Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Benny's - like a visit to your friends' relatives

Ah Benny's. I'm not sure who you are or where you came from (some say Albania) but I dig your Swiss steak.
This is one of those restaurants where you get pretty much exactly what you expect. The swiss steak, on special for under $7 was tender, plentiful and came with vegetables your grandma would push on a weekly visit (that is to say slightly overcooked, but oddly comforting).
The potatoes, whipped into a frenzy seemed like flakes at first, but upon further investigation proved to have telltale homemade lumps (love it!) throughout. The gravy was delicious.
My dining companion, none other than Chefy, had a gyro, which albeit loaded a little excessively with onions was pretty much perfect. The meat was not dry, the sauce was tasty and the pita was warmed and flexible.
Benny's was kind of like a visit to a friend's relatives' house. The server was awesomely friendly. An older woman who told a couple of anecdotes of what she would do when her kids ("they're old all of a sudden...") would bring home possible mates.
The menu was varied and affordable. Keep in mind, it was not gourmet, but tucked into this strip mall with clouds painted on the drop ceiling it was pretty damn good.

Summary:
Flavor: Expected, "good"
Prices: If this little piggy can afford it, so can you.
Ambiance/service: Old folksie/charming.
Location: 15239 S Dixie Hwy. Monroe, MI