Le Basilic is located in the Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Resort. Le Basilic features Mediterranean cuisine with a French twist. You will find this exquisite restaurant by the cocktail bar in the lobby (by the white grand piano). After you check your reservation at the hostess stand, you will be led through two etched-glass doors to your table. When seated, you will immediately realize you are in for an evening of elegance.

Before your menu is presented your waiter will take a cocktail order as a plate of miniature pastry breads is placed on the table. A sommelier is available if you would like to look at the wine list. The menu at Le Basilic is unique fusion of Mediterranean and French dishes. As you are browsing through your menu a waiter will approach with a silver platter including assorted breads and butters. You will notice that all silverware is exchanged after each course and that all items brought to your table will be served on a silver platter.

Before I forget, you will also enjoy a complimentary tasting appetizer from the chef after the bread is served.

Le Basilic has a generous array of choices for appetizers. I started with a skewer of sea scallops served with a house sauce. The scallops were fresh and tender. When accompanied with the house sauce the flavors melded wonderfully. My wife enjoyed a crayfish cake with fennel.

Making the decision for the main course was difficult for my wife and me. Everything on the menu is unique in its own way. I chose the duck breast and duck leg served with an orange wine sauce. The duck leg melted away from the bone and into your mouth. This was one of the best duck dishes I have ever tasted. My wife had a cracked pepper filet of beef. Like a hot knife though butter. Wonderful.

Le Basilic's dessert menu featured about seven items and an after dinner liquor selection. The liquor selection featured fine tequilas, ports, single-malt scotches, and cognacs. We decided on the sorbet sampler for dessert. This featured three homemade sorbets.

Le Basilic is a great alternative to the Club Grill at the Ritz Carlton. The prices at Le Basilic are a tad less expensive (a hair, maybe). The service was excellent, and the staff courteous and friendly. My wife and I would definitely return to this top-quality establishment.