Review

Tara bistro is slightly off the beaten track, within the tranquil gardens of the Cascade Tara resort. The open air restaurant is covered, allowing an enjoyable dining experience, despite an occasional downpour. The surrounding streams and mountains make this a perfect venue for a gathering with friends or family. The menu offers both traditional Thai dishes, several with a modern twist, and a selection of western classics. Begin with a Tara specialty of goong cascade, a generous platter of crunchy deep-fried prawn spring rolls with sweet plum sauce, prawns in batter, grilled prawn skewers with peanut sauce and chilled prawns with dipping options of rich guacamole or piquant garlic aioli. Continue with a spicy tom yam goong or a well prepared and attractively presented fish choo chee. Tara's signature of beef massaman, is a comforting dish for the cooler weather. Western dishes are also of note, including a surf and turf of grilled beef tenderloin with tiger prawn, skillfully arranged on a bed of fluffy mashed potato and accompanied by a choice of green peppercorn sauce or a rich mushroom cream. The dessert offering is Thai focused with a nicely executed mango and sticky rice or a moreish bua loy of purple potator pumpkin. The range of drinks is concise but more than adequate.