Lotus of Siam Owners Leave NY Outpost to Protect Reputation

Last fall, the sudden news of the arrival of famed Vegas Thai restaurant Lotus of Siam to the old Cru space on lower 5th Avenue made waves in the New York foodie circles, as Thai food lovers eagerly anticipated what owners Bill and Saipin Chutima would bring East. The restaurant opened in November and has been met with mixed but often positive reviews from the pro critics and bloggers.

Now, just over two months after opening, Flo Fab reports that the husband and wife team are leaving the restaurant in the hands of co-owner Roy Welland. They cite health problems and, more notably, differences with Welland (the former owner of Cru) over the pricing and the feel of the place. Their daughter writes, "we are terminating this relationship in order to protect our morals and values; also, to protect the image of my parents who have worked their hardest for the past 25 years." Ouch.

Apparently, no big changes are planned at the restaurant in terms of menu, decor, or pricing, but it's a major question of whether or not it can thrive without the direction of the Chutimas.
· Lotus of Siam’s Creators Leave, Citing Health, and Differences With Partner [DJ]
· All Lotus of Siam Coverage [~ENY~]