Basils, Kinver
Louise Jew heads to Kinver for a date with a television star at Basils Restaurant
What is Basils?
The clue is "Ha Ha Ha! Boom! Boom!"
But with an appetising dose of Italian thrown in, some good old English staples and even a bit of French cuisine.
There's not a hint of Basil from Fawlty Towers – although "The Major" would not look out of place among the guests. The name is nothing to do with the herb either.
There's definitely no apostrophe in the name – so grammatical pedants should not take issue with us. The eponymous Basil is no other than that cutely annoying puppet fox – and you are reminded of this by his presence on the reception counter and on top of the ingle nook fireplace in the restaurant.
Where is the restaurant?
It's in Kinver's picturesque High Street, opposite the chippy and a Chinese takeaway.
The Compton Hospice shop is on the other side of the drive leading to the car park.
If you cannot get on to the restaurant's own car park there is a free village one, with plenty of spaces, just a little further along the same driveway.
So what's it like?
The decor is a little dated, with artexed plaster on the walls, rich red carpet, wooden chairs and tables. A stuffed fox would not look out of place – sorry Basil! But it's very comfortable, relaxed and welcoming.
Our bouncy Italian maitre d' – who admits to being called, variously, Luigi or Super Mario (he looks more like the latter) – was extremely friendly and knowledgeable.
His service was excellent, as was that of the young girl waitresses.
Who goes there?
It has a club-type atmosphere – with many of the people arriving for their dinner obviously knowing everyone on the other tables, exchanging kisses and banter. This bodes well, as they obviously frequent the place often and keep coming back for more. Most clientele were middle to older age, although there was a big family party too.
So what's the food like – can they cook?
Everything we were served was spot-on and scrumptious – and there was an extensive menu, covering all tastes in meat, fish and cooking style.
My partner chose melon and Parma ham (£5.75) to start, which was all beautifully fresh.
I went for the Basils "famous" pate of chicken livers, mushroom & brandy, served with warm toast and redcurrant jelly (£4.95). Both starters were stylishly presented.
For mains, the boyfriend plumped for Fillet Rossini (£16.95), set on a pate croute topped with caramelised red onions and glazed with stilton cheese, served on a rich port and mushroom sauce. The steak was cooked rare, exactly as he requested.
My choice was the confit of duck legs, which were well crisped on the skin and succulent inside, with orange and brandy sauce.
For pudding, I couldn't resist the Basils melt-in-the-mouth, light as a feather, bread and butter pudding (£4.45).
The total bill, washed down with a bottle of Chianti, reasonably priced at £17.95, and a coffee, was £65.50.
And it's possible to eat for less at Basils, with two course lunches for £9.95, three courses for £11.95, Sunday two-course lunches for £13.95 or three-course £15.95.
Two course dinners can be had for £14.95 and three-course £15.95, including a "free" glass of house red or white wine.
Will we go again?
Definitely. All in all a very satisfying dining experience – and, as Luigi/Mario says with a knowing wink: "We don't rip people off."
Boom! Boom!
ADDRESS
Basils, 116 High Street, Kinver, Stourbridge DY7 6HL
Tel: 01384 878888
