Amor is, in many ways, quite a unique restaurant. It has probably the
largest menu in the whole of Pattaya with 244 items (and 17 sauces), even
surpassing the hordes of Chinese restaurant ‘menuthons’. It prides itself on
cooking any of those 244 items to order, so you can ask for your own
particular culinary foibles to be included, and it has been part of the
Pattaya restaurant scene for 13 years. Almost a record by itself, in this
town of rapidly rising restaurants followed by equally as rapidly falling
ones.
Amor is on the cusp of Boyztown, adjacent to the New Orleans restaurant. It
is divided into two main sections. An exterior covered terrace, very
suitable for smokers or those who want to watch the world, in all its
various guises pass by.
The
interior section is fully air-conditioned with comfortable wicker furniture,
giving it a ‘familiar’ and welcoming ambience. Adding to that welcome is
owner Richard Burk, a large omnipresent gentleman host who is only too happy
to discuss the patron’s requirements and to advise as required. The new
yellow cloth table overlays have brightened up the interior, and it was
pleasing to see that the Thai bronze cutlery is still as shiny as before.
Richard is certainly attentive to small detail.
When we discussed his house wines, Richard advised me to try both, but
added, “The Chilean is better!” He was correct. The wine list covers old and
new worlds, with most well under B. 2,200.
Going back to the 244 item menu (down from the 245 last time we dined at
Amor), Richard has continued with his promotion of healthy eating for those
who are watching their diet. Vegetarian choices are marked with a (V)
throughout the menu. Some of these dishes are suitable for Vegans or can be
adjusted to your requirements.
The menu also advises that low cholesterol dishes are marked with a (C) and
the deep-fries and stir-fries are done in soy bean (zero cholesterol) oil
and even sugar-free desserts are on offer. Furthermore, if you are on a low
carbohydrate, low fat (Atkins, South Beach etc.) or sugar-free (diabetic)
diet, the menu suggests you let them know and they will be pleased to
suggest menu items that are suitable or adapt them accordingly.
The menu is far too large for me to enumerate here, but the prices are not
at all excessive. For example there are several choices of New Zealand lamb
dishes, with most around B. 400. English (North Atlantic) cod and chips are
B. 360, pan-fried lemon sole fillets are B. 320, and even the 250 gm
Argentinean Angus rib-eye is only B. 580.
The Thai specialties are all around B. 300, while the more usual items are
around B. 200.
There are also rotating daily specials, offering two courses for B. 410+ or
three courses for B. 460+ and I chose that as my dinner.
I enjoyed my ‘special’. The garlic straw mushrooms were excellent, and not
oily at all, served with garlic mayonnaise. A great appetizer. The baked ham
with mashed potatoes and vegetables appeared on a very hot plate, with an
accompanying platter with three different mustards. The raisin sauce went
very well with the ham, and it was a very filling meal.
Madame had decided to try the Thai items, choosing a Special Tom Kha salmon
and a grilled duck curry. These were excellent, with the Tom Kha made from
the cream of the coconut, giving the dish a wonderfully smooth texture.
Probably the best Tom Kha I have had in Thailand! The grilled duck curry was
also smooth and creamy, but we could not finish it as we were too full. “No
problem,” said Richard, and we had a ‘doggy bag’ to take home. A quick hit
in the microwave the next day and we enjoyed Amor’s Thai food all over
again.
Richard Burk’s Amor is a good restaurant. It is not overpriced and has an
amazingly comprehensive menu and repertoire. Well worth a visit.
Amor, 244/15 Pattayaland Soi 3, South Pattaya, telephone 038 710 680, email
[email protected], website www.amorrestaurant .com. Open seven days
from 5 p.m. till late. Street parking on Pattaya Second Road.
