Basso Cafe: Exuberant and Exceptional

Have you ever heard of Basso Cafe in Norwalk?

I discovered this gem long before I started blogging…. And once I started blogging, I have not had the pleasure of dining there again. But all this while, I have noticed that not many Fairfield county residents talk about it. Could it be that they don’t know of Basso? Or is it that, those who are in the know - wish to keep it as “their little secret”? Well! After finally re-visiting Basso Cafe last weekend, I tend to believe it’s the latter.

You probably haven’t seen Basso at the multitude of area food-festivals or other food-centric events in and around Fairfield county. I haven’t seen their name pop up much in local advertisements either. That is probably because chef/owner Renato Donzelli, has his head down while he is passionately focused on presenting delicious and creative dishes to the diners that are visiting his restaurant each day.

Chef Renato is originally from Venezuela but he grew up in an Italian family. His background and upbringing paired with his passion for cooking has culminated in the ever-delightful and ever-changing menu at Basso. The menu offers the best and brightest sparks of Latin and Mediterranean flavors.

When you walk into Basso cafe: Expect a cozy and romantic atmosphere. Expect bold and vibrant flavors. Expect masterful cooking techniques. Expect excellent and attentive service….. and, if you are like me, expect to fall in love with some of the dishes you try.

I am madly in love with the Sardines al Ajillo! Sardines are an acquired taste. Boasting a very dominant and inherent fishy flavor - it takes a genius to make the sardines sing. Chef Renato balanced it with just the right touch of garlic, lemon juice and drizzle of olive oil. That’s all it takes really- a few simple ingredients. Yet while I savored this dish I realized that chef Renato understood how to balance all these dominant flavors (sardines, garlic, lemon juice) to perfection. I loved how he filleted the sardines into a unique and artful presentation which made for an easy dining experience.

I saw Paella on this menu and as always, I could not resist ordering it. What a brilliant choice. What a brilliant dish! This is officially my new favorite Paella in Fairfield county, people! You got that?!!! So flavorful, so packed with all sorts of delicious seafood, chicken, and chorizo. Often times, I find chicken in a Paella to be too dry - not this one. Sometimes I find the rice to be fairly bland - instead this rice was super-moist and super-addictive! This was damn-good Paella. It comes in a pre-set portion for two - and I was totally OK with that as I enjoyed the Paella leftovers for lunch the next day at work … while my co-workers stared at it longingly. Ha! Ha!

I told you about the great service at this restaurant…. let me give you an example: our server actually took all the seafood out of its shells - before he packed my leftovers. He told me that this way - all I have to do is heat it and eat it! Has that ever happened to you? Not to me. And I highly appreciated this memorable gesture.

Chef Renato, came by to chat for a bit and he told me that his favorite on the menu is the Stuffed Pork Chop and Lamb Two ways! I have duly noted those for my next visit. And while I am at it, may I just add the Lobster Saffron Risotto Sicilian Style to the list - which is calling my name? Alas! A foodie’s job is never done!!!