Was it really as long ago as 1969 when the film Easy Rider was released, thought
by many to be one of the best movies ever made, starring Peter Fonda, Dennis
Hopper and Jack Nicholson? Whilst “best” could be argued over, it certainly has
been a movie that endured, and has spawned many concepts in the motorcycling
world. One of the newer ones has been the Easyriders Bar and Pub in north
Pattaya; however, their vivacious customer relations manager Judi McNamara
assured me that the venue had actually just celebrated its fourth birthday.
Now when you mention the name Easy Rider, visions of the American motorcycle
counter culture come to mind. Would it be necessary for me to visit the tattoo
parlor beforehand and perhaps soak my shoes in old sump oil for a week? Well, I
did neither, and guess what, all the diners there that night looked just like
ordinary folk like you and me. Wear a leather jacket if you like, but it
certainly is not compulsory, and there were none worn on our evening.
The venue is actually very large, seating around 150 people, so great for large
parties. There is a very rustic open section adjacent to the roadway (Second
Road), but elevated, so you look down on the passers-by. Along one side is a bar
and at the rear another dining section under cover, and then a dais for the
bands. Yes, bands. There is one that starts at 8 p.m. and it is followed by Pop
and the All Stars at 10 p.m. There is also a very small drum kit in front of the
stage for children who want to emulate Charlie Watts of the Rolling Stones.
It quickly became obvious that the Easyriders Bar and Pub revolves around live
music and is best described as a Rock Bar, and for old rockers like myself and
Madame, I was honestly quite happy to just sit there and take in the music - the
food became secondary to the enjoyment.
The menu is not extensive, but is also not expensive. Soups were B. 85 and
salads B. 75-120. Meat and fish were generally B. 199, with T-bone steak B. 279
and a mixed grill B. 319. Spaghetti dishes were B. 149 and burgers with
everything B. 179.
There is also a photographic Thai menu (great idea, so those unfamiliar with the
cuisine can get an inkling of what is on offer) and there were about 20 Thai
favorites ranging in price between B. 75-120, though the whole fish items were
naturally more expensive, but still only B. 295.
Being a pub, there is also a section with drinks, both alcoholic and
non-alcoholic. Draft Heineken is B. 75 or B. 180 for a jug. Most other local
beers are B. 95, Jim Beam B. 95 and Jack Daniels B. 120. Cocktails range between
B. 100-170.
We made our choices, with a Thai chicken and potato curry for Madame and the
chicken cordon bleu for me. Everything happened at a leisurely pace, and we just
sat back and enjoyed the music, with some of the staff joining in for an
impromptu jamming session on the stage. It’s that kind of place.
The chicken and potato curry comes with rice and was certainly large enough for
Madame. My cordon bleu was cooked correctly, with the molten cheese oozing
nicely, and the chips and salad that came with it more than adequate. We enjoyed
our choices.
Easyriders Bar and Pub is neither fine dining nor is it a biker’s den. It is, as
mentioned earlier, a great live music rock bar, and Madame and I just sat back
after our meals and took in the music. A good fun night out that will not cost
you an arm and a leg. When you’re tired of going to go-go bars to listen to the
music, give Easyriders a go. We’ll be back, even if it is just to listen to Pop
and the All Stars!
Easyriders Bar and Pub, Second Road (just past Big C on the right and directly
opposite Tiffany Show), plenty of off-street parking, open 10 a.m. until late,
seven days, www.easyriders-pattaya.com.
Bell Pepper and Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms
Mushrooms are always plentiful. It is a very adaptable
vegetable and can be used in many ways - as soup, a sauce, steamed, creamed
or baked. This recipe for stuffed mushrooms mixes the tastes of capsicum
(bell pepper) and parmesan cheese, along with the mushroom itself. I find
ground black pepper sprinkled over the parmesan adds even more flavor, and
the cayenne pepper adds that little bit of spice, but do not overdo it.
Cooking Method:
Clean mushrooms; remove stems, leaving caps whole. Chop stems. Sauté mushroom
caps in 3 tablespoons of butter; set aside. Sauté chopped stems, green bell
pepper, and chopped onion in remaining butter until onion is tender; stir in
bread crumbs, salt and cayenne pepper.
Stir to mix well. Stuff each mushroom cap with bread crumb mixture; sprinkle
each stuffed mushroom with a little grated Parmesan cheese and then a dash of
ground black pepper. Place stuffed mushrooms in a greased baking dish. Bake at
325° for 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Serves 4-6
Large mushrooms, fresh
12
Butter, melted
½ cup
Green bell pepper, finely chopped 2 tbspns
Onion, finely chopped
3 tbspns
Bread crumbs
2 cups
Salt
½ tspn
Ground black pepper dash
Ground cayenne pepper dash
Parmesan cheese, grated
½ cup
