2 for $25 - Thai, sushi and serenity

By: CASSANDRA SHERRILL | Winston-Salem Journal
Published: September 15, 2011

NAME: The Basil Leaf

ADDRESS: 690 St. George Square Court (off Hanes Mall Boulevard, across from the Wynnsong 12 theater)

PHONE: (336) 283-9133

DAYS/HOURS: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon to 10 p.m.

WHAT WE ATE/COST: Bowl of tom yam soup ($5.99); bowl of tom kar soup ($5.99); tomago (egg) roll ($3.95); inari (tofu skin) roll, $3.95. We both drank water.

TOTAL FOR TWO: $21.42 for food and tax, plus a tip of $3.58 for an even $25

WE COULD HAVE PAID MORE: Easily. Prices are a bit higher than other Thai or sushi restaurants in the area. Thai entrees start at $12.95 (chicken, pork or tofu). Most sushi rolls are in the $6-$13 range. The most expensive sushi item is the chef's special sushi and sashimi combo at $29. I was especially intrigued by the $12.99 Rock Star roll (crab meat, avocado, cucumber and crunch topped with steamed shrimp and avocado).

WE COULD HAVE PAID LESS: Sushi rolls start at $4.25 (for a cucumber roll). There are a couple of Thai salads for $7.99.

OTHER COMMENTS: We both thought our sushi pieces were outstanding. The creamy coconut tom kar soup, which the waiter assured me was very mild with no spiciness, was still spicier than I would have liked, spice wuss that I am. Still, it was deeply flavorful and delicious. The Basil Leaf offers lunch specials starting at $7.95 for Thai dishes (with spring roll) and $8.99 for sushi (with salad).

ATMOSPHERE: Surprisingly serene for a strip mall off Hanes Mall Boulevard. Relaxing instrumental music plays. Even their outdoor patio seems like a pleasant place to sit, since it's cut off from the busy traffic by raised landscaping.

SERVICE: Extremely friendly and helpful.

KID-FRIENDLY: They don't have a kids menu, but do offer half-portions of any entrée. Three families with children came in while we ate.

VEGETARIAN FRIENDLY: Very. Most entrees are available with tofu, and there are several vegetarian sushi rolls, including an intriguing sweet potato tempura roll.

ALCOHOL: Wine

RESERVATIONS: Accepted