New thai/sushi spot coming to former Simon's space

Pavers · May 08, 2008, 01:49:39 PM

Heads up, Foodies. There's a sign on the former Simon's Wine Bar space, at the corner of Hendricks and Prudential, stating that "Basil Thai and Sushi" will be coming soon. And they're hiring too, so I guess that means they'll be opening in the next month or two?

I figured it wouldn't take long for some establishment to gobble up that space. This is good news...

thelakelander · May 08, 2008, 02:09:19 PM

Good news in deed. Thanks for the update.

billbo · May 08, 2008, 02:52:27 PM

Quote from: Pavers on May 08, 2008, 01:49:39 PM
Heads up, Foodies. There's a sign on the former Simon's Wine Bar space, at the corner of Hendricks and Prudential, stating that "Basil Thai and Sushi" will be coming soon. And they're hiring too, so I guess that means they'll be opening in the next month or two?

I figured it wouldn't take long for some establishment to gobble up that space. This is good news...

Not to be negative about the news, but do we really need another thai/sushi place in the area? Sake house is basically next door, sushi rock is a half mile away and so is Pom's. I really wished they would put another bar or a different type of restaurant in the area. Just my .02

thelakelander · May 08, 2008, 03:05:32 PM

Isn't Sake a Japanese restaurant? I could be wroung, but I don't think we have many Thai restaurants in the downtown area.

billbo · May 08, 2008, 03:59:44 PM

Sake house is mostly a sushi place, and it's literally within walking distance of Simon's. I will conced that there isn't Thai in downtown, but Pom's is in San Marco and as alluded to earlier is also quite close. Again, I am not trying to be negative here, but it would be nice if there was anothe upscale bar or a different type of restaurant around. Maybe Ethiopian or vietnamese or another good seafood restaurant.

thelakelander · May 08, 2008, 04:01:04 PM

I forgot about Pom's. For a city owes its existence to the river, I'm suprised there aren't a few more seafood restaurants downtown. No complaints from me. A little variety and diversity wouldn't hurt Jax, one bit.

Pavers · May 08, 2008, 05:32:21 PM

As one who started a "where's the cheap Thai in Jacksonville?" thread, I applaud the addition of another Thai place in downtown. Yes, Pom's is nearby but that's pricey and not a place for regular dining.

I'd agree it seems like we're getting a tad over-sushied, but hey, if the market can support it, great. The more the merrier. If it's not a chain, then welcome.

I suppose if Basil Thai was wise, they would dedicate some space for a lounge-y area for an evening drink. I do miss the option of going to Simon's, as I am non-plussed by Tastings.

JeffreyS · May 08, 2008, 09:53:38 PM

It's better than in the burbs where we have qwik wok, wok and roll, fast wok, chinee takee outee, and about 2000 others.

blizz01 · May 08, 2008, 10:23:54 PM

Seems gimmicky to me - Is it Thai or Japanese? Where's the authenticity? Maybe I'll open a Pizza/Schnitzel Haus...........Already reminds me of those China Buffets that throw in items that are "out of element" (i.e. Sushi & Jell-O & French Fries & Fried Chicken, etc. etc. etc.). I'm yearning for an Irish Pub!

Ernest Street · May 08, 2008, 11:24:57 PM

I agree with Bilbo and Blizz01. Why can't someone open a Late night Taco take out like all over New York state?..Why does the Five Points area pull in the sidewalks at 9 PM?? Why are people so scared of the night life business? What ALL civilized Urban folks want is Easy Access Decent late night food with somewhat curb service. While visiting Buffalo and experiencing the incredible Band called "Dr Didge"...I found a late night Taco take out that had been in business for years..Huge tacos for cheap...and people kept coming back...They buzzed you in the first door after presumably checking your Sobriety..must have had a dozen varieties.You could see in back and see a clean environment. (New York state is serious) GOD I HATE SYSCO!!

JaxNole · May 08, 2008, 11:30:02 PM

I think this is a great addition. Not too long ago, the selection for Asian cuisine in Jacksonville was limited to Chinese take out in strip malls. Now we have more Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Korean, Filipino and even Cambodian restaurants. The more, the merrier.

Driven1 · June 10, 2008, 01:27:35 PM

maybe the southbank will develop a delectable reputation in the southeast as a thai/sushi hotspot?

billbo · June 10, 2008, 01:36:27 PM

Quote from: Driven1 on June 10, 2008, 01:27:35 PM
maybe the southbank will develop a delectable reputation in the southeast as a thai/sushi hotspot?

Maybe if Sushi(t) rock changes their menu and the awful music that's always blaring there.

Captain Zissou · June 10, 2008, 01:40:54 PM

I think that Sushi Rock is no real competition for anybody, because of their outdated menu and lack of anything good. Pom's is a much higher priced restaurant that I don't think will hurt the new restaurant. Additionally, Sake House already competes with Sushi cafe in their riverside location, and both are still doing very well. i think there's plenty of room for this new establishment and I wish them well.

stephElf · July 10, 2008, 04:10:34 PM

I personally think we need a great Thai restaurant in the core... last time I was at Pom's it didn't seem like it was a true Thai menu .. but it was on New Year's Eve so maybe it was a special occasion offering

There really is no other Thai place that I know of. Aura in Murray Hill closed up shop a while ago. I usually go to Lemongrass on Baymeadows ... but something closer would be nice.

I have to admit, I am a lil concerned if they are offering a mixed menu ... places that seem to focus on one thing are usually better - nonetheless I will be checking it out at some point. Hopefully the pricing is moderate.