Basa - I don't understand

Hi guys,
I have read all the nice things posted about Basa and the food there and I just don't get it. My husband and I have been there five times and tried a wide variety of things there, including their famous shaking beef. We just don't understand the commotion about the restaurant. We love all types of food and are very partial to Asian but find Basa to be average. We love the atmosphere, the wonderful staff, and the little details but are not wowed just because they pour tap water out of a bottle. We thought it was just us or just one occassion and have returned multiple times but still find it to be more form over substance. I feel almost embarrassed writing this because of all the other wonderful things people say. Are we the lone cretins in Louisville that think this?

I thought the food to be quite good on my lone visit, but not breathtakingly so.

I don't think that because you don't like a place that others love should be any cause for concern, Elizabeth. My family loves BASA and have had a great meal everytime we go but maybe its not for you. We are lucky to have other great places for you to go. Welcome to the board!

Tastes vary!

Vietnamese food is somewhat different, with a unique blend of French and Asian spicing and tastes. While Basa is one of my favorite restaurants in the city, I have friends who like Szechuan, Mexican, and Thai food and who dislike Basa calling the food "lacking in taste", and others who like Cantonese or Japanese food and dislike Basa saying it doesn't have the flavors they're used to.

If everyone felt the same, we'd only need one (large) restaurant in the city!

Tap water out of a bottle?.....

I love Basa and I cannot imagine their food as average. It's interesting that you like the atmosphere because that is my only problem with Basa.....it is too loud. However, to each their own so I respect your opinion. Not to hijack the thread but, for example; (laugh if you want to) I believe Lolita's has the best Mexican food in the city.

It's part of their nouveau chic concept. Rather than bring you glasses of tap water to the table, the servers carry bottles filled with tap water (I presume it's tap) and pour you a glass of water from the bottle at your table. The bottles look like your generic liter bottles of Pellegrino but with no label. Rather than use pitchers to refill or bringing you new glasses, the servers use the bottle to refill your glass. It's nifty and makes me feel so L.A. I think that's the point the Ton brothers were trying to make .... or maybe they were taking the "Louisville Tap" concept from the Louisville Water Company a step further.