tapette

Best Thai Food. Period.

I just ate dinner there again last night - luckily Lotus of Siam is only about six blocks from my house, so I can call in a take-out order and avoid the long line of people waiting for a chance to have some of Saipin Chutima's excellent food offerings. The menu has a wide range, including not-often-seen northern Thai specialties. Wine pairings include a lot of reislings and lighter wines that go well with the spicy delights. Whatever you want, it is cooked perfectly here: duck, chicken, seafood, beef, pork - if you don't know what you want or if you are overwhelmed by the options, the staff or perhaps even the chef herself will help you decide. It doesn't really matter, because you can't really go wrong with any selection. When anyone comes to Las Vegas for a visit, Lotus is always one of the restaurant's we enjoy. Sometimes Saipin will take your order, changing your level of heat based on what she thinks you can handle. A medium (5) here is probably a 7 or 8 elsewhere, depending on the dish. The dining environment is nothing to brag about, but whether celebrity or foodie or hungry tourist, no one even notices the strip mall chic surroundings once they get their first taste of heaven. The service is always spot on; call at least one day in advance for reservations because they don't answer the phone until the evening hours. The dining room is currently being expanded to include the space next door - it was supposed to be finished in December but looks like it won't be open until later in February 2010. Check out the menu on the website at www.saipinchutima.com