Basque

[Kat]

Does anyone have any information about "Basque" that is in the building on the corner of Wallace st. and Albert street?

I'm very intrigued by this place and want to know more about it...look like it'll be a restaurant/lounge, which I personally think is exactly what the Downtown Nanaimo core needs more of.

[Kat]

"In the heart of the harbour city; Basque features the nostalgic dining under ther stars lounge, Bodega Chef's table and authentic tapas bar. Spanish & french inspired dishes created with fresh, locally sourced ingredients."


I found this on a different site...

[fitz]

I just noticed it this morning actually, and was wondering myself what it might be. Can't wait to try it out.

[Kat]

under the logo for basque the caption is:

*Wine * Dine * Dance*

sounds like it might just be exactly what Nanaimo needs!

[fiona]

Today is the opening day for Basque restaurant...it features incredible renovations that refurbished the famous "starlight ceiling", the chef is one of the brightest new stars of BC culinary arts, the manager is a polished and seasoned vetran of fine dining, and the owner operator is a woman who has run restaurants in Canada and Hong Kong, and who is also a papered chef. Months of research were conducted last year in travels through France & Spain---the plateware was actually purchased in Spain. My husband and I can't wait to go there...but it may take a little while, as we live in Ohio, USA.
The reason I know all of this is that the owner/operator is my sister Valerie.
I've seen pictures etc. but if you would post something after you visit, I would love to hear about your visit. Bon appetite'!

[Kat]

Wow, Thats very informative, Thank you fiona! I actually drove by today after work and was very glad indeed to see a sign outside that read "OPEN 11am-11pm", I will hopefully be trying it out very very soon and I will most definitely let you know.

[riverrat]

Wow, downtown Nanaimo is becoming a seriously awesome place for a bite to eat. And so much variety --- any idea what kind of food will be served, and what kind of *ahem* prices will support the establishment?

[cueball]

Wow, downtown Nanaimo is becoming a seriously awesome place for a bite to eat. And so much variety --- any idea what kind of food will be served, and what kind of *ahem* prices will support the establishment?

I was there a few days ago (day two of it's opening). I think they have a few bugs to work out. Having said that, the service was good, there was great personality and energy, and the ambiance is nice.

The foods is tapas style. The tapas menu items range from $6 to $9 (as I recall). I guess I'd say it's west coast tapas. Menu items include French Onion Soup, Shrimp "corndog", chorizo sausage, oysters, pork skewers....

I'd really like to be positive with the experience, but I guess the honest truth is that it was day two that I went there, and I think there are some growing pains and bugs to work out.

I can be specific, but I'll maybe just summarize by saying that there is awesome potential to the place, but it is a young restaurant.

[Jingles]

We enjoyed tapas, a main course, chocolate fondue, a bottle of fairly priced wine and a bottle of champagne and all of it was fantastic. The lobsters were killed in house, the chocolate for the fondue is Callebeau, the music is live and the atmosphere is chic what more could I want?

It is a beautiful place to take a date and wear a nice outfit I think you should all experience it and maybe even dance under the 'stars'.

[dilligaf]

My wife and I went to Basque for dinner the other night. Even though we (unknowingly) showed up just as the grand opening reception was winding down, the service and the food were both fine.

We tried a number of items off of the tapas menu. The highlight for us was the grilled asparagus. The main courses were good and we opted to skip dessert as it was my wife's birthday and she wanted cheesecake.

Dinner was quite reasonable and the servers were cheerful and professional.

I liked the decor and applaud the attempt to retain some of the history of the place. I fear that some of the old timers in town wont like the new look of the 'dining under the stars' as it is considerably more hi-tech. The old pot lights are no more.

All things considered, we will be back.