BASIL Thai Restaurant has been around for a year now. What intrigued me about the place was not only its splendid exteriors, but also that it was located in one of the WORST possible spots to put a resto in.
Why? Let me count the ways: It's at an intersection notorious for being clogged with traffic. If you're coming from the opposite side of the road, good luck in turning left (the oncoming cars are not wont to let you pass). Parking in front is limited to five or six vehicles, and with the road being a narrow AND a major road, parking on the shoulder is out of the question.
True enough, when likeable busybee JNY and i dropped by a couple of days ago, there was no available parking. Instead, their parking attendant motioned us to go around the corner, and park (illegally) on the main road, in full view of (and ten feet away from) traffic policemen who looked ready to have our car towed to Timbuktu.
Opening the immense wooden door of Basil and setting one's foot inside literally brings one into a different world. The place is simply quite relaxing, in stark contrast to the traffic madness just outside.
Check out some rather blurry photos of the interiors. The abundant use of wood, lush greenery, subdued music, dim lights and even a small koi pond all combine to sooth one's frayed nerves and whet one's appetite for the meal ahead.
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| Lovely wooden chairs |
After much dilly-dallying and indecision, JNY and i finally made our choices:
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| SPRING ROLLS. |
The spring rolls were quite fresh, and we had a good laugh about how "bursting with health" they were. For best results, dip lightly into the sauce.
We had shared one cup of jasmine rice (the diet, ya know), but it was enough. Portions of the dishes that followed were not bad.
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| CRISPY FISH WITH THREE FLAVORED SAUCE (Fried grouper topped with tamarind, garlic and chili). PHP750.00 |
The fish was very good as well, as the batter wasn't overly thick nor oily.
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| PRAWNS WITH GARLIC AND BLACK PEPPER. PHP375.00 |
Prawns were good-sized, and cooked well. The sauce was kinda sweet - the type of thing you want to lick off your fingers, hehe.
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| LEMONGRASS WAGYU STEAK (Wagyu sirloin beef, topped with lemongrass and a creamy dressing) PHP495.00 |
I had reservations whether this was 'real' Wagyu, mainly due to the price point. It seemed too cheap, since the slab of beef looked thick. I personally felt it could have been cooked a bit more, but it was quite tender; and JNY and i had no problems polishing it all off!
The sauce tasted rather buttery, though. Which might be a concern for some, but i exist to inhale butter, so no complaints here ;-D
JNY and i decided to go elsewhere for coffee and desserts. Back outside, we were greatly relieved to find that the car was still there! Yesss!!
Katipunan Avenue, corner White Plains
Quezon City
Tel. No. 911-4158
Open from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily - See more at: http://www.spot.ph/eatdrink/50627/check-it-out-basil-at-white-plains-quezon-city#sthash.PUEJvul6.dpuf
Quezon City
Tel. No. 911-4158
Open from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily - See more at: http://www.spot.ph/eatdrink/50627/check-it-out-basil-at-white-plains-quezon-city#sthash.PUEJvul6.dpuf
(BASIL is located at Katipunan Ave. corner White Plains, Quezon City. Tel. No. 911-4158. Reservations are recommended)
Katipunan Avenue, corner White Plains
Quezon City
Tel. No. 911-4158
Open from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily - See more at: http://www.spot.ph/eatdrink/50627/check-it-out-basil-at-white-plains-quezon-city#sthash.PUEJvul6.dpuf
Quezon City
Tel. No. 911-4158
Open from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily - See more at: http://www.spot.ph/eatdrink/50627/check-it-out-basil-at-white-plains-quezon-city#sthash.PUEJvul6.dpuf
