Basilio’s has been serving at The Fair for 69 years — what an incredible milestone. They’re on my must-get list every year, not because their sausage with peppers and onions is my favorite food at The Fair, but because of tradition. And because I’d rather buy from a local business that takes pride in its food than from the big stand up front.
The sausage sandwich was $14, which I don’t think is too crazy. It’s easy to split with a partner or a group of friends — not that the portion is small, but for somebody my size, I’d probably want a side of fries to round out the meal.
I love coming here for sausage, peppers and onions every year, but for the sake of this blog, I’ll be a little critical: I don’t love the sausage itself.
I grew up in a household where my father made his own Italian sausage, with his own spice blend that he’d take to local butchers to have made up. At least once a year, he’d have a big batch made and frozen to give to friends and family around Christmas.
His sausage had more bite — more fennel, more spice, a bolder flavor.
Basilio’s is very mild, almost sweet but not quite. It has a good texture and snap, but I do wish it had more intensity in flavor.
Is it worth getting? Absolutely. Because it’s The Fair, and it’s tradition.
You can find Basilio’s on Restaurant Row.
Special shout out to our friends at GT Automotive for sponsoring today’s visit to The Fair. If you’re looking for a place to take your car, truck, van or any motor vehicle, give them a try — that’s where I take my truck for all its needs to make sure I’m driving in top shape while I travel around New York.
