The iconic May Restaurant & Lounge (1612 N 45th) abruptly closed its doors and spent last weekend taking down signage, removing decorations, and cleaning out the interior. A sign on the door announces the opening of a new restaurant Sisi Kay Thai. May Restaurant confirmed that the space is under new ownership that wants to do something new.
In 2006 May Restaurant transformed a Craftsman lot into a 2-story neon-blue pagoda with brilliant aluminum adornments. They opened to much fanfare and excitement.
Several years after the restaurant’s opening, the namesake founder May Chaleoy left and started an extremely popular restaurant on Vashon Island called May Kitchen & Bar. While Wallingford’s May Restaurant kept the traditional lavish décor and commitment to serving an authentic Pad Thai, it seems that they struggled to maintain the momentum.
I will miss the exceptional Pad Thai. May Restaurant cooked their Pad Thai with homemade tamarind sauce and served the noodles wrapped in a banana leaf. At the table, a server expertly mixed in banana blossom, chili flakes, sugar, and lime. I always appreciated the mixing precision and use of banana blossom stems to cordon off any extra chili flakes.
May Restaurant’s closure is certainly disappointing, but I look forward to trying whatever Sisi Kay Thai cooks up.
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That is really too bad. I didn’t go there enough even though it was a good restaurant. The facade is seriously very cool. This is what the building looked like before it was converted.
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/9f1a80923d5d15ece9f3071c1079d22367302e2e027bd28808e3ffd5a5a4e559.jpg
How interesting. Thank you.
Good story, Adam. Thanks for the details on that wonderful pad thai.
That’s too bad. We ate there a few times and did enjoy it. Here’s hoping the next folks are equally good!
I wish Kitaro’s would reopen
Any info’ on Dumpling the Noodle in the old Wallyburger space? Curious….
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Do they have a sign?
I love a soft opening.
go read it yourself Ma-rue
That says “try us out?”