Disaster? Well, not entirely...my chicken pot pie provided some redemption. Benjamin's Restaurant in Highland Park sounded like the "place to be." After we were told that our reservation was not honored because they didn't want to turn away some walk-in guests, we started to raise a brow. Um, isn't that the whole point of a res-er-vation?
While trying to keep an open mind, we ate yummy pretzel-like rolls with a cheese fondue that were piping hot and delicious. My salad, although fresh and presented nicely was lacking flavor as I reached for the salt shaker at least twice. The best part of the meal was my chicken pot pie with sweet mashed potatoes. Yep, you read that right! As you can see it was the perfect comfort food with a nice twist---sweet mashed. Who would've thunk?
Worst part of the meal was the service which all started after my fellow diner ordered what looked like a delicious burger until it arrived on her plate severely undercooked.
To complement our meal, we ordered the brussel sprouts with bacon which had a nice twist added....pomegranate perils. I've seen this offered as a side in many restaurants lately, but sans the perils. Benjamin's did it well.
My final answer: In all fairness, the food was quite good; however, I would not go back since the whole restaurant was getting free dessert by the end of the night and the manager's did not know how to deal. For those prices, you better deliver!
Not too mention it took 25 minutes to get those pretzel rolls. Our friend who had to send her burger back did not even eat it when it finally came because it took 25 minutes. At that point we were all done eating! She had to have it wrapped to go..... Also, the waiter mentioned free desert for our troubles and said it would not take long, again we waiting another 20minutes!
ReplyDeleteIt was the worst service I have seen in a long time and way over priced....not worth the money!
What a crock of shit
ReplyDeleteHello:
ReplyDeleteFirst of all... over priced? I think not, where do you all go to eat>? Highest quality ingredients = those prices. Second of all... we were super busy for a Tuesday night, 2men down in the kitchen, not your problem, but did remedy the burger conundrum. Who does eat a med-well Wagyu burger anyway and expect it out in 10 minutes? Thirdly, giving away desserts all night?? I dont think so. We are in the business to make money. Fourth, Why would entitle your "blog" dinner club disaster when all you do in the article is complement our food? Our server said you said everything was great outside of the whole burger mix up- which since we were so busy, probably got mixed up and sent to the wrong table. We are sorry for that. IN conclusion, we did not ask to be reviewed by you and hope you reconsider some of the things jotted down in your blog, especially for one who must go out to eat so often. We hope you find the best blueberry muffin you can. Thanks again for the "review". Much appreciated.
Sincerely,
Benjamin Restaurant
I could go for some Pretzel rolls and cheese right now, followed by a beer and a nap.
ReplyDelete-chowhound dude
Thank you all for taking the time to comment on my blog....even though you remain anonymous :) The correspondence, whether good or bad, is generated by our shared interest in food, which I appreciate.
ReplyDeleteI am not looking to engage in a battle over "what went wrong," but I would like to respond to whoever authored the post for "Benjamin Restaurant." Everybody is allowed to have a bad night and I'm sorry that our visit had to occur on yours. I am not trying to bash your restaurant, especially because I complimented most of the food, but what I am trying to do is figure out what happened to the concept of, "the customer is always right?" It's unfortunate that your response lacks professionalism and class. It speaks volumes for you and your management team. Back to my blueberry muffins. ...