Holy galanga root: Let's eat at Hot Basil

Three Thursdays ago the club gathered for our May outing. Becky picked Hot Basil, a Thai joint out in Overland Park. I won't hold the Kansas against them too much.

Luke and I were the first to arrive with Grandpa and Beth right behind. We were led to our large table for eight, which was in a room all by itself. The vibe wasn't anything to write home about, but it is Kansas after all (sorry, I have to get in a few jabs).

The service was outstanding. Our server was attentive and informative, and best of all, our water glasses were consistently refilled--a must for spicy Thai dishes.

Several folks treated the group to different appetizers. Like Beth, I really enjoyed the spring rolls. The fried tofu and crab rangoons were good too.

At Thai places, I spring for the Thai iced tea. It's delicious--dessert in a glass, really--and serves as an effective extinguisher against the spicy heat. Hot Basil's version was terrific, and Luke must have agreed since he drank a quarter of mine.

Hot Basil offers lots of entrees, making for a difficult choice. I settled on the Thom Kha soup with tofu. The broth had a coconut milk base and was perfectly creamy and silky. Our server explained that medium-level hotness is what they consider "American spicy." I ordered the medium but felt a little weak (bring on the Thai hot! I can take it!), but it ended up being the right choice.

I have to say I've never had galanga root before: it floated in the soup and looked like shreds of bark. The soup was delicious so it must have provided great flavor.

I gave Hot Basil four stars.

If you like Spicy, try Hot Basil

It may be in a strip mall, but the atmosphere is clean, modern and welcoming.  A beautiful bouquet was the first thing I saw when I walked in the door.  And this girl loves roses! 
The staff was very accommodating and friendly--couldn't ask for more efficient, helpful service.  These guys know their menu including the wine.  The wine list didn't hold a lot of surprises, but  solid choices at reasonable prices is right up my alley.  I played it safe and ordered the Pork Pad Thai and paired it with Martini and Rossi Asti Spumonte in honor of my Mom -- her favorite drink second only to Margarita!  I recommend it--the spicy food tasted great with the sparkling wine.
We were treated to several appetizers, but although the group seemed to take a shine to the crab Rangoon, I really thought the Spring Rolls shined.  The fried tofu was tasty, but would have benefited from a more interesting sauce.  Could have really used some AWESOME sauce from Blue Koi!
The soup that Sara ordered was layer upon layer of tasty flavor.  Unfortunately, it also had the kick of a Donkey, and I enjoy more of a tap than a kick--so a little above my spicy tolerance.  But, hey, what do you expect at a place called HOT Basil?
Would I go back?  Probably not until my tongue grows a protective husk to fight off that KICK!  Otherwise--couldn't be more delicious.  Final Score from Mrs. Ref 4 of 5.

A Step In The Right Direction.... but still not NC good!

This month we met for grandpa's pick to get BBQ. We arrived and you could tell it was a new place. The atmosphere was nice,  nothing overly specisl or unique but nice. I decided to go with the special, ribs and a side. I chose Mac and cheese for my side. Josh and I owed an appetizer of shame so we got chili cheese fries. They came out and they werr GREAT!  The meal then came out. The ribs were very tender snd good. I loved all the different BBQ sauces to try and that made the ribs even better. The mac and cheese was phenomenal! I dont say this often but it gave my moms a run for it's money. With this being s new place they had not yet gotten their liquor licencw... so no beer, which stunk. It is hard to eat BBQ without beer. Other thsn thst I think this was my favorite BBQ place in KC. I give it a 3.2/5

BBQ is good for the soul

In April we headed to Jon Russell BBQ, at Grandpa's suggestion. What a little gem. I gather from other Gassies the place recently opened, and I am glad it did. It's a typical order-at-the-counter BBQ joint, yet the service far surpassed my expectations. We were greeted by a friendly staffer upon arriving and made to feel very welcome.

I ordered the Jammin' Salmon sandwich, and it was awesome. For a side, I intended to get the coleslaw but a helpful employee explained it tops the salmon anyway. Instead I got the pit beans. The food was excellent, and it was loads of fun trying the rainbow of sauces (blueberry-habanero pepper, wow!).

Josh treated the group to huge platters of chili-cheese fries, which were tasty and heated up well for lunch the next day. Justin splurged on a root beer float for dessert because, really, shouldn't you order it when it's available?

I forget my ranking at the restaurant, but Jon Russell is easily a 4.5 stars going on a 4.999. The setting was fun, food was delicious and service was excellent. Thanks for a great dinner outing!