A feast of classic British rock

A huge success with a series of musical events last year, Mantra at the Amari Orchid Pattaya for 2014 off to a great start last month with its “Tribute to the British Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame”.
Adding to the terrific evenings of jazz, Latin and classical music and a special homage to the Beatles, this time Mantra’s assembled band offered 30 classic tunes from 16 of Britain’s most popular artists dating back to the 1970s.
England-born, Pattaya-based Barry Upton, leading the ensemble, declared at the outset, “If you have a request, please keep it to yourself because we have a list here,” setting a mirthful tone for the evening. They launched into Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight” and followed with Cliff Richard’s “Summer Holiday”, Duran Duran’s “Ordinary World”, Spandau Ballet’s “True”, Roxy Music’s “Slave to Love” and Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep”.
The stage was set up inside the restaurant area – in front of the pizza oven, actually – but the sound, apart from a few glitches and buzzes, was commendable. The kitchen kept busy as always, meanwhile, churning out hearty, sumptuous dishes to match the music. The feast began with country duck pate with pickled cumquat relish, followed by a creamy and tasty carrot veloute topped with a seared scallop, potato bread and saffron oil.
The easygoing vibe continued with Elton John’s “Candle in the Wind”, Eric Clapton’s “Lay Down Sally” and the Police’s “Every Breath You Take”. The band took it up a few notches with Queen’s “We Will Rock You”, “Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love” and Tears for Fears’ “Shout” before heading into full-on rock ’n’ roll swing.
At the same time we were enjoying the main course: a sizeable char-grilled, grain-fed rib eye of beef and foie gras complete with “bubble and squeak” for the meat-lovers and grilled Maine lobster tail and seared cod with red-wine echallots for those who preferred seafood.
On we rocked with the Beatles’ “Help”, the Rolling Stones’ “Honky Tonk Woman”, “Get it On” by T-Rex, “I Can’t Dance” from Genesis, Amy Winehouse’s “Rehab” and Robbie Williams’ “Let Me Entertain You”. By now many of the guests were on the dance floor and the party was in full swing, though dessert lured quite a few back to their tables. First came a platter of aged English cheddar and Stilton cheeses, and finally a simple lemon-and-almond pudding accompanied with vanilla cr?me fraiche.
The party continued for another hour or so with David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance”, the Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams”, Simple Minds’ “Don’t You (Forget About Me), the Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive”, Dire Straits’ “Walk of Life”, Rod Stewart’s “Hot Legs” and Status Quo’s “Rockin’ All Over the World”.
It was a fun night with a good combination of fine food, great music and a happy crowd. Upton, who’s been active on the music scene since 1977 and only recently moved to Pattaya, did a good job on the set list, which evoked plenty of fond memories. The repertoire was diverse in style, sound and nuance, and Upton and his band deserve top marks for a seamlessly professional and pleasing show.
And, as a bonus, at least one of the patrons went home having learned that Guns N’ Roses, whose music she was counting on hearing, actually hail from California.