BASILICO

Basilico
By Aly Abaquin

The Basil or the il basilico, the green herb is an important aromatic ingredient in Italian Cuisine. It goes well in pasta dishes and is present in all cucina italiana (Italian Kitchen). Especially the Sughi al pomodoro (tomato sauces) insalate freshe (fresh salads) and of course as main ingredient of Pesto alla genovese. It is so difficult to imagine Italian cuisine without the Basil.

There is now a green and growing newly opened Italian Trattoria that serves cuisine of Italy and brought to life in scent, sight, sound and energy as you step into Basilico.

The Contemporary modern ,casual Trattoria-style enclave made of stone, brown walls and dark wooden floors, supple mode chairs, big silver rounded enclosed chandeliers , full length glass panels greets you as one enter at the ground floor of the new towering Intercontinental ASIANA Saigon residences.

The 31storey Residence offers the finest and most contemporary residential space in Ho Chi Minh City at a premier location in the heart of the business and cultural district.and is part of the Kumho Asiana Plaza, the city’s finest integrated complex featuring commercial, hotel, residential and luxury shopping.

With confident service and posh modern setting will transport you from your daily grind to the comforts of the freshest from the best part of Italy’s cuisinary history and the wine that will make your troubles melt away.

With dried spices, cured hams, nickel colored pot and pans hanging making one feels welcome and with the menu written in the black board using multicolored chalks adds charm to this casual dining restaurant. Freshly baked breads, choices of cheese, olive oils and other condiments can be purchased if you want to cook Italian in your condo above.

Located in the bustling center of HCMC a few minutes walk from Notre Dame church and near the tourist hub. Basilico’s clientele is as diverse as the residents and visitors of this Paris of the orient.

The Restaurant features a wood burning pizza oven so when we dine here. We tried the Pizza. The Pizzaria Funghi  is full of flavor and the mushrooms, ham and cheese on thin crust pizza size of 18” is so satisfyingly and unbelievably priced at 135,000 vnd. ( $7) . Good  for 3 persons.  As the slices are bigger and the portioning is  very good the Pizza is the perfect companion for 3 friends just having fun in a late afternoon chat on what to do on a lazy sunday afternoon.

The verdict we shall return for more pasta and pizza next time as we voted to live La Dolce vita!!
Enjoy life its SUNDAY anyways.

Intercontinental Asiana Saigon Residences
Nguyen Du corner Le Van Huu
Dist. 1 Hcmc, Vietnam
Dining Reservations: +84 (08) 3520 9099
Dining reservations: dine@icasianasaigon.com
www.intercontinental.com/saigon

Intercontinental Asiana Saigon
Cnr Hai Ba Trung & Le Duan St.
Dist1, HCMC, Vietnam
http://www.intercontinental.com/