The Amari’s Tavern by the Sea is making its mark on Pattaya. Called Henry J
Beans for a decade it was given a total refurbishment around three months ago,
and a change in direction from being a quasi-American diner to being much more
of a sports bistro.
The new incarnation has done away with the sunken area in the
center of the tavern and it is now carpeted in its entirety, though the
horseshoe bar over on the right side has been left. Where there was a small
dining area off the bar is now taken up with a pool table, but the biggest
change is in the number of large flat video screens - now totaling 14. There is
a settee/sofa area in the middle facing the very large screen on the back wall
as well. The new booths and seating are certainly comfortable, and you can sit
and enjoy your televised sports.
So where is it? It is actually in the grounds of the Amari
Orchid, and best approached from Beach Road, after turning the corner past
Mantra. There is adequate parking, complete with the hotel security guards, who
will guide you to your best spot.
We
went on a Thursday, as this is their new ‘carvery’ night, starting from 6.30
p.m. An all you can eat deal, Resident Manager Max Sieracki said that it was a
bargain for the dedicated meat eaters, with five different joints of meat on
offer. The price is B. 499, but that is net, so includes the VAT and service
charges. The carvery also stays open until 10 p.m.
We decided to relax a little before attacking the groaning
tables and a couple of beers were in order. By the way, they have seven beers on
tap, plus many more in bottles, and I had the opportunity to sample a Hoegaarden
beer, a wheat beer that has a rich history dating back to the middle ages. It is
the original Belgian wheat beer and part of a long brewing tradition in this
agriculturally rich region. Blended with malted barley, wheat, coriander and
cura็ao orange peel Hoegaarden has a distinctive, smooth flavor and subtle
citrusy character. When poured it has a soft, white creamy head and pale almost
shimmering appearance. And after that long-winded explanation, it went down a
treat. Definitely worth trying.
The carvery items are spread out around the front of the
Tavern building and are very comprehensive. Executive chef, Jens Heier was on
hand to let us know just what he had prepared for the evening, but the ‘stars’
of the show included ham, lamb leg, striploin, pork neck and chicken. These were
under the charge of a happy chef who would carve whatever the customer wanted,
and as thick or thin as desired.
However, to go with the meats, there was another full table
with German potato salad with bacon, corn salad, coleslaw, pasta salad, garden
greens and various dressings.
That was the cold section, there was also a hot table which
offered pumpkin soup, baked potato, roasted potato, a medley of assorted
vegetables and the very British favorite - mushy peas!
It didn’t stop there, as there was also a table with desserts
such as a warm apple pie, fresh sliced fruit and assorted pastries.
Remembering that this was an all you can eat offer I
approached carefully, and began with the German potato salad with bacon and a
small slice or two of the baked ham. I was hooked! The German potato salad had a
slight spiciness and went wonderfully well with the hot ham.
Madame began with the soup, which was judged as very
flavorsome and moved on to the meats. And more meats and finally an apple pie
which also got top marks. Highly recommended by us both!
By the way, there is a Monday Curry night at B. 299 net with
items such as roasted duck curry, pickled lamb curry, Aloo gobi and more. Keep
Mondays free as well!
Tavern by the Sea, Amari Orchid, Pattaya Beach Road, open
seven days 11 a.m. until 1 a.m., secure car parking within the Amari grounds
between the Tavern by the Sea and the Mantra restaurant.
