by Miss Terry Diner
The Sunday Brunch market is becoming better established in Pattaya, with
more people realizing that by availing themselves of Sunday brunch, it gives
the family more time to be together, in the continental and relaxed
convivial way. The latest to join the ranks is the recently opened Mantra
Restaurant and Bar, and although we reviewed Mantra’s evening offerings
three months ago, last weekend we decided we would try their version of the
Sunday brunch.
At
night, the ambience of Mantra is all rather mystical, with its clever
down-lighting, but during the day it seems much more utilitarian, and
incidentally more conducive for taking children there. At least you can
easily spot your offspring, and on our Sunday, many families had brought
their children from stroller age upwards (we brought a two and a half year
old). Incidentally, children under six years of age dine free, while 6-12
are half price.
Our welcome was just as effusive as before, and our junior member was
immediately made to feel especially important, complete with her own
‘Disney’ style plastic plate, tumbler and cutlery.
The ‘all you can eat’ brunch costs B. 950 plus, so I was interested to see
just how much of the evening a la carte was on offer at lunchtime, and I was
not disappointed, in fact, some of the seven stations seemed to have more!
And there is a separate dessert section.
We began with the seafood section, which tempted me with some fresh NZ
oysters which were opened as I watched. They were certainly fresh, and were
served with a spicy dip to the table.
Moving
along from there, the ever so wonderfully presented Japanese section was too
good to pass up, with Tadda (Nik) Wongsarot, the social director, suggesting
that I should really try the sushi salmon, which I did with a good dollop of
my favorite Wasabi, and yes, Khun Nik, it was superb.
As you go around the live cooking stations, there are placards which tell
you what is on offer for brunch at each one. These were honestly my only
complaint from the brunch, as the black print on dark red is difficult to
read. A small point, but one that makes it difficult for the diners.
One of our group has been an Indian food lover for many years, and
remembering the chicken tikka I had before, I suggested he try Mantra’s
offering. He was as enthusiastic as I had been. Moist, and cooked to
perfection, we both had some, complete with hot garlic nan bread.
Madame, on the other hand, was taken with the Italian salad section,
complete with a carpaccio, and finished up with a selection of cheeses from
the cheese board.
We did have many other items, including a large bowl of piping hot duck
breast and egg noodle soup for me, which was excellent, and then after a
suitable period for digestion raided the desserts. Heaven for those with a
sweet tooth (and for those who love strawberries)!
The Mantra’s Sunday Brunch was certainly offering high quality items,
excellently presented. The number of items is probably more than anywhere
else in Pattaya, and although the brunch comes in at the high end,
comparatively it is not expensive. For those who would like to really gorge
themselves, Mantra also offers a B. 950 addition per head of all you can
quaff wines by the glass, with several choices from the cart which comes
around regularly. Otherwise you can order bottles from the wine list, or
even have a healthy brunch washed down by OJ.
Our group, which included some overseas journalists, was impressed so much
that one member asked to take back to Australia the Mantra CD and sales kit,
which restaurant operations manager Geev Bahrampoori was only to happy to
supply! If you are looking for a top venue for your Sunday family outing,
this could just be the place.
Mantra Restaurant and Bar, Beach Road (just down from the Dolphin Circle),
telephone 038 429 591, fax 038 428 165, email [email protected]. Open
seven days, bar from 5 p.m., restaurant from 6 p.m. but 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. for
Sunday Brunch. Secure parking within the Mantra car park.
