With only 4 in attendance for the first Benny’s experience in May of 2010, the collective response seemed to be there was potential, but service was lacking and required some time to mature. Having missed that first go-around, I was excited to host and revisit this promising establishment.

Arriving just after 7 to Scottie and our guest Mark Zebro at the bar, I felt welcomed and enjoyed the atmosphere. A heavy crowd enjoying their dinner in the bar area while listening to the sounds of the piano man who (at the request of Mr. Martin and his crumpled up and wrinkled $5 bill) was playing the likes of Pink Floyd. Service in the bar was prompt and attentive and the cocktail list was reasonably priced. Daddy Gims has switched mostly to scotch at this point – Glenfiddich on the rocks courtesy of “4” served me well.

We were taken to our table at 8 by quite the attractive hostess and were greeted right away by our server Paul. Quick to recognize the disposition of this group Paul was on top of things and eager to please. This was reassuring given the previous reviews. The rest of the service crew followed suite – coordinated, courteous and ready to make our evening an enjoyable one.

In reviewing the specials we were presented with the 30 oz. tomahawk rib-eye special of which we were told Benny’s is the sole proprietor. That seems to be the thing for steak places these days, we hear it almost every place we go – “we are the only place in the city that has this”. No, you’re not. I had that same cut at Sullivans two weeks ago. Regardless, it was cool to pass around and smack Hans with.

Apps began to flow with fried calamari, waygu carpaccio, lobster ravioli and lobster and crab louie. While the calamari was not quite as tender as I like it, it was still good. The balance of the apps was really nice and I think it is safe to say the table enjoyed them all. We had a few late comers on the lobster bisque which also proved to be a hit – less of a cream base but plenty of taste (“I mentioned the bisque…”).

Steaks came out, bone in rib-eye for me (medium rare – standard) with the spice/cajun rub. It was outstanding. Cooked to perfection and the rub didn’t dominate the steak so much as compliment it. Yorkshire pudding on the side was a nice touch. With my amazingly cooked steak we ordered up some truffled mashy p’s, lobster mac and cheese (at Pauls urging in lieu of the risotto) blue cheese croquettes and we finished with mushrooms and creamed spinach. I am a creamed spinach guy and I have to say I was disappointed here. There was a hint of what I thought was cinnamon and did not belong. The other sides were really nice however. A bit too much blue cheese on the croquettes, but all in all the consensus seemed to be pretty damn good. A nice way to round out the meal.

Not to stop there, we went on to dessert and it was no ones birthday (whoops, who the hell was hosting this dinner anyway?). Key lime and the balance of the finishers were delicious. Martin also found a way for the group to pay for his wife’s chocolate cake… again.

Now comes the time for roulette and Paul furnished what seemed to be a less than willing participant. After a heady play by Holingwa to restart roulette and save his chances for winning – the bartender pulled the cards like she was out past curfew and needed to get home. It happened so fast I was not sure the outcome was reality or my imagination – but it was so. Rick Ray won, standing up and screaming in the middle of a five star steak restaurant like he had just been called by Bob Barker to “come on down…”

Great night and dinner. Seems as though Benny’s has worked out the kinks and I cant wait to go back

8.5

Filed under: General | 8 Comments »