There must be very few food-conscious people in Pattaya who don’t know where to find Mantra Restaurant. If you are one of them (and I promise not to tell anyone) it stands in the grounds of the Amari Hotel, fairly close to the beach in North Pattaya. Mantra’s many special themed evenings have become major events on the Pattaya dining and social scene.
The restaurant is a symphony of glittering lights and even the dining tables have dozens of tiny light bulbs under the glass surfaces. With its unique décor, the restaurant has almost two hundred seats on two levels. The famous walk-in glass wine cellar allows diners to select from an impressive list of over 160 wines from all over the world, including bottles of rare Bordeaux.
Brendan Daly, GM of Mantra Restaurant, presents flowers to the BSO String Quintet.
On stage was the BSO String Quintet, made up of players from Bangkok Symphony Orchestra; Jirawat Jaroensuksudsomran and Atippatai Promsurin (violins); Kajorn Kosolsiriphoj (viola); Tewet Mingkhwan (cello) and Chukiat Promsirikan (double bass). They opened the concert, perhaps somewhat predictably with a complete performance of Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, more correctly known as Serenade No. 13 for strings in G major. Mozart wrote the work in 1787 and although it’s probably one of Mozart’s most popular works, no one knows for sure why he wrote it.
Mantra Food & Beverage Manager Thanakrit Saiwijittree (left) takes some time for a refreshing drink with PR Manager Benjamas Sitthi.
The Quintet then played another work, the second movement from Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D major, better known by its nickname Air on the G string. The quintet provided a beautiful and expressive performance, so much so that many of the diners actually stopped talking and listened. The BSO quintet certainly earned their supper by playing a very long and varied selection of well-known works not only by Mozart, Bach, and Johann Strauss II but also some other attractive pieces, notably by Boccherini and Dvoøák.
The staff at Mantra – always ready with a welcoming smile.
The main “classic” menu started with a salmon and sea-bass tartare, followed by creamy morel mushroom bisque scented with truffle oil. The main course was a choice between Chinese roasted duck breast and slow roasted saddle of lamb, wrapped in Parma ham, prepared and served with the flair and expertise that is typical of Mantra. A small but intriguing cheese board was then presented with an individual baguette & dried fruits. Finally, for those with sufficient appetite and stamina, a bitter chocolate terrine with cherry Chantilly was on offer. Guests could also choose from an interesting selection of high quality wines.
Thai tourists love the food at the Mantra and also enjoy the music of the night.
For guests who wanted an alternative to the “classic” menu, there was the opportunity to order from the many other kitchens (and the pizza station) that surround the restaurant. They offer a massive choice of food, because going hungry is not an option at Mantra.
The charming hostesses are always beautifully attired.
Guests at the Mantra Classic Mozart Bach Strauss cheerfully said that they read Pattaya Mail every week to keep up-to-date with what is happening in Pattaya.
A mother took her little child to listen to the music as well.
A glass of bubbly prior to the performance helps get this lovely couple in the mood.
A sweet couple from Korea having a holiday in Pattaya and are enjoying the music.
The string quintet performs the works of Mozart, Bach & Strauss for the guests in a cozy atmosphere.
Benjamas Sitthi, the new PR Manager of Mantra Restaurant, acts as MC for the evening.
