Located in the Cotton Exchange in downtown Wilmington, The Basics serves the finest Southern cuisine around. From Hoppin’ John to locally caught seafood to house-smoked BBQ, The Basics takes classic soul-food dishes and adds a twist, giving them new life. Age-old entrées like battered-and-fried oysters are served atop freshly mixed greens. Their collard greens are locally grown and vegan, and at dinner, rotating seasonal specialties change to reflect the freshness of the season. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and will be tempting the masses come Encore Restaurant Week! 319 North Front Street, In the Cotton Exchange. 910-343-1050

3-COURSE DINNER FOR TWO: $63

Comes with a bottle of wine to share. The following is a condensed version of our selections.

Sample Menu

COURSE ONE—CHOOSE TWO:

Fried Green Tomatoes with honey dijon and caramelized onions

Crawfish Hushpuppies with Horseradish Butter

Apple and Brie Tart with Smoked Paprika Honeyo

Fried Local Oysters with Jalapeño Aioli

Warm Spinach Dip with Crusty French Baguette

Ginger Spiced Crab Cakes with Tartar Sauce

COURSE TWO—CHOOSE TWO:

Pesto Encrusted Salmon with tomato basil risotto and grilled asparagus

Filet Mignon crowned with herbed goat cheese, wild mushroom demi-glace, mashed potatoes and green beans

Vegan Portabella Grill Marinated Grilled Mushroom Cap over Cauliflower Mash, Sauteed Chard and Vegan Jus

Lamb Chops with onion jam, portabella risotto and asparagus

Bone In Cider Marinated Pork Chop with Housemade Applesauce, Collards and Sweet Potatoes

Duck and Andouille Gumbo

Citrus Poached Local Flounder with Collard Green Kimchee over Lemon Grit Cakes

COURSE THREE—CHOOSE TWO HOMEMADE DESSERTS:

Fallen Chocolate Cake • Peach Cobbler with Ice Cream • Cheesecake du Jour

Hummingbird Cake • Coca-Cola Cake

Banana Pudding Parfait