PATTAYA, Thailand – Some evenings leave you pleasantly satisfied. Others send you home still talking about the food, humming the songs and marvelling at how beautifully everything came together. Our return to Thai Garden Resort’s Saturday buffet on November 7 was decidedly one of the latter.
There was, admittedly, a little uncertainty at the start. Would the weather behave? With rain a possibility, the staff demonstrated the kind of calm efficiency that distinguishes excellent hospitality. Almost before we had time to worry, tables, chairs, the wine bar and the musicians’ setup had been rearranged under cover. It was a swift, remarkably smooth operation, carried out with reassuring smiles. That thoughtful attention set the tone for an evening in which we felt thoroughly looked after.
At Oasis Restaurant, the buffet was a tremendous spread. Although billed as a German buffet, its generosity extended well beyond Germany’s borders, offering enough variety to satisfy very different appetites—and tempt even the most disciplined diner back for another helping.
Pork knuckle and roasted duck took pride of place alongside Thüringer and Cervelat sausages, Spätzle, red cabbage, creamy spinach and roasted potatoes with bacon. Hungarian beef goulash, fish rolls with lobster sauce, lasagna and Geschnetzeltes added further European variety.
The cold selection was equally inviting. Whole poached salmon Bellevue made an elegant centrepiece, accompanied by salmon mousse, assorted cold cuts, cheeses and German potato salad. Mediterranean vegetable salad, hummus and fattoush broadened the selection, while green papaya and spicy chicken salads brought familiar Thai flavours to the table.
An Italian live cooking station offered pasta prepared to order. Elsewhere, seafood Panang curry, steamed fish in soy sauce, sweet-and-sour chicken, vegetable tempura and yakisoba ensured that the evening’s culinary journey travelled far beyond Europe. French onion soup and chicken galangal soup provided two very different – and equally tempting – starting points.
And then came the desserts: cakes, pastries, tropical fruit and ice cream. This was certainly an evening to arrive with an appetite.
The wine bar added another welcome pleasure, with selected bottles offered at 990 baht, while other wines and beverages remained available from the drinks list. We enjoyed Mouton Cadet Bordeaux by Baron Philippe de Rothschild, a most agreeable companion to the evening. “Nectar of the gods” may sound extravagant, but in such convivial surroundings, it felt entirely appropriate, and the price was pleasingly reasonable, too.
Our party of four included a renowned lawyer, a well-known Pattaya publisher and two young women making their way in the legal profession. The ladies charmed fellow guests with their poise and elegance, and their delight in the evening was unmistakable. Both said they had never experienced such an enjoyable evening and were particularly impressed by the service and the staff’s attentive care.
Then there was the music. The Dynamic Duo, joining Jericho & Coco, turned a splendid dinner into something truly special. This was the Dynamic Duo’s first performance at Thai Garden Resort, but management assured us it would not be their last. Judging by the pleasure they brought to the evening, that was very welcome news.
Their repertoire travelled through the decades, revisiting treasured songs that some younger listeners were discovering for the first time. For those of us who knew them well, the music brought the pleasure of recognition and the irresistible urge to sing along.
Coco’s renditions of opera and the classics were angelic, lending moments of sheer beauty to the programme. Jericho was his wonderfully versatile self, bringing the assurance and musical range that make him such an engaging performer. Together with the Dynamic Duo, they gave us an evening of exceptional musical enjoyment.
Our heartfelt thanks go to our hostess, Anselma Niehaus, who had once again outdone herself. Bringing together a generous buffet, excellent music and a team capable of adapting so swiftly to uncertain weather takes care, experience and a clear understanding of what makes guests feel welcome.
For our table, this was one of the most enjoyable evenings of the year. Thai Garden Resort gave us every reason to return: wonderful company, abundant food, lovely wine, outstanding entertainment and hospitality delivered with warmth.
The excellent food and entertainment continue every Saturday at Thai Garden Resort’s Oasis Restaurant, where a generous buffet of Thai and international favourites is served from 6-9 p.m., accompanied by live music and warm hospitality. At 690 baht per adult, excluding beverages, it offers an inviting way to spend an evening with family and friends. Thai Garden Resort is located at 179/168 Moo 5, North Pattaya Road, Naklua. For reservations, call 038-370614 or 084-3241098, or book online at thaigarden.com/restaurant-reservations.
