by Miss Terry Diner

Do you believe that despite all the number of restaurants in Pattaya, it can still be difficult to find a good breakfast at 8 a.m. Believe. I have gone looking more than once, and apart from the fast food outlets, there is definitely a dearth of good places.
When we heard that the Sportsman Pub and Restaurant serves breakfast from 7 a.m., we were very interested. Even more interested when we heard that their breakfasts are also ‘all day’ breakfasts.
The pub is on Soi 13 (opposite The Avenue) and is a one way street running between Second Road and Beach Road. Placed half way along the soi, it is a short walk (130 meters) from either end.
The entrance is narrow, but the pub extends quite a way towards the back and its kitchen. Along one wall is a sit-up bar, while along the other are separate tables. Further down there are some booths and a pool table. Around the walls are sporting memorabilia, such as football shirts and photographs, plus several large screen TV’s which are hooked into all sports channels. It is not called The Sportsman for nothing!
A word about the staff does not go astray. Young ladies decked out in white shirts, maroon waistcoats and black skirts, and every one just so friendly. After being greeted as we walked in, we were immediately in a good mood.
Take some time to peruse the menu. You will definitely find your British favorites in there, plus a page of Thai standards (all around B. 120) for accompanying Thai folk.
The menu begins with the all-day breakfasts which range from double eggs on toast (B. 65) through to a full English breakfast with fried eggs, bacon, sausage, bubble (you’ve got to be British to know what that is), grilled tomato, toast and marmalade, tea and coffee for B. 170. There is also something called the mega breakfast which is so comprehensive it will take you all day to finish it!
From there it is into soups (B. 80), Scotch eggs, garlic breads, chicken tenders and even Mexican beef tacos or tortilla chicken and pepper wraps with dressings (B. 145).
There’s lots more with various sandwiches and then burgers (B. 240) and after that pies (B. 255), pasta and even bangers and mash (B. 255). Then beef, chicken, pork, gammon, roasts (and they do carvery on Sunday B. 425), salads and desserts. Very comprehensive, and not over the top price-wise.
Madame was taken by the imported Atlantic cod in a crispy beer batter and chips, peas and tartar sauce (B. 295), whilst the thought of a roast leg of lamb with mint sauce, roast potatoes, vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and stuffing (also B. 295) had me salivating with anticipation.
We did not have to wait long before our meals arrived together (amazing how many restaurants are unable to prepare two dishes together), and realization was every bit as good as anticipation. The fish was beautiful and the beer batter excellent. It was a similar situation with the roast lamb. Tender, plenty of gravy, nicely cooked roast potatoes and lightly done vegetables. Both servings were also large.
Time for desserts saw Madame rising to the occasion with a cherry pie and ice cream which was stunning, both visually and on the taste buds.
We had gone to the Sportsman Pub at lunch time. There was a steady traffic through the doors, many being returning visitors. We were impressed by the friendliness of the staff and the cleanliness of the premises. English style pubs can so quickly degenerate if management is not diligent, and The Sportsman obviously has had good management during its 12 years in Pattaya.
The food was certainly of a high standard and properly cooked, served hot to the table and we were both very pleased with our choices. This pub and restaurant is definitely a cut above ‘average’ English style pub. You will not be disappointed here. Very highly recommended.
The Sportsman Pub and Restaurant, 482 M10, Soi 13 Pattaya Second Road (half way between Second Road and Beach Road), telephone 038 710 609, hours 7 a.m. right through until 2 a.m., seven days, street parking. Web www.thesportsmanspub.com

---

Spicy Red Snapper

Snapper is in good supply and is always a tasty fish. This dish spices up the snapper and is always a favorite with any Thai guests. The spiciness comes from the garlic, so add another clove if you want to increase the fire.

Cooking Method:   Preheat oven to 350F. Sprinkle the fillets with lemon juice and let stand. Heat oil in a skillet over med-low heat. Stir in the bell peppers, garlic and onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the fillets and cook 1 minute per side. Leaving fillets in the skillet, add the wine, parsley, basil, cayenne and pepper. Cover and simmer 2 minutes. Transfer to an ovenproof glass baking dish. Spoon tomatoes over the fish. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and ground pepper. Bake in oven until fish is opaque, about 8 minutes. Serve immediately with rice.

Ingredients                     Serves 4
Red snapper fillets                600 gm
Fresh lemon juice                 1 tspn
Vegetable oil                        1 tbspn
Green bell peppers chopped  ½ cup
Garlic, crushed                     1 clove
Onions chopped                    ½ cup
Dry white wine                      ½ cup
Fresh parsley chopped          1 tbspn
Cayenne pepper                    1/2 teaspoon
Fresh ground pepper
Tomatoes chopped                1 cup
Parmesan cheese grated        ¼ cup