Sometimes
the universe gives you an answer before you even ask the question. Since I ask
LOTS of questions, as I am always researching some place or another, making a
list and checking it twice, as I plan out my days, months, and years, basically
my whole life. I am not one to sit around and wait for answers. That is a sure
fire way to end up as a procrastinator.
On
the rare occasions where I try to just go with the swing of things, nothing
seems to happen, especially for those around me. My uncle likes to say that if
it weren’t for me he wouldn’t leave his house. I am sure that is only mildly
true. He certainly wouldn’t eat as good as he does when he is with me that I am
sure of.
So
you see I always need a plan of attack. Really just some vague idea of what I
want to do. It appears that blogging has become my mass calling. I am proud of
such a feat even more so on the days when a blessed blog bombshell falls out of
the sky. Not unlike what happened in Henny Penny.
A
few weeks ago I was minding my own business knee deep in some random train of
thought when I got an email from a familiar name. I instantly recognized her as
a contact for a bar I had been trying to go to around my birthday in December.
I never ended up going to Dear Irving, but it is still floating around the back
of my head as an enticing venue I would like to visit. However this time we
would be discussing my trying out the brand new venue, The Bennett.
The
Bennett is a bar that recently (in November 2015) opened in Tribeca and my
contact was the first to bring it to my attention. The only review I had seen
was in Time Out New York magazine and I only skimmed it. I wanted to go into
this with a clear mind.
I
had no idea what it would look like. No clue as to what I feel once inside.
From the outside it is a non-descript dark building that has those doors
blocking out the winter weather of New York. It provided the perfect
transformative entrance into The Bennett. Once I stepped inside it was like I
woke up in Oz.
I
was seated immediately in the back booths that sat high towards the sky. The
smallish venue had the absolute best lighting I’ve ever seen. The many gold
fixtures were not only gorgeous; they provided a yellowish light that was neither
too bright nor dim. The temperature was right and despite a limited number of
tables everyone seemed to find a spot. There wasn’t any overcrowding or anyone
who had to stand two or three rows deep at the bar. Everyone had a seat and
looked perfectly at home. In fact after only a few mere seconds I felt, as this
was my new home. I could see myself going back time after time feeling as
welcome as I did right then. Sam, Frasier, and Norm had Cheers, but I have The
Bennett.
Online
it is described as an “upscale bar for artful cocktails and food in a rich,
retro space”. I would like to add that the wonderful staff only enhanced the
glamorous style. Every time I had to hit the button to order food or drinks
(yes it is as much fun as it sounds) we were served within seconds. To boot the
location was greatly accessible from anywhere in the city. It also provided
another idea for my future to-do list, as Edward’s is next door.
My
lucky guest and I began with the drinks. I had the Autumn Infinity, which was
my first taste of brandy. Overall it was like drinking a delicious apple pie
that had been spiked with alcohol. My friend ordered the spicy Dove Dispatch,
which I wouldn’t have minded drinking in the least bit. Both were very unique
creations as is the signature of their creator Meaghan Dorman. Alcohol here
falls into two groups: original house creations and audience awards that are
popular at the two existing establishments. Of course they still have a full
bar to accommodate any requests. But I had to get something that I wouldn’t
find anywhere else. Otherwise what was I doing here?
After
a short while it was time to order food. We had: Almost Famous Fries (with
Aleppo, Claire’s ketchup), The Bennett Burger (with American wagyu beef,
cheddar, shredded lettuce, dill pickles, Dijon, Claire’s ketchup, buttered
potato roll), and the Sliced Parisian Ham (with small pickles pecorino ribbons,
butter, baguette, fancy mustard, two black pepper twists).
Chef
Ricky King is no slouch so when deciding on the kinds of bar fare they would
serve created a variety where there is no food category to be missed. For those
who prefer sweets or savory there is something for everyone. I loved that they
were bite size snacks that were just right for this venue. I mean with a great
drink, good company, in a nice place, serving you food you can just pop in your
mouth, you end up with a marvelous experience. It was such a fun night out.
As
I mentioned the food was great, each dish in their own way was better than the
next. The fries were a little spicy but cooked to perfection. The burger was
also a crowd pleaser. But for me it was the ham that stole the show. I NEVER
eat ham. I do not care for it. I don’t like the cold cut or the cooked main
dish my family tries to get me to eat every Easter. But something about this
ham was special. I loved the presentation. I loved the condiments and garnishes
provided. It was a complete meal within itself. The irony is that once I was
home and looked up the names of what I ordered again I realized that the ham
was called Parisian Ham. Make no mistake EVERYTHING that is related to Paris in
name or concept I love. It is a city I hope to live part time in and CANNOT
wait to visit again soon. No wonder this ham and I got along so well.
As
I looked over the menu again I realized I forgot to order the ricotta beignets!
I am truly kicking myself for this gaffe. At the time I was so full I didn’t
even miss them until now. And now I REALLY miss them.
If
I had to critique one thing it would have to be the bathroom. It might sound
trite but I felt like I was going in a pitch-black closet. The door wasn’t
providing the kind of security I would have preferred. Also the darkness didn’t
allow for the close attention to the hot water coming out of the faucet. It
didn’t really match the venue in any way.
Prior
to this offer the only other review that was initiated by a venue was Resette (http://thequeenoff-ckingeverything.blogspot.com/2015/08/for-review-by-request-resette.html),
an Italian eatery in Midtown. That was another delicious meal in my book and I
wouldn’t have gotten to experience that if not for their tweets to me.
I
openly encourage all restaurants, hotels, plays, and event attractions out
there to feel free to ask for a review. The invitation may be the first step to
a beautiful friendship. But buyers’ beware- my opinions are honest to a fault.
Now
I turn my attention to Dear Irving and hope to visit that next and eventually
sister bar Raines Law Room.
This
is going to be my year.
I
called it back in December (http://thequeenoff-ckingeverything.blogspot.com/2015_12_01_archive.html).
It’s
already off to a great start. I can’t wait to see what happens next. We still
have eleven months left to go.
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