A new venture in an old venue is always a reason for Mick and I to visit on your behalf and so it was that we found ourselves ensconced in the genial surroundings of Tomas Wine Bar and Restaurant on Jomtien Beach Road.  Mathieu and his charming wife, Tik, are the force behind this most convivial of locations.  They are the owners of the famous Tulip House, a Nederlands restaurant, guest house and travel agency near Soi 9 further down Beach Road.  The new enterprise is named after their son, Tomas.

Before our dinner we were enjoying a Campari aperitif with Mathieu and hearing how this convivial Dutchman transformed Thailand from a holiday destination into his permanent residence and home.  He explained that the rationale behind the new Tomas restaurant was to serve quality international cuisine in a friendly atmosphere at affordable prices.  “This is not fine dining”, he said, “Pattaya already has its world-class gourmet destinations, this is a relaxed, smart but casual eatery providing good quality produce at affordable prices.”

The bar area is a delightful place to be, both friendly and laid-back, but it was now time for us to move into the restaurant and order our meal.  The décor is charismatic; displaying glowing Bhudda pictures mounted on stone-clad walls, flattering lighting plus the soothing sounds of a trickling water feature.  The menu is global and interesting offering the gamut of eating from burgers to beef lasagna to BBQ meats to banana splits.  The ambiance is stress-free but stylish with tables on the front terrace overlooking Jomtien’s boulevard and cool and comfortable in the air-conditioned restaurant.

From the appetisers we ordered beef carpaccio and New Zealand mussels in garlic and  cheese sauce.   Both priced at only B.190.  Scallops with cream sauce, Parma ham and melon, prawns in garlic butter or a salmon carpaccio are all similarly priced.  My mussels were drenched in lovely molten Gouda cheese and Mick’s marbled ruby beef tender and flavoursome with a generous serving of shaved Parmesan. 

From the wine list we had chosen an eastern Australian Blue Moon Cabernet Sauvignon at B.950:  a medium soft wine which we enjoyed.  The house wine at B.750 is a Chilean Yali label featuring either a Sauvignon Blanc or Cabernet Sauvignon.  A selection of  French and Argentinian bottled wines are also represented at reasonable prices.  For Belgium beer lovers, Kwak and Duvel are offered for the informed quaffers.

Main courses are eclectic and diverse from snow fish with tartare sauce (B.350) to chicken rolls with orange through pork spare ribs with BBQ sauce (B.350) to roast beef with gravy, tenderloin with red wine sauce, grilled New Zealand tenderloin, sirloin or ribeye.  From the fish selection I chose the salmon fillet with pesto while Mick opted for a grilled lamb cutlet with garlic. The salmon fillet was perfectly cooked and the addition of the pesto crust something I will be more than happy to copy at home.  Mick enjoyed the crisp lamb cutlet and the robust garlicky sauce.  Accompaniments for all dishes are either mashed potatoes, French fries, sautéed potatoes or croquettes, butter rice, vegetables or salad.  An extensive Thai menu is also available. 

In a nutshell, Tomas Wine Bar and Restaurant is a friendly neighbourhood venue that combines the easiness of relaxed eating with style and taste.   Finally a seasonal message from Mathieu to all his friends from Holland, “Een Fijne Kerstclagen en een Gezond 2010” and from Mick and I, “A Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year” to all our readers.

The Christmas menu at Tomas is being served Christmas Eve and Christmas Day from 19.00 – 24.00 and is priced at B.990.  (No a la carte menu Christmas Eve).

Amuse Bouche

Seafood Cocktail

Chicken or Mushroom Soup

Mixed Fruit Sorbet

Roast Beef Tenderloin with red wine and kiwi sauce

accompanied by potato croquettes or  mashed potatoes and vegetables

Or

Snow Fish fillet with white wine and garlic sauce

accompanied by yellow rice or  mashed potatoes and vegetables

Fresh Strawberries with vanilla Ice Cream

Coffee or Tea

Located on Jomtien Beach Road, just south of Chaiyapruk Road.  Open daily from 11.00 am to 11.00 pm.  Bar open until 1.00 am.  Tel:  (038) 231 720, 087941 4015, 081 761 2564.