Brendan Daly, GM of Mantra
Restaurant, presents flowers to the BSO String Quintet.
Colin Kaye
There must be very few food-conscious people in Pattaya who don’t know
where to find Mantra Restaurant. If you are one of them (and I promise not to
tell anyone) it stands in the grounds of the Amari Hotel, fairly close to the
beach in North Pattaya. Mantra’s many special themed evenings have become major
events on the Pattaya dining and social scene.
The restaurant is a symphony of glittering lights and even the dining tables
have dozens of tiny light bulbs under the glass surfaces. With its unique décor,
the restaurant has almost two hundred seats on two levels. The famous walk-in
glass wine cellar allows diners to select from an impressive list of over 160
wines from all over the world, including bottles of rare Bordeaux.
On stage was the BSO String Quintet, made up of players from Bangkok Symphony
Orchestra; Jirawat Jaroensuksudsomran and Atippatai Promsurin (violins); Kajorn
Kosolsiriphoj (viola); Tewet Mingkhwan (cello) and Chukiat Promsirikan (double
bass). They opened the concert, perhaps somewhat predictably with a complete
performance of Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, more correctly known as Serenade
No. 13 for strings in G major. Mozart wrote the work in 1787 and although it’s
probably one of Mozart’s most popular works, no one knows for sure why he wrote
it.
The Quintet then played another work, the second movement from Bach’s Orchestral
Suite No. 3 in D major, better known by its nickname Air on the G string. The
quintet provided a beautiful and expressive performance, so much so that many of
the diners actually stopped talking and listened. The BSO quintet certainly
earned their supper by playing a very long and varied selection of well-known
works not only by Mozart, Bach, and Johann Strauss II but also some other
attractive pieces, notably by Boccherini and Dvoøák.
The main “classic” menu started with a salmon and sea-bass tartare, followed by
creamy morel mushroom bisque scented with truffle oil. The main course was a
choice between Chinese roasted duck breast and slow roasted saddle of lamb,
wrapped in Parma ham, prepared and served with the flair and expertise that is
typical of Mantra. A small but intriguing cheese board was then presented with
an individual baguette & dried fruits. Finally, for those with sufficient
appetite and stamina, a bitter chocolate terrine with cherry Chantilly was on
offer. Guests could also choose from an interesting selection of high quality
wines.
For guests who wanted an alternative to the “classic” menu, there was the
opportunity to order from the many other kitchens (and the pizza station) that
surround the restaurant. They offer a massive choice of food, because going
hungry is not an option at Mantra.
A sweet couple from Korea having a holiday in
Pattaya and are enjoying the music.
Guests at the Mantra Classic Mozart Bach Strauss
cheerfully said that they read Pattaya Mail every week to keep up-to-date with
what is happening in Pattaya.
Mantra Food & Beverage Manager Thanakrit
Saiwijittree (left) takes some time for a refreshing drink with PR Manager
Benjamas Sitthi.
Benjamas Sitthi, the new PR Manager of Mantra
Restaurant, acts as MC for the evening.
The string quintet performs the works of Mozart,
Bach & Strauss for the guests in a cozy atmosphere.
The charming hostesses are always beautifully
attired.
A glass of bubbly prior to the performance helps get
this lovely couple in the mood.
Thai tourists love the food at the Mantra and also
enjoy the music of the night.
The staff at Mantra - always ready with a welcoming
smile.
A mother took her little child to
listen to the music as well.
