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Published on November 18, 2007

After months of research and planning, Pattaya welcomed a new - and unique - restaurant a few weeks ago. Fatboy's Diner, in the Avenue Shopping Complex, right next to the upcoming Dusit Boutique resort, offers a retro approach to the American-style diner, plus some very special dishes close to owner David Williamson's heart.

Williamson has decorated the restaurant in banquettes from the 1950s and '60s, plus a jukebox loaded with records from his personal collection. At Fatboy's, Elvis lives - as well as Tina Turner, Buddy Holly, Bill Haley and Little Richard.

Along with the music, Williamson has also installed a "secret weapon", his daughter Pawinee or "Fon". A Chulalongkorn graduate, Fon is in charge of everything from supervising the kitchen to looking after guests.

She (and her sister and mother) have also contributed their special recipes. From Fon comes "Fon's Cheeseburger" (Bt250), 150 grams of Australian beef topped with your choice of cheddar or creamed blue cheese.

Whether it's the classic burger (Bt220), the cheese bacon burger (Bt270), all the way to lamb, chicken or fish burgers, Williamson has added his own touches. The burgers are served on sesame buns made by a "boutique baker" down the road.

Williamson also adds sliced onions. "I'm adamant on this point," he says. "A burger needs onions."

He should know. Involved in the food business for years, he worked with the (former) Heritage Club, as well as with the Londoner Pub. Now, semi-retired and living near Pattaya, he has opened this restaurant "just to have a place where I can hang out," he jokes.

Fatboy's menu isn't only about burgers, though. In addition to hotdogs (also standard diner fare), you can order a few spaghetti dishes (Bt195), as well as Fah's Lasagne, which is made to Williamson's personal recipe: three layers of pasta and meat in white sauce.

Vegetarians are not ignored, either. Call the Vegetarian Melt (Bt240) a warm (but filling) salad: sauteed veggies topped with melted cheese, all on toasted French bread spread with a balsamic reduction.

Those diners of 50 years ago never ate so well.

Fatboy's also offers a range of all-day breakfasts and some hearty main dishes for dinner. Williamson is proud of another section - his "Be Naughty and Get Your Just Desserts!" list, full of sundaes and banana splits, along with what he calls "Wicked Waffles" (Bt160), waffles in mapleen syrup or chocolate sauce, topped with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream.

With or without a meal, do try Fatboy's milkshakes and sodas. Williamson has also put in a supply of local and imported beer, hard liquor and wine. House wine by the glass is Bt160.

Laurie Rosenthal

The Nation