The place didn't strike me as wanting to traipse up the stairs and check it out, I mean I've had pretty bad Thai food experiences in Northern America... but I was tired and hungry and I wanted something spicy. This small place seemed like one I might be able to ask for spicy. I ordered the northern version papaya salad and I ask for extra spicy. the Thai lady ask me how many chillies I want. She suggested 5, I said 7, she said 'you sure' I said 'ok 5' well she was right 5 we're making my nose run, my lips burn, my brow sweat and they were making me very very happy!
I also had boat noodle soup which similarly transported me straight back to Bangkok, and that is not easy. I don't think any Thai restaurant in the western world had quite achieved that. Until now!