


Basil of Monroe is the city's newest family dining restaurant. It offers a varied menu, including traditional Thai dishes and sushi.

Kohn Keomaly said he saw an opening to fill after Samurai closed on Oliver Road. Basil is in the former Samurai location at 1118 Oliver Road, Monroe.

Keomaly said he wants to establish Thai food in Monroe. The three hallmarks of Thai, he said, are spicy, sweet and sour tastes.

"Spicy is opinion, to me. Somebody's hot is going to be different than the next person's hot," Keomaly said.

Basil serves a spice carousel with pepper oil, red pepper flakes, jalapenos and peanuts. Each diner can customize their dish.

"A lot of Thai and Vietnamese dishes have peanuts in them, but a lot of people are allergic to peanuts, so we just decided to offer it on the side," said Mario Loyola, lead server and bar manager.

Loyola said for people who aren't familiar with sushi, he recommends they start with the Spicy Snowball or a California Roll and work their way up.

"We want you to come in and see that your sushi is a piece or art. Our sushi chefs are taking their time to make sure it's correctly done," Loyola said.

Loyola said a lot of people have ordered the traditional pad thai. He recommends the spring rolls and egg rolls.

Sun Murphy, lead server said she thinks the salt and pepper squid has a wonderful flavor.

Loyola said he knows no one else in town is serving a shrimp stacker — similar to an ahi tower, and the restaurant has lots of noodle options.

Keomaly said maintaining fresh ingredients for such a large menu takes a lot of work, but customers will have a broad selection.

"I know it's kind of hard to choose one, but hopefully they will come back and get something different each time they come in," he said.

Crab cream cheese rolls, corn patty, Nam Kao, Massamon, Thai spicy basil and chili paste are among the dishes Keomaly thinks other local restaurants don't offer.

Loyola said there are low sodium options. If someone is eating gluten-free, they can bring their own soy sauce.

The restaurant does not have its liquor license yet but plans an extended menu, including saki cocktails.

Basil has boba tea, or bubble tea. If someone doesn't want the tapioca pearls, it can be made over ice or blended. The restaurant also offers Thai tea and Vietnamese coffee.

"Even if you're the pickiest eater you can still come here and find something on this menu," Loyola said.

Want to go?

  • Where: 1118 Oliver Road, Monroe
  • When: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays
  • Call: 318-605-299
  • Facebook: Basil of Monroe
Read or Share this story: