For the 8th round of this comprehensive group survey/review of Thai restaurants in Portland we visited Veranda Thai which is located right off of the Washington Street exit of 295. Veranda Thai also has a sister restaurant, Veranda Noodle Bar which is situated across the street.
Appetite Portland – read the full review

My Chicken Pad Thai — also ordered at heat level 2 — was decidedly peanutty with a spicy snap. Red in color from the spices and shiny with oil, the noodles slurped up beautifully. The Tofu Pad Thai — ordered by Margo from the Portland Daily Sun — was white and dry. It looked like a dish from a different restaurant. She had ordered it at heat level 1. Lightbulb. You’ve gotta go for the heat.

The Blueberry Files – read the full review

Happily, I recommend Verenda Thai for great Thai food in Portland. The decor may leave something to be desired, but who cares when the kitchen is serving such great food? If you’re in the mood for some take out (or maybe try the noodle bar for better ambiance?), head over the bridge to Verenda Thai.

Edible Obsessions – read the full review

When the Mrs. said she was going to grab lunch at Veranda, and did I want anything to take away, I stayed true to form and ordered the Drunken Noodle with Chicken. Their version of the dish is the standard by which I’ve been measuring every other one of the variations I’ve had so far. And, so far, no one has compared. Because that singular dish is the embodiment of my Thai comfort food, and because they do it so well, I can only say that Veranda is my sentimental favorite of the pack.

Where is Jenner’s Mind – read the full review

as i said before, the restaurant is tiny so the kitchen is tucked around the corner, really only feet from the dining room. its kind of cool to be able to hear the cooks working in the kitchen, but with that you have to take that your meal may be a little smokey and your clothes may continue to smell like thai food long after you are done eating. overall i found veranda thai to be pretty good and i would eat here again.

As for my thoughts, I think this is my favorite spot we’ve been to among the standard Thai restaurants we’ve visited so far in this series—Boda is also very good but seems to be something of a different animal. That said the group still has 5 Thai restaurants left visit (Chiang Mai, Vientiane, Saeng Thai House, Sengchai Thai, Siam Orchid) before we finish up and there’s a chance one could be a real hidden gem. Stay tuned to find out.
For additional information on Veranda Thai visit the restaurant’s website or read this review that appeared in The Maine Switch from last Summer.

The Portland Phoenix has published a review of Boda,

Boda has chosen the label “very Thai” for their cuisine, and it seems just right: authentic, sure, but not a hair pretentious about it. In the meantime the space is not Thai at all but simply handsome and elegant. If you want the very Thaiest of the very Thai, small plates come at actual Thai prices Sunday nights after 9:30 pm — among the best deals in town.

and the Portland Bar Guide has published a review of Nosh,

Nosh has taken off with Port City Music Hall and other local venues emptying their hungry and thirsty guests out onto Congress Street. That’s when it’s time for the new king of the hill for beer, burgers and fries to exhort Portlandians to come in and taste what all the fuss is about.

Down East has published a review of Sonny’s.

Where Local 188 pays homage to old-world, Iberian flavors and favorites, Sonny’s spices things up with New World influences. Caribbean cuisine joins Latin and South American staples like rice and beans, arepas, tamales, mariscadas, ceviches — bold, bright, coarse flavors with just enough refinement to, in general, produce balanced, satisfying dishes.

The July issue of the magazine also includes a guide to good eating that gives a nod to Novare Res and 5 sandwich spots in Portland.

Down East has published a review of Sonny’s.

Where Local 188 pays homage to old-world, Iberian flavors and favorites, Sonny’s spices things up with New World influences. Caribbean cuisine joins Latin and South American staples like rice and beans, arepas, tamales, mariscadas, ceviches — bold, bright, coarse flavors with just enough refinement to, in general, produce balanced, satisfying dishes.

The July issue of the magazine also includes a guide to good eating that gives a nod to Novare Res and 5 sandwich spots in Portland.

Soooo . . . You Really Like Cats has published a review of a 2009 meal at Miyake.

I suppose I should wrap up this post with some meaningful conclusion. But honestly, the only thing coming to mind is Joe nagging me for not returning sooner rather than later. To which I can only solemnly nod in agreement. It’s been too long indeed. Masa-san, watashi o matte kudasai!