This week it was to Naklua to discover what a month old restaurant has to offer.  The restaurant in question is called Louis.  Indeed, we had no qualms as Louis is the latest creation of Khun Vichai Priyatrakulruji and his team, renowned for their Alois Restaurant and Wine Bar on Thappraya Road.  Alois, now in its second year, is unquestionably one of Pattaya’s finest gourmet restaurants, with an enviable reputation of providing superior dining at affordable prices and impeccable service.   Now, at the other end of town, Louis is here for discerning diners to experience the gastronomical delights and service similar to Alois.    Located on Soi 31 off Naklua Road, Vichai has chosen to decorate this open fronted fan cooled venue in similar classical style as Alois, with discrete artifacts and comfortable furniture.   The menu is similar to Alois, with new recipes specially created for Louis.   The difference between the two restaurants is price – as Alois offers outstanding fayre at sensible prices, here at Lou is, without cutting corners on quality dining or service, prices are moderately lower.  

The menu (in English and German) includes hot and cold Appetizers such as Cold Smoked Duck Breast or hot Seafood Spring Rolls, both at 120 baht.  Homemade Soups such as Green Asparagus and Shrimp (70 baht) or Lobster Bisque at 90 baht.  Salads are available from 50 baht for Mixed Seasonal to 150 baht for Crab, Shrimp and Avocado.  There is Pasta to choose from; besides Spaghetti, Penne etc., and delicious sauces such as Baby Clams with fresh Herbs and Olive Oil (120 baht), Louis make their own Cannelloni, Lasagne and very good Ravioli filled with Spinach Mouse and Gorgonzola Sauce (180 baht).

 From the main course dishes there is a wide selection of Meats from 195 baht for Chicken Cordon Bleu or pan fried Duck Breast to imported Steaks such as New Zealand Sirloin (350 baht) or Australian Tenderloin (420 baht) – all served with seasonal Vegetables and choice of Potato recipes.  From the Charcoal Grill try Steaks such as Salmon (230 baht) to 450 baht for top quality Australian Rib Eye.  For Fish and Seafood, try traditional Fish and Chips (195 baht), pan fried Scallops, Spinach Noodles and Saffron Sauce (290 baht) or delicate tasting fillet of Snow Fish at 420 baht.  Authentic Thai dishes are plentiful from 90 baht.  Louis also provides a good value 3 course Set Menu at 250 baht.  

We settled on three appetizers, an excellent cold Beef Carpaccio with a great tasting topping of Shallots, Tomato, Hazelnuts and Balsamic Vinegar.  We then tried a splendid Fois Gras (350 baht), pan fried Goose Liver with Risotto Timbale, Apples and Balsamic Sauce, followed by a wonderful Crab Cake Timbale with Grape and Balsamic Sauce (170 baht).  For the main course we chose two first class meat dishes, roasted New Zealand Lamb Chops and Australian Angus Stroganoff with Egg Dumplings – excellent value at 350 baht.  To end this delectable meal, we tried the alluring Desserts: Warm Sour Cherries with Cinnamon Ice Cream, Parfait laced with Amaretto and Raspberry Sauce and house specialty Apple Strudel with Vanilla Ice Cream – all scrumptious at 130 baht!  All in all, Louis equals the fine dining at Alois.  Well worth a visit. 

Open every day from 9am until late. Prices quoted are net.  Telephone: 081 001 3298.