We are thrilled to have THAI BASIL RESTAURANT coming to IFBC this year! Here’s what they say about their business & eco-ethos……..
“Passionate about authentic Thai home cooking quality, Prayoon Sununsangthong initiated the first Thai Basil restaurant in Roseville in 1995 with her two daughters, Wannipa and Suleka. Since then, Thai Basil is the most awarded Thai restaurants in Sacramento area. Today, Thai Basil are individually owned and operated by her daughters: Roseville, Cameron Park and Midtown. Each has its own characteristics and signature dishes, yet the sisters share their mother’s passion for food and quality.
Thai Basil – Midtown, lead by Chef Suleka, is an active participant and passionate believe in the Farm-to-Fork movement, supporting local non-profit organizations such as GRAS and Food Literacy Center in local schools, and becoming a leader in sustainable businesses (2014 Sustainable Business of the Year Recipient, Sacramento County). Thai Basil has also been recognized by the Slow Food Movement as a Good, Clean, and Fair business that subscribes to ethical business practices. Our partner, Edible Pedal, provides bicycle delivery service with in the grid: downtown, midtown and its surrounding.”
And here is an interview we recently conducted with Chef Suleka…..
1. In one sentence, describe your ethos or goal with Thai Basil
“Welcome to our home” Our philosophy is to deliver Thai hospitality (friendly and helpful) service to our guests.
2. You are in farm country – do you have a favorite veg or fruit that you wait for all year?
We cook with seasonal vegetables throughout the year. One that we need to have consistently is Fresh Thai or bird eyes peppers for our homemade curry and hot sauce. We get them every summer from Ira’s farm near Modesto.
3. What inspires you, as a chef?
We open our first restaurant in Roseville in 1995 with my mom and my sister, my mom has set a high standard for our food and service by “never cut corner when it comes to quality”. She inspires us to continue to do better every day.
4. How has technology shaped your business?
In today’s market, it’s essential for any business to connect with customers through Social media, online ordering and website. Our restaurant is small, we utilize some technology while stay grounded with our core philosophy.
5. What are you serving at IFBC?
Grilled summer veggies with house made curry.
6. If you could talk to all of our bloggers individually, what would you want them to know about food, technology, your biz?
I believe everyone has story, and ours is about my mother. My mother started a restaurant in her hometown, Thailand 43 years ago with her sister who still operates her restaurant today. Their concept was simple: good food, reasonable price and friendly service. She defines good food by using only fresh and seasonal ingredients and the attention to details she put in making her food. And Good service by being genuine and considered to customers’ needs. The same concept we carry out today as “Thai hospitality”
In addition to keeping the old world value, we understand the importance of technology that is not only help us with our operation by using POS system, but also stay connected with customers via social media to hear what they have to say about our food and service.
Thai Basil has been voted BEST THAI in Sacramento area every consecutive year since 2001 by Sacramento Magazine and Sacramento News & Review.