Nong's Khao Man Gai

A few weeks ago, Michael and I were flipping through the November issue of Portland Monthly, reading a feature on Portland's 10 Best Restaurants of 2009 when we noticed a picture of a girl we thought we recognized as "Michelle." Michelle was a friend of friend who stayed with us in New York a few years ago when they both came to visit. "That looks like Michelle huh?" Michael said as I nodded absentmindedly.

Fast forward a few weeks, "That was Michelle!" confirmed Michael after talking to his friend. WHAT?! Michelle works in a food cart?!

Not only does Michelle work in a food cart. She owns that food cart. And it just so happens, that food cart is listed as one of "Portland's 10 Best Restaurants," amongst nine other (more) high-profile restaurants. Nevermind that Portland's food cart scene has been recognized by the New York Times and various men's magazines like GQ and Details, Michelle or rather, Nong's food cart beat out hundreds of other other Portland food carts (not to mention traditional sit-down restaurants) for that rank, with her simple $6 entree of chicken & rice.

So today before Michael headed off to school, we headed to Nong's Khao Man Gai (SW Alder between 10th & 11th Ave) for lunch and I wondered to myself if she would remember us since it'd be over two years since we last met her. But I should not have even doubted her though. She nearly hopped out of her small booth's window when she saw us!

"Omigod!!! Omigod!!! How are you?! How are you?!! How did you find me?!!!!" she elatedly yelled as she grabbed both of our hands and held them close as if we were her long lost relatives from Thailand. How did we find her?! I wanted to yell back, "You're only featured on every single newspaper and magazine in Portland!!! Dontcha' know you're famous?!" but instead, we just laughed at her super contagious joyfulness. We'd only hung out with her for a few short days that summer in New York, but her emotional smile made us feel like we were family who lost touch and was soooo happy to see us. It was really endearing. I'm smiling just writing this entry. That's the thing I've learned about Thai people when I visited Thailand a few years ago - they are extremely hospitable and very warm hearted - possibly the softest and nicest of all Asian cultures.

"Two chicken & rice please!!" we ordered. Not like there was much anything else to order. Michelle's cart serves just this one dish - khao man gai - and this dish alone. Why give people the option to choose? It just confuses them :) I don't mind not being able to choose (in this instance) one bit. Sometimes, you just want the decision to be made for you. Especially when the decision is made by someone who knows better.

"O.K! AWESOME! Two chicken and rice! AWESOME!" exclaimed Michelle eagerly, inviting us to take a seat in front of her cart. Michael and I look at each other - why did we choose to eat lunch at an outdoor food cart on the coldest day of the year?! As hateful of small talk as I am, I would have loved to sit at one of Michelle's tables and chit chat with her. Just being around her enthusiastic bubble was fun, but we politely declined due to the brisk weather and Michelle then offered us some free chicken skin (think popcorn chicken, but with a Thai twist).

When our order came, we saw that our meal, slices of simply boiled chicken placed on top a pile of seasoned rice, complimented with a ginger soybean chili sauce was wrapped in butcher paper, tied with a simple rubber band and accompanied by a small cup of winter squash soup - what a lovely little lunch package!

We talked a little more, but all I can remember is her saying, "AWESOME!!! OK! AWESOME!!! OK!!!" :: thumbs up :: Not wanting to hold up the line, we finally said our goodbyes, promised we'd be back again soon and noticed the guys behind us despite the wait, were smiling appreciatively as well. The food is simple and good enough to bring people back, but I'm sure Michelle's earnest candor and bouncy sparkle help out a bit too.