Basilic Restaurant
217 Marine Avenue,
Balboa Island, CA-92662
949.673.0570
www.basilicrestaurant.com
CuisineType :Swiss
The once-a-month special has Chef/Owner Bernard Althaus preparing the Swiss cheese specialty in the dining room, versus the kitchen, and can be accompanied by side dishes and salads, for an internationally engaging dining experience. For $21.50, each diner is treated to unlimited raclette, served with fingerling potatoes, cornichons and pickled onions. A Swiss plate – an enticing charcuterie selection of bunderfleish, prosciutto ham and saucisson sec – can be added for only $7 more.
In Switzerland, raclette is traditionally prepared by grilling a round of the local cheese in front of a wood fire; after the top layer of the cheese has melted, it is held slantwise over a plate and the melted part is scraped off together with part of the grilled rind. The melted cheese is shared amongst the guests and is eaten hot, with boiled fingerling potatoes, cornichons and pickled onions, topped with freshly ground pepper.
Reservations are highly recommended for the always-booked Raclette Night, which happens the first Tuesday of every month, October through May. While the regular menu is not available during Raclette Night, select appetizers and additional non-cheese entrees are available for guests. Raclette is also served as an appetizer on Basilic’s regular menu.
