"After being closed since a 2017 roof collapse and a couple of spotty reopenings, I report that the original Lotus of Siam on West Sahara — the location that earned James Beard recognition and attention from Anthony Bourdain — is slated to reopen before year’s end with a significantly larger footprint, a new bar, new decor, and the northern Thai cuisine of chef Saipin Chutima that made the restaurant a classic; Penny Chutima and the family have also opened other locations while fans have clamored for the original to return." - Janna Karel