Where Feasting = A Serving of Passion ~ Part 1

A few weeks ago, I attended the 2013 Honda Celebration of Light fireworks, where Team Canada proudly won! Afterwards, amongst the throngs of thousands, a small group of us dropped into Basil's Sub for the first time.

What impressed me from the beginning, was the prompt, friendly greeting we received. In a world lacking superb customer service, the owner- Dan, ensured we both were looked after and served the best foods. With a selection of Lebanese menu items and the best pulled pork voted No. 1, it made any choice we had, a fantastic one! I vowed to be back…

This past weekend’s celebration of Stanley Park saw a terrific array of food vendors. However, my heart was set on eating at Basil’s Sub. Stepping into this diverse, quaint restaurant is an experience itself, as you are met with the aroma’s of chicken, pulled pork, lamb, sauces and of course, basil. The décor includes a wavy table top, permeated with sparkle and flair. As I settled into my seat, Dan explains with pride how he built the table I rest my arms upon. He smiles and adds the interior design was created with his own hands and I marvel at his craftsmanship.

Making a decision as to what to eat at Basil’s Sub is to have fortitude to settle on just one item. For Dan’s portions are well known for their enormous size and his generous heaps of sides on the entrees, leaves customers time and again, more than satisfied.

Another benefit of eating here is that the pictures of food depicted on his menu, look like what a person is served. Dan asserts: its feel good food that comes to you looking what it should be like!

As I sit, watching him create a feast for all of my senses to be delighted, he engages me in conversation. The ambiance is bravura ... with mirrors encompassing the area, the open layout concept makes me feel like I am at Dan’s home with his family, while he makes my Basil salad with spicy Lebanese chicken. The sauce is a signature recipe, with slight hints of spice that dance off the taste buds and mingle with the flavours of my dish.

At one point, I mention how my friend would be envious of me, knowing I was about to eat at Basil’s Sub. To my amusement, Dan suggests I take a picture and send it to her. I do this promptly and later receive the response I was expecting… “Omg! Yummmmmm!”

I promise to take her back in September, where we will be treated with some of the most exceptional service I have ever seen!

Later, after Dan has closed and I am still there, he whips out his cell phone and proudly shares the other part of his life; contracting work. Impressive workmanship is something he values, while offering people showmanship in his designs.

I also noticed the heart of the man serving my meal. While eating, a lady came in looking for bottles and Dan handed her a bunch. His rapport with her was one of kindness and I was moved by how he handles everyone with the same grace and ease as his paying customers.

I needed to split this blog into two parts, as this one focuses solely on Dan and Basil’s Sub, the next part includes two of his customers, I met while eating there.

For those wanting to be fulfilled with their food, while enjoying the marvellous service of this establishment, I recommend beyond five stars…as this place shoots for the moon!  

  

By T.L. Alton

Location: BaSil’s Sub  296 Pemberton Avenue in North Vancouver, BC 

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