I think everyone appreciates a ‘bargain’, and when
Shenanigans Landlord Kim Fletcher invited the Dining Out Team to come and sample
his new Friday night “Chop Meal” and said the price was 100 baht, I raised
my eyebrows. Especially when he followed this up by saying that the net price
was all-inclusive, and covered soup, pork chop, vegetables and ice cream
dessert!
A
few words about Shenanigans Irish Pub, for those ‘newbies’ who have not
visited Shenanigans yet, although it’s difficult to imagine there are too many
who have not visited this institution. It has become the centre for many ex-pat
activities in Pattaya, including the committee venue for the Jesters
Children’s Fair, and even the Pattaya Mail’s Dr. Iain with his Classic Car
Club (7 p.m. on the second Monday of each month). It is also one of the
preferred viewing spots for most major sporting events on the big screen TV. It
is a ‘happening’ place.
The pub is down a set of stairs, under the Marriott Resort
coffee shop, about 50 metres past the Royal Garden Plaza. There is secure
parking outside, for around 20 cars, plus more on Pattaya Second Road.
Inside
it is done up in typical UK pub style, with memorabilia, sporting trophies and
the like, subdued lighting, lots of wood panelling and comfy chairs, as well as
a sit up semi-circular bar area in the middle of the pub. It also sells Kilkenny
and Guinness, for those who like the Irish libations.
There are several sections, or ‘nooks’, called the
‘Library’ section with enormous comforting Chesterfield seating, the
‘Cottage’ which is designed for dining above all else, and even a private
meeting room for up to 20 people.
On this occasion we expanded the Dining Out Team to four, to
also try some of the other items on the menu; however, the 100 baht pork chop
meal was the main subject of this review. We chose to eat in the Cottage area,
or should I say the always helpful Shenanigans staff decided that the Cottage
would best suit our needs, and comfortable padded chairs were ours!
While the others shared a Greek salad (the servings at
Shenanigans do tend to be large), as the first part of my 100 baht dinner I had
the Friday home-made soup of the day. This turned out to be a green pea and was
very pleasant.
While the others then were heads down in beef and Guinness
pies and the like, my pork chop arrived. 300 grams claims Kim, and it had to be
all of that, taking up around half the plate. The rest of the plate (hot too)
was filled with mashed potatoes, a grilled tomato and some steamed cabbage. Now
I must admit that normally steamed cabbage is not my favourite vegetable, but
this was done with chopped bacon and was delicious. I ate it all! And the chop,
and the mashed potatoes. The gravy was good too.
But there was the third course to come! The ice cream, and
you even get to choose the flavour. I chose vanilla and there was even some
fruit salad with it. And all for 100 baht.
There was no getting away from the fact that the Friday Chop
Meal at 100 baht has to be the best value for money I have tried in a long time.
There was no stinting in the helpings; it was a genuine 300 gm pork chop.
Properly cooked, with lashings of vegetables. I had to force myself to attempt
to eat the ice cream, I was already so full, but in the name of gluttony I
tried. I also failed! It was too much!
Shenanigans has always been known for good food and good
sized servings in an excellent venue. This Friday special cannot be passed up by
anyone with an eye for a bargain, except perhaps the local rabbi! Very highly
recommended. And stay for the musical entertainment later. Again, very highly
recommended!
Shenanigans, The Irish Pub, Royal Garden Plaza Complex, Pattaya Second Road,
telephone 038 710 641, email [email protected], website
www.shenanigans-pattaya.com. All major credit cards and secure parking outside.
