Sweet Basil Thai Cuisine is part of a trio of new restaurants on Pearl Street that emulate the Portland Pearl District, according to the new Mezza Luna’s Sandy Little. Granted, the Eugene version of Portland’s
upscale, trendy area is only one block long and is not surrounded
by big city buildings, but the new
establishments do a fine job of
evoking elegance.
Inside Sweet Basil, the dress
and mannerisms of staff and diners scream “special occasion” and/or “date.” To the left of the door is a beautiful painted mural of the
floating market in Bangkok, Thailand, where shoppers paddle by
and choose from fresh produce
situated atop small boats. Lighting
is dimmed among black tables,
some of which are perched high from the ground with tall stools to
sit on. To the right sits a full bar,
making Sweet Basil a possible candidate for a hip, new spot to meet
for drinks. One flaw in the atmosphere is the claustrophobia. Tables sit so close to one another that it’s easy to hear the conversation of your neighbors.
My friend and I started with the appetizer sampler plate, which was filling and copious. It came with light rice paper rolls filled with bean sprouts, tofu and transparent noodles; fried rice paper rolls stuffed with vegetables and glass noodles; and thin, crispy fried won tons served with plum and peanut sauce. Next, we shared the house special curry, which came with broccoli, carrots, green pepper and a choice of meat, tofu or tempeh. The sauce, which had a strong peanut flavor, was tear-inducingly spicy even though we asked for the mildest kind. The rice was visually pleasing — it had layers of white and brown grains and was molded into moon and star shapes.
The presentation of food and drinks was impressive. Aside
from the celestial cakes of rice, I noticed arrays of color, carrots carved into flowers and frilly
cocktails while glancing at the
tables around us. Just from looking at the restaurant’s guests — well-dressed and middle-aged couples, families and college students gussied up for dates — I got the feeling that this place was best suited for special nights. Prices
unsurprisingly matched the upscale feel, with appetizers ranging from $3.50 to $9 and entrees
running from $8.25 to $19.
Service was as impeccable as the dishes served. When we informed our waitress that our curry was too spicy for our liking, she brought over a cup of coconut milk to cool it off. When we asked for a box for our leftovers, she brought out some additional rice for us to take home.
Under the restaurant’s name on the menu is written, “The elegant side of Thai food,” and I agree with this claim. Although slightly Americanized through big portions and cramped seating, Sweet Basil is a delicious and glamorous spot, perfect for your next exciting night on the town.
Sweet Basil restaurant dishes out the elegant side of Thai cuisine
Daily Emerald
February 9, 2005
Waiter Ryan McLean brings out one of Sweet Basil’s popular Thai dishes Friday night.
0
More to Discover