Richard Burk’s Amor Restaurant has been a Pattaya
fixture for 10 years, and if the amount of repeat patrons can be taken as an
indicator, will be here for another 10.
It is on that very short soi that connects Pattayaland 2
with Pattayaland 3, and is next to the New Orleans Restaurant. There is an
outside terrace area where you can smoke and sit and watch the amazing
Pattaya sights going by, or an air-conditioned section inside that has a
sit-up bar along one side. We chose the air-conditioned section as Richard
had a booking for 12 taking up most of the terrace.
Inside,
the best adjective is probably ‘cosy’. The cushioned rattan chairs are
comfortable, the tables ‘just’ large enough, and the spaces between them
almost adequate to allow the omnipresent Richard to glide through, making
sure that everyone is happy, the food to their satisfaction, and to
recommend any wines when asked. He is the consummate mein host.
By the way, each table has its own pepper grinder, and if
you call for the mustard tray you will get Dijon grain, simple Dijon and
genuine Coleman’s mustard made fresh from the powder.
An example of the efforts taken to make sure the diner is
catered for can be seen from the very first page of the menu (which by the
way is huge - 306 items) where one reads, “If you have any special dietary
choices or requirements, do not hesitate to let us know. Vegetarian Choices
- these are marked with a (V) throughout the menu. Some of these dishes are
suitable for Vegans or can be adjusted to your requirements. Low Cholesterol
Dishes - these are marked with a (C) throughout the menu and are designed
for those customers who are following a low cholesterol diet. These choices
may also be lower in calories. Other Special Needs - if you are on a low
carbohydrate, low fat (Atkins, South Beach etc.) or sugar-free (diabetic)
diet, please let us know and we will be pleased to suggest menu items that
are suitable and/or adapt them accordingly. We do have a home made, sugar
free mint sauce and a home made oil and fat free vinaigrette salad dressing.
Please Note, our deep fried and stir fried dishes, European and
Thai/Chinese, are prepared with soy bean oil which is cholesterol free. Our
daily vegetables are finished with butter and cream, unless you request them
plain when ordering. As all our dishes and sauces are prepared to order,
many can be adapted to meet any special requirements you have.” That page
alone puts the Amor Restaurant far above many of Pattaya’s other
restaurants. Customer service with a capital S.
The
rotating daily specials are interesting, with a three course one for B. 460,
or a two course one for B. 410; however, to show the depth in the Amor menu,
there are 18 soups (generally around B. 130) and 23 starters (B. 90-250),
followed by 24 pastas (mainly around B. 300). With a 306 item menu, I am not
going further - you can take your time to read it yourself, but there are
also dedicated Thai items as well!
Wines are B. 1000-1200, but the Chilean house white and
red are eminently quaffable at B. 180 per glass.
We began with Welsh rarebit for Madame, and I had decided
on the daily special, beginning with the Greek battered mussels for me. The
rarebit was excellent, but the mussels? This was not just ‘excellent’,
but a superb dish with the wildest garlic sauce accompaniment made from
potato, olive oil and garlic.
For mains, Madame had the chicken gorgonzola with
gratinee potatoes, whilst I went for the roast lamb and roast potatoes.
Again we had superb meals with generous sized portions.
Amor restaurant is very moderately priced considering the
quality. That, plus choices and satisfaction are three great reasons that
Amor continues to flourish. If you have not tried Amor, you should. Very
highly recommended.
Amor, 244/15 Pattayaland Soi 3, South Pattaya, telephone 038 710 680,
email [email protected], website www. amorrestau rant.com. Open
seven days from 5 p.m. till late. Street parking on Pattaya Second Road.
