This is the place to take that special someone for that very special evening.  The atmosphere is exquisite.  The food is perfectly prepared and beautifully presented.  But still, there’s a very down-to-earth feel about it.  As owner Deano Hathaway says, “You come as a customer but leave as a friend.”
 
And so it was with us when we went along to Deano’s earlier this week.  Before even talking about food, the ebullient Deano gave us a grand tour, as he proudly explained how the restaurant has evolved – and is still evolving.
 
Deano says he and his wife Lek started the restaurant about four years ago as a small non-air-conditioned bistro with live music.  Then it just started expanding and evolving.  “We found out that there were a lot of people looking for what we do,” he says.
 
Today, Deano’s still has two tables outside for those who enjoy the sea breezes, but it also seats 40 people for dinner in air-conditioned comfort.  In addition, there’s a comfortable, well-stocked bar and lounge downstairs, plus a cozy wine bar upstairs with an outdoor terrace overlooking the sea.  The wine bar was opened about four months ago and can be rented for private meetings and special events either with or without service, depending upon whether or not you prefer to do your own bartending. 
 
But Deano isn’t finished yet.  He’s planning to start serving gourmet breakfasts later this month, and hopes to eventually add a small deli.
 
Deano’s real pride and joy, though, is the kitchen.  He encourages his customers to visit the spacious kitchen, and it’s easy to see why; with its sparkling white walls and shiny cooking utensils and surfaces.
 
Deano started us on our gourmet journey with Brouchetta smothered with Tomatoes, Olives, Basil and Mozzarella (160 baht); Carpaccio – thin slices of raw Beef tenderloin marinated with Pesto and Parmesan cheese (290 baht); Garlic fried in olive oil, which Deano calls “just a standard country dish” (120 baht); Mediterranean Salad with Olives, fresh Lemon and big hunks of Buffalo Mozzarella (220 baht); and deep-fried Brie with juicy Cranberries (320 baht).
 
Next came a medley of four very different but equally delicious soups: clear Italian Garlic, Shitake Mushroom, Cream of Tomato, and Thai Coconut Chicken Soup (150 baht each).
 
For the main course, Deano served pan fried Australian Beef Filet (500 baht) and Pineapple fried Rice (100 baht).   Deano’s menu features a variety of International and Thai fusion courses, but he says he also likes to prepare dishes that aren’t on the menu by special request.  For us, he made fresh Sea Bass with Garlic, Chilies and Red Pepper; and Cabonarra with Red Pepper and Shitake Mushrooms.  He also served some tasty, thinly sliced Wild Boar that a friend of his had just brought from Spain.
 
Deano says his core business revolves around expats, not only from Pattaya but also from Bangkok.  He says many people come from Bangkok just to have dinner at Deano’s, and then stay the evening at a nearby hotel.  He also books a lot of special parties, and delights in describing a wedding last year where the bride came on an elephant and the groom and his family came in horse-drawn carriages.
 
Deano’s Wine Bar and Bistro is located on Jomtien Beach Road, just south of Soi Chaiyapruk.  “You have to make an effort to get here, but it’s well worth it,” says Deano.
 
Deano’s is open from 3 pm to midnight every day except Monday.  Plans are to open at 9 am when breakfast is added to the menu later this month.  Phone: 038-232918.  Well worth a visit.