Monday, April 28, 2008

Thai Basil gets 8 ($$)

I love Thai Basil. It is in my opinion the best in Sacramento for Thai food. The vegetables are always fresh, the curry is fresh. Nothing ever tastes like it was made in large quantities. The fish and meat was definitely frozen but Thai Basil is generous with the portions. They have a few locations, two I have eaten at: the Midtown location a number of times and the Roseville location twice. When ever I go I am completely satisfied for what I paid, what I expected to get and the quality of the food preparation. The only problem I have ever had there is when the waiter got my order wrong. I was in a hurry and so did not have the time to let them correct the mistake though they offered.

One of the dished that often gets overlooked it the green curry. This dish is my favorite, at any Thai restaurant but I like it best at the Roseville Thai Basil. Green Curry is light and almost flowery in taste. The taste of green curry has a lot of bouquet to it, but not a lot of spice or musk usually associated with curry. When I order green curry the dish comes as two bowls. One bowl has the jasmine rice in it. And the other is shrimp, scallops, and mussels swimming in green curry along with, broccoli, green beans and bean sprouts. Then you just add the elixir to your rice. It’s divine.

For food taste I give Thai Basil an 8. They use fresh produce, but not fresh meat. All their dishes can be made vegetarian. It just means you get soy tofu instead. And their general mixing of flavors is brilliant.

For price I give Thai Basil an $$ even with an appetizer and a drink.

For ambiance: I have to give Thai basil a 5 unless you are out on the back patio of the downtown location. The back patio is a smaller enclosed out door seating area near a fountain, and under an old growth oak tree. The back patio is quieter, and more private feeling. They have since put a lounge and night club on the floor above Thai Basil so their reputation is growing.

Overall I rate Thai Basil at an 8. Its not the best, it could be better, but its still delicious just the way that it is.