Have you seen this man? He is directly responsible for the best Thai food I have ever eaten. He runs Sivalaya Thai at 48th and Stark. Here is why he rules:

When you walk in he asks you your name and shakes your hand and then remembers you. And if he remembers you, then you are his friend or his old friend. I think the food is delightful, even if a couple of CitySearch reviewers disagree, and the experience simply can not be beat. How can you not enjoy your dinner when you walk in and someone says “Welcome to Paradise!” and seats you?

Mister Fishbones went recently with a friend of his so when he took me there, we got a “Welcome To Paradise!” and seated, and then “Mister Fishbones! My friend! What do you have to drink tonight?” When we were finished eating he brought us dessert and said it was free because last time Mister Fishbones liked it so much.

For me, half of the fun of eating out is being someplace I like to be-because the people are nice, the place is nice, the food is good, the drinks are good, whatever it may be. He is part showman and part restauranteur, which makes dinner ALL fantastic.

I told him I was going to take his picture and put him on the Internets, and he was happy to pose for me. I can’t remember the last time I had such a lovely *experience* eating out, and I can’t imagine him being anyplace but Portland. I’m so glad he’s here! If you go there because of my post, please tell him you saw him on the internet-maybe he’ll bring me a free dessert next time! (:

Related posts:

1. Thai Food, Stat!
2. Broadcasting negativity
3. Dinner at the Thai Pod
4. Happy hour at Basil Bar
5. Thai Monsoon = Drunken Noodle goodness