by Miss Terry Diner
Next time you sit down in the Hard Rock Cafe on Beach
Road, remember to say “Thank you” to Henry Diltz, Isaac Tigrett and Peter
Morton. Without these three, there would never have been this fantastic
world-wide chain of restaurants called the Hard Rock Cafes.
Henry
Diltz was the photographer who shot The Doors outside an establishment in
Los Angeles which was called The Hard Rock Cafe. The record album was
released in 1970 with the (now defunct) Hard Rock Cafe photo on the back
cover. In turn and influenced by this, Tigrett and Morton opened their first
Hard Rock Cafe in London on June 14, 1971. Hard Rock cafes now are 124 and
include Mumbai, the latest opening, plus six Hard Rock hotels and casinos in
40 countries. The chain offered an ‘experience’ centered on display of what
it characterized as one of the world’s largest collections of contemporary
music memorabilia. And the Hard Rock Cafe’s motto of “Love All, Serve All”
was adopted from Tigrett’s guru Sathya Sai Baba.
Enough historical trivia, but it does show you that our Hard Rock Cafe and
Hard Rock Hotel do have an interesting background. In tune with the
corporate ideals, the Pattaya Hard Rock Cafe is also a storehouse of
contemporary music memorabilia, with items such as Elton John’s platform
soled boots on the walls, and a stage at the far end where carefully chosen
rock groups play every night from 9.30 p.m. until late.
But we came to try the food and in particular some of the new items on the
menu, under the very watchful eye of executive chef Jimmy Tan. We began with
a couple of starters, commencing with Joe Perry’s Rock Your World Quesadilla
(B. 400). What an introduction! A huge quesadilla with grilled chicken and
pineapple with a mango-peach tango spicy sauce. This serving was big enough
for three people.
Another starter we tried was the Bloody Mary Shrimp (B. 360) which was a
nachos dish with the basted pesto prawn on the cheese nachos and a Bloody
Mary salsa on the side. Absolutely brilliant!
So it was off to the entrees with what is called a Twisted Mac, Chicken and
Cheese (B. 280). Another enormous serving with macaroni done in a three
cheese sauce with roasted bell peppers to give it a slightly spicy tang as
the bed for a large grilled chicken breast.
From there it was into a burger, called their Legendary
10 oz Burger (B. 560). Fortunately, we only ordered one for us to share.
Probably the best burger I have ever tasted. Imported Australian Angus beef,
topped with bacon and cheese and a fried onion ring, plus a large helping of
chips. Superb!
However, Jimmy Tan was not going to let us off that lightly, and finished
our meal with the hot fudge brownie sundae (B. 210). As our bouncy waitress
placed the dish on the table between us, Madame exclaimed, “That’s
incredible!” and it was. Another huge serving in the world’s largest sundae
glass. We had to call in reinforcements to help us do any justice to this
ice cream, fudge and brownie confection. There was enough for four people
here. And I am not exaggerating.
I have always said that food should be ‘fun’ as well as sustenance. The Hard
Rock Cafe is certainly fun, and equally as certainly, it has great food, in
enormous (American sized) portions. When Madame and I struggled to get
through one 10 oz hamburger between us, you can imagine the size! Children
are also catered for, with their own menu (which comes as a coloring book)
and an inexhaustible supply of soft drinks all inclusive.
The Hard Rock Cafe is as complete a venue as you could ever want. Family
dining during the day, which turns into a stomping disco as the night goes
on. Add to that, great food and staff who are literally jumping out of their
skins with enthusiasm. Very highly recommended.
Hard Rock Cafe, Hard Rock Hotel, Pattaya 2 Road, telephone 038 426 635, fax
038 421 673, all major cards accepted. Open seven days from 11 a.m. until
early mornings. Secure parking in the hotel parking areas.
