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The Basics: Sweet Basil restaurant information

Sweet Basil

942 Great Plain Avenue
Needham, MA 02492
781-444-9600

Sweet Basil restaurant information
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A light-hearted Italian eatery, Sweet Basil offers diners an authentic Italian experience out in the ‘burbs. Located in Needham, the cozy restaurant features eat-in and take-out menu boasting more than thirty varieties of hand-made pastas from classics to originals like beet rigatoni or rye bread gnocchi. Whenever possible, chef-owner David Becker sources from New England farms and buys from local purveyors. Even the plates on which the food is served are made locally – by Becker himself at a nearby pottery studio.

Becker keeps things simple at the unassuming spot where it’s bring-your-own beer or wine, and cash and check-only. The restaurant doesn’t accept reservations, but guests rarely complain as their patience is often rewarded with samples from the menu.

News and Events at Sweet Basil restaurant

Maine Course Coming Soon
Save room (on your calendar, that is) for the Maine Course, scheduled for Sunday, May 5th.

FoBH’s Beyond Shelter Benefit
The Beyond Shelter Benefit returns to the House of Blues on Thursday, May 2nd for the 26th year running.

Chefly Art on Display
It’s no secret chefs have a creative streak, but you might be surprised to discover how many of them ...

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mussels

by Chef Dave Becker

  • food
  • chef
  • info
Steamed mussels in a garlic sauce and wine broth with tomatoes, olive oil and crostini
 
 
Dictionary
 
Agnolotti
1. noun Small, half-moon-shaped ravioli.
Aïoli
1. noun A blend of ail (garlic) and oli (oil) in the parlance of the Provence region of southern France. Around here, we'd call it a garlic mayonnaise.
Asiago
1. noun Semi-firm Italian cheese made from cow's milk.
Crème fraîche
1. noun Cream that is allowed to set and thicken to a velvety rich texture.
Crostini
1. noun The Italian word for "little toasts" (referring to bread, not grappa).
Fra diavolo
1. noun Generally describes tomato-based sauces that are spiced with chiles
Gazpacho
1. noun A Spanish soup served chilled, originally a puree of cucumber, tomato, onion, bell pepper, celery, vinegar, breadcrumbs, olive oil and garlic.
Pancetta
1. noun Cured Italian bacon.
Pesto
1. noun An Italian sauce traditionally made with basil, olive oil, garlic, pine nuts and Romano and Parmesan cheeses.
Polenta
1. noun A slow-cooked cornmeal porridge popular in northern Italy; can be served soupy or firm, sometimes fried.
Risotto
1. noun Italian dish made from rice cooked by intermittently adding small amounts of stock or broth. Other ingredients are added as required.
Shank
1. noun The front leg of beef, pork, veal or lamb. Often a very tough cut of meat, the shank requires slow-cooking methods like braising.