DINING OUT - ENTERTAINMENT

Hard Rock Café

by Miss Terry Diner

Next time you sit down in the Hard Rock Cafe on Beach Road, remember to say “Thank you” to Henry Diltz, Isaac Tigrett and Peter Morton. Without these three, there would never have been this fantastic world-wide chain of restaurants called the Hard Rock Cafes.

Henry Diltz was the photographer who shot The Doors outside an establishment in Los Angeles which was called The Hard Rock Cafe. The record album was released in 1970 with the (now defunct) Hard Rock Cafe photo on the back cover. In turn and influenced by this, Tigrett and Morton opened their first Hard Rock Cafe in London on June 14, 1971. Hard Rock cafes now are 124 and include Mumbai, the latest opening, plus six Hard Rock hotels and casinos in 40 countries. The chain offered an ‘experience’ centered on display of what it characterized as one of the world’s largest collections of contemporary music memorabilia. And the Hard Rock Cafe’s motto of “Love All, Serve All” was adopted from Tigrett’s guru Sathya Sai Baba.
Enough historical trivia, but it does show you that our Hard Rock Cafe and Hard Rock Hotel do have an interesting background. In tune with the corporate ideals, the Pattaya Hard Rock Cafe is also a storehouse of contemporary music memorabilia, with items such as Elton John’s platform soled boots on the walls, and a stage at the far end where carefully chosen rock groups play every night from 9.30 p.m. until late.
But we came to try the food and in particular some of the new items on the menu, under the very watchful eye of executive chef Jimmy Tan. We began with a couple of starters, commencing with Joe Perry’s Rock Your World Quesadilla (B. 400). What an introduction! A huge quesadilla with grilled chicken and pineapple with a mango-peach tango spicy sauce. This serving was big enough for three people.
Another starter we tried was the Bloody Mary Shrimp (B. 360) which was a nachos dish with the basted pesto prawn on the cheese nachos and a Bloody Mary salsa on the side. Absolutely brilliant!
So it was off to the entrees with what is called a Twisted Mac, Chicken and Cheese (B. 280). Another enormous serving with macaroni done in a three cheese sauce with roasted bell peppers to give it a slightly spicy tang as the bed for a large grilled chicken breast.

From there it was into a burger, called their Legendary 10 oz Burger (B. 560). Fortunately, we only ordered one for us to share. Probably the best burger I have ever tasted. Imported Australian Angus beef, topped with bacon and cheese and a fried onion ring, plus a large helping of chips. Superb!
However, Jimmy Tan was not going to let us off that lightly, and finished our meal with the hot fudge brownie sundae (B. 210). As our bouncy waitress placed the dish on the table between us, Madame exclaimed, “That’s incredible!” and it was. Another huge serving in the world’s largest sundae glass. We had to call in reinforcements to help us do any justice to this ice cream, fudge and brownie confection. There was enough for four people here. And I am not exaggerating.
I have always said that food should be ‘fun’ as well as sustenance. The Hard Rock Cafe is certainly fun, and equally as certainly, it has great food, in enormous (American sized) portions. When Madame and I struggled to get through one 10 oz hamburger between us, you can imagine the size! Children are also catered for, with their own menu (which comes as a coloring book) and an inexhaustible supply of soft drinks all inclusive.
The Hard Rock Cafe is as complete a venue as you could ever want. Family dining during the day, which turns into a stomping disco as the night goes on. Add to that, great food and staff who are literally jumping out of their skins with enthusiasm. Very highly recommended.
Hard Rock Cafe, Hard Rock Hotel, Pattaya 2 Road, telephone 038 426 635, fax 038 421 673, all major cards accepted. Open seven days from 11 a.m. until early mornings. Secure parking in the hotel parking areas.