Basin

This past Saturday evening (6/7/08) I held a private 50th anniversary dinner for 23 in The Basin's warmly-lit private back room. I arranged the whole party from Los Angeles with owner Andrew whose kindness and attention to detail were evident from his emails. I told Andrew we would have 18, and at dinner time we had 5 extra people -- without hesitating, our main waiter Bruno snapped up another two tables, fit them into the room, and seated us without ever losing his smile or patience. Custom menus were printed for our party, delighting the guests of honor. The food reminded me of the authentic flavors of Spain I'd enjoyed only a year ago: Croquetas, jamon serrano, olives, warmed nuts, and Spanish cheese started our adventure. I had the cream-free carrot-ginger soup and a savory line-caught Sea Bass with perfect texture and lovely plating. The steaks ordered by some of the guests are the thickest I've ever seen, and I've been to Ruth Chris, folks. These were better. The Dungeoness crab pasta had a little kick, perfect with the red wine being served. Exacting standards of flavor from the chef were balanced for everyone all around -- a true symphony. The food arrived quickly, the wines were outstanding, and Andrew and Bruno's leadership of the team helping with our party made the evening a night to remember for the rest of our lives. Hats off to this unassuming five-star gem, worthy of a visit from the folks at Michelin.

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This is our favorite Saratoga restaurant. The food and ambience is great and the owner, Andy, makes everyone feel like part of the family. It's sort of "Cheers" with great food and fun. It's quite small though so seating is really tough if you don't have a reservation. A lot of people go there before the Mountain Winery concerts so a later reservation might be a good idea.

I never used to be a fan of mushrooms until I experienced mushroom nirvana at The Basin. This dish (described as a signature dish) was chalk full of exotic, wild mushrooms such as chanterelles and morels, plesantly light cream sauce, and al dente rigatoni pasta. Our waitress was knowledgable and food savvy. She explained that the meat and produce come from organic and if possible sustainable local farms. The fish is rod and reel caught and they could even name the fishing boat that it came from! The beautiful skirt steak is hormone, chemical free and grass-fed. The owner greeted everyone that walked through the door, gave hugs to his well known guests as they left and shook the hands of the patrons he did not know. The restaurant was full of positve energy and was obviously a delightful local hang out spot for anyone looking for an epic glass of wine (or even better a bottle), a pint of beer or a good stiff martini.

went here tonight and was dissappointed in the crowd. The food was okay and the beer was good, but I like people watching and this place was dead on a wed night. Not a place for a great scene.