"We have visited Sweet Basil multiple times, and we were excited to bring our friends from out of town here for a nice birthday dinner. The food was very good to great — though not quite as good as it typically has been on our previous visits, but the service and drinks were quite a let down. Sweet Basil isn’t necessarily known for their drink program, but we would have expected some more inventive or well-executed drinks for a Michelin guide restaurant. We ordered multiple rounds, and the “better” drinks we received were very simple in taste and presentation, and frankly drinks you could easily find/replicate at most bars or restaurants with a slightly elevated drink program. We did send back a drink we ordered after trying it, as none of the ingredients mentioned on the menu were perceivable in the drink we received. It just tasted of the main spirit, and nothing else. They did remove it and allow for a different replacement drink. What was really the let-down of this experience was the service. Again, something that should be at the forefront of focus for a Michelin guide restaurant. Our server wasn’t necessarily personable or helpful, and more of just a “what would you like to order” type of server. This situation is fine on its own, but certainly doesn’t do anything to elevate a dining experience. However our server became progressively more unpleasant throughout the evening. As they were setting the table/silverware in preparation for the next course of food, the server was literally dropping/tossing the silverware on the table. As in it was tossed at the table, smacked against it, and sliding along the table after it landed. Honestly shocked me that anyone at any restaurant would do this, let alone a Michelin guide restaurant. Also, in relation to the drink which we asked to be sent back that was mentioned above, when telling our server that it didn’t taste of any of the noted ingredients, they replied and said “I’ll go have the bartender taste this, and he will let me know if it tastes off. Then we can figure out what we can do about this.” I’m sorry, but if someone says the drink doesn’t taste remotely as described, I would probably first make some comment along the lines of saying sorry/it’s unfortunate it didn’t live up to expectations, and make a more positive comment towards remedying the situation. Not acting standoffish and saying you’ll go see ask the bartender’s thoughts and then “see what can be done.” Just a totally oppositional attitude towards the customer. The reservation was also booked with note of it being for a birthday. A member of our party then also walked to the hostess stand during the middle of our meal, and confirmed that the birthday was noted (which it was). Even after multiple confirmations, there was nothing special done. We even ordered a dessert, and there was no candle/note/mention of a birthday. I don’t know what more a customer could do to give the restaurant an opportunity to do something beyond confirming multiple times that they’re aware of the reason for the dinner. Overall a pretty disappointing experience on the service front. Even with good food, which as I mentioned seemed of slightly lower quality than previous visits, the multiple service issues truly gives me pause on any interest in returning. Totally subpar for any fine dining restaurant, let alone a Michelin-guide location."
