64 replies to this topic

[conrad]

I do not like to eat Thai food. Its too spicy for my taste buds. Once in a while I like to eat a good steak.
So far I ate a one kilo steak ( T.Bone) at an Italian restaurant "Toscane" at the beach road.
Good piece of steak but one kilo was a little much and too expensive ( 2000 baht)
Any trustful information about a good steak restaurant.
Do you know restaurant were they serve steak tartar ? Would you dare to eat it in Thailand ?

[Gaybutton]

Any trustful information about a good steak restaurant.
Do you know restaurant were they serve steak tartar ? Would you dare to eat it in Thailand ?

Try the steaks at the El Paso Steakhouse on Pattaya Tai, a short distance past Third Road, on the left as you are heading in the direction of Sukhumvit.

As for steak tartar, it's not on the menu, but I know that Bruno's will make it for you if you ask. I don't recall what they charge for it, but so far it has been perfectly safe.

I would guess that most high-end restaurants will make it for you upon request.

[conrad]

Try the steaks at the El Paso Steakhouse on Pattaya Tai, a short distance past Third Road, on the left as you are heading in the direction of Sukhumvit.

As for steak tartar, it's not on the menu, but I know that Bruno's will make it for you if you ask. I don't recall what they charge for it, but so far it has been perfectly safe.

I would guess that most high-end restaurants will make it for you upon request.

Oh dear didn't you read my post:?

http://www.baht-stop.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=6385

You fool me once shame on you, you fool me twice shame on me.

To be honest you fooled me much more then twice...STUPID me, but not again. let others try El Paso.

[DOLLY]

I really do enjoy a good steak but I rarely order one in Thailand because it's almost always a disappointment, at any price. Same goes for lobsters. I usually load up on both when I am back in the USA on visits.

I realize that we all have different tastes in food but I was very disappointed with my meal at El Paso Steakhouse last weekend after I saw GB's rave review on GayThailand. It was obvious when the steaks for me and my dinner companion arrived at the table that they had been frozen and thawed out in water. The outside was gray and the inside was soggy, water-logged and chewy. There wasn't a hint of any fat or marbling which is the mark of a good steak for me. The french fries were also obviously frozen and reheated. I didn't pay a lot of money for the meal compared to some of the pricier places in town, but who cares what little you paid when you don't enjoy the food.

[gay_grampa]

Are we allowed to mention Manhattans, or will someone throw a pink brick through my window?

www.manhattans-pattaya.com

I think the food, the ambiance and the service are excellent.

[conrad]

Dear Dolly I feel very sorry for you that you had such a horrible meal at the restaurant promoted by G.B.
But thanks for trying out.. Maybe you are now also one of Us who do not believe in G.B. B.S reviews.

and for Grandpa, Yes we should trow a truck full of briggs into your window.

Manhattan's will close shop very soon.

There are not enough people/idiots in Pattaya who like or can spend that much money for that quality kind of steaks.

[Gaybutton]

Oh dear didn't you read my post:?

No, I didn't. If you don't like my restaurant recommendations, then don't eat at any of them. Fine with me. I'm also sorry Dolly had a lousy meal. Mine was nothing like that and it was excellent. Of course, Dolly disputes just about anything I write simply because it was me who wrote it. Apparently, so do you.

I did, however, read your post on this thread and I tried to be helpful. Based on the kind of unnecessary and nasty response you posted when my crime was try to answer your request, I'll be sure not to try to help you in any way ever again. If I had known what an asshole you are, then I wouldn't have answered.

[DOLLY]

Of course, Dolly disputes just about anything I write simply because it was me who wrote it.

I think that's what referred to by psychiatrists as budding paranoia. Since you raised the topic in this way, I want to say that I had no intention of commenting on any board about my bad meal at El Paso, mainly because I don't post on GayThailand board - and since that's where the glowing review ("best steak I ever had") of El Paso was, I just forgot about it - until GB made the same recommendations here on this board. I've spent the better part of 50 years dining at all kinds of steak restaurants mainly in the USA and the steak at El Paso was among the worst I can remember ever being served. Clearly, GayButton and I have very different ideas on what makes for a good meal, regardless of price, and I hope he's not suggesting we're all supposed to keep quiet when he posts a restaurant review we think is way off base and just not go eat there to eat. Boards are for give and take, aren't they ?

[Gene]

I for one am happy with as many restaurant reviews and opinions as we can get. Let's face it, there are not many great restaurants serving western food in Pattaya, especially at moderate prices, and the more information that gets posted, the more we have the chance to discover a new one that's worth going to. I'd just as soon be forewarned about the bad ones too.

[Gaybutton]

Clearly, GayButton and I have very different ideas on what makes for a good meal, regardless of price, and I hope he's not suggesting we're all supposed to keep quiet when he posts a restaurant review we think is way off base

I make no such suggestion. However, I think it's appropriate to review your opinion of the restaurant and inappropriate to try to cut down the person who writes the review with which you disagree. If you disagree with my opinion about a restaurant, I have no problem if you or anyone else posts their own review. I see no reason, however, why the review should include insulting remarks about the person whose opinion is being disputed, whether it's me or anyone else.

[Tony]

You are way off base on this one Gaybutton. I don't see a word in Dolly's review above that could be considered as containing "insulting remarks" about you or anyone else. Maybe you could show us what you're talking about.

If anyone's been insulting in this thread, it's your use of "asshole" above. In fact, it's the kind of crude remark that you routinely delete as moderator at GayThailand. Why the double standards ?

[loeploh]

I do not post on this board anymore because of G.B.
I asked the moderators on this board already many times why they did allow G.B. to use this kind of insulting remarks to us and to other posters.I agree with Tony's remark about the double standards. be assured that this again is our last post. B.F and I do not like to post on a board which welcomes G.B.

[Gaybutton]

I don't see a word in Dolly's review above that could be considered as containing "insulting remarks" about you or anyone else.

Try looking at some of his previous posts directed toward me, then you'll see why I say he'll dispute anything I say merely because I'm the one saying it. Based on his review, I doubt he was even in that restaurant at all. If he was, his experience there was totally different from my own.

I do not like to post on a board which welcomes G.B.

I'm sure this board is greatly enhanced by your presence and people here just can't wait for your posts. I'm certain the moderators here will immediately ban me so that you will post. I rarely post here anyway. The last time I even recall posting here was when the terrible news about Snowy was posted.

This little fracas got started because Conrad asked for a restaurant recommendation and I responded with one. I was trying to be helpful. I've been the recipient of nothing but put downs and insults ever since. So, I have no desire to respond to people on this board if that's the thanks I get for trying to help.

[Haloi]

Try looking at some of his previous posts directed toward me, then you'll see why I say he'll dispute anything I say merely because I'm the one saying it. Based on his review, I doubt he was even in that restaurant at all.

Get real and stop acting like a kid caught with his pants down. You made a claim that Dolly has used insulting remarks in this thread, not somewhere else. Now you suggest that maybe Dolly's been lying that she ever ate there. Grow up. Making those kinds of baseless accusations is adolescent. This is not the first time that you've given a glowing report on a place others found less than perfect. Maybe you're the one marching to a different drummer.

[Tuckerton]

I make no such suggestion. However, I think it's appropriate to review your opinion of the restaurant and inappropriate to try to cut down the person who writes the review with which you disagree. If you disagree with my opinion about a restaurant, I have no problem if you or anyone else posts their own review. I see no reason, however, why the review should include insulting remarks about the person whose opinion is being disputed, whether it's me or anyone else.

RESTAURANT REVIEWS ARE BEST MADE BY PROFESSIONAL FOOD JOURNALISTS AND GASTRONOMISTS WHO HAVE THE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE TO ACCURATELY DESCRIBE THE FOOD AND SERVICE EXPERIENCED, SO TO ALLOW READERS TO PASS JUDGEMENT. THIS IS NOT TO SUGGEST THAT ORDINARY CUSTOMERS ARE NOT CAPABLE OF ACCESSING THEIR MEALS AND PUBLICLY VOICING THEIR PERSONAL OPINIONS.

HOWEVER, I OFFER READERS OF THIS MESSAGE BOARD THE FOLLOWING ADVICE:

BE REMINDED THAT DINING EXPERIENCES ARE COMPOSED MAINLY OF PAST SENSORY MEMORIES INCLUDING FLAVORS (WHICH ARE A COMPOSITE OF ALL THE SENSES WHICH MOST HUMANS ARE GIVEN AS BIOLOGICAL GIFTS GIVEN TO MOST HUMANS AT BIRTH. THESE ARE: THE ABILITY TO DETECT THE FIVE BASIC IDENTIFIABLE TASTES [SALT, SWEET, SOUR, BITTER AND OMAHMI) , PLUS A VAST AND DIVERSE ABILITY TO SMELL AND CHARACTERIZE AROMAS, HEAR SOUND (THE CRUNCH OF CELERY FOR EXAMPLE), AS WELL AS THE SENSE OF FEEL AND TOUCH WHICH GIVES RISE TO AN ABILITY TO EXPERIENCE TEXTURE, AND THE BURNING SENSATION OF CAPSAICINS (THE HEAT OF CHILLIES) AND OTHER IRRITANTS (MUSTARD, GINGER, AND HORSE RADISH FOR EXAMPLE) ALSO AN IMPORTANT FUNCTION OF FEEL IS TO BE ABLE TO DETECT THE TEMPERATURE OF THE FOOD WE ARE EATING... (HOT SOUPS SHOULD BE HOT AND COLD ICE CREAMS SHOULD BE FROZEN BUT EDIBLE) LASTLY, SIGHT IS ALSO IMPORTANT IN THAT PREPARED FOODS WHEN PRESENTED AT THE TABLE SHOULD SAY "PLEASE SAMPLE ME; I'M DELICIOUS", RATHER THAN: "I'M TOO PRETTY TO TO EAT"

FURTHERMORE ALL THE ABOVE FACTORS MUST ALSO BE LINKED TO THE OVERALL AMBIANCE OF THE DINING ROOM OR VENUE, AND THAT GUESTS AND REVIEWERS TAKE NOTICE OF SERVICE WHICH SHOULD BE COMPETENT, GRACIOUS, AND UNOBTRUSIVELY FRIENDLY. ALSO A REVIEWER'S CHECK LIST SHOULD INCLUDE A SPACE TO INCLUDE THE OFTEN ANNOYING FACTORS OF NOISE LEVEL, OFF-AROMAS, AS WELL AS THE GENDRE OF THE COMPANY YOU HAVE CHOSEN TO SHARE YOUR TABLE AND THAT YOU NOT FORGET THE GENERAL CLASS AND BEHAVIOR OF YOUR NEARBY FELLOW CUSTOMERS. PLEASE DO NOT BE SHOCKED BY MY LIST... I ASSURE YOU THAT THESE ARE ALL MAJOR FACTORS THAT AFFECT HUMAN THOUGHT AND THE FINAL JUDGEMENT OF A MEAL. I SHOULD ALSO ADD THAT MY REMARKS ARE IN POINT OF FACT TAUGHT AT CULINARY AND HOSPITALITY COLLEGES AND TECHNICAL SCHOOLS ALL OVER THE WORLD. . OPPS! . . . I ALMOST FORGOT . . . CERTAINLY COST AND VALUE ARE ALSO PART OF A REVIEWER'S FORMULA, BUT ALL TOO OFTEN (IN MY PERSONAL OPINION) OFTEN CARRY MORE WEIGHT THAN IS WARRANTED.

THIS GIVES WAY TO MY LAST THOUGHT TO THOSE KIND READERS AND KWETSHERS WHO MAY READ THIS POST WITH THE REMINDER THAT OPINIONS ARE AKIN TO ASSHOLES: . . . EVERYONE HAS ONE,
AND IN SOMEWHAT LESS VULGAR TERMS: "DE GUSTIBUS NON EST DISPUTATUM" !
[Translation: "There is no accounting for personal taste!"]

[Gaybutton]

Get real and stop acting like a kid caught with his pants down.

That's pretty good. It also confirms my case that some people here, including you, love any opportunity to try to chop me apart. Maybe you deny that Conrad's responses to my post were uncalled for insults. Anybody besides me notice that so far nobody here has had one word to say to Conrad about it? Perfectly ok for him to write posts like that, but let me do something similar and here comes the bandwagon, led of course by 'the usual suspects.' Take a hike.

[francois]

Any trustful information about a good steak restaurant.
Do you know restaurant were they serve steak tartar ? Would you dare to eat it in Thailand ?

The Hot Stone Grill in Jomtien Complex serves a good steak at a reasonable price. I have found that the least expensive of the steaks on the menu is the best choice. Mostly good, sometimes not so good.

Steak tartare? Raw beef, raw egg and raw onion. No I would not dare eat it in Thailand or anywhere.

[conrad]

I agree with G.B. that most Pattaya Gay messages boards are not very Gay Button friendly. I only know one which can cope with Gay Buttons vieuws and thats the one he controls himself.

[DOLLY]

Based on his review, I doubt he was even in that restaurant at all.

I can assure you that I have no reason to invent a story and lie about dining in any restaurant. I find your comment rude and unbecoming an officer or a gentleman.

[Tuckerton]

I can assure you that I have no reason to invent a story and lie about dining in any restaurant. I find your comment rude and unbecoming an officer or a gentleman.

I concur with Dolly and others, and add that I find GB to suffer from being borderline paranoid. My advice is that he needs to cool down, relax and enjoy his dining experiences at home, and yield to posters who are less inclined to assign 4-stars to every restaurant they review. Also he should, if he plans to continue his restaurant reviewing hobby, that he schedule more than just one visit to his chosen targeted eatery before Mr. Food-Mavin Buttons starts assigning stars. This is what professional and even cub-reporter food reviewers do. (Most newspapers that offer food review columns actually require that multiple visits be made.)

[conrad]

Wise words Tuckerton, I am sure G.B. will get the point. G.B. is a smart man and I am sure that he will stop his " the restaurant reviews" with the" G.B.stamp of approval" rating.I am sure that he understand very well that he is not the gourmet( whose favourite drink during dinner is a glass of water)to give stars to Pattaya restaurants. Hopefully we will not be mislead anymore by those reviews.


A gourmand is a person who takes great pleasure in food. The word has different connotations from the similar word gourmet, which emphasises an individual with a highly refined discerning palate, but in practice the two terms are closely linked, as both imply the enjoyment of good food.

An older usage of the word is to describe a person given to excess in the consumption of food and drink, synonymous with "glutton".

[Tuckerton]

... A gourmand is a person who takes great pleasure in food. The word has different connotations from the similar word gourmet, which emphasises an individual with a highly refined discerning palate, but in practice the two terms are closely linked, as both imply the enjoyment of good food.

An older usage of the word is to describe a person given to excess in the consumption of food and drink, synonymous with "glutton".

In point of fact there are dozens of words which refer to the eating habits of humans. Be reminded however that languages evolve as does the overall subject for which they are used. Usually the evolution of such descriptives terms originally are quite specific as is the case in regards to "gourmet", "gourmand", "epicurian" and "glutton". The number of terms used for a given subject, I have observed, reflect the overall popularity, interest and evolution of that subject. Thus, we have the "epicure, and it's cousin "epicurian". "Culinarian" is yet another popular noun, as are non-English descriptives but which are used and understood globally such as " Bon Fourchette", "Le Bec Fin", "Mangiaone" and "Feinschmecker".

It's all great testimony to the interest and popularity of eating, dining, feasting, and enjoying the food we eat, no matter whether we do it alone or in the company of others. The popularity of Kvetsching and opinionated opinions remains a function of human nature and a requirement to voice our individual thoughts on all manner of subjects.

[Gaybutton]

GB isn't going to stop a thing, regardless of whether a few people on this board like the reviews, like the restaurants, or consider me paranoid. I report about restaurants I like and post my opinions about them. Three guesses how much I give a damn about the people on this board getting their jollies by trying to cut down every restaurant I review and cut down me along with it. If you don't like the restaurants or seek reviews by professionals in the field, then don't read my reviews and don't go to the restaurants I review. Very simple.

As far as I'm concerned, the people bashing me here are the types who think a restaurant isn't any good unless it's high-end, expensive, with only the finest quality of every morsel of every item and only the finest service. And don't forget the expensive bottle of wine.

Why don't you "experts" write your own reviews if mine are so terrible?

[Tuckerton]

GB isn't going to stop a thing, Why don't you "experts" write your own reviews if mine are so terrible?

Because it's more fun irritating you. . . especially since you are not only paranoid, but also seem to be a masochist.

[Tuckerton]

As far as I'm concerned, the people bashing me here are the types who think a restaurant isn't any good unless it's high-end, expensive, with only the finest quality of every morsel of every item and only the finest service. And don't forget the expensive bottle of wine.

Why don't you "experts" write your own reviews if mine are so terrible?

Well, M'Dear -- believe it or not -- I am seasoned home cook and prefer my own home-style cooking to the faux offerings that I find here in most (but not all)* of Pattaya's restaurants. Thailand's bounty of ingredients is endless, and even without the super quality of certain meats, delicious meals can be accomplished if one knows how to cook... only a very few restaurants here seem to be able to do.

* Including a number of simple comfortable eateries that are owned by trained restaurateurs and who employ kitchen workers and cooks who know what they are doing. BTW 'Good Value' not Price per se is what keeps restaurants of any caliber in business.