T Stands For Sweet Basil

Earlier this year, right after it reopened in May, my eating buddy Sally and I visited Sweet Basil, a restaurant we both loved.  Unfortunately, a fire had taken most of it and the entire inside had to be remodeled. 

You can tell this is an old photo because this is Sally's old car sitting in front of the "new" Sweet Basil.
The sign was new,

the entry was new,

and the entire atmosphere was new.  The staff seemed rather disinterested, even though we had to wait to be seated and there was only one other couple in the restaurant when we arrived.  Although I failed to get a photo of the bar area (behind the disinterested wait staff), you might be able to see a large TV that was surrounded by neon.  This was NOT a sports bar, so why did they need the TV? Was it so you wouldn't see how different things were under new management?

The "line" leading to the much smaller buffet was convoluted and hard to maneuver.  No way would you get seconds once the line filled.

I mostly got fruit and a bit of salad to compliment my water with lemon, my drink of choice when I go to lunch.  Sally went right for the spaghetti, lasagna, and chicken parm, which all had meat in it.  The prices, although not "cheap" in the past, were reasonable for the service and wonderful food that was always on the buffet.  Now the price of the lunch buffet had skyrocketed and the buffet was about half the size it had been before.  Sally and I both agreed the food was "good," but nothing outstanding or spectacular, like it had been under the previous ownership.  And the service was downright deplorable, even though we both left a 20% tip.

As the restaurant began to fill, which it did as it had in the past, the wait staff was anxious for us to leave.  However, I am not one to be rushed when I eat.  After we ate to the tune of nearly $20.00 (USD) each, less tax and tip, we both decided this would be the last time we visited one of our favorite restaurants in Wichita.   These prices may sound reasonable where you live, but most places we eat, the meal is around $8.00 to $10.00 (USD) for lunch.

Although I realized the pictures on the wall were for sale,

I still took a few photos before we left.

This wall appeared to have more permanent art.  The one on the right had a twin further along the wall.

I admit, I really like this piece, which may be the best thing I can say about the "new" Sweet Basil.

I'm not sure who made these mixed media pieces,

but I really, really liked them.  Far more so than the food and the service, that's for sure.  I might even try making something similar, albeit smaller, this winter.

Now I've shared my T post, it's your turn to share a drink related post with us.  It can be anything from a photo of a glass, cup, or mug, to an actual drink, or even a sketch or a digital, hybrid, or traditional page in your scrapbook, art journal, or altered book.  Maybe you'd prefer to share a tag, or photography.  Or perhaps you will review a place you visited, or a movie or book.  It makes no difference as long as it's drink related.  Please tie it back here, and please share the link to your post, not your entire blog.  When you link, Bleubeard, the T gang, and I will be by to visit.


Bleubeard would also like to remind you that your photos can be taken any time, even months ago, if you choose.  On the other hand, Squiggles is still hiding in my office.