Jomtien Complex is a serendipity of independent eateries offering a profusion of dining options and on this occasion we were visiting an old favourite of ours,  L’Olivier.  The name means olive tree and is the symbol of the Provence region of France where the fruity olive oil characterises the flavour of this Mediterranean cuisine. The large terrace is always lively, chock-full of happy diners enjoying the night air while the interior has a pleasant Mediterranean ambiance, bright and cheery with colourful French-style art work and comfortable seating.

L’Olivier’s  B.290 4-course European menu is, in our opinion, outstanding value for money.   It commences with soup of the day, segues into an extensive, sumptuous cold buffet, follows with a choice of three main dishes and climaxes with a selection of nine luscious desserts   I chose this option while Mick decided to order a la carte and take advantage of the B.130 supplement for the addition of soup, buffet and dessert.   

We were drinking the very acceptable house red wine at B.235 for a large carafe or B.95 by the glass.    The wine list is very respectable offering a good selection from B.895.  We also spotted some interesting rose wines which we will certainly try on our next visit.     Some reasonably priced sparkling wines (B.795) would add a celebratory fizz to the proceedings as, of course, would the notable Moet & Chandon Champagne at B.4995.

Cream of chicken soup was featured on the day of our visit but the buffet table beckoned and we both focused our taste buds in that direction.  This is seriously top notch hors d’euvres offering vibrant assemblies of crudités, mozzarella and tomato, home-made pork, chicken and vegetable pates,  pastrami, salamis, hams,  pickles, quiche and much more.  My particular favourites were the salads of grated carrots, green beans and cauliflower vinaigrette. While I was enjoying the house pates, particularly the creamy chicken liver,  Mick was tucking into the salamis, hams and tuna stuffed tomatoes. The hand-made garlic mayonnaise was a delicious example of this art and always a most reliable gastrono-meter for any kitchen.      Discipline was needed to resist the temptation to overdo our selections.  I heard many similar sentiments from fellow diners remarking to each other that “we mustn’t be greedy now!”

The main courses offered were boeuf Bourguignon served with steamed potatoes, fish fillet with mustard cream and leek served with rice and vegetables and the house speciality of  marmite du pecheur (fish fillet, shrimps, crabs, squid, mussels, carrots and turnips in saffron spiced soup).  If you love crab, look out for a new item on the menu:  Alaskan king crab legs (B.190/100g).  They are served with steamed potatoes and melted butter and the one we tried was so uber-delicious; coral succulent crab meat packed into mammoth legs with the sweetest most profound flavour.  

For our main course, I opted for the fish soup while Mick ordered the cote d’agneau aux herbes de Provence (lamb chops with herbs).  I loved the soup;   a rich velvety emulsion was home to a profusion of succulent fruits from the sea swimming in a creamy potage.   Across the table all was well;  three chunky pork chops with crisp, crunchy sautéed potatoes had been served plus the added addition of every Englishman’s favourite accompaniment to lamb, mint sauce!

Fillet de boeuf maitre d’hotel (B.265) is a house speciality and one that is a firm favourite here, as is the fillet with Roquefort cheese sauce.  Fishy dishes are plentiful  and the mixed seafood with curry sauce in a vol-a-vent wrapper is another firm favourite. 

French desserts would not be complete without tarte au pommes or citron (apple or lemon tart), ile flotante (meringue in vanilla ice cream sauce) and the much loved, crème caramel.  Mick and I shared this rich, smooth creation which brought our dining out to the sweetest of conclusions.

L’Olivier is a very pleasing restaurant offering a stylish cuisine and value-for-money dining in relaxed and comfortable surroundings.  Quite honestly, where else in the world could such a quality feast be enjoyed for approximately 6.30 Euros!   Bravo to all concerned, the formula is spot on, the staff efficient and friendly and the food absolutely delicious! 

Open daily from 6.00 pm till late.  Tel:  (038) 251669.  Credit cards accepted.