Green Basil, nestled in the Rivertree Court Shopping Center in Vernon Hills, is at first glance a modest storefront restaurant.
But it’s heaven for Thai food.
Now in its 15th year, Green Basil steadily has, through word of mouth, built a loyal clientele. “The customers are very nice,” notes Paul Unob, a server who has worked at the restaurant for a decade. “Some come twice a week, some come five times a week. They come on their lunch break and then bring their families at dinner time.”
What engenders such loyalty? It’s the welcoming and soothing environment, friendly and familiar service and authentic family recipes from his native Bangkok recreated by owner Tom Ophaphai Boon. “We have many ways to serve you,” he said , “carry out, delivery, or a nice sit-down restaurant with full bar service.”
Green Basil sits up to 75. An outdoor patio that can accommodate 30 diners will open in May.
Boon came to the United States in 1993. His parents in Thailand were restaurateurs (they market their own curry). “It’s in my blood,” Boon says, and better to open his own restaurant and keep those family culinary traditions alive than take a job working for someone else, he said.
The restaurant’s name is taken from the flavorful herb that is a signature ingredient in Thai cuisine. Boon doesn’t view other Thai restaurants as competition. “I’m proud of successful Thai restaurants here,” he said. “Every restaurant has its own identity. Another restaurant might have a good family recipe, but I have a good family recipe, too.”
Green Basil’s interior is soothing to the eye, with dark wood chairs and white table-clothed tables. The walls are adorned with framed photographs of Thailand.
Popular appetizers, Boon notes, include the Egg Roll ($3.50), Seafood Rangoon ($8.25), Grilled New Zealand Lamb ($10.95) and New Zealand green Mussels steamed with Thai yellow curry ($11.95).
Curry dishes (“It never disappoints,” Boon smiles) start at $10.95 and can be made with to order with beef, chicken, seafood or vegetables. Among the noodle dishes, Pad Thai ($9.95) is the best seller.
Entrees include Sesame Honey Beef and Cashew Chicken (both $11.95). Boon also recommends the Thai and Basil Fried Rice dishes, each $9.95.
Green Basil also offers a monthly special. In April, it’s the Seafood Curry.
To those of wary palates who think Thai food may be too spicy, Boon encourages, “We have strong dishes, but you can special order for us to cook in the way you want. Give us a try.”
Hours: Lunch: Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m; Dinner: Monday through Thursday 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday 4 to 10:30 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Address: 701 N. Milwaukee Ave. #284. Call 847-918-8858 or go to www.greenbasilkitchen.com.
Donald Liebenson is a freelance writer.
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