by Miss Terry Diner
Hans Banziger’s Paradise Cafe and Grill on Second
Road (almost opposite the Royal Garden Plaza and Shenanigans) is now in
its third year. That it has continued to increase its popularity reflects
not only on the food and the venue, but also on Hans’ continued hard
work in promotion and menu changes. This is one restaurant that is not
marking time.
When Hans came to see the Dining Out team to advise on
the new special promotion called “Summer Delights in Paradise”, we
were delighted to accept his invitation to try the new menu and see the
changes since our last visit.
The
restaurant is one of the most artistically designed in Pattaya with very
high ceilings and huge tropical scene murals on the walls. The bright and
airy and almost “garden” atmosphere is further enhanced by the large
windows with plantar boxes full of tropical greenery outside. Hans said,
“I tried to give it an exotic flavour in the city.” It is difficult to
imagine that you are indoors looking out over one of Pattaya’s busiest
streets.
The ‘exotic’ and tropical theme continues to the
tables with the salmon coloured throw-overs and the orchids. Madame
remarked that the atmosphere was ‘special’ and how Hans’ welcome
makes everybody feel ‘somebody’.
The new menu is notable for the photo “thumbnails”
beside each item, so you can get a good idea of what you are about to
order. There are also some Swiss flags to denote Swiss specials. Hans is,
after all, Swiss.
There are 7 starters (B. 35-135) ranging from garlic
bread at the lower end to deep fried Camembert at the top. 8 salads are
next (B. 65-120) with choices including marinated chicken breast, Cajun
shrimp and Greek, for example. 5 soups follow (B. 70-95) including a wild
mushroom, to which I have previously given top marks.
The
next section is probably one of the most interesting, with 5 dishes
featuring ostrich fillets (B. 375). Ostrich has become a speciality of
Paradise Cafe and Grill and if you have not tried it, then you should. It
is not like a giant chicken, but is a soft red meat like beef.
A page of duck and chicken specials follows (generally
around B. 195) including my favourite Lemongrass chicken. Next up are two
pages of lamb, beef, rabbit and pork items (B. 185-495) which includes a
pork fillet with blue cheese and a grilled NZ fillet steak at the top end.
The seafood lovers are not forgotten with 7 items (B. 195-295) including
Norwegian salmon, sole and parrot fish done in several styles.
Some Thai favourites round off the main menu.
New is an additional 19 item dedicated vegetarian menu
(B. 35-145) and Hans has used all his inventive skills to produce
vegetarian items with taste and appeal. The final new item is a Kid’s
menu, with children’s fare at B. 60-80. With this alone, the Paradise
Cafe and Grill has increased its niche market.
But we had come to try the Summer Delights, and Hans
had prepared “mini” samplers of the 6 items. We began with an ostrich
fillet with blue cheese and walnuts which was decidedly “more-ish”,
followed by a duck fillet with ginger, which I personally found
sensational. The “zing” of the ginger giving the brandy flamed duck a
real lift.
After a break and a sip or three of the very nice
Chilean house white, we carried on into the NZ lamb shank with herb and
garlic sauce, which just fell apart and a duck liver with cranberries (I
said Hans was inventive). Our final samplers were a Norwegian salmon
fillet with green asparagus (loved it) and a pan-fried fillet of sole with
banana and lychee which was a most interesting sweet and smoothly textured
dish. Needless to say there was no room for desserts!
The additional menu items, plus the children’s and
vegetarian menus continue to enlarge the appeal of this restaurant. The
imaginative monthly specials mean no repetitive boredom. The value is
there, as is the quality. Highly recommended. Do try it.
The Paradise Cafe and Grill, 215/62-63 Pattaya City,
telephone 038 723 177, email [email protected]
