Basil & Wicks in North Creek
Long-time Adirondack establishment experiences a culinary rejuvenation.
As long as we’ve been coming to the Adirondacks, Basil & Wicks always seems to have been there on Route 28. We’ve journeyed by it hundreds, maybe thousands of times stopped in for an occasional après-ski beverage on our way home from Gore.
A Gordon Ramsey vet in the ADK.
To be candid, it was never on our dining radar until recently when we read that Chestertown native Billy Trudsoe became executive chef. He appeared on “Hell’s Kitchen,” cooking for legendary chef Gordon Ramsey. Full disclosure — we never saw Billy appear on the show. Gordon yells too much and gives us a headache. But we’ve dined at Gordo’s restaurants and trust his judgment.
We have yet to learn how Mr. Trudsoe fared on the show, but we are here to tell you that our experiences at Basil & Wicks have been outstanding. He’s crafted a menu with an excellent blend of casual fare typical of Adirondack eateries and bespoke entrees to show off his culinary expertise.
An elevated dining experience in North Creek.
Trudsoe is a master in the kitchen, and his signature dish, the Black Forest Chicken, is delightfully pleasing to both the eyes and the palate. The succulent chicken is cooked to perfection, and the accompanying sauce is a perfect blend of flavors that make us want to order it every time we return.
The Shorty's Pasta is another menu standout. The juicy and tender short ribs are braised to perfection and served over a bed of pasta that has been perfectly cooked al dente. The flavors and textures of this dish are a symphony that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.
Basil & Wick’s also demonstrates that casual fare shouldn’t be pedestrian. We savored the mouth-watering pulled pork sandwich, perfectly complemented by delightful, crispy onion rings. The baked brie appetizer was a true standout, with its rich and creamy texture and delectable flavor that tantalized our taste buds.
Feel at home in a spacious yet cozy Adirondack chalet.
Basil & Wick’s is a large, chalet-like establishment with a large veranda for outside dining. Indoors, the large bar area is perfect for a cocktail and is the site of many special events — trivia night, karaoke, etc. However. It’s separated from the dining room and doesn’t hurt the dining experience.
The expansive dining room can accommodate families and large groups while offering booths and more intimate dining options. When we dine with multi-generations of our family, noise is sometimes an issue for older members of our clan. However, that has never been a problem in our experience at Basil and Wick’s.
With fresh ingredients, a diverse menu, and spacious and attractive surroundings, the future is bright for this incarnation of Basil & Wicks.
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