Basi Italia is a cute and intimate Italian restaurant in German Village. They were very accommodative of our requests including adjusting seating to accommodate a larger party, having a table under the covered part of the patio, and serving the second bottle of wine 30 minutes after the first bottle.
Shortly after we arrived, our server Caitlyn mentioned two entree specials including the Frutti Di Mare Risotto and Lamb Chops.
For drinks, we shared a bottle of Castelvetrano Chianti. In addition to the Chianti, I enjoyed an Old Fashioned with a modification. The Old Fashioned consisted of Bulleit Rye (instead of Maker's Mark), Cherry Heering, and Grand Mariner shaken, served over crushed ice, and garnished with an orange wedge and a luxardo cherry.
Before placing our food order, we emphasized that several guests in our party have a severe peanut allergy. After placing our food order, Caitlyn brought us herbed and cheesy biscotti to savor before the meal.
Some of the party ordered appetizers including the Basi Caesar and Heirloom Roasted Beets Salad. The Heirloom Roasted Beets consisted of a nutty pesto topped with roasted beets, greens, and shredded cheese surrounded by a smoked EVOO and balsamic vinaigrette drizzle. I loved how the Basi Caesar Salad was deconstructed. It consisted of romaine lettuce, topped with shaved parmesan, breadsticks, tomatoes, chopped anchovies, and fresh herbs and lightly dressed in a Caesar dressing. It was also surrounded by a herb EVOO and balsamic vinaigrette drizzle.
For entrees, guests enjoyed the Rigatoni Salumeria, Baked Ricotta Gnocchi, Prosciutto Wrapped Pork Tenderloin, and Lamb Chops. The Lamb Chop consisted of three juicy lamb chops served over tzatziki, a bed of chive mashed potatoes, king oyster mushrooms, and sprouts, finished with a mint gremolata, and garnished with pomegranate seeds.
After finishing our entrees, Caitlyn told us about the desserts - Tiramisu, Cannoli, Basi Balls, and Pear Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream. Among the 7 of us, we shared Basi Balls and Pear Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream. The Basi Balls were chocolate truffles rolled in cocoa powder served with caramel drizzle, whipped cream, fresh berries, and chocolate covered espresso beans, and garnished with a Buckeye candy. The Pear Tart consisted of flaky pie crust with sliced pear topped with vanilla ice cream, served with caramel drizzle, whipped cream, fresh berries, and chocolate covered espresso beans, and garnished with a Buckeye candy.
It was a 5-star experience until the dessert came. Caitlyn forgot to re-mention our peanut allergy to the kitchen when we ordered dessert and all of our desserts were contaminated with peanuts. After biting into a Buckeye candy, one of our guests had to rush to the bathroom to rinse out his mouth. When we asked servers, we learned that the Buckeye candy consisted of chocolate and peanut butter.
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