Roll Call: Lotus of Siam: "The best Thai restaurant in North America"

[tkingdoll]

If there are 15 people going, wouldn't it make sense to have 15 dishes?

One assumes the portions will be larger than if one ordered the dish separately. Otherwise, I agree, 15 people would normally need 15 meals regardless of how they're dished out.

[SkepticScott]

Two-thirds of a meal leaves room for desert!

[The Central Scrutinizer]

One assumes the portions will be larger than if one ordered the dish separately. Otherwise, I agree, 15 people would normally need 15 meals regardless of how they're dished out.

Should we assume? I hope Claus doesn't screw this up! :p

[tkingdoll]

Should we assume? I hope Claus doesn't screw this up! :p

I'm basing it on similar experiences in UK Chinese restaurants where you get a 'set menu' for say 10 people which doesn't have 10 types of dish but has enough food for everyone.

So yeah, we shouldn't assume.

Claus?

[Geek Goddess]

Many Oriental restaurants in the US have such large servings that one order will serve two people. When my family eats out, we usually order 2, maybe three dishes for 4-5 people, and it's enough.
10 dishes for 15 people to all sample a few bites of each, sounds like a LOT of food to me.

[CFLarsen]

Claus?

I'm right here.

First, we will each get what accumulates to 1 appetizer and 1 main course. So, everybody calm down.

Second, we could have 16 (not 15 - apparently, counting is not a general skill) dishes, but that would mean that each person would only get 1/16th of each dish. That's not a lot, hardly enough to form a taste at all. Some of the dishes can be a bit hard to divide into something-for-all. Look at a main course and divide that into 16 parts. How much meat would you get? How many vegetables? How much sauce? Wouldn't you rather have 1/10th instead of 1/16th?

Third, there is also the question of taste buds. They get dulled, the more different flavours you taste. I've been to wine tastings with over 300 wines, and it is impossible to distinguish, save for the extremely pros, between them after the first 30-40. Even if you spit after each wine (and you have to!), and cleanse the palate inbetween. Still, your sense of taste will be dulled, especially if you are not used to experience unknown tastes, over a short period of time.

We have quite a number of newbies, who simply want to experience a wide range of tastes. 16 would become a blur, especially because we have max 2 hours to eat (people have to get back for shows etc). It would ruin the experience. With 10, we will be able to remember those we like, those we love, and those we would die for.

Remember, we are not talking about 10 different flavors of pretzels. We are talking about a huge country's many different dishes, with all sorts of spices. 10 is quite enough.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Remember, we are not talking about 10 different flavors of pretzels. We are talking about a huge country's many different dishes, with all sorts of spices. 10 is quite enough.

I think it would be better if we went to 11.

[CFLarsen]

Many Oriental restaurants in the US have such large servings that one order will serve two people. When my family eats out, we usually order 2, maybe three dishes for 4-5 people, and it's enough.
10 dishes for 15 people to all sample a few bites of each, sounds like a LOT of food to me.

It is. We won't go away hungry.

[CFLarsen]

I think it would be better if we went to 11.

There will be 10.

Do you still want to go?

[The Central Scrutinizer]

There will be 10.

Do you still want to go?

Probably. But 11 would be better.

[CFLarsen]

Probably. But 11 would be better.

I need a firm yes or no. If you don't want to participate, I owe it to tell deBergerac, who is on the waiting list, that he can come along instead.

[rustypouch]

Probably. But 11 would be better.

Mine goes up to 11...

[Geek Goddess]

Probably. But 11 would be better.

I'm sure anyone could order, at their own expense, an additional dish, if you're that big of an eater.

[CFLarsen]

I'm sure anyone could order, at their own expense, an additional dish, if you're that big of an eater.

Some have already done that. It's not a problem. Just PM me with the additional wishes.

[tkingdoll]

Mine goes up to 11...

I was guessing this was what he was going for, but it's very fun to watch either way.

[tkingdoll]

Remember, we are not talking about 10 different flavors of pretzels. We are talking about a huge country's many different dishes, with all sorts of spices. 10 is quite enough.

The query was not about how many types, but how much of each dish there would be. For example, the meal I had last year, whilst excellent, would not divide 15 ways. If ordering separately, 15 people would order 15 dishes. So the 10 types of dishes needs to be at least 15 dishes worth in quantity, yes? But if you're convinced it'll be OK, then that's fine. Just don't complain when we all troop over to taco bell afterwards :D

[The Central Scrutinizer]

I need a firm yes or no. If you don't want to participate, I owe it to tell deBergerac, who is on the waiting list, that he can come along instead.

I plan on attending. But I may up the count to 11 just to make things interesting!

[The Central Scrutinizer]

I was guessing this was what he was going for, but it's very fun to watch either way.

I think Clause might be humorically challenged. But now that I have it going, I'll have some fun with it!

[CFLarsen]

The query was not about how many types, but how much of each dish there would be. For example, the meal I had last year, whilst excellent, would not divide 15 ways. If ordering separately, 15 people would order 15 dishes. So the 10 types of dishes needs to be at least 15 dishes worth in quantity, yes? But if you're convinced it'll be OK, then that's fine. Just don't complain when we all troop over to taco bell afterwards :D

I doubt you will. :)

I plan on attending.

I'll take that as a firm "yes".

But I may up the count to 11 just to make things interesting!

If you want to order extra dishes, you have until Friday to let me know.

I think Clause might be humorically challenged. But now that I have it going, I'll have some fun with it!

This is not about playing a joke on me. It's no skin off my back. But there are other people depending on what you decide. There are people at the restaurant, needing to know how many people will attend. There are people waiting to participate, in case you don't want to.

You are not playing with me. You are playing with other people.

[rebecca]

You are not playing with me. You are playing with other people.

If no one is playing with you, does that mean you're playing with yourself?

[Cleon]

If no one is playing with you, does that mean you're playing with yourself?

"What?!?!? I like playing with myself. I play with myself all the time!" - Eric Cartman

[CFLarsen]

If no one is playing with you, does that mean you're playing with yourself?

It's not about me, Rebecca. It's about the people on the waiting list. There are more people wanting to join than there is room for. There are also people at the restaurant to consider.

Please respect that. People are not toys.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

If you want to order extra dishes, you have until Friday to let me know.

I have the phone number for the restaurant and I can fake a Danish accent:

"Yes, my name eeees Clause. I vould like to order an 11th dish for zeee deeener tomorrow".

This is not about playing a joke on me. It's no skin off my back. But there are other people depending on what you decide. There are people at the restaurant, needing to know how many people will attend. There are people waiting to participate, in case you don't want to.

You are not playing with me. You are playing with other people.

No, I am playing with you. Everyone else seems to be on to the joke.

[CFLarsen]

I have the phone number for the restaurant and I can fake a Danish accent:

"Yes, my name eeees Clause. I vould like to order an 11th dish for zeee deeener tomorrow".

Yes, you can. But for what purpose? Why would you want to create confusion about these dinners, for a lot of people?

No, I am playing with you. Everyone else seems to be on to the joke.

That's nice. Only, the joke is not on me. It's on other people.

[Merko]

I will eat anything that doesn't involved raw meat. And I don't eat much.
Hey, when Claus posted the menu link, and before I understood that there was a communal menu, I almost decided for that tartar steak.. :)

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Yes, you can. But for what purpose? Why would you want to create confusion about these dinners, for a lot of people?

Because I hate people and want to ruin their vacations. If Rebecca was on the Wednesday night list, I would probably phone in a bomb threat.

That's nice. Only, the joke is not on me. It's on other people.

Technically, it's not really on anyone. It's just that you are the only one who doesn't seem to get it. Shall I explain? (hint: It goes to 11)

[tkingdoll]

Hey, when Claus posted the menu link, and before I understood that there was a communal menu, I almost decided for that tartar steak.. :)

I had that last year, it was very good but slightly too dry (too much chilli powder). I didn't get 15 forkfuls out of it though :D

[CFLarsen]

Because I hate people and want to ruin their vacations. If Rebecca was on the Wednesday night list, I would probably phone in a bomb threat.



Technically, it's not really on anyone. It's just that you are the only one who doesn't seem to get it. Shall I explain? (hint: It goes to 11)

I can only go with what you actually say, since I am not a mind reader, and you are not too keen on using smileys.

But, OK, you are on for Wednesday, and you'll go with the communal menu. Until you sow any doubt otherwise. In which case, I'll have to ask you to take it up with deBergerac.

Like I said: No skin off my back.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

But, OK, you are on for Wednesday, and you'll go with the communal menu. Until you sow any doubt otherwise. In which case, I'll have to ask you to take it up with deBergerac.

I don't like deBergerac. I'm really only going just so he can't.

I'm also trying to figure out a way to charge my dinner to the JREF.

[grayman]

So Wednesday night's dinner entertainment shall be Claus and Scrut glaring at each other? Fun! :D

BTW, I intend on having coconut soup. If anyone else would like to share in thie soup experience, I will gladly purchase you a bowl. My welcome to TAM gift.

[Hutch]

Scrut, this is classic...nearly as good as the Hummer thread awhile back (IIRC, you started that one too)

Claus, google This is Spinal Tap

jeez, even I, who is quite hopeless when in comes to inside humor, got this one...

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Scrut, this is classic...nearly as good as the Hummer thread awhile back (IIRC, you started that one too)

Claus, google This is Spinal Tap

jeez, even I, who is quite hopeless when in comes to inside humor, got this one...

Thank you!

Yes, the Hummer thread. I don't know if I told this story then, but the idea came to me while sitting in the bar one night. A girl I've known for probably 20+ years was sitting along side me. A TV ad for Hummers came on, and I said something to the effect of "Boy, I'd really like a Hummer". She replied "Yeah, they are nice cars". A minute or so later, I said something like "I would really, really like to get a Hummer". This back and forth went on for a few minutes until I realized that she didn't know what a "hummer" was. So when a group of us went to another bar for dinner, and all sat around a big table, I brought the subject up again. The others could see what was happening, and much laughter ensued, until another girl couldn't take it anymore and whispered into her ear. At which point, I was slapped repeatedly! That was probably about 5 years ago, and we still laugh about it to this day.

[xenxabar]

Scrut, this is classic...nearly as good as the Hummer thread awhile back (IIRC, you started that one too)

Claus, google This is Spinal Tap

jeez, even I, who is quite hopeless when in comes to inside humor, got this one...Better yet, go to the YouTube. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhVWJgIzftE)

[CFLarsen]

Scrut, this is classic...nearly as good as the Hummer thread awhile back (IIRC, you started that one too)

Claus, google This is Spinal Tap

jeez, even I, who is quite hopeless when in comes to inside humor, got this one...

Haven't seen it.

[Hutch]

Haven't seen it.

Sorta guessed that. ;) :p :D

[Wowbagger]

I need a firm yes or no. If you don't want to participate, I owe it to tell deBergerac, who is on the waiting list, that he can come along instead.
Since I am on the list twice, I am willing to give up one of my spots for someone else. Perhaps you can take me off the Friday list, and put deBergerac on there, instead. Or, if one other person comes off besides me, you can put the JLams in.

Although, if my flight ends up coming in very late, on Wednesday, perhaps deBergerac could take my spot on that day, and I can attend on Friday.

I only stuffed myself into two spots, in the begining, because there was no waiting list, and it seemed like there would be no harm in it.

[JLam]

Or, if one other person comes off besides me, you can put the JLams in.
I like that suggestion. But I'll only go if there are 11 dishes. And I get a hummer.

[grayman]

I like that suggestion. But I'll only go if there are 11 dishes. And I get a hummer.

Or 11 hummers from a dish?

[CFLarsen]

Since I am on the list twice, I am willing to give up one of my spots for someone else. Perhaps you can take me off the Friday list, and put deBergerac on there, instead. Or, if one other person comes off besides me, you can put the JLams in.

Although, if my flight ends up coming in very late, on Wednesday, perhaps deBergerac could take my spot on that day, and I can attend on Friday.

I only stuffed myself into two spots, in the begining, because there was no waiting list, and it seemed like there would be no harm in it.

There is no harm in it.

If your plane comes in late, we'll take it from there.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

I like that suggestion. But I'll only go if there are 11 dishes. And I get a hummer.

Stop joking. This is deadly serious. You are not messing with me. You are messing with the lives of others.

[SkeptiKilt]

xenxabar beat me to the YouTube link, so I'll just add this. I mentioned upthread that my company has a Thai chef in the cafeteria. Whilst she was dishing up my red curry shrimp half an hour ago, I said, "Patty, I'm going to Las Vegas next week, and we're going to what's supposed to be the best Thai restaurant in the country."

She said "Lotus of Siam?" I nodded. She said "You love it. I eat there all the time. Very very good."

[Geek Goddess]

I know how to say "B-52 bomber" in Thai. Will that get me an extra dessert?

eta: Of course, my dad told me how to say that. I might be saying 'do you like goats?' for all I know.

[rebecca]

Stop joking. This is deadly serious. You are not messing with me. You are messing with the lives of others.

Was that a joke? That was a joke, wasn't it? All the animals in the zoo just died. There, are you happy?

[Frogberto]

Is this sold out? I just found out about it in my "Pre-TAM" planning. Can I get on the waiting list?

[CFLarsen]

Is this sold out? I just found out about it in my "Pre-TAM" planning. Can I get on the waiting list?

It's close, but what day?

[Frogberto]

I can do Saturday or Sunday!

[CFLarsen]

I can do Saturday or Sunday!

The days scheduled are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

If you only can go on Saturday or Sunday, you'll have to make your own reservations. OTOH, there's no waiting list.

[Wowbagger]

So, I propose a deal, possibly with deBergerac. I will take myself off the Friday listing, so deBergerac can get in.
But, if, in the unlikely event, my plane is very late, CFLarsen can inform deBergerac to take my spot on Wednesday, and I will replace deBergerac on Friday.

Is that a good plan?

[mhaze]

We arrive at the N. LV airport and get a rent car sometime Thurs. 5-7 pm. .... And we're on the waiting list for Thurs. Can someone SMS me so we can know if to go direct to Lotus?

Mhaze 210-325-1895

[WonderfulWorld]

Re: Dish size -- Last year I had the green curry chicken and ended up sharing quite a bit of it. My ample belly was full on about 2/3 of "my" meal. No one shall starve, be sure of that.

Gee, I wonder if they have red curry chicken this year....

Mike.

[The Central Scrutinizer]

No one shall starve, be sure of that.

Especially if we order 11, as has been discussed. ;)

[JLam]

Got back a few hours ago from LOS. A couple folks dropped out and Mrs. JLam and I were able to join. Wow, what a great place. The food was good, and Claus made sure everything ran smoothly.

The ride back to the hotel was interesting, though. Some folks left early, so we were short one car. We had a car and managed to squeeze 6 people into a 5 passenger vehicle. Stuffed in the backseat were the Marquis, SkepHick, LostAngeles and Zygar. A photo was taken. It is funny.

If I hadn't forgotten my damn USB cable I'd have posted it.

It's coming, though.

[Alliebubs]

The boy and I finally tried the food at the Lotus of Siam and it was SO good! Everything was spectacular, from start to finish. Really, REALLY enjoyed it. :)

-Allison

[LostAngeles]

Got back a few hours ago from LOS. A couple folks dropped out and Mrs. JLam and I were able to join. Wow, what a great place. The food was good, and Claus made sure everything ran smoothly.

The ride back to the hotel was interesting, though. Some folks left early, so we were short one car. We had a car and managed to squeeze 6 people into a 5 passenger vehicle. Stuffed in the backseat were the Marquis, SkepHick, LostAngeles and Zygar. A photo was taken. It is funny.

If I hadn't forgotten my damn USB cable I'd have posted it.

It's coming, though.

Let me add, that having Skephick on my lap was a pleasure...

...that the rest of you didn't get! NYAH NYAH!

[JLam]

Let me add, that having Skephick on my lap was a pleasure...

...that the rest of you didn't get! NYAH NYAH!Evidence:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/150/366168995_be82ad3a4a_o.jpg