Food Utopia at eem
I write a lot about food on this blog. Of course, if you’re a regular reader here, my proclamation about celebrating the Portland restaurant scene is anything but news. That said, Portland is unique in this regard, and this fact becomes quickly realized by doing a little traveling. Most cities have a few good restaurants, some none at all. Portland, on the other hand, literally bursts at the seams. From food trucks to brick and mortar, online and off, there are myriad options to explore, taste, and smell in this great city, which ushers in my most recent adventure, eem. Portland’s 2019 Restaurant of the Year, eem offers its original take on “Thai BBQ.” Such a Jonny-come-lately on this one; I’ve missed out on this beautiful restaurant’s run for three years. However, I’ve dined at eem twice this April and feel like I’ve hit them in full stride. Along with Bluto’s, eem quickly makes my soon-to-be-released top 10 list of restaurants I’d miss the most if I had to move out of Stumptown.
I had to start with my favorite dish at eem, the Sweet and Sour Fried Chicken featuring boneless thighs, red curry powder, and cilantro. Image Courtesy: Lee Holcomb
So a little history on eem. Known as a Thai BBQ restaurant, which creates a departure from what you might see at a more traditional Thai offering, eem got its start via chef Akkapong “Earl” Ninsom. Ninsom has had great success with still-running Portland restaurants PaaDee, Langbaan, and Hat Yai. However, before eem opened its doors, Nimson teamed up with Matt Vicedomini, a Texas BBQ kingpin, to create a dish at Feast Portland in 2019. Smoked Brisket and Jungle Curry was the result…and the impetus for eem’s Thai BBQ was born. The rest is a history of incredible food offerings and outstanding cocktails that are worth the visit alone.
The BBQ Fried Rice with Brisket featuring shishoto peppers, chili jam, and fried shallots. A very nice accompaniment. Image Courtesy: Lee Holcomb
A great tip on eem is when to get there. Since eem doesn't take reservations, you can likely snag a table if you arrive by 5 p.m. on a weekday. Fifteen minutes later, the place will be full. I'd get there at the open (4:30 p.m.) on the weekend. In any case, there's a solid chance you'll be waiting outside where you can enjoy one of their lovely cocktails. If hanging around isn't your speed, order takeout before arriving and pick it up at their outside BBQ shack (where you can also walk up and order to go).
The Red Curry with Seasonal Vegetables is pictured here. Not too spicy, so darn savory. Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers
One thing I love about eem is the simplicity of their menu. They know what they do well and, thus, they do a lot of it. Here’s a snapshot of how things looked when I visited.
Simple, easy, and, as a consequence, very consistently good. Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers
I usually go somewhere primarily for the food. eem is such a place that easily merits this kind of visit. When I first went to eem, my girlfriend and I showed up a bit too late, and the queue was bordering the early days of Salt n’ Straw. I might be exaggerating a bit here as few things draw the crowds like a cold, original dessert on a hot summer day. Nevertheless, the vibe was strong, and those in the know were already inside, forcing a solid line. We ended up waiting and ordering a couple of eem’s fabulous cocktails. And what can I say here? The cocktails were outstanding. eem is a place worthy of visiting just for the drinks. You can rarely say both about a single restaurant; the combination is powerful.
Two of eems amazing cocktails. Picture here are two non-alcholic options, the Salad Days (front) featuring sour apple, tamarind, coconut, and palm sugar; as well as the Strawberry Almond Cooler featuring berries, lemon lime, almond, and sneaky spice. Very refreshing. Image Courtesy: Lee Holcomb
The cocktail menu at eem. So very nice. Image Courtesy: Dan Meyers
eem Details
To further prep you, below are some helpful links. And remember, getting to eem early, or just planning to wait and enjoy a cocktail, are two of the best ways to approach. It gets busy, busy, so be prepared.
eem Website
eem Location
eem Menu
You can also Call to Order at (971) 295- 1645 or Find them on Doordash!