Basil's offers innovative menu, patio dining in East Race district
JACQUELINE BROWDER
Scene Writer
If you're in the mood for superior cuisine, an elegant atmosphere and shelling out a significant amount of cash, Basil's on the Race is the restaurant for you.
Located at 501 N. Niles Ave., Basil's offers an upscale dining experience in South Bend's growing East Race entertainment district.
Boasting a most ornate and creative menu, the restaurant features Northern Italian, French and American cuisine, along with several featured dishes.
Patrons can begin their meals with blackened shrimp with galette of Norwegian smoked salmon, baked polenta or Wellington of Portabella. Entrees include Chef Rudy's crab cakes, stuffed rainbow trout with Florida shrimp, blue crab and spinach, pistachio-crusted rack of lamb, or grilled filet mignon.
Desserts include a delightful chocolate mousse cheesecake, a flourless chocolate cake and delicious crème brulee.
Each course is attractively presented with an artistic flair, a common feature in most upscale restaurants. Basil's also provides a wine list with 160 choices, as well as 16 to 20 wines available by the glass.
The ambiance of Basil's is outstanding. With its modern, stylish décor, local artwork displayed on the walls and live weekend jazz entertainment, Basil's exemplifies an understated elegance difficult to find outside of a larger city like Chicago.
Featuring both outdoor patio dining in the summer and a cigar lounge, Basil's provides its patrons with areas to socialize before and after their meals.
Basil's on the Race provides its customers with an excellent dining experience. However, you won't find its target clientele at an SYR.
As fine dining is synonymous with high prices, Basil's is no exception. Expect to spend at least $30 per person and significantly more if you plan to order from the wine list.
This isn't the restaurant to hit if you're on your way out for a quick bite to eat. As far as college students go, Basil's is more suitable for a sixth month anniversary or (even better) when your parents come to town and offer to take you out for dinner.
All Scene Stories for Wednesday, April 25, 2001
