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Horizon’s Oyster and Bubble
The evening was worth it for the strawberries
alone!
When the Hilton’s Marcom manager Sunday asked me if I
would like to review their Horizon restaurant’s promotion of Oysters and
Bubbles, how could I say no? Both my weaknesses at the same time! I ask you!
The Horizon is the Hilton’s top venue in many ways. On the 34th floor there
is nothing above you, and it is their top, most exclusive venue. Actually,
Horizon has two sections - the outside bar with the incredible views of
Pattaya Bay and the inner section behind glass, with several private dining
rooms, also glass walled where you can sit and enjoy the lights along Beach
Road, right through to the winking “Pattaya” sign.
The Oyster and Bubble
promotion features Fines de Claire oysters.
We went straight to the Oyster and Bubble promotion which
features a set of fresh oysters served with seafood dressing, shallot
vinegar and fried shallots, and two glasses of French sparkling wine. There
are two options on offer; a set of six Fines de Claire oysters with two
glasses of sparkling wine for B. 1,350 or a set of a dozen Fines de Claire
oysters with two glasses of sparkling wine for B. 1,950. We restrained
ourselves and stuck with the 6+2 option. The sparkler is a Nos Amours, from
Bordeaux, and is described as “a wonderfully quaffable fizz for any occasion
with aromas of butter and cake. A fresh and harmonious sparkling wine.” For
me, even though the label proclaimed it as a Brut de Brut, it was pleasant,
went well with the Fines de Claire, rather than being memorable by itself.
The
Atlantic Salmon “En Papillote” consisted of Atlantic salmon cooked in a very
delicate filo parcel which our ever-attentive service girl snipped the end
off so we could get to a large salmon fillet inside.
Right from the outset, mention must be made of the serving staff.
Beautifully outfitted, gracious, charming and knowledgeable, able to explain
the dishes with all the complexities that some of them had. For example, we
began with seared Japanese sea scallops which had sautéed calamari noodles
and Portobello mushrooms, truffle-crustacean bisque, sundried cherry
tomatoes and black truffle. They were beautiful, with very plump and juicy
scallops.
From that dish we ventured into a Foie Gras “Brulee” which featured goose
liver and prune terrine base topped with a contrasting layer of hard
caramel, strawberry, thyme, black pepper salsa, brioche and balsamic
reduction. Executive Chef Supoj must have had fun dreaming up that dish.
The next was one that we both found exceptional, a rock lobster on risotto,
fava beans, snap peas and fennel salad. I am not one who is partial to
risotto, but this one was excellent. I had to restrain Madame from licking
the plate, it was so good.
Another very special dish was called Atlantic Salmon “En Papillote” which
consisted of Atlantic salmon cooked in a very delicate filo parcel which our
ever-attentive service girl snipped the end off so we could get to a large
salmon fillet inside. This came with vegetables, olive, lemon potatoes,
tarragon and Pommery mustard sauce (a very special mustard which originates
from Meaux, France). (It is alleged that the history of this mustard dates
back to the 1600’s.)
Needless to say, the desserts were just superb, with a baked Alaska flamed
at the table with ice cream meringue and kirsch cherries for Madame and an
amazing “Sweet Caviar” for me which had balsamic caviar, goat cheese panna
cotta, soft meringue with Grand Marnier strawberries. The evening was worth
it for the strawberries alone!
There is no doubting that for a special occasion, Fines de Claire oysters
are hard to beat; however, as far as the Dining Out team is concerned, you
can make any evening a special one by enjoying the Oyster and Bubble
promotion (which will not be an everyday feature, so if you enjoy Fines de
Claire, as we do, then make a booking soon).
The Hilton’s Horizon restaurant has a very up-market ambience, with cuisine
and service to match. With such high standards you must expect that the
prices will reflect this as well. It is one of the top restaurants in
Pattaya
Horizon Restaurant, 34th floor Hilton Pattaya, above the Central Festival
center, Beach Road. Open seven days with the outside bar open at 5 p.m. and
dinner 6.00 p.m. until 1 a.m. Dress code smart. Valet parking available.
Booking recommended 038 825 3000.
Horizon offers incredible
views of Pattaya Bay.
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Bag yourself an omelet
Omelets are easy to prepare and cook, but if you are
catering for a large and indeterminate number of guests, this is the
easiest answer. Usually there are no choices with food for multitudes,
but this easy omelet recipe can even be tailored to individual tastes,
without disrupting the cooking line.
Ingredients |
Makes one omelet |
Eggs |
2 |
Ham, chopped |
2 slices |
Cheddar cheese shredded |
½ cup |
Onion chopped |
1 tbspn |
Green bell pepper chopped |
1 tbspn |
Fresh tomato chopped |
2 tbspns |
Chunky salsa |
1 tbspn |
Fresh mushrooms, sliced |
2 |
Cooking Method
Crack the eggs into a large re-sealable freezer bag (Ziploc).
Press out most of the air, and seal. Shake or squeeze to beat the eggs.
Open the bag, and add the ham, cheese, onion, green pepper, tomato,
salsa, and mushrooms. At this stage you can omit certain ingredients to
‘customize’ the omelet, but remember to write the recipient’s name on
the bag before cooking. Squeeze out as much of the air as you can, and
seal the bag.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Place up to 8 bags at a time into
the boiling water. Cook for exactly 13 minutes. Open the bag, and let
the omelet roll out onto a plate. The omelet should roll out easily.
Now that was easy!
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