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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Flooding closes Medford YMCA pool until Labor Day ... Deadly disease waning in blacktails, for now ... RCC offers HOPE for medical jobs ... Flooding closes Medford YMCA pool until Labor Day ... Deadly disease waning in blacktails, for now ... RCC offers HOPE for medical jobs ... DINING Authentic flavors reign at Erawan Thai Cuisine Comment By Rebecca Scott for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Rebecca Scott for the Mail Tribune Posted Jun. 17, 2016 at 12:01 AM By Rebecca Scott for the Mail Tribune Posted Jun. 17, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Social News My dreams of an authentic Thai meal usually go unrealized, but I recently found a new restaurant, Erawan Thai Cuisine on Crater Lake Avenue in Medford, that offers Thai food just minutes from my home and office. The new restaurant is located in the Cedar Mall near Providence Medford Medical Center. Large windows at the front of the small establishment bring in loads of natural light, brightening the entire space. My mom and I and took a table near the back. The welcoming vibe of the restaurant is reminiscent of going to a friend’s house for lunch. Our water glasses were filled regularly by the one waitress on duty, she frequently asked whether we needed anything, and our meals arrived promptly. The menu was one page front and back, and offered plenty of scrumptious selections. I chose the Kow Opp ($9) and my mom picked the BBQ Chicken ($9). She also ordered an unsweetened Thai ice tea ($2.50). Its light flavor left a pleasant aftertaste of warm spices. Two small bowls of coconut soup preceded our meal. The sweetness of the broth soaked into the mushrooms, tofu and vegetables. Even on a hot day, the soup was refreshing and prepared the palate for the meal to come. My dish consisted of rice, sauteed chicken, mushrooms and Chinese sausage cooked in a clay pot. The vessel kept the ingredients hot, and a wonderful aroma hit my nose when I lifted the lid. The rice was cooked to perfection. Some pieces were caramelized from the clay pot, and those were the most flavorful grains in the bowl. While seasoned well, the chicken was overcooked for my taste. The star of the dish was the Chinese sausage — sweet, smoky and bacon-like in texture. If you love bacon, you might not want to eat this sausage, because once you do, you may never return to bacon. Each sausage bite melted in my mouth, and I found myself seeking out every piece of sausage hidden among the rice, chicken and mushrooms. My mom’s barbecue chicken was beautifully presented, each item separate from the others on the plate. The chicken, still on the bone, was marinated with lemongrass, cilantro and garlic. It had crispy skin and a caramel exterior, but the interior was overcooked. Her meal came with steamed white rice and a side of sweet-and-sour sauce. The chicken soaked up the sauce like a mop. The plating allowed my mom to eat the dish how she pleased, because everything was not heaped into one giant pile. In addition to the chicken dishes we ordered, Erawan Thai Cuisine offers curry and noodle dishes. Find Erawan at 820 Crater Lake Ave. Hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch and 4 to 9 p.m. for dinner Tuesday through Sunday. Reach the restaurant at 541-773-8114. By Rebecca Scott for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Rebecca Scott for the Mail Tribune Posted Jun. 17, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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