Situated in Short North on North High Street is Basil Thai Restaurant. This upscale Thai restaurant serves up traditional and modern Thai dishes with the occasional innovative fusion dish mixed in. Walking through the doors at Basil, diners know they aren’t at their average strip mall Thai restaurant. The interior of this former antique store screams hip, with exposed ductwork off set by several artsy vintage chandeliers and a highly polished dark wood floor. The smallish restaurant has two exposed distressed brick walls and a third wall that is filled with dark wood cabinetry. The tables are covered with candles, giving the interior somewhat of a romantic gothic vibe. The focal point of the restaurant is the super varnished, slick bar. Combine all these elements together and you find yourself in somewhat of a rock n’roll Thai eatery that is hip without trying too hard. This well thought out interior was modeled after Chicago’s Thai Village.
Rhome Ruanphae comes from a family of successful Thai restaurateurs and has learned from both their successes and failures. He has borrowed a few of the more successful dishes from these restaurants to create a varying menu that is available for a tremendous bargain. Basil is a dream restaurant for anyone suffering from a dietary restriction. Nearly three quarters of the menu is available vegan and over 50 percent can be prepared gluten free.
Basil’s menu is separated into appetizers, noodles and rice dishes. During happy hour, the appetizers are usually on sale and they are your traditional Asian restaurant starters including spring rolls, egg rolls and wontons. The crispy roll was the winner, overflowing with noodles, sprouts and ground chicken. As for the entrees, diners can customize each meal with beef, pork, chicken, tofu, shrimp or squid. While the menu may not be extensive, Basil actually encourages diners to order Thai tapas style. The kitchen specializes in smaller plates and the menu does change occasionally. The menu hits all the expected Thai high notes including pad thai, lad nar, pad se ewe and noodle kee mow, curries and a variety of seafood options.
