What once was the Brick Oven on the square in Washington, then was Bella's, then the Brick Oven again, now is Basil's.
We made an early lunch appearance this week. Normally, I like to to wait at least a month before visiting a new establishment, to give them some time to work out kinks. Basil has been open less than a week at 110 N. Main Street, but the owners have been in the restaurant biz, including a restaurant in Galesburg.
We arrived shortly after 12:30 on a weekday. Our drink order took a little bit to arrive, but I think they were brewing some fresh iced tea.
The decor was pretty much identical to the Brick Oven, with the addition of some white paper on top of white linen table cloths, and brighter lighting, at least during lunch. Our booth was a little too bright for our comfort, and allowed us to notice that the wall along this section could probably use a nice coat of paint. However, the mural along the opposite wall looked almost more vivid than ever.
I went with a menu item bearing the namesake: a chicken basil sandwich, served on ciabatta bread, accompanied by chips. The sandwich was also topped with cheese and some herbed spread. It was served piping hot and was extremely good. The ciabatta bread was soft and tasty; an added bonus.
StfRon went with a meatball parmigania sandwich, also with chips. The marinara sauce had a hint of sweetness, and this sandwich was also very good.
Both meals were nicely presented on cobalt blue plates, with a dusting of parmesan.
Basil plans to have a liquor license soon, and I would like to check out the wine selection. If nothing else, I will stop by again to sample the food.
May, 2008 — Basil's has closed.
5 comments:
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo! The Brick Oven is gone? I know I've been away for awhile but NOOOOOOOOOOOO! Is the one in Morton still open?
Honestly, the last time I ate at the Brick Oven.....with the girls....about 2 years ago (in Morton)....it wasn't quite what I had remembered in Washington. *frowning*
There was some dissent among the owners of the Washington location. I think it was fairly successful, but some of them wanted to focus on the Morton place.
I've never been to the Morton one, but it's still there, and hopefully doing well.
They were making use of the brick oven at the Washington location, which was cool.
Food is excellent! The atmosphere, well...could use some work.
Well the one in Morton was more of a "bar" feel then the feel the Washington location had. I didn't like it so much....I felt like I should be there rooting for the Bears or something.....
And the day we were there, a Thursday night I believe, there was only one other table. yikes!
No, the one in Morton is gone, too. It is called Red Rocks now.
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