Something’s Fishy: My Second Visit to Lotus of Siam (Red Rock)

 

 

RESTAURANT REVIEW: MY DINNER AT LOTUS OF SIAM (RED ROCK)

Thanks to David K. Li, the ex-New York Post reporter now writing for NBC News New York on the national desk. David and I always get together when he comes to Las Vegas. Last night, we dined at Lotus of Siam (in the Red Rock Casino).

Photo Credit Note: That’s David on the left; I’m on the right–avoiding any confusion.

Lotus of Siam (the original) is legendary. Their spinoff location here in Summerlin is….how do I express this politely….a fish fuck. A fish fry. This was my second visit. The first experience was mediocre, but I was still eager to try them once more. Last night was the encore.

We ordered three dine-in dishes. No drinks, other than bottled mineral water. Hold on. Wait until you hear the price. Like I said, think “fish fry” with me in the pan.

David ordered a northern Thai dish (I forgot the name, but I’ve had it before at the other location and it’s delicious). I ordered Drunken Noodles with chicken. Simple fare, but it’s what I wanted (it was kinda’ disappointing). I also ordered a spartan takeout dish for Marieta. I’m not exactly certain about the menu prices, but those particular dishes probably cost about $20 each. Add another $10-12 each for two bottles of water, and with tax we are right at $100.

The waiter also told us about a daily special. It was a fish. Some kind of fish. I don’t remember what kind of fish. David was interested in the fish. I wanted him to go with what was tempting, so we agree to split the fish as a third option. The fish arrived, and admittedly the fish was very good. Of course, when the “house specials” were described, we didn’t ask the prices. It’s a fish. That just seems kinda’ chintzy. Especially with a piece of fish. Sometimes I ask menu prices (like with steak specials). But how much can a piece of fish cost? Fucking fish! Note: I think waiters should volunteer this information as a courtesy and to avoid shocker moments, but that’s just me always being value conscious.

So, we’re all set. Basic entries. No deserts. No coffee. The bill arrives. $232. Add a $45 tip, and we’re out the door for $277. Hmmm. Something sounds fishy.

Due to the interesting conversation, I wasn’t paying much attention to the numbers, until later. Afterward, I thought to myself–how did that bill come to $277 with NO COCKTAILS?

Doing the unofficial math, $100 plus…whatever the fish cost. Was that fish really $130? I mean, fuck! The fish was good, but it wasn’t THAT good.

Most of us post pleasantries when we do a dinner out with friends. But I look at it differently. Great company, for sure. But I doubt I’ll be going back to the Lotus of Siam Red Rock location. I just don’t like getting whacked $130 for a piece of fish.

Lotus of Siam (Red Rock Casino): NOT RECOMMENDED
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Sidebar: We made reservations for three and I invited John Kullmann Scheinberg, or so I thought. Call this my public apology. He was waiting on stand-by for the time and place and I texted him at noon (NOT). I arrived at the 5:30 reservation time, patiently waited, and there was no sign JK. WTF–it’s not like him to be late. He’s the most -on-time guy on the planet. I look down at the phone and next to the texts is whammo!…..the dreaded “NOT DELIVERED” message. My earlier text didn’t go through. Sorry, JK. or maybe I should say, given the food disappointment, “you’re welcome.”