You can’t always judge a book by its cover… In this case, the cover of the book is the building and façade that comes along with a small but cozy Italian restaurant in Dixon Illinois: Basil Tree Ristorante.
Anniversary Luncheon
The outside doesn’t exactly send a message that would indicate what a fine experience awaits those who pass through the front door. Just about a block and a half from the Rock River – on East First Street in downtown Dixon, a set of carpeted concrete stairs leads to a pair of black-painted front doors of a small Italian restaurant. Basil Tree Ristorante is a favorite of several people I know. And since they were so close by at the time, Lauren and I decided to treat her parents to lunch there for their anniversary.
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Black Table Cloth Overlain by the Requisite White Paper
We arrived early – 11:00 am – and were led into the smallish dining room. By my count, there were only fourteen tables that could probably have accommodated perhaps a maximum of sixty diners. Our table had a black table cloth overlain by the requisite white paper found so often in Italian restaurants. The table was adorned with water goblets, silverware, cloth napkins, metal-topped salt ‘n’ pepper shakers and small appetizer plates. We ordered a cocktail, and with it enjoyed warm bread brought to the table that we dipped in olive oil and Parmesan cheese as we chatted and caught up on recent events.
Excellent Starter Item – Great Menu Choices
The menu was loaded with tempting lunch items: five appetizer choices, soups, salads, sandwiches and entrees and the choice was difficult. We started with an order of Calamari Fritti – Flash fried calamari with marinara sauce ($ 8.95); it was large enough for the four of us to share. Lightly breaded and gently fried, it was an excellent starter item. For entrees, we selected Chicken Ala Basil Tree – Chicken breast, artichoke hearts, baby spinach, sun dried tomatoes, and lemon butter sauce ($ 12.95), Baked Manicotti – Rolled pasta stuffed with Italian cheeses & topped with marinara and baked Mozzarella ($ 10.95), and Chicken Florentine – Chicken breast, diced red peppers, baby spinach, baked with mozzarella cheese ($ 12.95). All items came with soup. We tried both the Cream of rice with chicken and the minestrone. All but the Manicotti came with a side of penne pasta marinara.
We Did Skip Dessert
My only disappointment was that the Chicken Florentine was almost identical in flavor to the Chicken ala Basil Tree. The ingredients were only slightly different (one having diced red peppers and mozzarella and the other having artichoke hearts and lemon butter sauce). But overall, the flavors were excellent, and we were all quite pleased with our selections. We did however, skip dessert, as all at the table were very full from our meals. Lauren and I even ended up taking home a good-sized portion that we decided to have for dinner!
Great Italian Fare – Reasonable Prices
Our experience at Basil Tree was a great one. I was impressed by the overall cleanliness of the restaurant, the service (well-paced and professional from a professionally-dressed, courteous and friendly waitress), as well as the quality and portion size of our meals. The prices were reasonable as well. I was surprised by the fact that only one other table was seated during lunch… Perhaps it was because it was a Tuesday. Or perhaps dinners are much more popular at Basil Tree. No matter the reason, I was pleasantly surprised! And I would encourage you to put Basil Tree Ristorante at the top of your list of places to try. It’s great Italian fare at reasonable prices in a small and intimate setting. Basil Tree Ristorante earns 4 Zins.
Your Table is Waiting…
Ralph Pancetta
Basil Tree Ristorante is located at 123 East 1st Street in Dixon, IL.
Lauren’s Links
- Dixon, Illinois (Images of America) by Bob Gibler
- Reagan: His Life and Legend by Max Boot – Dixon, Illinois is the birthplace of Ronald Reagan
