A couple of years ago, when I was pregnant with River, I was obsessed with Thai food.  I learned to make deliciously spicy and creamy curries, tangy, simple soups with complex flavors and the perfect jasmine rice just to start.  Last week this craving crept back up (no, I am not pregnant) and I went on my adventure for the exotic lunch.  On the west side of West Lafayette, just off Sagamore Pkwy in a small stripmall is Thai Essence.  I had eaten here when they first opened, but fater moving out of town had not had the opportunity to return.  It is the sister restaurant to Basil Thai in Chauncy Village on Purdue's campus.  Quite different from it's older sister, Thai Essence is a quiet, serene and minimalist establishment adorned with indigenous artwork and a palet of cream and black.  The service was friendly and courteous.   I love dumplings so my meal began with steamed chicken potstickers.  These are delicious and you can basically find good ones just about anywhere, however I believe that the actual dumpling wrapper may have been homemade.  Always a plus in my book.

Along with my dumplings, I additionally had my favorite and probably the most common of Thai soups, Tom Yung Kung.  It is a warming, sour (from the lemongrass and lime) and brothy soup with chunks of tomato, delicately steamed shrimp, mushrooms and cilantro.  Beware, it is spicy, one of the reasons I love it especially when I have a little cold.
For my entree I ordered Yum Nuer, a chargrilled steak on crisp lettuce with shallots, scallions and cucumber dressed in a chili lime viniagrette.  The warm smoky steak pairs so well with the spicy tart dressing, while the cucumber and lettuce provide a nice crunch that provides just the texture to top off an gorgeous salad. 
There are many more enticing entrees with noodles or rice, dimsum and mouthwatering desserts.  Take time with the menu it contains excellent descriptions of each item.  Whether you like it spicy or not, let you server know and they are more than happy to modify the dish to your specifications.  They are open Mon-Sat lunch: 11am-2:30pm and dinner:  4:30pm-9pm.  They are closed on Sundays, cater special events and accept reservations 756.239.9380.  Thai Essence is a gastronomic homerun.