BASIES REDISCOVERED

Jazz, Hollywood Glamour, and Culinary Perfection

Words by Kim Malakowsky

It’s time to revisit Basies restaurant. Culinary experts Monte Jones, restaurant general manager, and Aladin Glaoui, food and beverage director, bring decades of experience to the table. Jones, hailing from the Midwest but having spent much of his life in New York as both dancer and restaurateur, knows what a good steakhouse demands.

Inspired by classic steakhouses of Minneapolis, Chicago, and New York, Basies offers up succulent cuts of Certified Angus beef complimented by your choice of hand-blended rubs and delectable seafood sourced from the finest suppliers and flown in fresh. Entrées are served solo and sides are a delightful bonus, expertly prepared and served in sharable portions. The dreamy au gratin potatoes and mouthwatering creamed spinach top the list as favorites.

What’s the secret to the gold-standard steaks? “Our steaks are prepared under a 1000 degree broiler to sear in the juices so they are extremely tender and loaded with flavor” stated Jones. An entrée presentation wagon showcasing each cut of meat takes the guesswork out of how to order. Cut fresh daily, you’ll see various steaks, salmon, and daily choices of fish.

Ramada’s expert chefs are continually redefining the menu to bring guests the most innovative dining experience.

The atmosphere is comfortably sophisticated, perfect for a cozy couples night out or a friends-and-family celebration. Enjoy a wine flight or beer flight with your meal or sip them while enjoying the surrounding s.

Alongside the main dining room are two private rooms. These rooms will seat 10-12, or 20-22 people, perfect for book clubs, bridge groups, corporate meetings, birthday parties, family gatherings or whatever the need.

While food is the focus, Jones has brought a bit of showbiz to Basies. Every Thursday night from 7-9 p.m. you’ll find the air filled with Jazz featuring Kathie Brekke and the 42nd St. band along with other great jazz artists. When dining on Saturday nights you’ll enjoy Lori Cline or Ed Huttlin performing on the piano.

Jones also enjoys procuring special events. On Halloween night this October he and director of banquets, Jerry Erbstoesser, will bring a bit of Hollywood glitz and glamour to Basies with a very special Hollywood Glamour Night.” Guests will enjoy cabaret performances and an exhibition of the infamous Graffiti Dress.

In the 1980s Randy McLaughlin and Jerry Skeels of Holly -