Let's face it - going out for Thai food can be a crap-shoot. Sometimes its good, sometimes its frightening! But when you find a gem like Kesone, it is your civic duty to spread the word to whomever will listen!! Knowing nothing about this place, we stumbled in on a rainy portland evening. We ordered the appetizer sampler, where everything arrived fresh and beautiful on a gorgeous platter. Each part of the dish offered a distinctive flavor, the salad rolls were fresh - the peanut sauce divine, the ""golden bags"" were shatteringly crispy without being oily and even the chicken sate burst with lemongrass and spices. I ordered the NAMM KAO VIENTIANE (M2) and was blown away! I'm a chef by profession and can say that this is the dish to try if you want something with layers of textures and flavors. Served with fresh, crisp lettuce leaves, you pile this amazing fried rice, coconut, peanuts, browned pork, lime and herbs into the end of each leaf and crunch down on this explosion. Each chew gives way to a new dimension. I was full half-way through this giant plate, but kept on eating until I could hardly move. Hubby ordered shrimp with mushrooms, onions and a wine sauce that was subtle, but let the delicate flavor of the wine show through. And the shrimp were done to perfection - just barely opaque and buttery and tasting of the sea. (and not fishy in the least!) \r
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Although the ambiance is lush and rich, it was a little chilly in the big, airy space. The service was a little slow, but I was forgiving because not only was the owner the only waitress, but I think part cook too! I will happily wait for food like this again. Next time I'll order a drink from their full bar to make the waiting a little more fun. My hubby ordered a Thai Iced Coffee that was a little on the weak side compared to others we've had around town. \r
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All in all, I highly recommend trying Kesone. It tastes like you had a best friend who was Thai, and her mom cooked you the best dinner ever!
Pros: Unique Fresh and Flavorful Food with Delightful Presentation
Cons: Could use another waitress if it gets any busier there..
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