Paul’s People, No. 45

People who know me can tell you.

If we go to lunch downtown, Thai on 1st is where we are apt to wind up.

It’s partly because I enjoy the No. 33 and have been ordering it since the restaurant was over on Sprague.

But another reason is Val, the owner. I like him. And I have felt that way since the late 1980s.

If you ask Val for his last name, he might say “Chalard.”

But it’s actually Chalardsoontornvatee.

“Val” isn’t his real first name either. But that’s another story.