Somphone “Sam” Saisiri has been named a Washington County Visitors Association Front-Line Hospitality Hero for 2012. The award honors individuals who consistently provide top notch service and contribute favorably to visitor impressions of Washington County.
Located in the heart of downtown Beaverton, Thai Bloom brings the beauty, exquisite cuisine, and warm hospitality from the “Land of Smiles” to the Portland metro area. Whether visiting for a spirited Happy Hour or a comfortable meal with friends, family, or colleagues, patrons enjoy the quiet elegance of the bar and dining areas while feasting on sumptuous food.
As Assistant Manager, Sam selects, trains, and supervises the wait staff and provides oversight of the beverage service. A native of Thailand, he embodies both the gentle grace and the strong work ethic of his people. His knowledge of Thai food is unparalleled, and his long tenure in the food and beverage business gives him the capacity to model service excellence while cultivating a strong staff.
Sam makes sure that all customers have an opportunity to render commentary – not just the select few who express their opinions in public forums. His genuine concern for their dining experience leads him to quietly and unobtrusively secure valuable insights that he shares with the kitchen and wait staff. This feedback fuels the chefs’ creativity and drives continuous improvement in systems and processes.
“Sam has an incredible eye for detail and the capacity to retain it in memory. He can recall the names of hundreds of customers – and their family members – and the specific meals and/or events that they’ve enjoyed at the restaurant,” noted Walter Bower, General Manager. “His personal touch is among the many reasons why we enjoy repeat customers and a vibrant referral business.”
A native of rural Thailand, Sayan spent over a decade studying with accomplished chefs in Bangkok and South Africa where he mastered the preparation and presentation of a treasure trove of Thai food and beverage recipes. He also proved adept at intricate fruit and vegetable carvings which adorned the finest Bangkok buffet tables. As the Chef De Partie at the Siam Inter-Continental, he was awarded the 1998 Bronze Medal and 1999 Gold Medal by the Thailand Chef’s Association. Sayan came to America in early 2000 where he served as the Typhoon’s Head Chef in Beaverton until the February 5, 2012 closing.
