Thailand | Hello from the Five Star Vagabond

Long lunch Bistro Pattaya

December 22, 2020 by David Herd

Long lunch Bistro Pattaya

Long lunch Bistro Pattaya was a 5 hour session including 3 bottles of red wine. We should had have the brains to stop at 3 but by then common sense went out the window. 🙂 My entre above is fairly easy to pick, prawns & avocado for B320, or $14 AUD. My friend Mark Yagalla hade the mixed platter of cheese & cold cuts for B480, or $21 AUD.

Italian red wine

From Collio in Italy, very smooth indeed at B1,750, or $77 AUD.

Grilled Australian Wagyu

Mark ordered this very tender Australian steak priced at B790, or $35 AUD.

Pork brawn

Instead of a main course I ordered a 2nd entree for just under $10 AUD.

Second bottle of red was a Pinot Noir

AOC Valais 2017 from Switzerland, priced at B1850, or $81 AUD.

Time for desert

Caramel custard was very good at B180, by now however I’m starting to slow down. 🙂

Chocolate mousse for Mark

Looks good & priced at B240, or $10.50 AUD.

Things are starting to get messy

Mark said “hang the expense” lets order another bottle of red. This ridiculous idea certainly guarantees us entry into the “Idiots R us” Club. 🙂 It was a 316 Traluna Toscana for B1,180, or $52 AUD & it was a little disappointing, or perhaps we were too drunk to know the difference. 🙂

Here is the story of our 5 hour marathon lunch.

A lazy $320 AUD, well, after all Xmas only comes once a year. 🙂

Thanks for visiting my Long lunch Bistro Pattaya photo blog. Here is a LINK to an earlier Bistro Blog.

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Counter only started December 22 2020.

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Don Pepe Tapas Bar

December 14, 2020 by David Herd

Spanish Tapas

Don Pepe Tapas Bar is a welcome addition to what should be called “restaurant row.” It shares the arcade with several well known restaurants including Alter Ego, Beefeater, Patrick’s & Longhorn steakhouse.

Nice decor

Not too many customers at 6.30 pm. 🙂

Very interesting choices of food.

The octopus looks spectacular, I will definitely order it next time I visit. This & some of the other food shots were taken by my friend Hamish Elton on his Google Pixel XL 3 phone.

Lamb Balls

At a price of B180 or $8 AUD.

Bomba Iberica

Those a quale eggs on top.

Prawns

As you can clearly see, this is another dish Hamish ordered.

In fact here are all the dishes he ordered

His wife Mai is a small eater, but Hamish has one of the best appetites’ I have ever seen. 🙂

Interesting name…..

They call it “Burger me softly”, & it will set you back B180, or $8 AUD.

Pork Belly

Looks delicious.

Don Pepe Tapas Bar presents their Pulled Pork Taco

They have certainly created some interesting dishes. Patrick Van Den Berghe, the owner of Patrick’s Belgian Steakhouse is part owner of Don Pepe Tapas Bar, his vast experience will have quite an influence on this new establishment.

Barcelona style creme brulee

Not a bad way to finish an excellent meal. 🙂

A tapa is an appetizer or snack in Spanish cuisine. Tapas may be cold or hot. In some bars and restaurants in Spain and across the globe, tapas have evolved into a more sophisticated cuisine. Tapas can be combined to make a full meal. In some Central American countries, such snacks are known as bocas. Wikipedia

Many thanks for visiting my Don Pepe Tapas Bar photo blog, & thanks to my friend Hamish Elton for the use of some of his excellent photos.

Check out these great food photo blogs.

World is my oyster

Tokyo fabulous food

Upmarket Chinese Food Sydney

Food review Pattaya Thailand

Good English restaurants

Amazing World Food

Fresh seafood Bangkok

Steakhouse New York

Korea restaurants Itaewon

Pattaya live webcam

Counter only started December 14 2020.

This gallery contains 1 photo.

Pattaya Fireworks Food Crocodiles

November 29, 2020 by David Herd

Pattaya Fireworks Food Crocodiles

Pattaya Fireworks Food Crocodiles were all on display the weekend of November 27 & 28. Thousands of Thai people headed for the beach for lots of food & two nights of noisy fireworks.

Dine on crocodile

It tastes like chicken, with a mildly fishy flavor, and is often chewy, depending on preparation. I’m told it tastes like chicken, with a mildly fishy flavor, and is often chewy, depending on preparation. Maybe one day I’ll try it. 🙂

Look out here it comes

Being so close the noise is deafening. 🙂

Always spectacular

Also very noisy indeed. 🙂

on the beach right amongst the action

These guys are only around 80 meters from the drop zone.

Time for some food

This guy is cooking quale on a rotisserie.

The quale looks delicious

I remember many years ago living in Sydney, quale was a favourite dish of mine at a popular restaurant in Leichardt.

The food stalls look terrific.

A couple of years ago the council banned alcohol sales along Beach Rd.

Quite an amazing variety of food

These Thai vendors really work hard to provide good food to the thousands of people watching the fireworks on the beach.

Two nights in Pattaya

Then they pack up & leave.

Pattaya Fireworks Food Crocodiles

It was so good to see the thousands of people (90% Thai) gathering in this seaside city with all the Covid-19 problems that have destroyed so many jobs & businesses.

Witherspoons corner Beach Rd & Pattaya Klang

Rarely do you see many customers in this new Beach Rd bar, however it was a great spot to watch the fireworks.

Thanks for visiting my Pattaya Fireworks Food Crocodiles photo blog.

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Counter only started November 29 2020.

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Pullman Hotel Beach Club

November 25, 2020 by David Herd

Pullman Hotel Beach Club

Pullman hotel Beach Club is a perfect place for dinner while watching the sunset. There are two pools where you can take a swim otherwise just jump in the ocean.

My friend Hamish Elton

With his beautiful 8 month old daughter Jasmine.

Check out the sausages

The Beach Club offers a very good ala carte menu or a buffet. There is something to please everybody.

Delicious Prawn croquettes

From memory they cost around B250 or $11 AUD.

The name of this dish alludes me. 🙂

I’ll try to get the name next time I visit.

Oysters from France

Oysters Beach Club Pattaya are on special Tuesdays from 3 pm until sold out. These fabulous fresh French oysters are only B35 each including ++, so I indulged buy ordering 18 at a cost of B630, or $28 AUD. To see the history of my affair with oysters from around the world please follow THIS LINK. Did you know that American and Italian researchers found they are rich in amino acids, which trigger increased levels of sex hormones.

WOW!

Lets not forget the fabulous sunset. For more beautiful Pattaya sunsets just follow THIS LINK.

Pork & rice

Hamish thought the pork was a little tough in this dish.

The beach

Perhaps you may prefer to swim in the sea water rather than the pool, or of course you can do both.

High rise condominiums

These tall condo buildings tower above the Beach Club. The buildings facing west would certainly get very hot from the afternoon sun.

Thanks for visiting my Pullman hotel Beach Club photo blog. For a very good room discount at this terrific hotel just book through THIS LINK.

Check out these great food photo blogs.

Counter only started November 25 2020.

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Oysters Beach Club Pattaya

November 18, 2020 by David Herd

Sunset over Koh Larn

For many years I have been saying that in my opinion Pattaya has the best sunsets I have seen anywhere in the world. If you don’t believe me just follow THIS LINK.

Looking south along the beach.

Just 30 minutes before sunset, time for some fresh oysters from France. 🙂

Surrounded by high-rise condos

Spectacular views of Koh Larn, but they would get very hot inside every afternoon with the hot sun belting in from the East.

Tuesday oysters special

From 3 pm every Tuesday they serve fabulous oysters from France for B30 a piece. Of course being an upmarket hotel the Pullman adds ++ to the price, 7% VAT & 10% service which brings the price to B35 or $1’60 AUD. About $19 per dozen making it the best value I have found in Thailand.

A complementary wine

Many thanks to the friendly waiter, I will be a regular Tuesday customer.

Spectacular at night

For a very good room discount here at the Pullman hotel just book through THIS LINK.

Escape from the sun

This is the undercover outdoor area, if you want aircon just go inside. 🙂

Oysters Beach Club Pattaya, Fine de Claire No 4

This oyster can be grown in various parts of France, but must have spent at least 28 days in the famous ‘Claires’ to be called a Fine de Claire. The Fine de Claire oyster has a higher liquid content and a delicate salty taste.

Oysters Beach Club Pattaya, I’ll be a regular Tuesday customer.

Just looking at this photo makes my mouth water.

I have eaten oysters all over the world

To see the history of my affair with oysters from around the world please follow THIS LINK. Did you know that American and Italian researchers found they are rich in amino acids, which trigger increased levels of sex hormones.

Thanks for visiting my Oysters Beach Club Pattaya photo blog. For a very good room discount at this terrific hotel just book through THIS LINK.

Check out these great food photo blogs.

Counter only started November 18 2020.

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Sportsman Pub Restaurant Pattaya

November 16, 2020 by David Herd

Established in 1997

Sportsman Pub Restaurant Pattaya in Soi 13 has an excellent reputation for excellent food & service. Current TripAdvisor ranking is 31 out of 1,096 Restaurants in Pattaya.

Sunday roast

Well known for their “all you can eat” Sunday roast.

That gravy looks good.

Always crowded on a Sunday as you can imagine.

English breakfast as you would expect.

These day I don’t visit for their excellent breakfas because they don’t open till 9 pm which is too late for me.

Here is an interesting dish

Chicken curry Chinese style with fried rice, + battered prawns on the size.

Apple pie with custard & ice cream.

Make sure you leave room for this terrific desert.

Sportsman Pub Restaurant Pattaya

Careful when ordering this tasty meal, very vey spicy. I asked them to tone it down for me but it was still rather hot. 🙂

Cottage pie

Excellent dish for B295, peas & gravy were perfect, carrots a little overcooked, was too much for me, so I took half home for lunch tomorrow. 🙂

I really like this photo

Ideally located between beach road and 2nd road on soi 13, very good food both English or Thai. A superb breakfast & Sunday lunch with a very good selection of beers. Whatever sport you want the staff will try & find for you, free WiFi as you would expect

For more information on the excellent venue just follow THIS LINK.

Thanks for visiting my Sportsman Pub Restaurant Pattaya photo blog. The Sportsman Pub and Restaurant has become an institution in Pattaya. Opened in 1997, the emphasis is on traditional and home-cooked English pub fare with all the trimmings. A recipient of Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence, the Sportsman prides itself on a welcoming and all-embracing atmosphere which includes all live sporting events on seven big screens.

Check out these great photo blogs.

Counter only started November 16 2020.

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Hong Kong Noodle Pattaya

October 31, 2020 by David Herd

Very good Dim Sum

Hong Kong Noodle Pattaya is one of my favourite lunch spots at Terminal 21. Located on the top floor near Pier 21 food court. There are so many places to dine here, the last time I checked I think there were 90 food outlets. For a guide just follow THIS LINK.

Interesting decor

At the moment in November 2020, they like many others are struggling to attract customers due to the Coronavirus. In fact many businesses all over Pattaya have shut their doors.

One of the best soups I have had in Pattaya

On the left hand side you will see a giant seafood dumpling, it was very tasty indeed. 🙂

Prawn Shumai

Prawn or pork? Forget it, just order both. 🙂

I forget the name, but delicious as always

Sometimes I will order two of these.

BBQ pork bun

Certainly rates as one of the usual suspects. 🙂

I must admit Dim Sum is probable close to being my favourite cuisine, just behind Japanese. 🙂 My favourite was The Peak at the Dusit Thani, sadly they closed in 2019.

OK, lets ordrer two more

As they say in the classics, too much Dim Sum is never enough.

Thanks for visiting my Hong Kong Noodle Pattaya photo blog, take a look at the choices you have on THIS LINK.

For a guide to the various categories just follow THIS LINK.

To see how this fabulous mall was created from the very beginning just follow THIS LINK.

Another of my favourite lunch time restaurants is on a lower floor next to Foodland, give Hawker Chan a try, you won’t regret it. 🙂

Check out these great photo blogs.

Counter only started October 31 2020.

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Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park

October 17, 2020 by David Herd

Great location

Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park has 1,388 rooms and suites & convention and meeting facilities that can cater for over 1,000 people. Situated in Soi 22 & walking distance to BTS Skytrain Station Phrom Phong, Emquartier & the Emporium.

Credit for all the photos must go to the Marriott, the high quality of these shots inspired me to write this photo blog.

The Lobby

As you would expect there is Complimentary Wi Fi in the lobby & all rooms.

ABar Rooftop

I don’t know of any city in the world with more rooftop bars than Bangkok.

Surrounded by a concrete jungle. 🙂

Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park has everything you could wish for in a luxury Bangkok hotel.

Goji Kitchen + Bar

Specializing in Parrilla-grilled meats and ocean-fresh seafood, Goji Kitchen’s expert chefs use only the best ingredients to create memorable dining experiences.

Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park ABar

Being an Australian pensioner sadly the bars & restaurants are a little above my budget.

ABar Seating Area

There are so many choices to sit & enjoy the great views of Bangkok.

ABar Balcony

The balcony looks very nice as well.

Perhaps a game of 8 ball while sipping a cocktail?

The facilities at this magnificent hotel are endless.

The Sky Suite

The penthouse duplex unit is nestled on the 37th and 38th floor of the hotel building, featuring a spacious space of more than 1,002 square meters in total, transforming the top levels of Bangkok’s largest hotel into the guest’s own private residence. Marriott Marquis’ new crown jewel features two luxurious levels of living space, three bedrooms (one master with a super-king bed and two spacious doubles), a huge marble master bathroom, two further en-suite bathrooms, a spacious living room, pantry, and a huge entertainment area complete with a grand piano and a circular dining space with seating for up to 16 guests. The entire suite is wrapped in floor-to-ceiling windows, encompassing spectacular views of Bangkok’s ever-changing skyline. Crowning atop the suite is the outdoor Sky Garden guests could privately unwind with family and friends. Privacy of exclusive guests is also guaranteed with private lift access.

ABar Rooftop

Looks like a good spot to watch the sunset.

Rooms are beautiful

As you would expect. 🙂

You may prefer a suite

For an excellent discount just book through THIS LINK, you will have the option of paying later or a free cancellation.

Sunset cocktails

A perfect way to start the evening. 🙂

Here is Michael Hogan

Michael is a fellow Australian from south east Queensland, he is the execrative chef at the Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park. This photo was taken when he was at the JW Marriot on Sukhumvit at Nana. Here is what they say about him; Executive Chef Michael Hogan is pushing the envelope on local cuisine at Goji Kitchen & Bar! Showcasing stellar products from small, regional farms and turning them into contemporary fares, inspired by Thai staples.

Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park

Thanks for visiting my Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park photo blog, & don’t forget to use THIS LINK for a discounted room rate.

Lots more interesting posts here;

Counter only started October 2020.

Please check out these fabulous posts

Gold Coast Pattaya Cinque Terre

Rio de Janeiro Singapore Eastern Europe

Bangkok Bars Tokyo Cape Town Safari

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L’Auberge French Restaurant Pattaya

September 27, 2020 by David Herd

L’Auberge French Restaurant Pattaya

L’Auberge French Restaurant Pattaya has recently moved from Pratumnack Hill to 3rd road so I figured it was time to see if it lives up to TripAdvisor’s rating of 127 out of 1,433 restaurants in Pattaya.

Oysters from France

Quite large & tasty, B890 or $40 AUD for a dozen, however as of October 2021 the price is B590 or $23 AUD.

The fine de claire is for those who prefer a less fleshy oyster. These oysters are finished for several weeks in shallow clay ponds where they acquire a superior quality shell to oysters grown in the open sea.

It is during this process that the claires of the Marennes Oléron basin impart the subtleties of regional flavours.

This oyster is particularly appreciated by the consumer who prefers an oyster rich in water and balanced in flavour.

Good service & friendly staff

The owner regularly came out from the kitchen to check with all the customers that everything was quite OK.

Red wine from Chile

The house wine was good at B120 per glass or B240 for a 250 ml small carafe. I managed to put away 1/2 a litre. 🙂

L’Auberge French Restaurant Pattaya, the Sunday special

Consists of cheese & cold cuts, I will most certainly visit on a Sunday in the near future.

More of the Sunday special

A terrific variety.

4 course lunch menu

Great value at B390 or $12.50 USD.

Terrine

Served with gherkin & fresh bread.

Assorted cold cuts

A nice way to start what was to be a great value lunch.

Lasagne to die for. 🙂

Slow cooked lamb with carrots or mashed potato

The lamb was very tender indeed & the carrots were superb. 🙂

Piece de resistance

We both thought the Creme Brûlée was magnificent.

L’Auberge French Restaurant Pattaya

I took a motorbike taxi both ways from Markland in Soi 1 2nd Road for B80 each way.

Oysters on special January 2022

Fine de Claire oysters from France for only B590 or $23 AUD.

The world is my oyster

I can totally relate to this famous saying which means that you can achieve anything you wish in life, or go anywhere because you have the opportunity or ability to do so. On another level I have eaten oysters all over this wonderful planet called Earth. To check out my adventures please follow THIS LINK.

Contact number.

The restaurant is quite small so pre booking is the safest option. I was there on a Saturday evening & a few people were turned away. Another very good French restaurant in this neighborhood is Le Bordeaux, for more information just follow THIS LINK.

September 9 2022

Eating Gillardeau oysters with my friend Brad Robbins from Townsville in Australia.

Gillardeau no 3

Luckily the chef gave us a 50% discount with bought the price down to B9oo per dozen, or $36 AUD.

Nice decor, good food & service.

Thanks for visiting my L’Auberge French Restaurant Pattaya photo blog. I have written about 60 Pattaya restaurants, here is THE LINK to them.

Check out my Pattaya webcam here.

Some of my posts to check out;

Get a very good discount on Pattaya hotels by using THIS LINK.

Please check out these fabulous posts

Gold Coast Pattaya Cinque Terre

Rio de Janeiro Singapore Eastern Europe

Bangkok Bars Tokyo Cape Town Safari

Counter only started September 27 2020.

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Soapy Massage Pattaya Bangkok

September 8, 2020 by David Herd

Soapy Massage Pattaya Bangkok

Soapy Massage Pattaya Bangkok certainly is an experience you will enjoy and remember for a very long time. The one above is on the corner of 2nd road & Soi 2.

Opposite Atlantic Bar in 2nd Rd.

The Atlantic bar has been my local for many years, for lots of photos just follow THIS LINK.

Waiting for a customer

They usually sit in a glass room & have a number displayed, the potential customer studies the group then makes a decision.

A typical body-to-body massage parlor in Bangkok is open from 10:00 until midnight, seven days a week. They only close on major holidays. Most parlors are located in townhouses and have small rooms with shower. More exclusive parlours offer larger VIP rooms with Jacuzzi. The price level will, of course, reflect this. Read general information about B2B massage in Thailand HERE.

The price level in central Bangkok is quite standardized because most parlors are located side by side in a few areas in Sukhumvit Road, namely Soi 22, Soi 24, Soi 24/1, Soi 26 and Soi 33. This is what you should expect to pay:

Body massage with happy ending from 500 to 1,000 baht (30 to 60 minutes). The masseuse is dressed.
B2B massage with happy ending from 1,000 to 2,500 baht (60 to 120 minutes).
B2B massage with full service from 2,000 to 3,000 baht (60 to 120 minutes). NB: This service is not offered by all B2B parlors.