People packed into Sweet Basil Thai Cuisine and Sushi Bar on Saturday night. Located on Brainerd Road, the outside looks like it could be a Laundromat, but the inside transports you to Southeast Asia.
The aromas of fresh Thai herbs swarmed about the space. Flash and I sat at a table across from the sushi bar and enjoyed an appetizer of basil rolls – gulf shrimp and sweet basil wrapped in rice paper and served with a tangy plum glaze.
I looked around at the different plates being served to the people nearby. Meals like spicy green curry and roasted duck enhanced the white-clothed tables.
After the waitress cleared our appetizer plates, she delivered our main meal. Flash’s chicken Pad Thai ($11.95) looked like rice noodle art with the way the carrots had been sliced, peanuts crushed, and bean sprouts placed delicately on the side with a wedge of lime.
The sauce mixed with the noodles tasted both savory and sweet. I know because I helped myself to a bite.
I ordered my favorite: yellow curry with chicken. The dish ($11.50) came with mushrooms, green peppers, onion, and carrots cooked in a rich yellow curry with tender chicken and white rice. The combination of the coconut milk and yellow curry mixed with the chicken, veggies, and rice gave my taste buds something to rejoice over.
Reluctantly, I shared with Flash. It was only right since he had already shared with me. We don’t often eat Thai, but when we do, it’s always at Sweet Basil.
Our bill came to $29 before tax. Sweet Basil is great because it offers quality, authentic dishes for a very reasonable price. And the atmosphere is quite relaxing with its dim lighting and friendly service.
The next time I’m in the area, I’ll most likely stop in the restaurant again and be transported to the Asian culture Sweet Basil so deliciously creates.
Location: 5845 Brainerd Rd.
Lunch
M – F 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Dinner
M – Th 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Fri 4:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Sat Noon – 11:00 PM
Sun Noon - 10:00 PM