Eager to see for myself what all the hype was about, I promptly booked a table for two at COMFORT on Kasetsin Soi 2, Cozy Beach.
Chef Harlan Goldstein
And what a pleasant surprise I found. The Chef Harlan Goldstein is someone who could be described as a global chef, as his cooking style and menu has been heavily influenced by his travels around the world, places such as Hawaii, New York, Hong Kong, Beijing, Italy & France to name a few.
At the moment the menu is limited, understandably as the restaurant is just newly opened and the Chef is no doubt feeling out his clientele before he commits to a full menu, but one thing is for certain – this guy knows how to cook.
So much so, I’ve heard rumours of many local restaurateurs popping in to try out the new competition in town, so people are talking already, checking out the new sheriff in town.
Like I stated above, the current menu is limited but no need to fret, Harlan is in the kitchen and on hand to assist with your order.
After very little prompting and informing the chef of our dietary preferences, we opted for the Chef’s surprise tasting menu priced at 1,800 THB per person, which comprises of 7 courses.
But as a guide you can order of the A la carte menu with appetizers between 200-300 THB, and main courses, 450 -1,100 THB.
After a few cocktails.
Tonight’s tasting menu started with an amuse bus, crostini of chopped liver “Traditional Jewish style” prepared with schmaltz (rendered chicken fat) and topped with caramelized onions, oh so good, just like my mother used to make.
Then we were served crispy potato latkes (pancakes) topped with smoked salmon and a generous helping of caviar, by this time we were profusely salivating in the knowledge that we are in for a real treat.
After a short wait, a mini mezze plate arrived of beef koftas, falafel, hummus and Harissa paste, which delivered a welcome punch of exotic flavours, unique to the chefs Middle Eastern roots.
After a few more cocktails, we ventured from the Middle East to the Mediterranean.
Where we were offered tender baby squid stuffed with chorizo on a base of tomato sauce, quickly followed by squid ink pasta cooked al dente.
Which reminds me I have to try more pasta next time I visit as it was “oh so “comforting, pardon the pun.
The main course comprised of “simply to die for” lamb chop Milanese coated in pecorino cheese and panko crumb, my favourite dish of the night in fact.
Now by this time, we were pretty much full to the gills and feeling like Mr Creosote in the Monty Python sketch, where the French waiter says ”just one more mint, it’s a wafer thin”
Harlan being a professional host could see that we were struggling a bit, so he kindly suggested we wait 10 minutes for desserts.
We happily agreed, whilst he disappeared behind the kitchen counter, as he promised to prepare something special for us.
Although a tasting menu, we requested two different desserts, so as to share, and the chef was happy to oblige.
First came, dark chocolate gelato, served in a martini glass with cookie crumb and a delightful vanilla foam, the stuff chocoholics dreams are made of.
And finally the last stop on our travels, to the good ole, USA and Harlan’s signature dessert of toasted salted custard French toast with maple syrup, it’s a shame the restaurant isn’t open for breakfast as this is a real crowd pleaser and some people I know would say this should be made available 24 hours a day by law.
For me a restaurant is mainly about the food, I am just as happy sitting on a plastic stool slurping on a steaming hot bowl of noodles as I am fine dining with silver cutlery and petite fours if you don’t mind.
But sometimes a restaurants concept stands out and leaves a lasting impression on me.
I don’t know exactly what I like most about this establishment, sure, the staff were genuinely friendly and accommodating.
The ambience and decor was kind of industrial rustic, but kind of flamboyant at the same time and kind of crazy, check the toilets out for yourself, best described as the work of a mad man.
But I think the stand out attraction for me is the sheriff himself, chef Harlan, who ensures your needs are taken care of from the moment you walk in the door ‘til he bids you farewell.
A true host who takes care of you like you’re an old long lost friend with plenty of humour, antics and flamboyancy thrown in.
I predict, this is going to be the number 1 party restaurant in Pattaya as the slogan says:
Comfort by Harlan “Food for Friends”
So I wish the sheriff the best of luck in his new town and let’s thank our lucky stars that we are fortunate enough to have this exciting new restaurant open in our beloved Pattaya.
Comfort by Harlan
