As you step inside, you are overwhelmed with flashes of bright gold and red walls, original Thai décor including golden Buddha statues, beautiful fresh orchids and an enormous elephant sculpture that engulfs the wall, a cultural icon of Thailand since ancient days.  The nine-page menu, along with two, daily dinner special inserts, is separated into sections by the main ingredient that completes each dish.  Such ingredients include sea scallops, soft-shell crab, squid, frog legs, duck, rack of lamb, vegetarian choices and Thai specialties such as Yum - a favorite Thai dish that enhances the natural flavors by tossing and turning the ingredients and is served as an appetizer or salad.  Contrast and balance are what make a Thai meal: hot and spicy, sweet and sour, pungent and fragrant, and it is evident that Rouen Thai has mastered this art in every dish.  After viewing the vast menu, I started with the Rouen Thai sampler for two -egg rolls, shrimp tempura, fried wontons, crab Rangoon, and spring rolls- unmistakably prepared to order.  Next, I ordered one of the most popular Thai specialties, Chicken and Shrimp Pad Thai - rice noodles sauteed with peanut sauce, fresh scallions and bean sprouts -  which was large enough to feed two.  I also sampled the Chicken Panang -  a coconut milk based sauce with red curry sauteed with zucchini and bell peppers.  The cuisine came mild, but can be ordered in varying degrees of spiciness including medium, hot or Thai-hot for those truly brave ! Keeping with the long Thai tradition of elaborate food preparation, the plates were presented with garnishes of flowers and masterfully carved vegetables and fruits.  The dessert I chose consisted of crunchy banana coins wrapped in a pastry shell and deep-fried, placed on a scoop of homemade coconut ice cream and topped with honey and nuts.  Other rare Thai finds on a menu included garlic fish - a choice of red snapper, filet of grouper --  or fillet of salmon drizzled with a garlic and black pepper sauce, on a bed of steamed rice and mixed vegetables; or its duck & seafood hot pepper dish - crispy duck with shrimp, scallop and squid topped with hot pepper sauce and fresh basil leaves. 

My visit to Rouen Thai was a refreshingly delightful experience with its friendly service, freshly prepared cuisine and authentic menu and ambiance.  While the exterior of Rouen Thai does not reveal what awaits you on the inside, I was very surprised with the hidden gem I found within.  I was excited to discover a new South Tampa Thai restaurant that delivers the taste and feel of Thailand.  Priced in the $10 -  $ 25 per person range.