Apologies if this seems like a set-up for discussing the media or whatever. Actually, I just wanted to share a negative food experience at Portland’s Sweet Basil.

Normally, I love Sweet Basil. Admittedly not up on the whole Portland Thai scene, Sweet Basil is good because I know my wife likes it and I know many of our friends do as well.

Anyway, the other night we went there with some friends, and my wife and I opted to share some Pad Thai. We thought we’d make it interesting by ordering it with shrimp instead of the usual chicken. Sure, it would cost more, but shrimp are such good little monsters (to paraphrase one of my wife’s favorite movie lines of all time…do you know which movie I’m referring to?).

So, we eagerly awaited dinner, and were soon rewarded with a nice large plate of mostly-spicy Pad Thai. And, as we started to eat, we were happy.

Were being the operative word.

About 3 bites into the stuff, we discovered something that apparently bugged me much more than my wife, but mostly because I was paying that night.

There were only 4 shrimp on the whole plate.

My friend had ordered Pad Thai with chicken. His plate was BRIMMING with yummy meat.

We had paid more, and yet all we had to show for us was four lousy shrimp?

I was pissed. I was prevented from sharing this, though, by my wife, who hates me making a scene almost as much as I hate making them (at least, I don’t like making angry scenes; I’ll make a perfect ass out of myself after a couple of beers in the right, or wrong, company).

So, be warned. Shrimp Pad Thai at Sweet Basil is yummy. Especially if you’re really just looking for the Pad Thai, and the shrimp isn’t your focus. Otherwise, order something else…

Related posts:

1. Happy hour at Basil Bar
2. Dinner at the Thai Pod
3. Superking Buffet on 82nd
4. $20 Buys A Great Night With My Kid
5. A Pizza Joint I Can Trust