In our house, Sundays are somewhat special. It is the
only day of the week where the whole family can be together, and that is why
Sunday Brunch is such a favorite meal.
We tried the new Hilton’s Sunday Brunch held at The Edge
restaurant in January and it was excellent. OK, so it was new and the Hilton
was trying to impress (which it did), but we returned at the end of February
to see if the same high standard was being maintained. Which it was! And by
the way, we did not tell the Hilton that we were coming to review their
Sunday Brunch, that was something we thought about later.
I have to say I used to find the entrance to the Hilton
somewhat confusing, having been used to the simply awful parking levels in
the Central Festival, where you go round and round until you are dizzy, with
some levels called ‘half’ floors. To then find your way into the shopping
center was bad enough, but to then find the way into the Hilton was worse.
But all that is a thing of the past! Simply drive into the Hilton forecourt
- from the driveway along the side of the building (approachable from both
Second Road and Beach Road) get out and give the concierge the key. Valet
parking takes the hassle out of everything!
Arriving at The Edge we were seated and given a drinks
menu which showed that most wines were B. 400 per glass. Since a free flow
of wines (white, red and sparkling) was only B. 600, it was no contest. Our
free flows started with a cold and very acceptable sparkler, a choice which
suited us both during the brunch.
Madame began her brunch with some freshly shucked oysters
and prawns, while I, emulating the high life, went immediately for the
caviar on some very mouthwatering pieces of toast. In front of the caviar
were some ‘test-tubes’ with gazpacho, which also found their way to our
table. What a start to any brunch!
I followed that up with some oysters and on the ice were
Alaskan King Crab legs, another of my favorites. The charming hostess
brought another sparkling wine, and I realized I would have to start
counting or leave the car!
The range of offerings at this brunch is very extensive,
and there is not enough space in this column to go through them all, but
there is a Cold and Sushi station, a Japanese station, salads, a BBQ station
with rock lobsters and tiger prawns, a cream of porcini cappuccino with
truffle, oysters Rockefeller, eggs benedict, foie gras, Australian rib eye
and leg of lamb, pizzas and more, plus desserts.
For me, one highlight was the Burmese curry khao soy
(available in Chiang Mai), available as beef or chicken, complete with the
fried noodles as well as the wet egg noodle, and all the additional dishes
with the pickled cabbage, chopped onion, lemon and more depending upon your
taste. Glutton to the core, I had two plates of this delicious curry.
We finished with several cheeses, chased down by that so
quaffable sparkling wine. By this stage we had to call a halt - or otherwise
call a taxi! So enjoyable that I decided I should write a review!
How did we rate the Hilton Sunday Brunch the second time
around? Simply excellent, as it was the first time around. The entertainment
for children included a magician and balloon man - a fantastic plus. It
allows for a ‘family’ Sunday outing, but one in which the adults can
indulge. Sparkling wine, oysters and caviar is a fairly good start to any
brunch, I am sure you will agree. Don’t take our word for it - go and try it
yourselves! Very highly recommended.
The Edge restaurant, 15th floor
Hilton Pattaya, 333/101 M9, above Central Festival, Second Road and Beach
Road entrances with secure valet parking, telephone 038 253 000. Sunday
Brunch from 12 noon until 3 p.m., B. 1,200 (adults), free flow of wines
(red, white and sparkling) B. 600, one child under 12 years free accompanied
by one adult, two children under 12 free with two adults, extra children
full price.