Restaurant Review : Let’s Do Brunch

You must have seen the amazing structure of Mantra Bar and Restaurant which is set in the grounds of the Amari Hotel on the northerly section of Beach Road.   It was an ambitious concept when it opened a few years ago but it serves to illustrate that innovative conceptions can work if executed with intelligent management, professionalism and awareness of what the customer wants.   From the moment you  enter through its tall and stately doors into the spectacularly designed bar you have to be impressed.   The colour statement of vibrant Chinese red and black creates their unique state of the art design and offers a chi-chi space in which to relax and enjoy the cocktail bar ambiance.

The rich crimson and black of Mantra’s signature colours segue into the restaurant and its seven cooking stations.  These are region-specific kitchens:  Japanese, Indian, Chinese, Mediterranean, the grill and lava stone area plus the fish tanks.  As we were shown to our table at 12.30 pm the restaurant was already packed and the atmosphere festive and celebratory.   The open display areas were busy with chefs taking centre stage preparing their specialities and signature dishes from around the world.

The brunch opens at 11.00 am and operates until 3.00 pm, so take your time, wander through the stations, enjoy a glass of wine (free flow wine buffet is B.1600+) prepare yourself, sit back, enjoy the occasion and then hit the cuisine of your choice to commence the proceedings.  We started with a quintet of imported oysters, shucked before your eyes and glistening in their sexy molluscy way. (Don’t let the shucker tip their briney liquer away – it’s too good to lose).  They were absolutely delicious and accompanied by a splendid Pinot Grigio wine the perfect way to introduce our taste buds to the Mantra brunch experience.  Coral pinkness of Alaskan crab legs, rock lobster, plump prawns, glistening New Zealand green lipped mussels all beckoned from their icey haven before we headed for the sushi/sashimi bar where the countless choices were challenging:  fresh sea bass, sea bream, tuna or octopus, California or smoked salmon rolls all vie for your selection.

More cold items from the Mediterranean antipasti table summon before the huge decision of which main course is deliberated.   Here, tuna carpaccio nestles next to Parma ham and melon, Italian salamis and prosciutto, marinated grilled artichokes, capsicums and mushrooms languish in extra virgin olive oil next to verdant salads and pickles;  a cornucopia of heavenly hors d’oeuvre. 

After a decent resting period (and another glass of Pinot Grigio) we moved on to the hot items. A meat fancier?  then turn to the larva stone grill where Angus beef sirloin or tenderloin steaks await your directions, pork chops, lamb chops sit patiently anticipating culinary commands, while lingering temptingly at the back of the display was our choice:  foie gras.  It was lightly pan fried and served on a brioche base and anointed with a red cherry emulsion and the appreciative “mmmmm’s” around the table vouched for its delectableness.  Apart from the prepared chafing dishes which invite self-selection, a whole gamut of dishes are cooked to order and served at your table.  (Present the chef with one of the numbered cards on your table and it will appear a short time later).

Quite honestly, you name a gastronomic favourite and it’s here!  Have I mentioned the Indian tandoori kitchen yet, or the pizzas, pasta or Chinese stations and I mustn’t forget to tell you about the risotto station – it’s an epicurean profusion of the planets gastronomy.  Mick and I then moved on the Peking duck rolls served with a selection of Chinese pickled vegetables. We hadn’t eaten this delicacy for years and it didn’t disappoint;  the duck was so tender it melted in the mouth while the crispy, sweet skin was sensational.  This brunch is an epicurean voyage, a food safari, an odyssey of  cuisine cruising, all housed under Mantra’s spectacular roof.

You must leave room for dessert.  Walk through the restaurant and drawing you with decadent magnetism sits the dessert chamber.  Just the sight of it will lead to waist-band widening!  Evocative chocolate aromas attract as you step through door and there centre stage are not one but two (white and dark) chocolate fountains.  Spear a fruit from the luxury assortment including strawberries, pineapple, blueberries, and raspberries and hold it under your chosen molten chocolate creating your own dream dessert.  The whole room is a sugaristas reverie loaded with ice cream, mousses, crumbles, custards, pies and tartlettes all tantilisingly displayed and awaiting your selection.   So indulge:  pick a pre-dessert, a post dessert and spoil yourself with the sweetest finale to Mantra’s magnificent brunch.

To sum up, Mantra is a world-class gourmet destination offering so many gastronomic multiple choices it will have you visiting time and again.   It’s hands-across-the-world approach hits the spot in so many ways:  not only is it a trendy and stylish place to go it offers  a wealth of global gastronomy served in an ambiance of cheery conviviality.

Open daily from 6.00 pm till l.00 am.  (The bar opens at 5.00 pm).  Tel: (038) 429 591 or visit www.mantra-pattaya.com.  Sunday brunch from 11.00 am – 3.00 pm.  Reservations recommended.  Dress code applies.  All credit cards accepted.