Question of the Day - 03 January 2022

Yes, we can. 

We first heard that Lotus of Siam, far and away the best Thai restaurant in Las Vegas and among the best in the U.S., is opening a location at Red Rock in a half-sentence on Eater Vegas in which Emmy Kasten of Vegas Magazine declared that one of the culinary events of 2022 she was most looking forward to was exactly that, Lotus at Red Rock.

Looking into it further, we contacted Al Mancini, one of the two food reporters for the Las Vegas Review-Journal (who just left the newspaper to pursue a new project). He tells us, "I don't know if anything has been formally announced about Lotus at Red Rock, but it's my understanding that they're definitely going in there. I believe they pulled out of The Bend (the new complex near Ikea in southwest Vegas) in order to go into the casino. I've heard it from lots of people, including some who would be in a position to know. I just can't cite any sources for you."

Al also writes, "Personally, I think it's a great fit. Red Rock already has a great restaurant program and a clientele that seems to respond to upgraded versions of familiar concepts. Vetri is doing an upscale red-sauce joint. Blue Ribbon is doing sushi well above anything in the neighborhood and apparently doing okay despite higher prices than people are used to paying in that area. T-Bones is one of the best off-Strip steakhouses in town (although it'll be interesting to see how Harlo at DTS affects it). 

For the final word, we went to John Curtas, our long-time friend and author/co-author of all our Eating Las Vegas guides. He writes, "Yes, Lotus is opening at Red Rock in early 2022." Which could mean as soon as the next few weeks. 

John adds, "I’m happy they're moving out into the neighborhoods. The original location in Commercial Center shows no signs of returning to life, so this is great news for their brand and for lovers of great northern Thai food."

As for paying with points, we assume that'll be option. Four-walled restaurants usually have a deal with the casino in which they honor comps, then get reimbursed for the price (or a percentage thereof) of the meal. Of course, we can't say for sure until Lotus opens out there, but if points aren't accepted, we'll certainly let you know.