Grey R.
Yelp
Early dinner at Bazille on Saturday 5/22/2021.
They still close early, 6:30pm except for Saturday 7pm.
Our amazing server Luis recognized me right away.. welcomed! Store manager came in to greet us, as well. It was pretty cool.
Dined here with friends pre-pandemic lotsa times. Always exceptional. Today's service was very personable!
Learned from Luis they re-opened post-pandemic only two months ago back in March.
Bazille is on the top floor, so no outside dining.. inside limited capacity, social distancing, Blah Blah protocol in place. We appreciate the extra care, making the place safe!
They clean everything thoroughly, discard all printed menus after one use, by the way, always. Bazille's menu has changed, but some signature dishes remain.
New on the menu Chef Lenny Maniago features, like pizza & Wild Pacific Shrimp & Grits.. perhaps next time!
Great views. Downtown buildings/ conversation points, reminiscing on pre-pandemic chat. Signature raspberry and blackberry lemonade while we decide on starters. They make each glass "to order", mesh berries in, so you can ask for your desired level of sweetness and thickness. Pretty cool, hah?
A bottle of "good" champagne, Veuve Clicquot. "Only one quality, the finest". When I was visiting in Reims, where most of French Champagne houses are based, I learned this one used to be a family business founded in 1770s by Philippe Clicquot.
Now to the starters. Luis' recommendations were spot on!
Heirloom tomatoes & Burrata, grilled sourdough croutons, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinaigrette, basil pesto
Crisp calamari with sweet & spicy papers, jalapeño basil aioli
Cilantro shrimp tacos! Or were they Blackened shrimp tacos? Avocado crema, cabbage, green onion, cilantro, pickled red onion, lime, corn tortilla
Everything fantastic! Plus sweet service, too.
Luis helped us select a bottle of red. We wanted to go with Pinot Noir. Luis brought in a tasting flight. Surprisingly, a Pinot by Imagery felt smooth & appropriate. Wanted to try Oregonian Erath, "Resplended".. glad we had a taste.. disliked! Sorry Oregon, I will stick with Napa wines, LOLz.
Moving on to signature salads and house specialties.
Crab, mango & avocado.. jumbo lump crabmeat, organic baby arugula, cucumber, heirloom tomatoes, red onion, cilantro lime vinaigrette, toasted baguette
Everything about this salad was absolutely right. Fresh crab just melting in your mouth! Mmm!
Wild salmon entree, made to order, grilled, with kung pao Brussels sprouts and green beans (not on the menu).. delicious!
Steak & frites.. herb butter, arugula salad, salt & paper crush french fries, kalamata olive aioli
Desserts! Chocolate paradise cake.. very rich & velvety. Classic white chocolate bread pudding, with raspberry sauces, fresh raspberries, a must try! And hot tea.
Luis, I will be back soon! Cheers!