The
venue is much the same, the warm comforting feeling with the subdued
lighting, lots of wood and decor in the 1950’s Americana style. There are
dining areas at both sides and a large horseshoe shaped sit up bar in the
middle. On the far wall is the elevated stage for the band (every night
other than Sundays).
The menu, like all good restaurants slowly changes, with
the popular items being retained and the less popular being replaced. This
new Henry J. Bean’s menu is also under the watchful eye of the new Amari
executive chef, Swiss national Flemming Schulthess.
The
menu begins with appetizers, generally around B. 150, with the nachos and
onion rings being tagged with a ‘Good to share’ marker. Good idea, Hank!
The next section covers the burgers (B. 220-260), all 180 gm items, followed
by Fajitas, always a popular item (B. 220-390) covering chicken, beef prawn
and vegetable.
A ‘new’ section is Wraps (B. 220-350) with chicken,
Peking duck and vegetable on offer. Grills are next from B. 240 at the low
end (half a rack of ribs) to B. 550 for the king size imported New York
strip steak.
Salads and sandwiches are also on the menu (B. 160-340),
for those with smaller appetites with Chicago hot dogs, fajita steak
sandwiches and Caesar salad all on offer. You can also get side orders (B.
70-120) with fries, garlic bread and Greek salad. There is also a Thai
corner (B. 150-180) with chicken satays and Thai chicken sandwiches.
These are followed with desserts, drinks, wines (B. 160
by the glass), beers (B. 90 for Carlsberg draft), softs and cocktails. (By
the way, as this is part of the Amari Hotel, the prices are ++.)
This month, Chef Flemming also has some Hot Stone
promotions (B. 280-450) with some Australian steaks, tiger prawns and
Mexican chicken breast. In addition there is a Thai corner (B. 150-205) with
some Thai favorites such as yum neua (beef salad) and tom yum goong for
those diners who really like their Thai food.
Mention must also be made of the early bird promotion,
where kids under the age of 10 dine free between 5 p.m. and 7.30 p.m. A boon
for people with young families.
We tried the new Hot Stone Surf and Turf, and the Aussie
beef was superb. I ignored the sauce on the side, as the taste was so good
on its own. It was also cooked exactly to my order.
We had the bacon quesadillas, a sort of Mexican filled
‘pita bread’ item. Do try it, just a little spicy and great flavor!
Another item was the Greek salad. This was very good with lime juice and
oregano and the Feta cheese. The chicken wrap was a flavorsome item too.
After the repast, we sat back and enjoyed the band and a farewell drink with
our hosts executive assistant managers, Michael and Orapin. Thank you.
We did enjoy our evening at Henry J. Bean’s Bar and
Grill. It has managed to continue to develop a fun ambience, helped in no
small way by the happy staff and the easy- listening band, and the revamped
menu is good. We also agreed with the concept of (and enjoyed) the specials
and the Thai items were very well received by my Madame Thai. Add in the
“Early Bird” kids promotion and you have a classy venue where you can
take the family and the kids, and it will certainly not break the bank. It
is a bar, it is a grill and it is fun. Highly recommended.
Henry J. Bean’s Bar and Grill, Beach Road, North
Pattaya, 038 428 161, email [email protected]. Opens at 5 p.m. Secure parking
area beside the restaurant (shared with La Gritta).
