rather small previous selection. The boys had had a heavy night before so I was sole taker of Gambas Ajillo at 150 Baht. We had one taker of Pork Cordon Bleu, one Fillet steak au poivre, and my usual selection of nearly alive fillet with garlic butter in a red wine jus. My steak cost 695 Baht and was absolutely perfect. The other guests reported most favourably on their mains. The staff were very good, smiling, attentive and getting things in the right order. Only error was a dirty glass for my soda water (poor start) but thereafter attention to detail was good, including owner Jack dropping by to see if we were ok, and enjoying the new format. Summary. Maybe a change in ownership, but this venue has and will continue to be one of my most favourite restaurants in Pattaya. A la carte was first class, prices reduced, wine quite passable - all in all, an excellent afternoon. The buffet is remarkable value for money and is highly recommended. Thanks Jack, best of luck with your plans - well be back soon.
Posted on: Fri, 09 Jan 2015 13:28:38 +0000