Lotus of Siam

I am always looking for new restaurants in the Village (West or Greenwich) because I love walking home after a great meal.  So when I read about the highly acclaimed Lotus of Siam, the new Thai restaurant that opened in the old Cru space, I immediately called for a reservation.  Cru had been a stuffy restaurant with an astronomical wine collection that was a quintessential over-priced dining experience representative of better economic times.  Lotus of Siam proves to be very 2011 in its simple, clean, natural interpretation of the space with accolades for being truly authentic Thai food.  The original Lotus of Siam's based in Las Vegas has been heralded as the best Thai restaurant in North America by critics.  Clearly hopes were high. 

For starters we had the Tuna Koi Soy, tuna tartar mixed with greens and lime juice, and Issan Larb, a salad of beef with green chilis and chopped onion.  For our main dishes we split the traditional Pad Thai, and the Kang Khiao Wan, supposedly one of the most popular curry dishes around Bangkok.  Lastly, we ordered the Amish chicken (for those that say you should never order something as simplistic as chicken while out to eat, I wholeheartedly disagree-it was delicious).  After all was said and done, the beef salad, Pad Thai, and Amish chicken were delectable, but the curry and tuna tartar were just OK.  Although I can safely say the Pad Thai was the best I have ever had, with no hint of greasiness and freshly crumbled peanuts, it came at a lofty price.  Or maybe it just seemed lofty compared to the pretty darn enjoyable Pad Thai at Spice a few blocks over for just 7 dollars.  If you would like to dress up your Pad Thai with a great cocktail in the timeless 24 Fifth building, then go for it.  Otherwise, you can get almost as good for a lot less.