End of an institution - Gai's restaurant Mae Nam now closed

[robsamui]

Just to pay tribute to one of the best small Thai restaurants that I've ever eaten in. "Gai's' - at the bottom corner of Soi 5 Mae Nam.

Gai's restaurant - her name is actually 'Kai' - has now closed. There are several reason for this, the main one being that over the last two years the tendons in the wrists of both her hands have become damaged. She's had a number of visits to a BKK hospital, culminating in an operation just after Songkran. She closed the restaurant then and it hasn't opened since.

She has family in BKK and it seems that she is now staying there permanently.

I've eaten there a couple of times a week for the last 14 years and won't just miss the food - she is a delightful person. So just to go out on a fond memory - the story of her name sign.

For many years she had a painted sign outside the restaurant. Then 5 or 6 years back, Gai's pharmacy in walking street had a fancy new illuminated sign made. Kai got in touch with the guy who made the sign and told him she wanted one exactly the same. And that's exactly what she got - a nice illuminated sign that said 'egg's restaurant' instead of 'chicken's restaurant'!

I'm sure that I'm one among many of you here who wish her the very best of luck - we will sorely miss you Kai - it's the end of a Mae Nam era.

R

[limbos]

Have been eating there for over 14 years, although less frequently over the last couple of years. Will miss her!

Edited May 17, 2014 by limbos

[sticky]

Sorry to hear that she has closed for good.

Have been picking up takeout 3 or 4 times a week on my way home from work for several years.

I knew she was in BKK for an operation and was checking daily to see if she was open.

Sad news ! It was some great grub.

I wish her all the best.

[justanotheroldhippy]

Agreed.... fantastic food at realistic prices. She is a lovely lady too... always smiling. I hope her health improves. I will be writing her a little note (well... my wife will actually, I can't write Thai ) to let her know how popular and well liked she is, and how she will be missed... and push it through her door. Now where the heck do I get Masaman that was as good as hers?

[samuijimmy]

Yes, nice lady and good food, sorry to see her go, too ... wish her well again soon ....

yes her Masaman was better than most!

Edited May 18, 2014 by samuijimmy

[justanotheroldhippy]

Good news! My wife heard from a good friend that she actually isn't closing for good, but will be opening in a couple of weeks once she gets back from Bangkok, and her hands recover enough from the operations!

[robsamui]

Good news! My wife heard from a good friend that she actually isn't closing for good, but will be opening in a couple of weeks once she gets back from Bangkok, and her hands recover enough from the operations!

I do hope so! But I would be very surprised indeed if this is true.

There is more to all this, which I will not repeat as it's domestic and private, but the operation is not the only reason she's closing up.

I had a long talk with a close friend of Kai,so I would be most surprised if what she confided was merely gossip - but then again, it might be just that!

Let's hope so and let's hope that your wife is right - I swear I'm getting all kinds of physical and emotional symptoms of KDP (Kai Deprivation Syndrome!)

R

[Rooo]

Bickering posts removed.

[khemkhem]

Confirm Goodnews right now Gai' restaurant has been open ^^

I'm her niece I hope to see You all

Come to enjoy your meal ^^

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[robsamui]

Confirm Goodnews right now Gai' restaurant has been open ^^

I'm her niece I hope to see You all

Come to enjoy your meal ^^

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thai

Khun Poppy?? Is this you?

I have been looking every day to see if it is open. Yesterday - still closed!

Good news!

But If K. Kai is not cooking, sorry, then I can go to any little restaurant!

I go to Kai's restaurant because K. Kai is making the food!

R

Edited June 6, 2014 by robsamui

[khemkhem]

Hey..I'm not Poppy , she is my sister, we are family with K.Kai .

Just to clarify and confirming that now Kai's restaurant is get back to normal.

Come to see her in the kitchen , We are very welcome to see you and serve the nice food !!

Cheers ,

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[khemkhem]

Kai Today ^^

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[khemkhem]

Khun Rob Yesterday kai and me saw your car park at my home

We open on daytime cause in the evening had raining and so quitted

So.... She closed to relax at walking street 555

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[Rooo]

All resolved, all happy.

CLOSED.