rev:text
| - Basil is the epitome of a Thai restaurant turned hipster. When most people think of an Asian restaurant in the United States, styrofoam containers, family members running around in the kitchen, and a strange name ("A-Plus Happy China") come to mind. Basil has none of these, although I didn't do a thorough scan of the kitchen staff.
The food is the real reason you'll come to Basil. While the atmosphere is swanky, you can quench your thirst for said decor by visiting any number of other Uptown Charlotte restaurants (5Church, for example). It's a challenge for two people to have a well-rounded meal under $100, which makes me question why the valet parking isn't free.
Don't leave this place without trying the Tom Kha Gai soup. Seriously. The BEST soup I have ever tasted. Creamy, slightly sweet coconut soup with chicken and herbs. Incredible.
The curry duck was very good, with only a few bones to fumble around with. The sauce was not too spicy, with just a gentle "kick" at the right moment, when you'd expect it. Jasmine rice sops up the remainder and cleans your plate in the process. Worth $26? No way, but if I want duck, I'd rather a restaurant do the messy work than try to fumble around with cooking it at home.
Service was pretty good--again, you come here for the food. Just be prepared to shell out some cash for it.
|