Yesterday's lunch at Benjamin's reminded me of why I enjoy my eat-outs there so much. The external warmth and colour (whether one chooses the interior or patio), also extends to the palate. Yesterday I had the pulled duck sandwich; slim yet more than sufficient as a meal, topped with tangy sauce, it was accompanied by lightly dressed summery greens. Delicious. My friends had the special--talapia--moist with a hint of crust that they declared perfect. Plenty of crispy sweet-potato fries filled out the plate. The waitress, always attentive yet not helicopter-hovering in manner, created a relaxed atmosphere for us. For the perfect ending, I'd recommend the creme brulee. In fact, I'd highly recommend Benjamin's, period.
It's been several years since our last very enjoyable Sunday lunch at Benjamin's and it was a pleasant surprise to see the upgrades in atmosphere since then. Our impression is that the dining rooms are much brighter and the buttery yellow double-draped tables are more generously spaced, two big pluses.
The menu offers an attractive variety of moderately priced contemporary choices featuring some locally sourced items, another plus. Starters were mostly under $10 and mains were $10 to $15.
We were promptly greeted by our delightfully cheerful server who described the specials and took our beverage order. Refreshing ice water was served without request along with a basket of delicious just-baked slices of cheese bread and a multi-grain bread, yet another plus. Our Chilean Val Dorado Sauvignon Blanc was quickly presented in an attractively draped chiller and was served in reasonably good stemware that enhanced it's flavor, even more pluses. So many restaurants these days use inferior wine glasses that spoil the potential experience.
Our mains were served in good time, less than 20 minutes after ordering. My turkey schnitzel looked a little too dark and one bite disclosed that it had disappointingly suffered the ravages of the deep-fat fryer instead of a gentler execution using a sauté pan. So my potentially delectable slice of turkey breast was reduced to a poor imitation of a dehydrated McChicken. The advertised garnish of braised red cabbage and double smoked bacon was meagerly present sans the promised bacon. A single pitiful sprig of cauliflower represented the plate's vegetable portion along with a few roast potato quarters hidden under the schnitzel. The fish special suffered a similar fate of being over cooked, showing unmistakable signs it had to be torn out of it's cooking pan to be served. Is anyone supervising in the kitchen?
And no one inquired if we were enjoying our meal. Does anyone at Benjamin's care?
Himself ponders the business thinking that so many restaurants employ investing substantial resources in creating a pleasant, restful atmosphere. Then they devise appetizing menu items that raise the diner's anticipation of an enjoyable experience. However, they accept inferior kitchen output to the immediate and lasting disappointment of customers.
We decided to skip dessert while the pluses were still barely ahead.
It's a shame Benjamin's get so much right and then spoils the experience with careless cooking. It could so easily be a great and dependable destination. I'd like to give them another try. Maybe they were just having a bad day in spite of not being at all busy.
Was drawn to this place for their live jazz music...
Was drawn to this place for their live jazz music during dinner. Fiance made a reservation and upon arrival we were seated. Loved the jazz music. The waitress was very attentive and hospitable. Food was absolutely delicious. The special of elk was great and should be made a regular menu item. Left with the intention of returning but later developed a bad case of food poisoning most likely from the shrimp. I ended up complaining because with a bill of almost two hundred dollars I was quite upset. They were very apologetic and gave us a gift certificate for the full amount of our bill which was much appreciated. Went for a second time and it didn't really live up to the first experience we had. Will not be returning.
We always new about Benjamins and finally decided to try it. The place is very nice, clean and historic. The service started out okay I guess. My wife ordered a wine and myself a draft beer. Upon arrival I noticed my beer was flat and told the waitreess that I thought it may be bottom of keg. She returned with a different and all was fine. We ordered our meal and I had gotten the strip steak. When it got there it was the end cut I thought not suitable for serving in a restaraunt of this caliber. The waitress took it back and replaced with another. This is where things went bad. I had ordered another beer and she later came back with the dessert menu without the beer. The beer never arrived and neither did the waitreess for the dessert order. We waited patiently and finally decided to leave. We flagged down another waitress to get our bill. We waited in the entrance way and our first waitress came with the bill. I had asked what happened to you, and she said she was on the other side , whatever that means. The bill was wrong, she charged for the beer that was sent back or the one I did not get. I had asked for the manager and was told she was on the phone. I again waited and finally said enought and left. I defintely would not go back. The food was bad and the service was horrendous. They never mentioned any dinner specials and our waitress did not bring any water. I guess you have to ask for it. Not sure how long that would take. Maybe it was just a bad night not sure, but I will not be back. To many other nice places in the city to try.
Took 4 other gals from work out for dinner last Wednesday. Shops were closed, streets pretty quiet, but evening was lovely and wanted a nice patio with a view and good food. Patio was at the back of the restaurant, so no street view, but the flowers were spectacular.
Ordered a range of light dinners and appetizers - I had the goat cheese streudel with side caesar salad. Lovely presentation. Delicious. Others had the Salmon, Halibut, other salads. Bottle of nice California Leaping Frog Cabernet Sauvignon and a couple glasses of white. Total bill for 5 was about $180. Server was pleasant and thoughtful, atmosphere very conducive to some laughs and girl talk. Will return.
The best meal I have had in ages. Everyone in our party was impressed. Unique food choices - who has had wild boar recently, well presented with fresh ingredients, and delicious. This restaurant is a rare find in a small town. This location is a 40 minute drive from our house, but we will be more than happy to make the drive again.
Wonderful Restaurant, high quality of ingredients, very good preparation, contemporary without being overprocessed or being fashion victims. Good surroundings. Excellent service and one of the few restaurants of this level which are child friendly. I prefer this over the downtown Waterloo upscale places because it is more consistent and balanced - just the one notch better which makes it perfect.
First impression was EXCELLENT. IT was Valentines Day and they really know how to set the mood. Really romantic with a real fireplace that works!
I'm not a wine drinker so I can't really comment on that. But the bread- I would go back just for the different types of FRESH bread and FRESH butter.
I was originally going to order some sort of steak (i can't recall) but instead was enticed by the special of the night- Sturgeon. I've never had it before so I can do no comparison. However, there were no surprise flavours. Side dishes were very well presented and delectible! The waitperson was really friendly; not judgemental at all.
Just FYI, it's a classy casual restaurant. I was worried about wearing jeans but I fit right in. It wasn't so crowded; it's an intimate place to go to. Really wonderful.
As for my companion, he agrees that the experience was great! I highly recommend it!
This Place is a hidden gem. Just outside the city...
This Place is a hidden gem. Just outside the city enough for a beutiful setting but close enough to be a regular. The food is beyond a 10 and the service is to match. My Bison Striploin and Bison short ribs were so good I may never forget it. Brovo Benjamins Brovo!!!!
