text: 10,000 hours to be an expert or 10,000 grains of rice to be a regular. I'm not sure which I would prefer when talking about Thai Basil, arguably the best Thai restaurant in Tempe. Although the area around ASU is inundated with local independent Thai spots, Thai Basil is the hottest (Sorry 5rcha, Thairama, and, Thai Elephant). In fact there are more than five indie Thai spots in the square mile are Mill and University! In a small sample, and quite casual, taste test with a few of my close colleagues, we found that Thai Basil not only has the most flavorful yellow curry, but it also has the freshest and best textured veggies to accompany their superlative sweet and spicy coconut base. The atmosphere is always set to tame lounge covers of pop songs, and mood lighting that settles the agitated or overwhelmed. An order of fresh rolls with the perfect hint of mint accompanied by a mellow rendition of Katy Perry's \"I Kissed a Girl\" is enough to make the wrong day right. Not only are they open until 10 p.m., which makes that post nine o'clock \"where do we go\" purgatorial discussion of fast food options fade, they also will carry your order over to Taste of Tops if you want to enjoy a your Thai dream in another seemingly moonlit establishment that offers the best in draft beers an absurd bottle selection.\nThe close by Tempe Farmers Market adds to the convenience of the location as many post dinner trips home are made complete with grabbing a few of those household necessities you've been meaning to get while you are out, or if you just want to sneak a quick vegan treat. The service is impeccable; I've never had a complaint let alone even heard a complaint about any of the staff or quality of the food. The one lone soul who spoke out against getting a bite there a few weeks prior was advocating we get Jack-In-The-Box on Mill, so you know their taste buds can't be trusted. \nThe only problem that has ever arisen has been finding a parking spot, (literally one time out of dozens) which was quickly remedied by available street parking on Farmer. I will say the neighborhood and location are above average in general \"cool feel and vibe\" but if the ambiance is not to your liking, their take-out service is as convenient as any I've seen. The neighborhood part mostly goes for the University location, but the rest can be generalized to the other two, which I've patronized both and they maintain the standard set by their University site. \nI am not sure how one would be an expert at Thai Basil, as I previously suggested would be possible in my opening line, but over the years as I've slowly made my way into the \"regulars\" club with my idiosyncratic fried rice order, I know I wouldn't trade that status for anything. Maybe for some free entrees. Wait nevermind.