I started eating Thai food at Lao Loan Xing in the mid-90's. It was literally a transformative experience. The subtle flavors, the "pop" of the spices and new textures and flavors were amazing. I was hooked.
I moved to within a block of the Atwood restaurant about 10 years ago, I was excited to be so close by but I hardly ever eat there anymore. With each passing year the food becomes less interesting and for me the nuance of flavors is just about gone.
Over and over again I have been served dry chicken, whether it is on a skewer or fried as an accompaniment to the papaya salad. The curry and the soup is bland and thin. I still enjoy their eggrolls but that just is not enough to keep me coming back.
I cannot understand why the menu never changes, there are no daily specials and the décor is shabby and neglected. I know the restaurant does well so maybe there is no impetus to go the extra mile. I am sad that this fine eating establishment makes no effort to improve, diversify or at least show a little flair.
My neighborhood offers a plethora of choices. Ha Long Bay and Monsoon Siam are excellent. Even Bahn Thai has stepped up its game and has been repainted and carpeted in the last decade. I also think their food is considerably more flavorful.
I realize that many of the reviews are glowing. Maybe it is just me but as BB King would say, "The Thrill is Gone".