The More Bar and Grill has crept very quietly into the
Pattaya pub scene, and when we went for lunch, it had only been open for
five weeks. As such, it was still going through a settling in period, but
the welcome everyone (as well as the Dining Out Team) received from the
staff certainly gave good vibes.
It is easy to miss the venue, tucked away as it is under the Marriott Resort
and Spa Garden Café (where Shenanigans used to be situated). However, after
you enter you realize that this is not another wood-paneled pseudo-British
bar. It is rather an upmarket and somewhat ‘glitzy’ venue, featuring
polished concrete floor, polished concrete stand-up tables, a large oval
central bar and an open kitchen (behind glass) along the back wall. There is
also a raised dais for the live band (a three piece group formerly at the
prestigious Trader Vic’s in Bangkok) in one corner. In one of the other
corners there is an area set aside for darts, plus a (free) pool table. All
around the More Bar and Grill there are nine TV sets tuned to different
sports channels with everything from soccer to dog trials. There are also
two television sets outside, along with some comfortable rattan seats and
tables for those who want to watch the world on Second Road go by.
The
menu begins with snacks and starters with Buffalo wings (B. 145), tacos (b.
170), nachos (b. 180), potato skins (B. 120) and many others including an
interesting sounding artichokes and spinach dip blended with cheddar cheese
and served with tortilla chips (B. 140).
Soups, salads and sandwiches are up next, ranging in price between B.
80-230, with the top being a Boston grilled minute steak and onion sandwich,
with jalapenos and melted cheese in the baguette.
The next page covers burgers (all around B. 200) and then perennial
favorites such as chilli con carne, sausages and mash, beef and Guinness
pie, fish and chips and BBQ pork ribs or BBQ chicken.
Char grills, pizza and pasta round out the extensive menu, plus Thai
favorites all B. 180 or below.
Full cocktail list too numerous to mention, plus standard beers at around B.
90. (Menu prices + 7 percent VAT.)
We began with a nachos with guacamole which we shared, which was on special
that day (B. 150) and then went into our choices of some very traditional
pub food – a beef and Guinness pie which came with a side of salad for
Madame (B. 200) and fish and chips for myself, the archetypal pub food item.
Madame cleared her plate and declared herself very satisfied, while I was
continuing to enjoy my fish and chips. The fillets were of generous size,
with excellent batter, the chips correctly cooked and the tartar sauce very
pleasant. Mention should also be made of the presentation of all the items,
which was of the usual high Marriott standard.
I was also impressed by the fact that the hot food arrived hot to our table
and on hot plates (unfortunately so many restaurants fail this very simple,
but very important fact when presenting food). The value for money is also
there, with the vast majority of menu items under B. 200. Of course,
imported meats do come at a premium, but the top was only B. 600 for New
Zealand lamb chops.
The More Bar and Grill has been designed as a sports bar from the ground up,
and yet with its clever lighting it has an air of sophistication. With its
three star prices and five star service it certainly is an appealing
alternative to the other bars which also have TV screens and show sport. I
do enjoy good service, and that was what we received, and with chef Louis
Zamora overseeing the fare, the five stars extended to the food as well.
Definitely worth visiting if you are looking for this type of venue in the
center of town.
More Bar and Grill, underneath the Marriott Resort and Spa Garden Café
(where Shenanigans used to be situated), Pattaya Second Road, telephone 038
412 120 ext 1003, off-street or ‘more’ parking in front of More Bar itself.
Open seven days 12 noon until 2 a.m.
Two Oysters for Xmas
With all the festive season parties, here are a couple of
oyster recipes to lift your party fare above the usual cocktail sausages and
ketchup. Both are easy to prepare and you can buy fresh shelled oysters at
the local markets.
Cooking Method:
Pre-heat oven to 200°C. Stretch the bacon with the back of a knife,
then cut each rasher in half. Wrap a piece of bacon round each oyster and
pierce with a toothpick. Place on a baking tray. Bake for about 8 minutes.
Butter the toast, arrange two angels on each piece (remembering to remove
toothpicks) and garnish the dish with the coriander.
Angels on Horseback Serves 6
Ingredients
Oysters 24
Bacon streaky rashers 12
Toast small slices 12
Butter
Coriander leaf chopped ½ cup
Cooking method
Mince the onion, celery and garlic.
Melt butter in large saucepan and sauté the celery and onions until
transparent.
Blend in the flour and simmer for three minutes adding the garlic and bay
leaves. Add the milk and water, bring to a boil and then simmer for 15
minutes. Add the oysters and salt and pepper, simmer for five more minutes
and serve.
Oyster Soup Serves: 8
Ingredients
Oysters 24
Milk 1,000 ml
Water 500 ml
Celery 1 stick
Onion 1
Butter 160g
Garlic 1 Clove
Flour 6 tbspns
Bay Leaves 2
Salt 2 tspns
Cracked black pepper 1 tspn
