When we were invited to a moules (mussels) party recently we were more than happy to accept as these briny molluscs are a particular favourite of ours.  The location was the popular Le Parrot’s Bistrot on Third Road where every Thursday night bowls of steaming, fragrant mussels are served in an “as-much-as-you-can-eat” culinary event (B.250). The core clientele at Le Parrot are French folk enjoying the cuisine and camaraderie of their compatriots contributing to the Gallic ambiance, laid-back mood and European vibes.

The French connection is paramount at Le Parrot where the trained chefs produce Mediterranean fare.   Thai food is not forgotten and there is a considerable list of spicy dishes.   Khun Jee is in charge of front of house and she manages this bar/restaurant with abundant charm and competence.  The interior décor is colourful brasserie-style with a pool table in the rear and a big, welcoming terrace out front which was the popular choice on the night we visited.

So it was that Mick and I found ourselves at Le Parrot Bistrot enjoying a white wine aperitif at their sizeable horseshoe shaped bar in the company of the friendly French community here in Pattaya.    The moules were then served at our table.   Let us tell you, if you are a fan of these briny bivalves here they are cooked brilliantly arriving hot and juicy either in a cream or a white wine liquor accompanied by a bowl of delicious French fries still glistening and crunchy from their oily bath.  We quickly polished off one bowl of mussels each and before you could say “ooh la la”, two more bowls were served, this time simmering in a creamy emulsion.  We stopped here, but could have “mouled the night away” should we have wished. Both renditions were first rate but our favourite has to be the classic white wine, garlic and shallot reduction.

As it was a mussels party the evening we visited we didn’t get to taste any other dishes and can only relate the items from the a la carte menu, but we will be back sometime soon to try the other specialities.    From the hot starters beignets (deep fried bread) looked an interesting option served with shrimps, chicken or squid rings for a perfect midday snack.  If ever a soup screams French origin it is soup a l’oignon and here at only B.95 it would be another attractive  option.  Jee told us the spaghetti with fruit de mer/sea food was a best seller and indeed we saw many a plate of steaming pasta laden with the fruits of the sea being served.

For meat lovers out there,  we spotted filet de boeuf “facon tournadeos”  (B.390), and the house signature, Coeur d’entrecote maitre d’hotel, plus a 400 gr. T-bone,  leg of lamb with herbes de Provence, beef kebabs, and grilled pork chops at B.180 to name a few.  Fish lovers would have the choice of pave (steak) of salmon with saffron sauce, Provencal fish fillet or sea scallops “St. Jacques” style which will definitely be my choice on our next visit.  Daily suggestions also include pizza, chili con carne, herrings and hachis parmentier (a famous traditional French classic dish of potato and ground beef).

Desserts reflect timeless confections such as mousse au chocolate (B.95),  crème caramel, tarte de jour or an interesting coupe Colonel featuring lemon-vodka ice cream and a vodka sorbet citron which would provide a refreshing finale to your dining out at Le Parrot Bistrot.

In a nutshell, this is a friendly neighbourhood bistro/brasserie that prepares mainly European cuisine at affordable prices with an eye to quality and to giving their customers value for money which in turn creates a regular client base and a social meeting place for locals, tourists and the ex-pat community.

Located on Third Road, Pattaya (half way between Thappraya Road and Soi 17).  Open daily from breakfast till late.  Tel: (038) 050151. www.parrots-inn.com.