Thai Basil — Restaurant in Chantilly

LOCATION: Hidden behind other buildings, so somewhat hard to find. Find the 7-11 nearby, it's technically in the same building, but at the far eastern end, towards 28. CURRIES: Their curries are delicious, but a little light on sauce. Maybe it's just me, but I like a silly amount of sauce in a Thai curry. I want to be able to make a rice soup if I'm in the mood. But the sauces were delicious, and they nailed the spice levels. SPICE LEVEL: We got a few dishes at different heat levels, they were all right where I expected, maybe a first for any restaurant ever. I like things a little hotter than average, so don't be surprised if you ask for heat and actually get it, but there was definitely a range between dishes, with "American" hot having basically no spice whatsoever, appropriate since my fellow Americans are total wimps. MISSED OPPORTUNITY: Thai lettuce wraps are one of the greatest food experiences on the planet, maybe they were buried in the menu somewhere, but I think Thai Basil is lacking here. This isn't really just them though, it's criminal how hard it is to find a Thai lettuce wrap. THE SIGNATURE DISH: I always feel guilty ordering Pad Thai, makes me feel like a tourist, or like I'm rooting for the Yankees. But you have to go with someone's "signature dish." They looked at me funny when I asked for a combo of chicken and shrimp, even though that's officially the only proper way to eat Pad Thai (I swear their menu reads like adding shrimp is a perfectly normal option). Maybe the guy who took the order was new, or maybe he was just sizing me up, skeptical that I was adequately prepared for the experience, no idea. Ultimately though, they made it, and it was an INCREDIBLE Pad Thai. I wanted to curl up inside one of the shrimp and live there. I don't know how she prepares the meats, but if I go missing in the next few weeks, I probably just ended up on her doorstep with bags and a frying pan to train under her until I reach enlightenment. Balance of spice and hint of lime were all dead on perfect.

BOTTOM LINE: I'm more of a curry fan, and those are good here, but why fight it? Just get the Pad Thai. Despite having a PERFECT Pad Thai, lost a star for not offering Thai lettuce wraps, and being a little light on sauce in...

Food was ok but service from the waiter was nightmare. When I asked her straws for kid's water she ignored.. again I requested to give some straws , without acknowledging me she brought some straws and just literally throw on table and went . We ordered 7 dishes and as names were little different from other thai places, to make sure to confirm my order I asked to confirm my order .. she was so rude and loud in reading my order 😰 . She brought our food and scattered all over the table and left . I was asking her to refill our water glasses , she did not turn to my table .. I called her by saying execuse me she was just standing and looking at me not even trying to attend my table to ask what I need . I had to ask water loudly as she was still at counter . Because of this experience I did not put tip . Just before leaving the place my kid got hiccups and asked her for somewater she did not even responded , I requested another person , she was about to give water in a cup , then this lady came and asked me why I did not give her tip, I said I did not like the service that's why I did not give . Immediatly , she grabbed water cup from other lady and not giving the water to kid . Somehow , other lady took the cup from her and gave me the water for kid . This is really very bad experience for me on...

Ate lunch with manager on Tuesday afternoon. We were seated promptly and greeted by a friendly server just a couple of minutes after sitting. I ordered a soup followed by a beef stir fry both medium heat finishing with their rendition of fried banana, a favorite Thai dessert for me. The soup had a nice spice level and satisfying broth with good body from the protein and vegetables. The stir fry was okay. I would have appreciated more color on the beef from additional few minutes stir frying and more flavor and a touch of brightness in the broth. Thai food excels in many ways, one of which is the combination of acid and spice which I would have liked to see even in a measured way in the stir fry. The dessert as with the soup had a good thermal heat when served and an attractive appearance. The chocolate drizzle provided a nice accent to the crispy banana wrappers that flaked well when cut with my fork. The banana inside was both thermally hot and soft. Could they offer this same dessert with maybe honey drizzle as another option? Prices seemed reasonable and quite competitive for the area, so I thought I experienced a good value for my lunch. I could return again if I was in the area.(My manager enjoyed her...