by Peter Roos
When we relocated to Florida, we found Thai and Japanese flavors easily pleased the tastes we had developed for Asian foods. In St. Pete Beach we found two of our all-time favorites, Nori Thai and Basil Leaf. As soon as we ventured away from their amazing, familiar, sweet & sour sauce w/fried rice, we were caught up in the delicious aromas and flavors of the curries, Pad Thai, Spicy Basil and homemade three-flavor sauce. If you have not been there, you should treat yourselves. These two establishments are just a mile apart and serve slightly different markets. Nori Thai is at 7612 Blind Pass Road almost across from Mastry’s Brewing Co. They open for dinner every day and lunch weekdays with a siesta 2:30-4:30pm.
Basil Leaf, at 6395 Gulf Blvd. across from the Post Card Inn, is open noon–10pm, every day. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from noon until 8pm, there is a new optional dine-in only, All You Can Eat Thai & Sushi Menu ($40 + 18% tip). Select from six appetizers, sushi (including six favorite special rolls), Tempura, Teriyaki, plus Fried Rice, Pad Thai, Red Curry, or Green Curry, all with your choice of pork, beef, chicken, tofu or vegetables. Eat all you can, but no take home.
If you want food at home, or in your hotel, both restaurants are also experts at to-go orders. Call Nori Thai 727-367-6535 or Basil Leaf 727-360-4000.
